Home Base near Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik itself is where you want to be, unless you wanted to be somewhere remote and drive everywhere.

Thank you - any specific suggestions for where within Dubrovnik?

It's been too long for me to recommend a specific place, but for a week, I would book an apartment just outside and above the city walls--in the area called Ploce--giving you a view over the old town and the sea (though these types of places often require walking up many steps, it is worth it).
If you plan to have a car for day trips, you will want to have a parking arrangement. My only must is a terrace or balcony. Having a kitchen is nice, especially if you prefer having a substantial breakfast.
Korcula would be great for your second stay. It is about 4 hours by bus, less by car.

We like Cavtat as a base. It's close to the Dubrovnik airport, and about 15 minutes to Dubrovnik by bus or 30-40 minutes by boat. A pretty little village with a nice harbor ... fun to sit at sunset with a glass of wine, watching the yachts dock. Good restaurants. You can take bus tours or rent a car and visit Montenegro or Mostar. You can also take boat trips to little islands. We found a great little apartment there ... I've forgotten the name but could look it up if you're interested.

I'm a huge Dubrovnik fan. It's really a fine little city. We spent 5 nights there and did day trips to Mostar and Montenegro. We used Petar Vlasic for those - he was great. I highly recommend him. http://www.dubrovnikrivieratours.com

We stayed in this apartment. It was about $70 per night in 2012 and we were traveling on a tight budget. I see it's about $110 per night now and can't comment on that in comparison to what else is out there. It was nice though. It was on the floor of the city - not up on a hillside, which might be nice with a stroller. In addition, it had a charming interior private courtyard we liked to sit in for morning coffee. It's smack in the center of things and so easy to stroll around at night. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/43898

Thank you for the replies. Charlene I would love the info about the apartment if you can find it.

I'm partial to the area just outside the Pile Gate. Easy walking distance to the walled town without having to navigate a lot of stairs, and it should be quieter for the baby.

Jesse, the apartment I spoke of is Villa Andro, in Cavtat. Lovely place, in a perfect location.

Hi Jesse,
I sent you a PM with info about the apartment we rented in Dubrovnik. It was stupendous!

Best wishes,
Marti

Hi Jesse,
I want to let you know driving from point A to point B takes a long time in Croatia/Montenegro/Bosnia...and I am a fast driver, very used to narrow/mnt roads.
We spent 3 weeks there last year (going back again in September). For example, a day trip to Mostar: Its doable. but it will take you 3hrs each way with border crossings. We found spending a few days in each location was much more enjoyable.

Since you are planning on driving, you will have to stay outside the city walls with a place that includes parking.
The apartments outside the Ploce gate have the most spectacular views IMO. Most of them are listed on Airbnb. As another poster said: A balcony/terrace is a must. Pay extra if need be!
The downside is there is not much in the way of restaurants there, but you can walk to the old city. Also on that side is a small secluded beach called Sveti Jakov beach that is spectacular. There is a small bar & restaurant on the beach and the prices & food were really good

Apartments outside the Pile gate is really were the city of Dubrovnik resides. We really did not go on that side until it was time to take the ferry (we stayed a few nights on Sipan)

One other suggestion: Stay during the shoulder season. We went in May and the weather was spectacular. Very little crowds.

I don't know if I could stand a week in Dubrovnik. Too crowded. Beautiful, interesting, but packed. Sort of like Prague-on-the-Sea. You might look at Budva. We stayed a few nights in Perast and that puts you closer to Dubrovnik and Mostar. We went south down the coast from Dubrovnik a few years ago and enjoyed Montenegro a lot. Driving south at least was easy, and didn't take a lot of time. Unfortunately we moved a little to fast so we are having to go back this fall and give it what it deserves.

I am sure there are equally good solutions in Croatia, you just seemed open to ideas and this is what I know a little bit about. PM me a real email, if you are interested, and I can send you the trip plan we have for Montenegro. Might be something in it that interests you.

Check for rental in LAPAD I had a nice apt. with new furnishings/ kitchen/ even a washer! A few blocks to cinema/ grocery/ beach/ bars and cafes PLUS a cheap local bus to take you direct to old city walled area. Ideal!