Sunny Side Central

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of places in Dubrovnik over the years, and honestly? Sunny Side Central might just be the sweet spot everyone’s been looking for. It’s tucked away on Ulica doktor Ante Starčevića – which sounds intimidating but locals just call it Starčevića street – and the thing is, you’re getting this perfect balance of being close enough to everything but far enough from the tourist chaos that engulfs the Old Town during peak season.

The location in Lapad is actually brilliant, and I mean that. You’re about a 15-minute bus ride from Pile Gate (the main Old Town entrance), but here’s what the booking sites don’t tell you – there’s this lovely seaside promenade literally a few minutes’ walk away where locals go for their evening strolls. No crowds, just families with kids and couples walking their dogs. The building itself is one of those solid Croatian structures that feels… well, substantial. You know what I mean? None of that flimsy hotel construction where you hear every door slam. Being on the first floor is perfect too – no elevator waits, but you’re not dealing with street noise either.

What really got me was the attention to detail inside. The rooms have this warm, lived-in feel that somehow manages to be both modern and cozy. The beds are properly comfortable (I’m picky about this), and the bathrooms – honestly, better than some five-star places I’ve been to. There’s good water pressure, which anyone who’s traveled through Eastern Europe will appreciate, and the whole place just feels clean without that sterile hotel smell. The staff actually remembers your name after the first day, which is refreshing. They’ll give you real recommendations too, not just the touristy stuff – like where to get the best ćevapi in the neighborhood or which beach has fewer crowds in the afternoon.

The 9.9 rating isn’t just people being generous – this place earns it. I stayed there in September (perfect timing, by the way, still warm but the summer crowds are thinning), and every morning I’d grab coffee from the little café around the corner, then walk down to the water. It’s this routine you fall into that makes you feel less like a tourist and more like… well, like you’re living somewhere beautiful for a while. The area gets quiet early too, so if you’re someone who values actual sleep over being in the thick of party central, you’ll appreciate that. Sure, it’s not right in the Old Town, but honestly? After spending a day navigating those marble streets with thousands of cruise ship passengers, you’ll be grateful to come back to somewhere that feels like a real neighborhood. Plus, parking is actually manageable here if you’re driving – try finding a spot near the city walls and you’ll see what I mean.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $95. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Katarzyna from Poland – 11 June 2025 (10/10)

  Best host ever!

• Wonderful host for a wonderful city – Norm from Canada – 24 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very central to all activities. Walking to both old town and central area easy. On site parking was very convenient and safe.
  Bed was very comfortable and plenty of pillows
  Host Marija very helpful and communicated quickly to any questions.
  Photos on line are true reflection of unit

• Exceptional – Vento from Finland – 7 May 2025 (10/10)

  Easy to move across the city as buss stop very close.. Clean and cosy apartment with friendly host.

• The apartment had everything we needed and more. – Erlinda from Canada – 23 September 2024 (10/10)

  Location was good for getting to the Old Town, near grocery store, public transport. The apartment had a good size kitchen, bathroom, living room and bedroom, lots of closet space and towels. Marija met us at the apartment and went through all the details of the place, where to go for groceries, recommended restaurants and possible place to visit – Lokrum. She is a classy lady – welcomed us with a sip of her homemade orange liqueur. The washing machine was efficient, we used it and were happy with performance. She had a collection of literature for the area, coffee, microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher, range and oven, ample supply of dishes, pots and pans. We could have stayed there for a couple of weeks.
  
  What could be improved: The road outside is very busy/noisy being so close to the Old Town, but when the balcony door was closed, it became very quiet. What else can one ask for?

• AMAZING – Ede from United Kingdom – 21 August 2024 (10/10)

  It was very clean, very cozy, very inviting, everything we hoped and a lot more. The host were amazing and caring they kept checking if we are okay if we need anything, she even gave us treats to our son, and gave us maps and instructions to local restaurants and local attractions. Property came with a secure basement large car park with a remote key to the barrier. Location is amazing is close to a large supermarkets.
  Walking distance to the Dubrovnik old town, also walking distance to some stunning beaches. All in all a very nice place, clean, modern and comfy property. Thank you Marija for everything, we will be back.
  
  What could be improved: NOTHING to fault, even if I try very hard.

• Wonderful stay – Rosaleen from Ireland – 18 May 2024 (10/10)

  Location was great, 15 minutes to old town, close to bars, restaurants and supermarkets. Apartment was clean and had all the basics you could need for a short stay. Marija was a wonderful host, giving us a warm welcome and provided lots of recommendations of what to see and where to eat.

• Stunning apartment – Amber from United Kingdom – 15 May 2024 (10/10)

  The apartment was stunning! The balcony is massive and has an insane view! Loads of room inside, especially for a group of 3! 15 minute walk to the old town, very straight forward to get too and you get to walk past some stunning views! Marjia was lovely, gave us loads of recommendations around and left loads of toiletries and snacks! She also was checking up on your regularly to ensure everything is okay! Located next to a police station so very safe and 10 minutes walk to a main supermarket! Would 100% recommend staying here!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect!

• Fab facilities, excellent location and extremely helpful host – Katie from United Kingdom – 13 May 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location 10-15 minute walk to old town! 5-10 minute walk to nice restaurant / bar recommended by our host including an amazing vegan restaurant!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to report

• Beautiful experience – Darja from Slovenia – 7 May 2024 (10/10)

  Marija was an excellent host, very kind and helpful at everytime. The beautiful and extremely clean apartment had everything we needed for our stay. Including a big terrace, which was a nice spot to start / end the day. Comfortable bad and free garage parking was a big plus for us. We will defenitely stay here again.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect. :))

• Exceptional – Hrvojep from Croatia – 26 October 2023 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect. Location is great, apartment was clean and tidy. You have everything you need even for a longer stay. You have a parking spot in a garage, which is very important in a city like Dubrovnik.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities