Up-to-date guide for planning where to stay in Kotor. Featuring the best hotels, hostels, and resorts with information on which neighborhood to pick!
Congratulations, you’ve discovered one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Europe. Shaded beneath towering mountain peaks at the edge of the shimmering Adriatic Sea, Kotor Montenegro is an amazing tourist destination offering something for every traveler.
Whether you’re searching for a budget hostel in the heart of the historic Old Town, or a luxury resort in the nearby neighborhoods of Dobrota, Muo, or Prçanj– this guide will have you covered.
I’ll detail the best places to book your accommodation and provide the best hotels for you to consider on your next visit, based on my personal experience & best current hotel deals.
The Quick Answer for Where to Stay in Kotor
The best areas to stay in Kotor are the Old Town, Muo & Prçanj(west side of the bay), or Dobrota (east side of the bay).
Below is a quick roundup of the top-rated picks & recommendations for every budget.
1. Blue Premium Spa Resort Luxury
An Amazing adults-only luxury spa resort overlooking Boca Kotorska.
2. Apartmani Art Karampana Mid-Range
A beautiful apartment in the Old Town district. Rated 9.7 out of 10 with hundreds of reviews.
3. Centrum Hostel Budget
With hundreds of reviews, this is still the best-rated hostel for its location and vibe in Kotor Old Town.
The Best Areas to Stay In Kotor Bay (Neighborhood Guide)
Below are my three recommended areas to base your stay in Kotor.
- Kotor Old Town: The most popular area to stay in Kotor. There are plenty of century-old historic buildings that have been converted into modern hotels, ensuring your stay will be comfortable and close to all the main attractions and activities.
- Muo & Prçanj: The quiet western side of Kotor Bay is a local neighborhood with a few great hotel picks. This is my favorite place to stay in Kotor since it is within walking distance of the Old Town but very calm at night.
- Dobrota: Another popular area just north of the Old Town. Here, travelers will find some modern luxury hotels, as well as some budget picks.
Kotor Old Town - Stay in the Historic Center of Kotor
Kotor is a stunning coastal city sitting on the Adriatic Sea, and the Kotor Old Town is one of the best places to stay in Montenegro.
Home to historic monuments, gorgeous buildings, and beautiful views over Kotor Bay from The Ladder of Kotor, Kotor Old Town doesn't disappoint. Since it's one of the most popular areas to stay, there are plenty of accommodations to suit every budget.
| Hotel | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Hotel Vardar | $$$ |
 | Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro | $$$ |
 | Hotel Monte Cristo | $$$ |
 | Apartmani Art Karampana | $$ |
 | Centrum Hostel | $$ |
1. Hotel Vardar
Situated right in the heart of Kotor Old Town, Hotel Vardar is surrounded by stunning historic buildings.
Hotel Vardar is one of the most beautiful Bay of Kotor hotels as it offers elegantly furnished accommodation and decor that complements the town. Each room has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and seating areas.
Guests can spend their days sipping cocktails on the terrace, relaxing in the wellness center, or exploring the beautiful Old Town of Kotor.
2. Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro
Located in the heart of the UNESCO-protected Kotor Old Town, the Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro boasts stunning rooms in an 18th-century building.
All beautifully decorated rooms in this hotel have a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Being located within Kotor's Old Town, one of the main drawing cards of this hotel are the stunning views of Kotor Bay.
Guests can enjoy local cuisine and international dishes in the hotel's restaurant or indulge in delicious cocktails at the hotel bar.
3. Hotel Monte Cristo
Hotel Monte Cristo is situated in a 13th-century building that once belonged to Kotor's first bishop. If you love history, then this is a Kotor accommodation you have to stay at.
This beautifully restored hotel now features uniquely decorated rooms that match the surroundings of Kotor's Old Town. Each room features air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar.
Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast served on the terrace overlooking a quaint, quiet courtyard. The hotel's restaurant also serves international and traditional cuisine.
Located in one of the best places, Hotel Monte Cristo is within walking distance of Kotor's Marina. From there, you can take a boat trip to Perast, Blue Cave, and Tivat Bay.
4. Apartmani Art Karampana
If you're searching for Kotor Bay accommodation near the beach, look no further than Apartmani Art Karampana.
Only a short walk to Kotor Beach and the center of Old Town Kotor, this is one of the best hotels to stay at if you want to be close to everything. It is just a 1-minute walk from some of the best Pizza and Pasta I have ever tasted at the La Catedral Pasta Bar.
Each guest room at the hotel comes with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a beautiful terrace. However, the main feature of this property is how close it is to popular points of interest.
