Villa Ruza

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Villa Ruza? It’s tucked away on Stonska street, which honestly most tourists walk right past on their way to the Old Town walls. I mean, you’re literally a five-minute stroll from Pile Gate, but somehow this little pocket feels completely removed from all that cruise ship chaos. The building itself has this weathered Mediterranean charm – not fancy, but authentic in a way that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something the guidebooks missed. When I checked in, the owner (I think his name was Marko?) actually drew me a little map showing the best route to avoid the morning crowds heading to the cable car. That’s the kind of local insight you just don’t get at the big chain places.

What really sold me on this place was how it sits perfectly between two worlds. Walk one direction and you’re in the thick of Dubrovnik’s tourist heart – all those Instagram-worthy ramparts and gelato shops. But head the other way toward Lapad, and suddenly you’re passing little konobas where locals actually eat and grocery stores that aren’t charging tourist prices. The room was pretty standard for a 3-star – clean, decent AC (crucial in summer, trust me), and a small balcony where I could actually hear church bells instead of just street noise. The bathroom was one of those compact European setups, nothing fancy but the water pressure was surprisingly good. I stayed during shoulder season in May, and honestly, being able to walk back to a quiet street after a day of dodging tour groups was worth everything.

Here’s what I’d tell anyone considering Villa Ruza: don’t expect luxury, but do expect genuine hospitality and a location that gives you the best of both worlds. The 8.7 rating makes total sense – it’s not perfect, but it delivers exactly what it promises. Parking can be tricky (welcome to Dubrovnik), but there’s a public lot about a ten-minute walk away that won’t bankrupt you. The breakfast spread was simple but fresh, with actual Croatian pastries instead of those sad continental buffet croissants. What really clinched it for me was sitting on that little balcony in the evening, watching locals walk their dogs while the fortress walls glowed in the distance. It felt like I was staying in a neighborhood, not just a tourist zone – and honestly, that’s becoming harder and harder to find in places like Dubrovnik.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $106. Double Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $118. Double Room with Balcony with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• A cosy apartment in the heart of Lapad. – Emma from United Kingdom – 1 July 2025 (8/10)

  Literally on the Sunset Beach strip surrounded with restaurants, bars, shops and ticket office for transport. Supermarket and bus stop two minute walk away. Sunset Beach within 4 minutes of walking.
  
  Room was comfortable with air conditioning and a balcony looking over the strip. Soap, towels, hair dryer, toilet roll, cutlery, plates and kettle all provided.
  
  Host arranged transfer from/to airport which was great.
  
  What could be improved: Would have been great if an iron/ironing board was available/provided.

• Lovely stay for not too much money and easy connection with the old centre and beaches nearby – Janek from Netherlands – 25 June 2025 (9/10)

  It was really clean and tidy. Additionally, the balcony was a nice extra and had good air conditioning. The Wi-Fi worked well, and the communication with the owner was quick. Booking a taxi through the owner was easy and only 20 euros, which is roughly what an Uber would cost too; however, you are sure you will have someone.
  
  What could be improved: It was a bit hard to find as it did not have great signage. However, you just have to find the Esperanza bar, and the owner will be in there with the room above that bar. The bathroom was alright, nothing to special but clean!

• Exceptional – Jc from United Kingdom – 26 April 2025 (10/10)

  Location was good and clean , lovely host
  
  What could be improved: The rain

• Great for short stays – Michelle-m from Croatia – 19 August 2024 (10/10)

  Location is perfect, the room is a great size and all was spotless. Perfect for a short stay . Restaurants and beach just down a few steps and you are there.

• Great value – Krsto from Ireland – 16 August 2024 (10/10)

  Great landlord, kind lady always ready to offer help and assistance with anything you need. Excellent accommodation for a resonable price, perfect spot in Dubrovnik. Would like to go back again.

• Lovely location only 200m from the local beach. – Iain from United Kingdom – 14 August 2024 (9/10)

  Lovely location only 200m from the local beach, and 200m from a bus stop, above a restaurant on a busy strip. Brilliant balcony in our room, a great place to relax and watch the world go by. Free parking close by.
  
  What could be improved: A bus journey away from the old town, buses can be hit and miss due to traffic at certain times of day. Leave yourself plenty of time. Not for self-caterers, although they did provide a toasted sandwich maker! Not easy to find by car – just follow the hosts instructions – literally – and it works out in the end.

• Exceptional – Charlotte from United Kingdom – 30 July 2024 (10/10)

  The host was wonderful, very friendly and really helpful with tips about the area. The accommodation isn’t walking distance from the old town but only a 15 min bus which was super cheap! Only €3 return! The area itself is next to sunset beach which lives up to the name! Would definitely recommend

• Great memory maker – Blagovesa from Bulgaria – 24 June 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location – close to the beach, a lot of restaurants and cafes + convenience stores nearby. Finding the property was very easy also. Well equipped rooms, very clean, balcony is a great bonus. Host was fantastic and kind.

• Exceptional – Alison from New Zealand – 30 May 2024 (10/10)

  The balcony was great for people watching
  The host was lovely and left me chocolates 😊
  Great location in Lapad – not in old town but it is a great place to stay in its own right
  Must eat at El Pulpo – the octopus is superb

• Definitely Recommend! – Shreya from India – 7 May 2024 (9/10)

  Great location, everyone was helpful. Clean room with good amenities.
  
  What could be improved: Wifi wasn’t working well but thats probably a temporary problem.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities