Where to stay in Montenegro? We’ll help you pick!

Montenegro is a small country located in the Balkan Region. Despite its size, there is a lot to see and do in Montenegro. From the beaches of Budva to the mountains of Durmitor National Park, Montenegro has something for everyone. Kotor Bay holds a special place in our hearts as it is our favorite part of the country.

When it comes to accommodations, Montenegro has a wide range of options to choose from. There are luxury hotels, mid-range accommodation options, and budget-friendly hostels. No matter what your budget is, you should be able to find a good place to stay in Montenegro that suits your needs. 

In this guide, we will help you with this task by guiding you through the best areas to stay in Kotor Bay, Montenegro. We will also provide our top recommendations for hotels in each of these areas.

Overview of the best cities to stay in Kotor Bay

Kotor Bay is a large bay located in the southwestern part of Montenegro. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and for good reason. The Bay is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Montenegro. From the towering mountains that surround the Bay to the clear blue waters, Kotor Bay is truly a sight to behold. 

There are three main towns located in Kotor Bay: Kotor, Tivat, and Herceg Novi. 

Kotor is the largest of the three towns and it is where most of the tourist attractions are located. Herceg Novi is a smaller town but it is still worth a visit. Tivat is a bit in between both and it is where one of the main airports of Montenegro is located.

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Kotor Bay, it really depends on what you are looking for. If you want to be close to the action and have access to all of the tourist attractions, then we recommend staying in Kotor. 

However, if you are looking for a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, then we recommend staying in Herceg Novi. And finally, if you want to be close to the airport or are looking for a more affordable place to stay, then Tivat is the best option for you.

Below we will guide you through the areas we recommend staying in each of these cities in Kotor Bay.

Where to stay in Kotor

Kotor is a beautiful Medieval city that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located right by the bay and is surrounded by mountains, so it has some of the most stunning views in Montenegro.

If you are looking to stay in Kotor, there are two main options to choose from: you can get a hotel within the city walls in the old center, or outside it in one of the neighboring areas.

The biggest advantage of staying in Kotor’s Old Town is you will literally be sleeping in the heart of the city, a few steps away from any attraction or restaurant. Kotor city center is very small, so anywhere you will be staying will be within walking distance from the best places to see.

The disadvantage is that the Old Town can get very busy since it is the most touristic place. Also, keep in mind that if you will be traveling by car, you will have to find a place to park outside the city walls since vehicles are not allowed inside.

Best hotels to stay in Kotor Old Town

1. Apartmani Art Karampana – This nicely decorated apartment can be found in the heart of Kotor. It’s located only 700 meters away from the beach.
2. Apartments Hun – Another great pick if you wish to stay inside of the Kotor walls. This is one of the best-rated apartments in Kotor.

If you want to avoid staying in Kotor Old Town, we recommend finding accommodation in the area called Dobrota. Dobrota is the next neighborhood and you can easily walk to the Old Town.

We stayed in Dobrota when we visited Kotor and it was the best decision we made. Since we were traveling by car, it was much easier to get in and out of the house in Dobrota and we also had the beach literally in front of our door. It was the best place we have stayed in Montenegro!

Best hotels to stay in Dobrota, near Kotor

1. Promenade Rose – This was the place we stayed in Dobrota (see pictures below) and we can’t recommend it highly enough. The apartment had the most amazing view of the bay, had free parking on site, was very organized, and had a great price. All in all, an amazing deal.
2. Apartments Ponta – This is one of the best-rated apartments in Dobrota. This cozy apartment is located just across the street from the beach and is perfect for a calm stay near Kotor.

Where to stay in Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is located 1h away from Kotor and it is a great destination for those looking to spend a few relaxing days by the beach. If this is what you are coming for, we recommend getting accommodation that will give you easy access to the beach. You will find that there are many options for places to stay in Herceg Novi that are right by the water in Kotor Bay, so it is just a matter of choosing your favorite.

Here are our top recommendations for places to stay in Herceg Novi:

1. Apartments Bane – This accommodation is located only 80 meters from the beach and, amongst other perks, offers private parking. It is one of the best-rated properties on Booking right now.
2. Apartments Mako – This apartment is even closer to the water, only 50 meters away from the closest beach. It offers nice apartments that are air-conditioned and have balconies with sea views.

Where to stay in Tivat

Tivat is the city where the international airport is located, but it is much less popular than Kotor or Budva. However, if you are looking for a city with easy transport access and still located right by Kotor Bay, Tivat may be just the right choice for you.

Here are our recommendations for places to stay in Tivat:

1. Hotel Pine – This beautiful hotel is located right in the center of Tivat, and it’s only about 150 meters away from the seaside.
2. Boutique Hotel La Roche – Yes, this one is a bit on the pricey side, but if you are looking for a perfect stay, and don’t mind the cost, this is definitely a pick for you. This 5-star hotel has everything you can wish for, from delicious breakfast to the outside pool, and a private beach. All you need for the perfect holiday.

Montenegro is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists. Whether you’re interested in spending time on the beach, exploring history, or soaking up some sun, Montenegro has something for everyone. When it comes time to book your accommodations, there are many great hotels to choose from depending on your budget.

Do you need more help to plan your trip to Montenegro? Check our resources below!