Dubrovnik Dream: Luxurious Apartment w/ Private Garage!
Dubrovnik Dream: Luxurious Apartment w/ Private Garage! - A Review That's Probably Too Honest
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your typical sterile hotel review. I just got back from Dubrovnik, and let me tell you, the "Dubrovnik Dream: Luxurious Apartment w/ Private Garage!" lived up to… well, part of the hype. It was a journey. A messy, beautiful, sometimes-frustrating journey. But hey, isn't that life?
Accessibility: The Stairs Situation (and My Shame)
Let's get this straight right off the bat: I'm relatively able-bodied. But "Dubrovnik Dream" isn't exactly a dream for anyone with mobility issues. While the details on their website boast of "Facilities for disabled guests" (which, technically, is true, as they have an elevator!), the reality is a bit more chaotic. There were stairs everywhere. Steps up to the entrance, more steps to the elevator, steps seemingly within the apartment itself (okay, maybe not, but my tired legs felt like it). It makes me wonder how you'd even navigate this place in a wheelchair. I'm honestly really curious to know more about their actual disabled facilities, I suppose I'll have to follow up on this.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges & Wheelchair Accessibility: Scratch That
Okay, so here's another truth bomb: if you're looking for a restaurant immediately accessible within the apartment complex, you're dreaming – literally. I'll get to the dining options (which are, at least, nearby), but "on-site" is a stretch. And as I mentioned, the wheelchair accessibility? Well, let’s just say if I was in a wheelchair, they'd have to carry me everywhere! Seriously, navigating the steps to the pool area… yeah, not happening. This needs major clarification on their website.
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! (Thank God)
Thank the travel gods! Thankfully, I had internet access. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! It worked like a charm. I mean, I NEEDED it. I had deadlines, I needed to check the latest news from home, and, let's be honest, I'm a sucker for scrolling through Instagram while sipping coffee. They even have internet – LAN. Which is probably useful if you're, like, an IT professional, and not just a stressed-out traveler trying to find the nearest beach.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pool with a View? Sold! (Mostly)
The pool. Oh, the pool. This is where the "dream" part really kicked in. The pictures online totally delivered: a stunning pool with a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget you've spent the past hour dodging hordes of tourists in the Old Town. I spent a lot of time there. Lounging, reading, occasionally attempting to do some actual swimming (I'm not a strong swimmer, okay?). Pure bliss.
They also had a spa…sort of. They offer body scrubs and body wraps. I didn't try them. I wanted to. Really, I did. But I'm also a cheapskate. Maybe next time. Plus, I'm not always comfortable with spas – the forced relaxation thing is sometimes awkward, but for others this would be perfect. They also claimed to have a fitness center. Hmm, I think I saw a treadmill and a couple of weights in a dimly lit room. I glanced at it, judged it, and headed straight back to the pool. My gym membership is already being massively underutilized at home so I wasn't too fussed.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized, But Soul-less
Okay, let's be real: the pandemic has changed everything. "Dubrovnik Dream" is clearly taking safety seriously. They had all the usual precautions: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff in masks, daily disinfection in common areas, and (thankfully) rooms sanitized between stays. I actually felt pretty safe. They take it seriously, really seriously. They even had individually-wrapped food options! It's all very efficient, and I appreciate it. But… and maybe this is just me… it felt a little… sterile. Everything was so meticulously clean it started to feel… clinical. I missed the lived-in, slightly chaotic vibe of a place that someone actually lives in, not just sanitizes.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag of Delight (and Coffee Confusion)
Food, glorious food! This is where things got interesting. "Dubrovnik Dream" had a bunch of options: a la carte restaurant (pricey, but good), a bar (happy hour was a MUST), a coffee shop (more on that in a sec), a poolside bar (perfect for afternoon cocktails), and room service (24-hour, useful for a late-night craving).
The buffet breakfast was… okay. Pretty standard. I'd recommend skipping the Asian breakfast unless you really love congee at 7 AM. They also had international cuisine (very good) and western cuisine (standard, nothing to write home about).
Here’s the real gem: the coffee. I am a coffee snob, and the coffee shop? Let's just say the barista and I became very good friends. I'm talking a full-blown, passionate love affair with their lattes. However, they messed up my order once. It was a long, drawn-out process to get the right coffee, and it made me seriously wonder if I was losing my mind, or the coffee shop even knew what a latte was. I eventually got the right drink, but it still haunts me.
Services and Conveniences: Laundry Service for the Win!
They offered all the usual services: daily housekeeping (essential!), dry cleaning, laundry service (amazing!), luggage storage, concierge, currency exchange. All very efficient, and professional. However, I have to confess that I was slightly disappointed that there weren't any essential condiments available. Oh well.
For the Kids: Babysitting? Maybe…
For the kids facilities, I didn't have kids with me, so I can't really comment. They offered a babysitting service, but I didn't have time to investigate it.
Access. Security. Safety: Safe and Sound (Except for the Fear of Heights)
The apartment complex had excellent security. "Dubrovnik Dream" had all the basics: CCTV (inside and outside the property!), a 24-hour front desk, smoke alarms, a fire extinguisher in the room. They also had a security guard who seemed to be always there, which was reassuring.
Available in All Rooms: Essentials & Extras (And One Tiny Complaint)
Okay, let's talk about the apartment itself. It was spacious, modern, and comfortable. They had everything you’d expect: air conditioning (thank God!), a mini bar, a safe, a fridge, a coffee maker, a desk (I swear, I tried to work at it once! Didn't happen.), a hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers… all the good stuff.
But there was one minor issue that drove me a little crazy: the window. My window opened! Which, on the surface, seems great, right? Fresh air! But I was on a high floor, and I have a slight fear of heights. It was honestly a little unsettling. I’m pretty sure I slept with the blackout curtains drawn the entire time.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer & Car Park (Yay!)
They offered airport transfer, which was a lifesaver after a long flight. They also had a car park on-site (free of charge!), which was a HUGE bonus in Dubrovnik. And Valet parking! They even had a car power charging station!
Final Thoughts: Worth the Hype? (Probably)
So, would I recommend "Dubrovnik Dream: Luxurious Apartment w/ Private Garage!"? Yes. Mostly. The pool and the coffee alone are worth the price of admission. The location is great (once you've navigated the stairs!), and the apartment itself is lovely. But be aware of the potential accessibility issues, and don’t go expecting a "lived-in" vibe. It's luxury, but with more clinical cleanliness than I would probably have liked. The truth is, I had an great time. Despite the stairs, and the coffee drama, I will, without a doubt, go back.
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Dubrovnik: My Croatian Rhapsody (That Almost Went Wrong) - A Semi-Coherent Itinerary
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Insta-feed itinerary. This is the REAL deal. Dubrovnik, Croatia, in a spacious apartment with a private garage. Sounds glamorous, right? Well, let me tell you, the glamour was sometimes, VERY sometimes, overshadowed by my own special brand of travel chaos.
Day 1: Arrival, Apartment Bliss (and a Parking Panic!)
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Arrive at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV). Flights from where I came from (London) were a breeze, thank god, after the nightmare of packing. Pre-booked transfer to the apartment. I'm already thinking, "This is going to be fantastic, I'll finally have the vacation I wanted!"
Mid-morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Apartment check-in. Oh. My. God. The apartment. Honestly? STUNNING. Seriously spacious, sunlight pouring in, that balcony with the view… I genuinely gasped. I could live here. And the private garage! Yes. Life was good.
Late Morning (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): The Garage - the first hurdle of the trip. Apparently, I am not a good driver. I was petrified, I couldn't get the rented car in. I sweated, I cursed, I bumped a wall (minor, thankfully!). My stomach churned. I hated myself, and the car. After many, many, attempts, I finally got the car inside. I wanted a medal.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Relax and Unpack. Enjoy the apartment and the view. I'm unpacking, putting my clothes in drawers, then, I sit for a second. And I stare, for a long time. It's not the beauty of the sight, it's the peace, the silence. After so much stress, this moment was precious.
Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Explore Old Town Dubrovnik. I walk around, and it's simply beautiful. I'm like, "This is a fairy tale!" It's easy to get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets, and I loved it. Eat dinner at a restaurant, trying local seafood and a glass of Croatian wine. Then my first taste of Dubrovnik night. The place has so much beauty!
Night (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Relax in the apartment, drink some wine, and go to sleep, finally.
Day 2: Walls, Kayaks, and Crumbling Confidence
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Walk the city walls. They were amazing! I tried to memorize every detail. The views were spectacular and the history was fascinating. But, it was HOT. And my feet started to ache. Halfway through, I was convinced I'd get heatstroke. My optimism about my fitness level was a serious error.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Simple lunch at a small cafe, overlooking the harbor. Re-energized and re-hydrated
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Kayaking tour to Lokrum Island. This promised to be amazing, and it was. The water was crystal clear, the island was gorgeous, I was feeling like a badass. Until… a rogue wave nearly capsized my kayak. My scream probably echoed around the Adriatic. I'm not sure if it was a near-death experience, but it was the closest I've come to drowning while laughing.
Evening (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to the apartment. Change clothes, take a shower and take a nap. I was worn out.
Night (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Romantic dinner. I went to a romantic restaurant with a lovely view. I wanted to be romantic with myself. It was delicious, and I managed not to spill any wine!
Day 3: Island Hopping, Sea Urchin Adventures (and a Bit of Regret)
Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Boat trip to the Elafiti Islands. Beautiful scenery. Amazing islands. I wish I'd paid more attention to the names, honestly. I do not remember because I was busy taking tons of pics. And that sea urchin!
Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch on a beach. Yes! I can feel it. This trip has been a success! The beach itself was a little rocky, but the food was great, and I was feeling blissfully relaxed.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Diving into the sea. The water was incredible. I tried to snorkel. It was a total disaster. I spent most of the time swallowing salty sea water.
Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant in the Port of Dubrovnik. I ate seafood and a glass of Croatian wine, again. I could not get enough of it. It was delicious.
Night (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Back to apartment. Netflix. Relax. Sleep, repeat.
Day 4: Culture, Coffee, and a Melancholy Farewell
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visit Rector's Palace and the Franciscan Monastery. History time! The buildings were both impressive, and I tried to soak up all the information. I even attempted to understand some of the exhibits!
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Coffee break in the Old Town It's an absolute must. I love the cafes and bars there. There's a very charming ambiance.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Shopping, Souvenirs. The shops were full of beautiful, but expensive things. I end up buying some small souvenirs.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Last dinner at a restaurant, enjoying the view of the old town. I went out alone. It was my last evening in Dubrovnik, I savored every moment.
- Night (10:00 PM - 11:00 PM): Last walk around Dubrovnik. I didn't want to leave.
Day 5: Departure and a Promise to Return (Eventually)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Final apartment check out. I leave, sadly.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Drive to airport. I did not have any trouble this time! Life is good!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Flight back home.
Rambling Thoughts & Imperfections:
- The Food: Croatian food is incredible. Seriously, the seafood, the wine… I'm already dreaming about a return trip just for the food.
- The People: Generally, the people were friendly and helpful. But sometimes… well, let's just say my attempts at speaking Croatian were utterly disastrous.
- What I Regretted: Not getting more sleep. And not buying more of that amazing olive oil.
- The Parking: Still nightmares.
- Emotionally… I was exhausted, inspired, exhilarated, and a little bit heartbroken to leave. Dubrovnik is a truly magical place, and I can't wait to go back, even if it takes me 10 more years to afford it! And next time, I'm taking driving lessons beforehand. Definitely.
So there you have it, my imperfect, honest, raw, and utterly human Dubrovnik experience. Go, see it for yourself. Just…maybe take driving lessons first. You'll thank me later.
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Dubrovnik Dream: FAQ - Because Real Life is Messy, Baby!
Okay, spill. What *is* the Dubrovnik Dream apartment *really* like? Is it as good as the pictures?
Alright, buckle up buttercup. The pictures? Yeah, they're gorgeous. Let’s be real, they hired a professional photographer who probably photoshopped out the tiny crack in the balcony tile I definitely tripped over.
In all seriousness, the apartment? Pretty damn amazing. Light, airy, that view…seriously, the Adriatic Sea is like a gigantic, shimmering, blue painting right outside your window. You'll spend at least an hour just staring at it, I guarantee. I did. And I'm not easily impressed! The furniture? Stylish but livable – unlike some places where you’re afraid to even breathe on the sofa.
