In July 2023 we stayed at the Casa Montenegro Residence hotel near Tivat. We weren’t sure what to expect – it was newly built so there weren’t many reviews, but the photos looked amazing and it was offering great deals. We decided to book and didn’t regret it once we arrived, but it definitely has some tradeoffs and drawbacks, so won’t be right for everyone visiting Tivat and Kotor.
In this article – we review the Casa Montenegro Residence and outline the pros, cons, and key info you need to know before deciding whether to stay there.
- Summary
- Hotel pros
- Cons
- Final verdict
Summary
Incredible views of Kotor Bay and a lovely swimming pool set in gardens. Casa Montenegro Residence is a bit isolated if you don’t have a car but worth it for the tranquillity and stunning sunsets.
Casa Montenegro Residence – Pros
Having stayed at the Casa Montenegro Residence for a week, here are the advantages of the hotel…
- Views – it’s set up on a hill overlooking the Bay of Kotor which means the views from the rooms are incredible, especially at sunset.
- Swimming pool – is a good size with plenty of loungers, gets the sun all day, and is situated in a really pretty landscaped garden.
- Small hotel – it has 70ish rooms set over four floors so it’s not too busy or built up.
- Super-helpful staff – who delivered a warm, personal service (that you rarely get in big chain hotels) and were always available in reception or via WhatsApp.
- Clean, modern rooms – with kitchenettes, large screen TVs, and balconies or terraces.
- Well-located for sights – between Tivat (1.2 miles/2km), Kotor (3.1 miles/5km), and Budva (10.6 miles/17km) (plus other easy day-trip destinations from Tivat and Kotor).
- Close to the airport – it’s a 10 min drive so you can fly in and be chilling by the pool almost immediately!
Top tip – upgrade to a seaview room as they have private balconies and the views are totally worth the extra money!
Casa Montenegro Residence – Cons
We absolutely loved our stay, but there were some downsides which means it probably won’t be suitable for everyone…
- Isolated – it’s in a small village that’s 10 mins drive from Tivat, so you’ll need a car or to take taxis (the lovely people at reception will book them for you). Although it’s less than an hour’s walk, there’s no footpath for much of the way so it’s just not safe or practical. The hotel does have a couple of bikes for hire but they’re snapped up pretty quickly (and the hill is steep!).
- No bar or restaurant – either at the hotel or within walking distance so you’ll need to prepare your own food in the kitchenette, head into town, or order a delivery.
- Snagging issues – it was brand new when we visited so there were still small details that needed finishing off (like the odd light fitting or missing pieces of furniture). Nothing that impacted our stay or would stop us from booking again though. The team is proactively addressing these teething issues so they’ll probably be sorted by the time you visit (e.g. some people found the curtains too thin and were being woken by the light in the mornings, so they’re replacing every single pair to ensure everyone is happy).
None of these things bothered us, particularly as we’d booked for a great price. If we’d paid full whack, then the snagging issues might have caused some disappointment. But they’ll likely be sorted by next season.
You might also like… This self-guided walking tour of Tivat that takes in all its main attractions.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a great value, modern hotel near Tivat, then the Casa Montenegro Residence is an excellent option. It’s ideal for people who want to visit Montenegro’s main attractions but also spend some quiet time chilling by the pool.
Standout features – Bay of Kotor views, swimming pool, tranquillity.
It’s not particularly walkable and there’s no public transport nearby, so you’ll need to drive, cycle, or get taxis. But if you’re just looking for somewhere to soak up the sun in Montenegro, then this hotel is a dream!
FAQs
Prices for Casa Montenegro Residence start at €82/$85/£71 per night.
Lots of guests had dogs with them, so although the booking websites say that it’s not dog-friendly, the hotel actually is (request in advance to be sure).
Casa Montenegro Residence is 2km (1.2 miles) from the centre of Tivat, which takes around 10 mins to drive or 5km (3.1 miles) from Kotor which takes 15-30 mins depending on traffic.
