Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

A modern, extensive and in general well-equipped resort. However, not a resort for older or infirm people. It’s located on a hillside. So most visits to the bars, pools and restaurants involve extensive outside flights of steps. And, with very few exceptions, there are no handrails. So as the ground falls away on both sides, there’s nothing to hold on to. For a modern five star resort in an EU country, this is very surprising. In the main hotel, there are of course lifts. But not in most residences. Our flat was really nicely equipped. But it was on an upper floor and there was no lift. So to get to it, you had to climb 26 large outside steps. And there were no handrails. We complained about this, but nothing was done. Our flat featured a large balcony/terrace. But it was unusable due to the lack of shade. We asked for parasols but were told that was not possible. The site includes three lovely pools. But two of them do not include any handrails to get in or out of them. So again, not good for those needing a little support. Overall, a disappointing experience. If we had known all this before, we would not have booked. It’s puzzling because, for a resort of this size and value, it would cost so little to deal with these issues. But, until they do, I could not recommend it to people who need a little support.

Dubrovnik Sun Gardens is an outstanding, wonderful place to stay. The grounds are very well kept, so green and beautiful. The staff is also very professional. We loved the access to the beach club and the many in-ground pools onsite.

I had the BEST experience at the Sun Gardens hotel! I feel the reviews and website aren't doing this place justice! I was blown away when I got to the hotel! The hotel was HUGE, like you could easily spend days here at a time and not leave. I love how it's set up almost like it's own little town or a college campus. The hotel has everything all in one spot: multiple pools, a grocery store, restaurants (with different options and great food), beach club, gym, everything! I also was able to take a tennis lesson right on the property and they have reformer classes as well! There's also a beach club right on the property! The hotel is about 20 minutes from the old town and they do offer a shuttle that runs at certain times for 10 euros each way, which is way cheaper then an uber. My only negatives are that the rooms are nice but could use a little more softness on the bed and a little revamp to be more modern to match the vibe of the rest of the hotel. However, I booked this hotel through the AMEX FHR program and was able to get upgraded to a gorgeous balcony view! My stay also came with access to their lounge which had drinks and cute apps during happy hour! I also got a massage at the spa which was great but I feel some of the facilities had a little moldy smell in the saunas. As a solo traveler, this hotel felt like a retreat and I loved being able to have everything in one spot! Loved this hotel and will forsure be back!

Arriving Sunday for 1 week, got off to a rocky start when assigned room #225, which had a half-blocked sea view due to being low and having a huge square concrete and drought tolerant rock slab which was right in front of our sliding door. After repeated requests, they moved us to 3rd floor (315) the next day, which had a terrific view and made a tremendous difference. Also, this rom had an open walk-in shower, unlike most rooms that have a hop-over tub/shower that we found very constricting and odd. Here's the full breakdown: HOTEL/ROOMS Absolutely gorgeous, immaculate grounds, and humongous. They have a village like feel because it has huge blocks of residency style condos as well as the main hotel. We loved walking in the mornings to explore. Found a grocery shop at the far west end, and 4-5 pools. We went in the Marina pool on the far west end on Friday as it was cloudy and rained periodically, the view from this pool and the pool itself is sensational. Of course, with a beach this beautiful all other days were spent there. The rooms were very clean, one day they didn't make our room I had to request at 3pm. They give you a card to fill out how often you'd like. The beds are nice and firm, the pillows are horrible, like flattened pancakes sinking in them, PLEASE CHANGE! Balcony is nice, we booked a sea view. Walls soundproofed very well, didn't hear a peep except some inconsiderate idiots screaming and shouting in the hallways and outside on occasion. You have a fridge that they allow to remove their drinks and put in your own, then when you leave simply switch again. It was a bit annoying and wish they just had a fridge for personal use. Ample drawers and closet tasteful light wood clean new modern sleek designs. The lights are a bit of a challenge guessing which is what LOL. TRANSPORTAION/SURROUNDINGS: If you want peace, away from chaos, book this. If you want close to main city, don't, because Ubers are expensive. Every time we went out for dinner, tacked-on $25-$50 bucks for the trips. And that's within 10 miles, go further and it's worse. I don't do buses with the crowds and time wasted, but it's available. There's also a very cute and delicious bakery directly up the hotel 3 minutes to walk, great for some sandwiches and snacks. Airport is 35-50 minutes away; we had to book one way back to airport for a whopping 90 euros because of original transfer declining to pick up up at 4am (thanks a lot expedia.) BEACH: Simply put, as good as it gets. Crystal clear, multiple entry points all along the area (even found a mini-cliff diving spot!) clearly this was the highlight for our trip and #1 priority, and boy it did not disappoint. Plenty of beach loungers with umbrellas, and a super-cool adjustable head shade on each sunbed! (see pic) Bring your snorkeling masks lots of cool fish to see, and sea shoes as the rocks vary there is no sand. But they have ladders/jumping points if you want to go directly in the water. Was just 100% pure heaven and will be sorely missed. There is a smaller yet even more incredible cozy beach just walking to the right once you get down the stairs of the main beach. Breakfast BUFFET: The buffet was more than adequate, with 2 omelet stations (Mario was great), one serving sunny side and cooked whole eggs. The cooked dishes were bizarre and not good, and the hot dog/sausage/bacon offerings werent good, but the cheeses, fresh breads, coffee machine, juices, soda, cold cuts, grains and nuts etc, were all good to great, Omelets and breads were AMAZING. Unfortunately, being in a lush, vegetated area, the flies are all over the open exposed foods on certain days, this was a big concern for me, especially the vegetables and cheese/smoked salmon areas. And if you sit at the terrace you compromise your view by getting mercilessly attacked by bees/wasps to the point you wish you had a 3rd hand to swat them away. I appreciate the hotel NOT poisoning us with pesticides, but it is like this and made us eat inside more than out. Still a stunning setting and good food kept us full until our early dinners. 7-10am. AMENITIES: Although the spa was extremely expensive (ended up paying $400 for a 50-minute stress relief couples massage with upgrade oils, upsells and tip) it was something I had on my bucket list and finally did it. Have to say, its a beautiful spa and the massage was wonderful, they were super nice and very professional. If you can splurge, highly recommend once. There are a LOT of families and infants/toddlers here, and you hear crying and whining constantly almost on a daily basis, just FYI. And one thing very upsetting is that they allow smoking on the beach. There's NOTHING worse than lying on a sunbed to get fresh sea air and being chocked off by cigarette smoke and moving several times to avoid, only for another couple to light it up again, SIGH. Seems everyone and their mother smokes or vapes here, in the city too, so terribly sad. It's surreal. We ate one night at the hotels Butchers Grill Restaurant, again, an English couple with kids on their table smoking and bringing the smoke right to us. It's at a crisis level in Europe, especially here. Lots of restaurants but we only ate here because wanted to experience Konobas nearby, but the Butchers Grill was very good (burger, lamb chops and broccoli soup were terrific.) for our farewell last night dinner. DO NOT miss the gelato bar a little inward on the main path, easily best gelato we had in the city by FAR.

Fabulous views, excellent service (all staff throughout the resort were extremely attentive and friendly). Definitely recommend a club room for the Vista Lounge à la carte breakfast and daily drinks. Perfect for a romantic anniversary celebration. Has own marina so great for little boats picking you up and whizzing around the islands. Great hotel!!