Kotor, Montenegro, is a stunning, walled medieval town nestled along the Bay of Kotor. Often compared to Dubrovnik, this UNESCO heritage town has a unique blend of history, charm, and stunning scenery. Many visitors come just for the day, but we’d argue that 2-3 days are needed to take advantage of Kotor’s many things to do. Staying in the heart of Old Town Kotor for your visit gives you the chance to soak up the atmosphere of cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and lively plazas. And, you can enjoy exploring old town Kotor in the mornings and evenings when the cruise ship crowds are gone. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable stay in the historic center, here are our recommendations for where to stay in Old Town Kotor.
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Unique Places to Stay in Old Town Kotor
Hotel Hippocampus (Luxury)
One of Kotor’s most stylish boutique hotels, Hotel Hippocampus blends historic charm with contemporary luxury. It is housed in a beautifully restored 17th century stone building. Despite its historic stone exterior, the interior of the hotel features chic rooms with exposed wooden beams and modern décor. The highlight for us was the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the town, San Giovanni Walls, and surrounding mountains. The on-site restaurant is also a highlight, serving a mix of Mediterranean and local cuisine. They are known best for their incredible breakfasts, which you can enjoy on the rooftop terrace on nice days.
Hotel Villa Duomo (Luxury)
For a stay that exudes elegance and old-world charm, Hotel Villa Duomo is a fantastic choice. Located in a renovated historical building, this boutique hotel features studios and apartments. The interior of Hotel Villa Duomo feels quite different from that of the Hotel Hippocampus. Hotel Villa Duomo’s rooms are filled with antique furnishings, stone walls, and luxurious touches. Some studios and apartments have kitchenettes, while others have whirlpool bathtubs, perfect for unwinding after exploring Kotor’s labyrinthine streets.
Hotel Vardar (Moderate/Luxury)
Situated in UNESCO-protected Kotor’s main square, Hotel Vardar offers a prime location for those who want to be in the heart of the action. This four-star hotel combines classic elegance with modern comforts, featuring spacious rooms and an excellent breakfast buffet. The well equipped fitness center features a gym area, sauna, and Turkish bath. With its lively terrace café, Hotel Vardar is also a great place to enjoy a morning coffee while watching the town come to life.
Hotel Montecristo (Moderate/Luxury)
Housed in a 13th-century palace that once belonged to Kotor’s bishop, Hotel Montecristo offers an intimate and authentic Kotor experience, known for its friendly service. It is located on the square with the maritime museum, so is conveniently located just steps from old town’s main attractions. Each room is uniquely decorated, maintaining historic elements while providing modern amenities. The hearty breakfast buffet can be enjoyed in the restaurant or on the hotel’s terrace. Enjoy a drink at the bar, or a dinner with Montenegrin fare at the hotel’s restaurant.
Casa Antica Drusko Guest House (Budget/Moderate)
For travelers who prefer a guest house at a more moderate price, Casa Antica Drusko Guest House is a fantastic choice. These rooms and studios, set in a traditional stone building, are tastefully decorated with vintage and rustic elements. Rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, mini-bars and kettles. Guests can enjoy à la carte, full English, or full Irish breakfasts on site. They also offer packed lunches to take along on your day’s adventures.
Centrum Hostel (Budget)
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet comfortable stay in the Old Town, Centrum Hostel is an excellent option. The hostel offers a mix of private rooms with shared bathrooms and mixed dormitory rooms with a cozy, home-like atmosphere. There is a shared lounge, and It’s an ideal choice for solo travelers and backpackers who want to experience Kotor’s charm without breaking the bank. The Centrum Hostel is in an ideal location, just a minute from the Sea Gate (main entrance to the city), and to the clock tower.
Staying Outside Old Town Kotor: Perks & Top Picks
While staying in Old Town Kotor offers an immersive and historic experience, staying outside the city can provide a peaceful escape with stunning views of the fjord-like Bay of Kotor. Enjoy the peaceful seaside vibes of Perast and Dobrota, which are just a short distance from Kotor by bus or car. Here are a few excellent options:
Villa Perast, Perast (Moderate)
Located in the picturesque village of Perast, Villa Perast offers a serene retreat just a short drive from Kotor. This charming hotel, set in a historic Venetian-style stone building, features beautifully designed rooms with bay views. Staying in Perast allows visitors to enjoy a quieter ambiance while still being close to Kotor’s attractions. Enjoy Perast’s incredible things to do, such as a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George Island.
