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3-star hotels in Zaton
A shortlist of 3-star hotels in Zaton, the sheltered bay 9km north of Dubrovnik, for travellers who want pebble-beach swimming, konoba dinners and quiet evenings in a village of 17th-century summer villas.
Staying in Zaton
Zaton is a quiet bay 9km north of Dubrovnik, lined with 17th-century Ragusan summer villas and split between the hamlets of Zaton Veliki and Zaton Mali. About 20 Renaissance villas still stand along the shore among pine and cypress, and the 2km-deep bay is sheltered, with clear water, small pebble beaches and swim ledges rather than sand. Evenings mean sitting outside with a bottle of Pošip watching the light go off the water; the one bar by the harbour closes when the last table leaves, usually well before midnight.
The hotels on this shortlist sit in the hamlets and lanes around that bay: Štikovica, Bulet, Vrh Sela, Obala S. Radica, Na Ratu and Cerjan. Almost all are villas or apartment houses with air conditioning, free parking and terraces, several with an outdoor pool, so they suit couples and families on a short break who want authenticity without being cut off; bus 15 runs to Pile. They do not suit anyone after nightlife or shopping.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Villa Doris
Štikovica 17, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers
- Parking
- Beach nearby
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereVilla Doris sits on Štikovica 17 in Dubrovnik and suits travellers who want a beach within easy reach plus an on-site restaurant and bar for evenings without leaving the property. The garden and picnic area give families and couples somewhere to relax outdoors, and free wifi keeps things connected. Multilingual staff help guests who don't speak Croatian, and a shuttle service is available. Parking is offered for those arriving by car.
See Villa DorisVilla Lanterna
Štikovica 24A, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereGuests at Villa Lanterna on Štikovica 24A can combine an outdoor pool with sea time, since a beach is nearby. A library and lounge add quiet corners for reading, while canoe and motor boat hire offer active days on the water. Free car parking and free wifi cover the practical side, and a safe is provided. It fits families and couples who want both pool and coast.
See Villa LanternaVilla Babilon
Bulet 1, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereVilla Babilon on Bulet 1 pairs an outdoor pool with a jacuzzi, a terrace and a garden, so there is plenty of outdoor space to spread across a stay. A restaurant and bar are on site, and a lounge offers an indoor alternative. Free wifi and free car parking make the basics easy. It suits guests who prefer to settle in at the property.
See Villa BabilonVilla Mir
Vrh Sela 23, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Air conditioning
- Internet access
Why stay hereVilla Mir is a 3-star hotel at Vrh Sela 23 in Dubrovnik. Its free car parking and terrace make it a convenient choice for drivers and guests who enjoy outdoor space. Air conditioning adds comfort during warmer months. The hotel suits travelers seeking a straightforward, well-equipped base without extra frills. With these amenities, it appeals to those who value practicality and a relaxed setting.
See Villa MirApartments Villa Marijeta
Štikovica 35, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereApartments Villa Marijeta on Štikovica 35 combines an outdoor pool with a garden and terrace, and apartments suit guests who want their own space rather than a room. Free wifi and free car parking are included, and housekeeping and laundry service help on longer stays. Luggage storage is available. It works well for families and self-catering travellers.
See Apartments Villa MarijetaVilla Gverovic
Na Ratu 11, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereVilla Gverovic on Na Ratu 11 is a small, accessible option: wheelchair-accessible facilities and a terrace, with free wifi and free car parking included. Guests who need step-free access will find this one of the few Zaton-area listings set up for it. A surcharge applies to certain services. A practical base for independent travellers with a car.
See Villa GverovicApartments Matea
Štikovica 53, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereApartments Matea on Štikovica 53 are set up for self-catering, with a kitchen, microwave and coffee-making in the unit, plus air conditioning and a balcony. Non-smoking rooms are available, free wifi and free car parking are included, and lifts serve the building. Internet access and first aid provisions are on hand. Suits families and longer-stay guests.
See Apartments MateaApartments Lidija
Vrh Sela 10, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereApartments Lidija on Vrh Sela 10 give guests a kitchen with microwave, a coffee corner and a balcony, plus air conditioning and a hairdryer in the bathroom. Non-smoking rooms, free wifi, free car parking and internet access cover the essentials, and luggage storage helps around check-out. A sensible choice for guests who want to cook and stay a while.
