Sights in Dubrovnik - Croatia and Slovenia - page 512

$$$ Apartments Amoret, run by Branka Dabrovi ć and her husband Ivica, are in all
the guidebooks. The spendy but comfortable apartments, with furnishings that are a step up
from the norm, are in four different buildings: two over Amoret Restaurant in front of the
cathedral (atResti č eva2);ninemoresharinganinvitingterrace onaquiet,untouristylanea
few blocks east (at Dinka Ranjine 5); and four more nearby (at Ilije Sarake 4 and Gradi č eva
1). All four classes of apartments are comparably good; in every case, the furnishings are a
tasteful mix of traditional and modern. Since Branka and Ivica don't live on-site, arrange a
meeting time and place when you reserve (“regular” apartments-€100/€90/€80; “standard”
apartments-€120/€110/€100; “superb” apartments-€140/€130/€110; “royal” apartments for
up to 4-€160/€140/€120, extra person-€20; cheaper Nov-April, 30 percent more for 1-night
stays, 20 percent more for 2-night stays, 10 percent more for 3-night stays, no breakfast,
cash only, air-con, free Wi-Fi, mobile [phone], tel. [phone], www.dubrovnik-
amoret.com , [e-mail] ).
$$ Old Town Garden Cottage and Studio, conscientiously run by Roberto and his
motherMarija(alsorecommendedtourguides—see here ) ,isuniqueandatopvalue.Hiding
offofthebigsquareinfrontoftheJesuitSt.IgnatiusChurchisaveryrareprivategarden—a
peaceful oasis smack-dab in the heart of the bustling city. Here you'll find two options: A
cozyfreestandingcottagethatsleepsuptofour(Db-€90/€80/€70,extrabed-€10);andanel-
egant,bright,spacious,artisticallyappointedstudioapartment(€10more).Eachcomeswith
its own outdoor space, where you're welcome to sit and relax, and even order food from
the neighboring restaurant (the recommended Kopun)...very cool, particularly in a city with
virtually no green space (€20 more for 1-night stay, cash only, air-con, kitchenette, free Wi-
Fi, mobile [phone], [e-mail] ) . Robert and Marija also plan to renovate
a roomy two-bedroom apartment (sans private garden)—ask them for details.
$$$ Karmen Apartments are well-run by a Brit named Marc and his Croatian wife
Silva, who offer four welcoming apartments just inside the big fort. While a bit pricey, the
apartments are big, well-equipped, and homey-feeling, each with a bathroom and kitchen.
The decor is eclectic but tasteful, drawing from Marc and Silva's extensive art collection;
thestairwellhasavirtualmini-museumofhistoricDubrovnikmapsanddocuments(smaller
apartment-€95/€75/€55, mid-sized apartment-€145/€110/€85, bigger apartment-€175/€120/
€100, 5 percent discount for Rick Steves readers who book direct via email, usually 3-night
minimum, no breakfast, cash only, air-con, free Wi-Fi, near the aquarium at Bandureva
1, tel. [phone], mobile [phone], www.karmendu.com , marc.van-bloemen@du.t-
com.hr ).
$$$ Apartments Placa (PLAH-tsah; not to be confused with Plaza Apartments, de-
scribed earlier) is run by Ton č i (TOHN-chee). He rents three apartments with some antique
furnishings and some modern, overlooking the market square in the heart of the Old Town.
Youmight getsomeearly-morning noisefromthemarket set-up,butthedouble-paned win-