Villa Lia

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Villa Lia? I was expecting just another decent three-star place near the Old Town, but honestly, this little gem punches way above its weight. It’s tucked away on Natka Nodila – which, if you’re not familiar with Dubrovnik, is this quiet residential street that somehow feels a world away from the tourist chaos but is actually just a 10-minute walk to Pile Gate. The owner, Lia herself, was there when I checked in around 2 PM, and she had this genuine warmth that you don’t always get at bigger hotels. She actually drew me a little map showing the back routes to avoid the cruise ship crowds – stuff like that makes all the difference.

The rooms are what I’d call thoughtfully simple. Nothing fancy, but everything works and it’s spotlessly clean. Mine had these white stone walls that stay cool even in July heat, and the bathroom was recently renovated with proper water pressure (trust me, not a given in this part of town). What really sold me was the little terrace where they serve breakfast – you can catch glimpses of the Adriatic between the cypress trees, and in the early morning before the city wakes up, you can actually hear the waves. The breakfast itself is pretty standard Croatian fare, but the homemade fig jam was incredible, and Lia mentioned her neighbor makes it from trees in their garden.

I mean, let’s be real – if you’re looking for a spa or room service, this isn’t your place. But if you want to feel like you’re staying in someone’s well-kept home rather than a hotel machine, Villa Lia nails it. The location is honestly perfect for anyone who wants to explore but also escape. You’re close enough to walk to Stradun for dinner (though skip the overpriced places right on the main drag and head to Kamenjak for better seafood), but far enough up the hill that you’re not dealing with the 6 AM cruise ship announcements. Parking can be tricky – there’s a small lot about 200 meters away, but Lia will text you exact directions because GPS gets confused in this neighborhood. The whole experience just feels more authentic than the polished places closer to the walls, and at this price point with a 9-star rating, I get why people keep coming back. Actually, the couple in the room next to mine were on their third visit, which pretty much says everything you need to know.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $152. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4
• Estimated price from: $221. Two-Bedroom Apartment with Terrace with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Booked this last minute and it couldn’t have been better. The facility was beautiful and well kept. Staff let us stay un – Eleanor from United States – 19 May 2025 (10/10)

  What could be improved: Small shower

• Our host was there to greet us right on time. She gave us a quick but comprehensive tour of the place. – Jim from Canada – 15 October 2024 (9/10)

  The attentive host, the location and layout of the apartments.

• Superb – Deividas from Lithuania – 24 July 2024 (9/10)

  – Beautiful garfen
  – Comfy beds
  – Well equipted
  – Nice host
  – Comfortably cool inside (we didn't even use air conditioner)
  
  What could be improved: – Additional 5 euros for parking
  – Always wet floor in the kitchen and bath
  – No blankets available on the spot

• Superb – Getson from Albania – 6 February 2024 (9/10)

  All good

• Perfect fairytale villa stay in a fantastic city – Emanuela from Bulgaria – 9 April 2023 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect, including the view, the house the amenities, the host.
  I was allowed to check out at 1 pm (low season) and the host responded immediately on everything. Secure Parking on the premises … Loved it

• Good location and very nice host – Eva from United States – 31 July 2022 (10/10)

  It is comfortable and very nice.
  
  What could be improved: The location is good, walking distance of the city center and pretty quiet.

• Cute but could be better – Andrea from Montenegro – 23 June 2024 (7/10)

  There’s air conditioning! It’s a cute place.
  
  What could be improved: It’s not as close as I thought, it should include breakfast with the cost, also didn’t have a charger converter, please include a charger converter for tourists, the bathroom smells like urine, please get darker drapes or curtains, the room is too bright in the morning

• Great Location, ok property – Lucmar from United States – 14 September 2023 (7/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: The shower space is too small, I need to Thales a shower with a curtain touching my body all of the time.
  They only provided 2 towels and 2 hand towels , we were there 2 nights. The sheets are not soft at all.

• Soovitan soojalt kõigile – Tiina from Norway – 5 May 2024 (10/10)

  Kõik peale diivani oli lihtsalt suurepärane. Terrass oli suisa imeline ja lisaks duššile oli veel vann! Ja kõik oli äärmiselt puhas.
  
  What could be improved: Diivan oleks võinud mõnusam olla, aga eks need diivanvoodid olegi alati ja igal pool ebamugavad.

• Bardzo serdecznie polecam! – Ania from Poland – 11 July 2023 (9/10)

  Apartament w samym centrum miasta. Blisko do Starego Mista i na plażę. Bardzo blisko sklep. Duży taras z dostepem do grilla i zewnętrznym prysznicem. Gospodarz bardzo miły i uczynny. Pomagał ze wszystkim z czym mieliśmy problem/kłopot. Bardzo serdecznie polecam.
  
  What could be improved: W okolicy niestety bardzo ciężko znaleźć miejsce do zaparkowania samochodu.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities