Hotel Astarea, the Maistra Select property in Mlini, reopened in August 2024 after a complete renovation that modernised all 307 rooms, according to the operator’s official press release. Recent guest reviews now reflect what that transformation means for your stay — a quiet beachfront base with easy access to Dubrovnik, though some trade-offs on room size and charges keep it from being a perfect 5. This article breaks down verified facts and real guest feedback to help you decide.

Last checked: 2026-09-23

Hotel name: Maistra Select Astarea Hotel · Location: Mlini, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Dalmatia, Croatia · Rating: 3.9/5 (TUI) | 72% Excellent or Very good (Jet2holidays) · Review count: Over 1,800 reviews on Jet2holidays, over 50,000 on TUI

By HotelHunt.co.uk | Last updated: 27 October 2025

How we researched this

Last checked 2026-09-23.

Sources reviewed: Official Maistra property website and press releases, Hotels.com guest ratings, HolidayCheck reviews, Trip.com reviews, Rome2Rio transport data, HRS listing, Klix editorial coverage, ViaToVia transport guide.

We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify individual review authenticity. Ratings and review counts are snapshots that may change.

Snapshot at a glance

1 Renovation status
2 Modernised units
  • 307 accommodation units after the renovation (Maistra press release)
3 Setting & location
4 Guest rating
  • 8.2 out of 10 based on 598 reviews on Hotels.com (Hotels.com)
FactDetail
Hotel nameMaistra Select Astarea Hotel
LocationMlini, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Dalmatia, Croatia
Overall rating3.9/5 (TUI, 51,797 reviews) | 72% Excellent or Very good (Jet2holidays, 1,820 reviews)
Guest satisfaction breakdown29% Excellent, 43% Very good, 19% Average, 6% Poor (Jet2holidays)
RenovationCompleted August 2024
Modernised units307
Distance to DubrovnikApproximately 10 km
Distance to airportApproximately 11 km
Hotels.com rating8.2/10 from 598 reviews
Trip.com rating8.6/10 from 105 reviews

Is Hotel Astarea newly renovated?

Yes — and the work was extensive. The hotel closed for a full transformation that wrapped up in August 2024, confirmed by Maistra’s official press release. The scope covered public areas, guest rooms, wellness and spa facilities, children’s play areas, and energy systems. The result: 307 modernised accommodation units that now feature contemporary design, new furnishings, and upgraded bathrooms.

Guest reviews on Hotels.com praise the renovated pool and spa area as a highlight. One reviewer noted that the hotel deserves its four stars thanks to the updated surroundings. Another described the property as “super clean and tidy” with “amazing balcony views”. A September 2025 report from Klix described Astarea as “renovated” and suitable for relaxation on the Dubrovnik Riviera.

Tip: Not all rooms may feel equally updated — some Hotels.com reviewers still mention small or “tired” rooms, suggesting that certain categories or older wings might not yet reflect the same standard as the main building. Ask about room location when booking.

The bottom line: The renovation is real and guests notice it in public areas and many rooms, but room size and consistency across all 307 units remain points to confirm before you book.

Is Hotel Astarea a quiet hotel?

Compared to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, yes — the hotel sits in a secluded bay in Mlini, a small coastal settlement. The Maistra website mentions a quiet bay with natural pebble beach, and HolidayCheck reviews from 2025 highlight the peaceful surroundings and relaxing atmosphere. Guests describe the hotel as a “relaxing retreat in a tranquil seaside village”.

Nightlife is very limited within Mlini itself. However, the beach and pool areas can generate seasonal noise during peak summer, and a steep access road means some guests find the walk to the main road challenging. One reviewer on Trip.com noted that the beach can feel crowded during August.

The catch: Quiet by Dubrovnik standards, but steep climbs and summer beach activity are worth factoring into your expectations.

What are people saying about Hotel Astarea on Tripadvisor?

While we draw from multiple platforms (not only Tripadvisor), the pattern across Hotels.com, Trip.com, and HolidayCheck paints a consistent picture.

What are the most common positive comments?

Cleanliness leads the praise, with many reviewers noting spotless rooms and well-kept grounds. The beachfront location is a recurring highlight — guests love stepping straight onto the pebble beach. Friendly and helpful staff are frequently mentioned. The renovated pool area and spa also earn compliments.

What are common complaints?

Room size is the most consistent drawback — numerous reviews say the rooms are “small” or “compact”, especially for two people. Some guests report that sun loungers at the beach and pool come with extra charges (a May 2025 Trip.com review criticised this). The steep hill leading to the hotel and limited nightlife are also mentioned as drawbacks for those seeking a more lively base.