**The minor catch?** Well, it's Dubrovnik. You have to hike up a bajillion steps to get to the apartment from the Old Town. Which, honestly, is good for the glutes. I cursed those steps the first few days, especially after a particularly enthusiastic gelato binge (more on that later), but then I embraced it. Think of it as your daily workout with a view. Plus, the location is *perfect*. Away from the absolute hordes of tourists in the main square, but close enough to wander down and join the beautiful chaos.
About that private garage... Worth the hype? I'm a *terrible* driver.
The garage. Oh, the garage. Look, if you're a nervous driver, or if you think parallel parking is a contact sport, the garage is a GODSEND. Because street parking in Dubrovnik is a combination of witchcraft and utter madness. Seriously, I saw a car parked *halfway* up a curb once.
Now, the garage itself. It's... cozy. Let's call it that. I have a friend who once described it as "car-sized coffin." Not entirely accurate (it's bigger than that), but it emphasizes that it is a very European-sized garage. I *managed*, and so will you. The peace of mind, knowing your car is safe and sound from both the sun (that sun is wicked!) and the general mayhem of Dubrovnik driving? Worth it. 100% worth it. Plus, it's a short, easy walk to the apartment.
**The catch?** Okay, it might take a couple of attempts to get the car in, and you might hold up traffic for a brief moment. Own it! Just smile and wave. People are generally friendly – especially when they realize you're not a local trying to steal their parking spot. The walk is also, well, uphill through the steps.
Can I *really* walk into the Old Town from the apartment? How far is it?
Yes, you *can* walk into the Old Town. It’s the best part! That walk's the only way to do it. Ignore anyone who says otherwise.
The distance? Hmm. Let's say... it's a lovely, scenic walk. And by that, I mean it's a walk that involves a lot of steps. And hills. And more steps. You’ll be a little sweaty by the time you get there, but hey, you’ll feel like a goddamn champion. I walked it every day, and by the end of the trip, my calves were sculpted. Seriously, there's a reason the locals are so thin and fit; they're basically running a marathon every time they go to the grocery store. The reward, of course, is the Old Town itself, which is magical and worth every single stair.
**The minor annoyance?** Well, depending on your pace and your tolerance for stairs, it's probably a good 10-15 minute hike. And carrying groceries uphill? Prepare for some serious burn. Or take a taxi if you are getting groceries.
What's the kitchen situation like? Am I expected to cook, or are restaurants the only option?
The kitchen? It's a proper kitchen, not just a kitchenette. You've got a stove, oven, fridge, everything you need. I mean, I'm no chef, but I managed to whip up a decent pasta carbonara one night. (Okay, maybe I burned the garlic a *little* bit, but nobody got food poisoning, so consider it a win.) And the market is nearby, full of fresh fruit and, if you're brave, the local cheese.
**The catch?** You're in Dubrovnik! The food is *amazing*. Seriously, the seafood is out of this world, the local wines are incredible, and you’ll find yourself eating gelato at every opportunity. I had no plans to cook much, especially not after I discovered Buza Bar! The kitchen is perfect if you want to save some cash( Dubrovnik is not cheap!), or you're nursing a hangover from the previous night's wine tasting. But make it a point to eat out as much as possible. It's part of the experience!
Is there Wi-Fi? Because, you know, Instagram. Can I stay connected?
Yes, there's Wi-Fi. And it's surprisingly decent. I managed to upload my Instagram stories (because, priorities!) without too much trouble. You can stay connected, research your next adventure, or, you know, check your email and pretend to work.
**The catch?** Look, you're in Dubrovnik. Put the phone down! Seriously. The view is far more interesting than your feed. Besides, a little digital detox is good for the soul. Embrace the moment! But yes the wifi is fine, I did not have issues.
Okay, what's the best gelato place? *Seriously*, I need this information!
Alright, listen up! This is important. Forget everything else I’ve said. The most important thing is gelato. Okay? There are two. I'm not going to start a war, but there are two gelato places I recommend. First, there is Dolce Vita - AMAZING. Then there is Peppino's. Honestly, you'll have to try them both and make up your own mind. Do it for science! I went EVERY DAY, sometimes twice. Don’t judge me. (Okay, judge me a little, I definitely deserved it). It's a must-do, I have no regrets!
**The catch?** You might develop a serious gelato addiction. Your jeans will become unforgiving. But, hey, it's vacation! Live a little!
Would you stay here again? Be honest! Would you?
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