Dubrovnik OldTown Hotel Akademis Gariste

The room had a strange intermittent reset-like noise, and the air conditioning couldn’t be switched off. When I was told to open the window instead, all I could hear were loud groups shouting and acting drunk outside. The staff member had music playing loudly at reception, so of course she couldn’t hear it. Before booking, I emailed to explain how sensitive I am to noise and asked if the hotel would suit me. She knew a marathon was happening on Sunday and that the area would be chaotic, but didn’t tell me. She also left out that the main street was only a few yards away, with loud noise all night on the weekend. I checked in at 11 pm, immediately looked for a ticket home, then left at daylight to catch a new flight. A little honesty could have saved me time and money. I found the staff greedy and dishonest, and felt they valued money over decent behavior. I’ll keep posting because this is true. They can reply and present their side, but they shouldn’t try to remove my earlier review by suggesting it was fake. The worst hotel experience I’ve had.

Dining at its best, and a classy place tucked inside the Old Town walls. A real little gem.

The walls were clearly thin: I could hear other guests running their taps, as well as an intermittent sound in my room that seemed like a pump or the air conditioning resetting. The air conditioning couldn’t be turned off, which was bizarre. Outside, drunk and antisocial people were loud all night, especially on the weekend, and the main street was only a few yards away. The staff member played music loudly at reception, so I doubt she could hear the street noise or would spend a night there herself. I’d emailed in advance to explain that I’m very sensitive to noise and ask whether the hotel would suit me. She knew a marathon was due on Sunday and the area would be extremely chaotic, but chose not to mention it. I checked in at 11 pm, started looking for a ticket home right away, and left at daylight to catch a new flight. I was so distressed and exhausted that I couldn’t manage to find another hotel, and had to pay for a new flight. A bit of honesty and consideration would have saved me time and money. I found the hotel dishonest and greedy, and felt its staff valued money more than morals. That kind of behavior will cost them more in the end. The worst experience I’ve had with any hotel.

We felt close to everything but still had a peaceful place to retreat to, right in the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town. That balance made the holiday feel just right. The staff are what really make Akademis Gariste special. Everyone we met, from reception and housekeeping to the restaurant servers, was warm and sincere. Matea deserves a special mention for going out of her way to make our stay extra special, with lovely hospitality and recommendations for local things to see and do. Hotel Gariste is a welcoming, memorable choice if you want to stay centrally.