We have just returned from a seven night stay at the S and L guesthouse . All the better for being slightly out of the old town (easy to reach by bus) this self catering establishment is a great base to explore Dubruvnic . We had a room with balcony which gave us fantastic views over the harbour and the constantly changing cruise ship and ferry movements .
Ante is a charming and very helpful host - nothing is too much trouble - he runs a very tight 'ship' .
Arriving in Dubrovnik after our travels in Montenegro we received a very warm welcome and fantastic, valuable hints and tips to make the best of our relatively short stay in the town be it from the best beaches to opening hours of city wall, restaurants, sea kayaking, visiting of the islands etc. Ante spent a considerable amount of his time taking us to the fortress where we were not only able to get a bird's eye view of the beautiful town but coastline as well but we valued his tour of the museum introducing us to the siege of Dubrovnik and making us understand more of the recent war which had such a huge impact on the country and its people.
The accommodation was very good indeed and it was wonderful sitting outdoors still in October eating our meals overlooking the harbour. We were amazed by the amenities available to us including full cooking facilities but also free internet which goes way beyond what guesthouses normally offer and all of it spotlessly clean. The house is easily accessible by car. If taking local bus services it demands climbing steps but that is the charm of the house - it is built on a hillside, allowing for great views from the balconies and in a quiet area but Dubrovnik old town very easily accessible any time of day. A great guesthouse - very good value indeed.
Ante would have to be one of the best hosts we've had in nearly 2 months of Travel!
We stayed in the double bedroom upstairs with a beautiful view of the town (see pic). The bed was very comfy, the room was immaculate with an ensuite and air con. It is getting rather cold in Dubrovnik and the bed had a fantastic doona (duvet) which was very cosy!
The upstairs area has a shared fully equipped kitchen, dining table, lounge area with a decent sized TV and computer with Internet access.
The wifi in this place is absolutely fantastic. Very fast and didn't drop out.
As mentioned, Ante really does make you feel like a family guest. He was there to pick us up as arranged, and after we put our bags down, offered to take us up to the fort/museum. This saved us money! In fact, we had just come from Montenegro and hadn't changed money and without even thinking twice, he payed our entrance into the museum. He is right into history and gave us a fantastic tour and had first hand accounts of the Serb invasion in 91.
We would have loved to stay longer in this place, you'll feel at home also.
Ante, we hope to visit again in the warmer months of the year, thank you very much!
Ps. Try the grapes, they are delicious!!
We might unintentionally repeat what others have written but our recent experience at S & L Guesthouse made us feel it is more than just a place to stay; it's a special place to return to.
Ante happened to encounter us with our baggage as we were climbing up the steps from the main street up to the Guesthouse; somehow we'd mis-read a review that it was a short and easy walk from the bus station. It isn't far, but with bags and flight fatigue, we recommend taking up his offer to be picked up at the nearby bus station. After we settled in a bit, he and his wife graciously cooled us down with a serving of excellent ice cream, as he shared information about the neighborhood, Dubrovnik in general, the bus routes, and beaches.
We found the location of S & L well-suited to our preference to be slightly away from a city center, to get a feel for where residents live, and to shop at the local farmers' market nearby for fresh produce. It's also a great location for taking a ferry or long-distance bus as the stations are close by, or for renting a car. Note: although we bought a three-day Dubrovnik card, we didn't use the bus tickets up; it might be a better value for those who don't walk as much as we do or who go to every museum.
Our top-floor room was very nice: comfortable bed, its own bathroom, with balcony and view which made it especially nice to sit in the early evening watching the sky darken and lights begin to sparkle across the water. The kitchen/dining area is well-equipped; we prepared several meals during our week-long stay, and the terrace became ideal for sitting to eat and chat with other guests. It's great that S & L provides the use of a computer and TV, laundry done for a reasonable fee, amenities not always available at comparable accomodations.
Ante is a great resource; he also took us to the fort, made arrangements for an Elafiti Islands excursion, gave recommendations, dropped us off at a beach on his way to run an errand. We appreciate the personal stories he shared, and enjoyed being near his family - his elderly mother walking about the patio trying to communicate with us in her native language. S & L is a great place to stay in Dubrovnik!
Cannot say enough to compliment the S & L Guesthouse. Ante and his family made us feel as if we were friends rather than paying guests. The help in all matters, from transport to and from the Bus Station, time giving us local information, taking us to the fort, and not forgetting the welcoming beers, was exceptional. The cleanliness was to such a high standard that grading does not do it justice. Thank you Ante and family for helping as have a wonderful holiday. Would we return ? A big YES.
Echoing others reviews, this is without doubt one of the best apartments we have stayed in due to the location, the views (from our balcony even), the cleanliness and Ante's hospitality. Ante really makes you feel like part of his family and as others have said he piked us up from the Ferry Port when we arrived and dropped us back down to the airport bus terminal when we were leaving.
Highly reccomend this accommodation for all sorts of travellers, Ante has a beautiful home with a kitchen & dining area you can use if you don't want to eat out and free wifi / desktop PC, & cheap laundry service. Bus stop just down the stairs with frequent buses to old town - reccomend the Dubrovnik Card if you like visiting museums and want to climb the castle walls (includes bus trip tikets)
