SunSpot Apartment – beautiful view with big garden, free parking, central

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to SunSpot Apartment on Gornji Kono street – I mean, let’s be honest, apartment rentals in Dubrovnik can be hit or miss. But this place actually surprised me in the best way possible.

The first thing that hits you is that garden they mention in the name – and it’s not just marketing fluff. We’re talking about a proper outdoor space where you can actually spread out, maybe have your morning coffee without feeling like you’re on display for the neighbors. The view from the apartment itself is genuinely beautiful too, looking out over the red-tiled rooftops that make Dubrovnik so iconic. I spent way too much time just sitting there with a glass of wine in the evenings, watching the light change over the city. The location is sort of perfect if you think about it – you’re central enough that you can walk to the Old Town (takes about 15-20 minutes on foot, maybe 25 if you’re taking your time), but you’re not dealing with the tourist chaos right outside your door. Gornji Kono is in that sweet spot where locals actually live, so you get a real feel for the city.

Here’s what I really appreciated though – the free parking situation is legit, which honestly saved me a fortune. Anyone who’s tried to park near Dubrovnik’s center knows it’s either impossible or costs more than your dinner. The owners clearly get that this matters to people driving in, and they’ve sorted it out properly. The apartment itself feels like someone actually lives there rather than a sterile rental – there are thoughtful touches everywhere, from the kitchen setup (which actually has everything you need, not just the bare minimum) to the way the space flows. I mean, you can tell they’ve put effort into making it comfortable, not just functional. The whole place is spotlessly clean too, which matters more than people realize when you’re settling in after a long travel day.

What really sold me on this place was how quiet it gets at night – you’re close enough to everything that matters, but far enough from the late-night bar crowds that you can actually sleep. During the day, you hear normal neighborhood sounds (kids playing, people chatting), which I found charming rather than annoying. The check-in was smooth too – no standing around waiting or complicated key pickup situations. Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of places around Croatia, and this one just works. It’s got that 9.8 rating for good reasons that become obvious once you’re there. If you want to experience Dubrovnik without feeling like you’re staying in a tourist bubble, and you don’t want to stress about parking or location, this is honestly your best bet.