Hotel Lapad, a historic hotel with a pool in Dubrovnik
Hotel Lapad is a historic hotel on Lapadska obala in Dubrovnik, Croatia, with palms and a large outdoor pool. Guests rave about the friendly staff and the breakfast. It suits travellers who want a calm base with a bus to the old town, less so for anyone who wants the old town on the doorstep.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Hotel Lapad.
Where Hotel Lapad is and how to get around
Hotel Lapad stands on Lapadska obala in Dubrovnik, on a quiet rise above the Gruž harbour. It sits in a historic building surrounded by palm trees, and that is the first thing that sets it apart from the average city hotel.
The old town is not on the doorstep. The hotel's own description puts it about 3 km from the old town, with frequent buses, and guests confirm that it is only a few stops by bus to the entrance. Another guest says parking is easy to find along the street.
What the rooms and facilities are like
The rooms are modern, with clean lines and rich fabrics. All of them are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a coffee and tea maker and free WiFi throughout the building.
The big outdoor pool is the other big draw. It sits in the grounds among the palm trees and is the kind of thing that decides a booking in summer. Guests describe the rooms as top, tidy and clean, and one mentions a lovely view.
There is also a restaurant and a bar. One guest likes the terrace that has grown out of the renovated Lapad seafront, with a view of the marina, and notes that drinks are nicely served.
What guests say about Hotel Lapad
The reviews I have are very warm. Google shows a rating of 4.5, and the comments I read are almost all five stars.
- The staff. It is the point that comes up most. Reception, waiters and cleaners are described as friendly, smiling, never pushy and ready to help.
- The food. Several guests praise a rich and varied breakfast, and one also likes the dinner and the desserts.
- Cleanliness. Mentioned more than once, always positively.
- The small touches. One couple was delighted with a bottle of Rozulin in the room, local sweets and a welcome letter.
- Events. A family used the restaurant for a wedding and a baptism, and was full of thanks for the team.
I found no real complaints in the reviews. That does not mean there are none, just that I cannot point to any.
What to know before you book
With so much praise, the downsides are mostly about location and expectations. Better to be clear on those before you pay.
| What works | What to know |
|---|---|
| Friendly staff, mentioned again and again | The old town is about 3 km away, so you will rely on the bus |
| Large outdoor pool and historic building | The restaurant also hosts events such as weddings, so ask about dates |
| Rich breakfast and varied dinner | Street parking is easy according to one guest, but ask whether the hotel has its own |
| Modern, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi | Review count is small, so one opinion weighs a lot |
My practical tip is to ask about the room view when you book. Guests talk about a lovely view, but the property sits on a hill and not every room will see the same thing.
Who Hotel Lapad suits
I would choose Hotel Lapad in Dubrovnik for a stay where the hotel itself is part of the plan. Think pool in the afternoon, a proper breakfast and a staff that makes you feel looked after, then a bus into town when you want to see the sights.
It works well for couples and for families who like a calmer base. It is less ideal if you want to walk out of the door straight into the old town in the evening, or if you want a very central address above all.
What to do around Lapad
The area around Lapadska obala has a seafront promenade that has been renovated, with a terrace overlooking the marina. It is an easy place for an evening walk or a drink without going far.
For sightseeing, the bus takes you to the old town in a few stops, which is the main reason many guests choose this spot over staying inside the walls. Beyond that I would rather not invent a list of sights, so check a local guide for current opening times and tickets.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