“The hotel has 4 stars deserved. Clean and comfortable rooms but often small. Beachfront location popular.”

Excerpt from a guest review on Hotels.com

What this means: The hotel delivers strongly on cleanliness, location, and staff, but room size and supplementary charges are recurring pain points.

How far is Hotel Astarea from the airport?

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is about 11 km from the hotel by road. A taxi or pre-booked private transfer takes roughly 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic, according to the HRS listing. That makes it one of the closest resort hotels to the airport.

What are the transport options from Dubrovnik Airport to Mlini?

  • Taxi / private transfer: Direct, 10–20 minutes. You’ll find official taxis outside arrivals; prices vary seasonally but were not consistently available from authoritative sources in our research.
  • Ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt): Available in Dubrovnik. Traveler forum posts on Tripadvisor suggest Uber can be cheaper than local taxis, but surge pricing applies in summer.
  • Public bus: Not a single direct route. According to Rome2Rio, you can take a bus from the airport to Plat, then change for Mlini — total travel time around 38–47 minutes plus walking and waiting. Schedules are seasonal and should be confirmed with Libertas Dubrovnik.

The pattern: Taxi is quick and convenient; public transport is possible but less straightforward — a private transfer is the most relaxed option for most travellers.

Pros & Cons at a glance

Good to know
  • Renovated public areas and wellness facilities
  • Direct pebble beach access
  • Great cleanliness standard
  • Friendly, helpful staff
  • Close to Dubrovnik Airport (10–20 min taxi)
Watch out for
  • Many rooms are compact
  • Sun lounger charges reported
  • Steep hill access — not ideal for mobility-impaired
  • Limited nightlife in Mlini
  • Bus-based public transport is indirect

Hotel Astarea at a glance – key details

AspectDetails
AddressMlini, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia
Rooms307 units (after 2024 renovation)
BeachNatural pebble beach directly in front
PoolOutdoor pool (renovated)
Spa & wellnessWellness centre with sauna and fitness room (renovated)
DiningMain restaurant, à la carte terrace, pool bar (check Maistra for current menus)
Check-in / Check-outStandard times; confirm at booking
NearbyMlini village (shops, cafés), Dubrovnik Old Town 10 km

Our take — who is Hotel Astarea best for?

Based on the verified renovation, consistent cleanliness, and quiet beachfront setting, this hotel works well for:

  • Couples seeking quiet — the secluded bay and limited nightlife offer a relaxing escape.
  • Beach lovers — direct pebble beach access is a genuine perk.
  • Travellers who prioritise cleanliness — that’s the strongest recurring guest compliment.
  • Budget-conscious visitors wanting a solid 3–4 star experience — rates are often lower than Dubrovnik city hotels partially because of the location.

If you prioritise room size, on-demand sun loungers, or lively nightlife, you may want to look at alternatives in central Dubrovnik or larger resorts along the coast. For a calm base near the airport with a recent modern makeover, Astarea delivers what it promises.

Additional sources

expedia.de, cvent.com, easyjet.com

Frequently asked questions

Are there two airports in Dubrovnik?

No — Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is the only commercial airport serving the region. It is located in Čilipi, about 15 km south of Dubrovnik city centre and about 11 km from Hotel Astarea.

Is there a shuttle bus from Dubrovnik Old Town to the airport?

Yes — a public bus (Libertas line 11 or 27) runs between Dubrovnik main bus station (near the Old Town) and the airport. The journey takes about 30 minutes. From Mlini, you would need to reach the Old Town first (by bus or taxi) to use that shuttle, which adds time.

How many days are enough in Dubrovnik?

Most visitors spend 2–3 days in Dubrovnik to see the Old Town, walk the city walls, and take a cable car. Hotel Astarea’s location in Mlini means 20–30 minutes bus or taxi to the Old Town, so factor transfer time into your day planning.

Should I visit Split or Dubrovnik?

Both are beautiful, but they offer different experiences. Dubrovnik is more compact and famously walled, with a strong concentration of historic sights; Split has a livelier promenade, Diocletian’s Palace, and easier access to island hopping. If your goal is a quiet beach stay with day trips to a historic city, Dubrovnik + Astarea works well.

Is there a duty-free shop at Dubrovnik Airport?

Yes — Dubrovnik Airport has a duty-free shop in the departures area after security. It sells fragrances, alcohol, tobacco, and some local products. Opening hours generally align with flight schedules.

Hotel Astarea reviews on Trustpilot

We did not locate a dedicated Trustpilot profile for this hotel. Guest feedback is primarily on Hotels.com, Trip.com, HolidayCheck, and tour-operator sites like TUI and Jet2holidays.

Sources we used