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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Montenegro

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Options

  • Hostels:

    Budget-friendly dorm beds and private rooms. Social opportunities exist. Find hostels

  • Guesthouses/Private Rooms (Sobe):

    Common family-run establishments, especially in Dobrota and Muo. A local and authentic experience is common.

  • Apartments/Studios:

    Widely available with more space and kitchenettes. Good for longer stays or self-catering. Book apartments

  • Hotels:

    Options from basic to upscale, in Old Towns or along the coastline. Search hotels on Booking.com or Agoda, or explore IHG Hotels.

Unique Stays and Rentals

  • Konoba with rooms:

    Some traditional Montenegrin taverns may have rooms for rent above their restaurants. An authentic stay is possible.

  • Stone Houses:

    Historic stone houses in Perast or Kotor Old Town become charming boutique hotels or guesthouses.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo list studios to multi-bedroom villas. Flexibility and privacy are present.

  • Camping and Outdoor:

    Campsites near Herceg Novi or outside Kotor. Basic facilities for tents and RVs for budget travelers.

Accommodation Features

Montenegro's Bay of Kotor features a wide array of places to stay, each with unique appeal.

Budget Options

Pros
  • Cost-effective lodging.
  • Social settings like hostels.
  • Basic amenities available.
  • Good for backpackers.
Cons
  • Limited privacy.
  • Shared facilities.
  • Fewer luxury touches.
  • Can be noisy.

Mid-Range Stays

Pros
  • Comfort and amenities.
  • Good value.
  • Convenient locations.
  • Private rooms common.
Cons
  • Higher prices than hostels.
  • Fewer unique experiences.
  • Can be busy in peak season.
  • Parking might be limited.

Luxury Experiences

Pros
  • Premium services.
  • High-end facilities.
  • Exclusive locations.
  • Exceptional views.
Cons
  • Highest price point.
  • Less local interaction.
  • Formal atmosphere.
  • Book well in advance.

Considerations for Your Stay

Booking Tips:

Book early for peak season, especially for popular properties. Last-minute deals are rare then.

Local Experience:

Guesthouses and apartments owned by locals typically offer a more authentic experience with direct cultural interaction.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area within the Bay of Kotor presents a distinct character and appeal.

Kotor Old Town

  • Central location, unique historical atmosphere, pedestrian-only area, many dining options.
  • Noise is possible in summer due to crowds and nightlife. No vehicle access to accommodation. Higher prices.

Dobrota & Muo

  • Beautiful bay views, access to swimming spots, quieter, residential feel. Good value.
  • A short bus ride or 20-40 minute walk needed to Kotor Old Town.

Perast

  • Extremely scenic, charming, quieter than Kotor. Direct access to island boat tours.
  • Fewer dining options. Very quiet in off-season. Parking is difficult, pedestrian-only areas.

Tivat

  • Modern amenities, high-end dining, close to Tivat Airport. Home to Porto Montenegro.
  • Lacks historic charm. Can be expensive, especially around Porto Montenegro.

Ambiance & Logistics

Noise Levels:

Kotor Old Town can be lively and noisy, especially summer evenings. Dobrota, Muo, and Perast usually feature a quieter, more relaxed ambiance.

Proximity to Attractions:

Proximity varies. Consider walking access to Old Town, bay views, quietude, or access to modern amenities based on your preferences.

Transportation:

Kotor Old Town is pedestrian-only. Buses connect most towns. Taxis are common. Parking is difficult in historic centers.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking secures your ideal stay in the Bay of Kotor.

Seasonal Booking Advice

High Season July-August

Book accommodation several months in advance for popular properties and prime locations in Kotor Old Town or Perast.

  • Prices are at their highest.
  • Limited last-minute availability.
  • Early booking is for best options.
Shoulder Season May-June, Sep-Oct

Book 1-2 months in advance for good selection and prices.

  • More availability than high season.
  • Potentially better deals.
  • Pleasant weather.

Trusted Platforms & Local Customs

Online Platforms

Booking.com and Airbnb are widely used and reliable for many accommodations.

Local Practices

Direct booking sometimes yields better deals. Local agencies list private apartments.

  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is less common for established places, especially peak season.
  • A slight negotiation might be possible for smaller private rooms in low season for multiple nights.

Deposit & Cancellation

  • Policy Check:

    Always check deposit requirements and cancellation policies before confirming your booking.

  • Free Cancellation:

    Many properties free cancellation up to a certain point, offering flexibility.

  • Varying Rules:

    Policies vary by property type and booking platform. Read carefully.

  • Payment on Arrival:

    Some smaller guesthouses might prefer cash payment upon arrival.

Price Fluctuations

  • High Season Surge:

    Significant price increases occur in the high season (July-August).

  • Shoulder Season Value:

    Prices decrease in shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October).

  • Low Season Best Deals:

    Lowest prices are during the low season (November-April).

  • Plan Ahead:

    Plan your visit to align with your budget and preferred travel season.

Practical Booking Tips

Direct Bookings

Sometimes direct booking through hotel websites presents better deals or unique packages not available elsewhere.

  • Check hotel's own site.
  • Look for loyalty programs.
  • Personalized service.
  • Special offers might apply.
Walk-in Negotiation

Negotiation for walk-in rates is less common for established hotels, especially in peak season.

  • Possible for smaller private rooms.
  • More likely in low season.
  • For multiple nights stay.
  • Not a widely expected practice.

Summary of Booking

Peak Season

Book well in advance to secure preferred lodging, as availability is limited and prices are highest.

Off-Season

More flexibility for last-minute bookings. Good deals are common, but some smaller places might close.

Flexibility

Always check cancellation policies. Properties often free cancellation up to a certain point.