Villa Nikcevic, Dobrota (Moderate)
For those looking for a mix of convenience and relaxation, Villa Nikcevic is an excellent choice. Located in Dobrota about 5 km from old town Kotor, these stylish apartments have breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor. Guests enjoy amenities like a shared pool and gardens, bbq facilities, and free parking. The location is perfect for those who want to experience Kotor’s beauty while avoiding the hustle and bustle of Old Town. Wrap up your day of exploring with a glass of wine while watching the sunsets from Villa Nikcevic. This was our favorite way to end each day in Kotor.
Where to Stay in Kotor Old Town Wrap-Up
There’s no shortage of unique and charming accommodations in and around Kotor, whether you want to stay within Kotor’s medieval walls or in a quieter location along the bay. From historic boutique hotels and hostels to scenic apartments outside of town, these stays will make your trip to Kotor unforgettable. Regardless of where you choose to stay, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning landscapes and rich history that make Kotor such a magical destination.
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Travel Resources
We recommend booking through our preferred travel booking sites below.
| Air Travel | SkyScanner |
| Lodging | Booking.com, VRBO.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld |
| Tours and Activities | Viator.com, GetYourGuide.com |
| Car rentals | Discovercars.com |
| Travel insurance | Squaremouth |
| Bike and scooter rentals | BikeBookings.com |
| Train tickets | Trainline, RailEurope |
| Bus tickets | Flixbus, Busbud |
So many great places to stay. I would probably stay in the guest house; gotta keep it budget-friendly, but I would definitely want to stay in Old Town Kotor. Thanks for the list!
Thanks for the feedback!
Wait, one of the options is an actual palace!? Hotel Montecristo sounds amaaaazing! I really like the sound of the guesthouses as well. I guess wherever you stay, Kotor looks inredible!
Plenty of great options to choose from, you really can’t go wrong with these.
Looks lovely. Just applied for a house sit here in Kotor, but if I don’t get it, I’m saving this post for reference. 🙂
Good luck on getting the house sit
What a great list – I’d love to stay in apartments in Dobrota. The views of Kotor Bay look so magical!
We absolutely loved the views from Dobrota, especially at sunset.
I came here to say this exact thing! The entrance to the Dobrota apartments so is pretty, but the view of the bay is even prettier!
Looks like some really good options for stays! Great info!
thank you!
So many charming places to stay, I see myself staying at Villa Nikčević, the views are incredible! Thank you for the list.
Agreed, we loved the views from Dobrota!
Such a helpful breakdown, thank you!
Thank you for the feedback
I could see myself spending a night or two in several of these spots. Great list, as always!
Thank you!
We stopped in Kotor when we were on a cruise, and I always said I’d love to go back and actually STAY there! Thanks for this – hopefully we can go back and stay at one of these places someday!
Hope you’re able to make a return trip!
All those old stone buildings are so beautiful. I would be happy to stay at any of these places! Even the budget options look like you’re stepping into a storybook.
That is one of the great things about Kotor old town.
So many charming places to stay in Kotor! I’d love to do a mix between old town and somewhere quieter along the harbor like you mentioned.
That sounds like a great mix to experience both areas.
I would love to explore Kotor and enjoy its scenic views, it’s awesome to stay
somewhere that blends history and elegance with so many palaces around.
Hope you’re able to explore Kotor, we found it a great blend of history, charm, and also outdoor activities.
This looks nice! The Adriatic is on my wish list, but the high hotel and restaurant prices in Croatia put me off so far. I will research Montenegro a bit more
Hope you’re able to visit Montenegro!
So many good options here, it’s going to be hard to pick
I loved Kotor and totally agree that the Hippocampus roof terrace is a big highlight!
Glad you enjoyed it too!
Kotor seems a beautiful place to stay and explore and you have offered a great selection of properties to stay. I would love to stay along the bay but I’m especially drawn to Hotel Villa Duomo for a touch of elegance and old world charm.
We found it hard to choose. Staying on the water often wins out for us wherever we go, but staying right in the heart of old town with its charm is hard to beat.
So many great options, and I really like that you could easily get lost in all the small streets, but my pick would have to be the Hotel Hippocampus – that rooftop terrace is gorgeous
The rooftop terrace at the Hippocampus was a big highlight for us.
Kotor looking like a great place to explore! We were supposed to land here on our cruise but it got shifted to the small (and not exciting) town of Bar. I’ll have to plan to head back with this info. Thanks!
Hope you have a chance to visit again.
Looks like a wonderful place!
It is, thanks!
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Breakfast on the terrace looks heavenly! Thanks for the list.
Thanks for the feedback
We only did Kotor as a day trip, but it sounds like we missed out on so much! Filing away for next time.
Hope you have a chance to pay a return visit.
Love this post, thank you for your detailed research of a number of accommodation provider choices. I’m driving to Montenegro in late August/September and Kotor is definitely a location I’ll be staying.
A road trip to Montenegro sounds like a great way to explore the area.
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