See Apartments LidijaApartments Boris
Stikovica 29 - 20235, Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Beach nearby
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereApartments Boris on Štikovica 29 combines apartment comfort with hotel-style back-up: a 24-hour front desk, cleaning service and car rental desk. Each unit has air conditioning, a balcony and a bathroom, and a beach is nearby. Canoeing is possible, and cots are available for families. Free wifi keeps guests connected. Handy for travellers arriving late or without their own transport.
See Apartments BorisApartments Njirić
Bulet 30A, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Beach nearby
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereApartments Njirić on Bulet 30A are close to a beach and provide air-conditioned units with a balcony, bathroom and coffee-making. Families are catered for with cots, and free wifi and free car parking are included. Cleaning service and a fan are also listed. A relaxed, practical base for guests who want the sea within easy reach.
See Apartments NjirićBjelopera Rooms
Bulet 16 20235 Zaton, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereBjelopera Rooms on Bulet 16 offers air-conditioned rooms including family rooms, plus a fireplace and garden for cooler evenings. Non-smoking rooms and free wifi are standard, and free car parking is included for drivers. Guests have access to internet, ironing facilities and first aid provisions. A cosy, uncomplicated stay for families and couples.
See Bjelopera RoomsVilla Malfi
Obala S. Radica 1 Zaton 20235 Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Beach nearby
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereVilla Malfi on Obala S. Radica 1 puts guests near the beach, with air-conditioned apartments that have a balcony, bathroom and coffee-making, plus a garden to relax in. Free wifi and free car parking are included, and cleaning service and a hairdryer add convenience. It suits families and couples who want sea access without formality.
See Villa MalfiVilla Patricija
Vrh Sela 32 20235 Zaton Zaton, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereVilla Patricija on Vrh Sela 32 adds an outdoor pool to its air-conditioned apartments, which come with a kitchen, refrigerator and coffee-making, plus a balcony and bathroom. Non-smoking rooms are available, and free wifi and free car parking are included. A good fit for self-catering families who want a pool on the property.
See Villa PatricijaVilla Zaton
Obala S. Radica 50, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereVilla Zaton on Obala S. Radica 50 has air conditioning, a terrace and a safe, with free car parking and free internet access in the lounge. A hairdryer and luggage storage are provided, and a shuttle service is available. Note that pets are not allowed. A convenient choice for travellers who want a central Zaton base with parking.
See Villa ZatonApartments Bralovic
Cerjan 10, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereApartments Bralovic on Cerjan 10 suits families, with family rooms and apartments that have a balcony, bathroom with bath, and coffee-making, all air-conditioned. A beach is nearby for days out, cleaning service is provided, and free wifi and free car parking are included. First aid provisions are on hand. A comfortable base for a seaside family stay.
See Apartments Bralovic
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Pool or spa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Doris | ★★★ | Yes | – |
| Villa Lanterna | ★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| Villa Babilon | ★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| Villa Mir | ★★★ | Yes | – |
| Apartments Villa Marijeta | ★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| Villa Gverovic | ★★★ | Yes | – |
| Apartments Matea | ★★★ | Yes | – |
| Apartments Lidija | ★★★ | Yes | – |
| Apartments Boris | ★★★ | – | – |
| Apartments Njirić | ★★★ | Yes | – |
| Bjelopera Rooms | ★★★ | Yes | – |
| Villa Malfi | ★★★ | Yes | – |
| Villa Patricija | ★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| Villa Zaton | ★★★ | Yes | – |
| Apartments Bralovic | ★★★ | Yes | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Apartments Lidija, Apartments Matea, Apartments Bralovic and Villa Lanterna all have kitchens or kitchen equipment alongside non-smoking rooms and free car parking, and Bralovic adds family rooms. Villa Lanterna has an outdoor pool, which matters when small children prefer the shallow water at the head of the bay to the stone piers.
Apartments Lidija · Apartments Matea · Apartments Bralovic · Villa Lanterna
For a pool
Villa Lanterna, Villa Babilon, Apartments Villa Marijeta and Villa Patricija all list an outdoor pool, and each has free car parking and a terrace or garden. Villa Babilon also has a jacuzzi and restaurant, Villa Patricija a kitchen, so swimmers can choose between a short break and a self-catering week.
Villa Lanterna · Villa Babilon · Apartments Villa Marijeta · Villa Patricija
For couples
Villa Mir, Villa Doris, Villa Malfi and Villa Zaton are small houses: air conditioning, terraces and free parking, with Villa Doris adding a garden and picnic area, and Villa Malfi sitting on Obala S. Radica. Villa Mir and Villa Zaton are non-smoking, which keeps things calm.
Closest to the water
Villa Malfi and Villa Zaton are on Obala S. Radica, the shore road in Zaton, while Apartments Boris and Apartments Njirić both list a beach nearby.
Villa Malfi · Villa Zaton · Apartments Boris · Apartments Njirić
Where to stay in Zaton
Štikovica
Štikovica is the lane running through this stretch of the bay, where the houses sit close to the water and the swimming. Villa Doris, Villa Lanterna, Apartments Villa Marijeta, Apartments Matea and Apartments Boris all take this address, handy for the beach, the mini-market and the bakery that opens at 6:30am for burek.
Our picks here: Villa Doris · Villa Lanterna · Apartments Villa Marijeta · Apartments Matea · Apartments Boris
Bulet
Bulet is a quieter residential lane, away from the shore road and the harbour. Villa Babilon, Apartments Njirić and Bjelopera Rooms are here, so you trade a few minutes' walk to the water for a garden, a terrace or, in Babilon's case, an outdoor pool, a jacuzzi and a restaurant.
Our picks here: Villa Babilon · Apartments Njirić · Bjelopera Rooms
Vrh Sela
Vrh Sela climbs away from the bay toward the parish church of Sv. Nikola on the through road. Villa Mir, Apartments Lidija and Villa Patricija share this address, all non-smoking with free car parking, and Patricija has an outdoor pool. Expect a short walk down to the swim ledges.
Our picks here: Villa Mir · Apartments Lidija · Villa Patricija
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Zaton is 9km north of Dubrovnik, and bus 15 runs every 40 minutes, taking 25 minutes to Pile, with the last bus back at 10:30pm. That makes it easier and quieter than staying in a Dubrovnik suburb, and closer than Cavtat. The bay is 2km deep and sheltered, and the shore road between Zaton Veliki and Zaton Mali passes the villas and the chapel of Sv. Rok — roughly 40 minutes on foot at an easy pace.
When to go
Summer is what Zaton is built for: swimming off the stone piers and swim ledges, kids in the shallow water at the head of the bay, dinner outside and the light going off the water. It is a family-Croatian summer rather than a nightlife one, and dinner ends by 10pm. If you want the bay to yourself rather than the beach path busy, come outside the peak weeks.
Things to do near Zaton
- Where to stay in Zaton (Dubrovnik): area guide
- Zaton Beaches: Family Safety and Water Depth in Autumn
- Zaton in November: Events, Weather and What Is Open
- Zaton's October Beaches: Clear Water, Fewer People
- Zaton vs Korčula Town: Which to Pick for Your Trip
- Zaton with Kids: Family-Friendly Beaches and Activities
Questions, answered
Which hotels have parking?
Almost all of them: Villa Doris, Villa Lanterna, Villa Babilon, Villa Mir, Apartments Villa Marijeta, Villa Gverovic, Apartments Matea, Apartments Lidija, Apartments Njirić, Bjelopera Rooms, Villa Malfi, Villa Patricija, Villa Zaton and Apartments Bralovic all list free car parking or parking.
Do any have a pool?
Villa Babilon adds a jacuzzi.
Can I bring a pet?
Villa Zaton states pets not allowed; the other hotels on this shortlist do not state a pet policy in their data, so ask the property directly before booking.
Which are best for families?
Apartments Bralovic has family rooms and a beach nearby, Bjelopera Rooms has family rooms, and Apartments Lidija and Apartments Matea both have kitchens and are non-smoking. The bay's shallow water at its head is the safest swim spot for small children.
Which is closest to the centre of Dubrovnik?
Zaton sits 9km north of Dubrovnik, so none of them is in the city. Bus 15 runs every 40 minutes and takes 25 minutes to Pile, with the last bus back at 10:30pm.
Which hotels are on the shore road?
Villa Malfi and Villa Zaton are both on Obala S. Radica, the shore road in Zaton, with free car parking and terraces.
Is there a beach in Zaton?
There is no sand beach. Swimming is from stone piers, swim ledges and a short pebble strip near the chapel of Sv. Rok; bring water shoes for the sea urchins on the rocks. Several hotels, including Apartments Boris, Apartments Njirić, Apartments Bralovic and Villa Malfi, list a beach nearby.
Which hotels are non-smoking?
Villa Mir, Apartments Matea, Apartments Lidija, Bjelopera Rooms and Villa Patricija all list non-smoking rooms, making them a safe bet if smoke bothers you.