5. Centrum Hostel
If you want to save some money while staying in the Bay of Kotor, Centrum Hotel is one of the best places to stay.
Located in a beautiful historic building, the hostel features air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge and bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
One of the best things about this Kotor Bay accommodation is that it boasts stunning city views. Spend your days meeting other guests, visiting the Kotor Cats Museum, or wandering the beautiful streets of Kotor Old Town.
Muo or Prčanj - Quiet Side of Kotor Bay
If you want to stay in the beautiful Kotor Bay but want to avoid the crowds, Muo or Prčanj is the area for you. Located on the western side of the bay and accessible only by a one-way road, these towns are hidden gems worth exploring.
Although there aren't a lot of tourist attractions in the area, it's all part of the charm.
| Hotel | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Blue Kotor Bay Resort | $$$ |
 | Apartments Residence Portofino | $$ |
 | Palazzo Sbutega | $$ |
6. Blue Kotor Bay Premium Spa Resort
Want to experience world-class service? Blue Kotor Bay Premiums Spa Resort is one of the best luxury hotels in Kotor.
This stunning adults-only hotel boasts rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities.
The best feature of this hotel is its location. No matter where you look, you're rewarded with stunning sea views. Whether you're relaxing on your balcony or enjoying a meal at the hotel restaurant, the panoramic views will not disappoint.
Spend your days unwinding in the wellness center, lounging by the swimming pool, or soaking up the sun in the hotel's private beach area.
7. Apartments Residence Portofino
If you're looking for Kotor accommodation that is self-sufficient, Apartments Residence Portofino is your best choice.
Featuring an outdoor pool boasting stunning sea views, there is so much to love about this accommodation. Choose from a penthouse apartment or an apartment with sea views to enjoy your stay.
Each apartment has air conditioning, a seating area, and a fully equipped kitchen. There is also free Wi-Fi and free parking onsite.
Guests can enjoy a delicious barbeque on the sun terrace while watching the sunset. Or, if you want to go exploring check out the Fort Vrmac Hike, there are free bikes at your disposal.
8. Palazzo Sbutega
Contemporary design, fantastic amenities, and jaw-dropping views, that is what you can expect when you stay at Palazzo Sbutega.
Featuring mountain views, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace, there is so much to love about this property.
Guests can spend their days by the pool, reading on the terrace, or discovering what the town offers by bike. The property can organize a bike rental for you.
Some popular points of interest near the hotel include Markov Rt Beach and the Kotor Clock Tower.
Dobrota - Close to the Old Town
If you want to be close to Kotor's Old Town but don't want to pay the high prices, Dobrota is the next best thing.
Located a little further up the coast, Dobrota provides a range of accommodations at fantastic prices, beautiful beaches, stunning bay views, and restaurants to choose from.
| Hotel | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Hotel Forza Terra | $$$ |
 | HUMA Kotor Bay Hotel | $$ |
 | Montenegro Hostel 4U Party | $ |
9. Hotel Forza Terra
This 5-star property is one of the best Bay of Kotor hotels, making it a must-stay.
If you're used to getting celebrity treatment, then Hotel Forza Terra is just for you. Located in the Kotor Country Region, this beautiful hotel features an outdoor and indoor pool.
Guests can enjoy the modern air-conditioned rooms fitted with en-suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
Spend your day by the pool, soaking in the hot tub or enjoying the view from the sun terrace with a cocktail in hand.
You can even spend the day exploring Lovcen National Park as the hotel organizes hire cars.
10. HUMA Kotor Bay Hotel and Villas
If staying in an elegant 5-star resort right on the beach is your style, look no further than HUMA Kotor Bay Hotel and Villas.
Set on the seafront and featuring its own private beach area, this hotel showcases the best of what Kotor Bay has to offer.
The hotel has a range of guest rooms and villas with spectacular sea views. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a beach club, and an in-house restaurant.
Guests can spend their days relaxing on the private beach, soaking up the stunning views from their balcony, or exploring the surrounding area.
For ultimate luxury and world-class service, this 5-star property is one of the must-stay Bay of Kotor hotels.
11. Montenegro Hostel 4U Party
For great value accommodation that boasts stunning views, Montenegro Hostel 4U Party is the best place to stay for a low price.
This accommodation has free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and bikes and kayaks for hire.
The rooms come with shared bathrooms and there is also a shared kitchen where you can cook and meet people from around the world.
Guests can spend their days exploring the best tours in Kotor or relaxing at the beach next to the accommodation.
My Hotel Selection Process
- Accommodation Criteria: When selecting the top places to stay in Kotor, I prioritized reviews, location, and price. Each listed accommodation meets this criteria, guaranteeing an unforgettable visit to Kotor.
- My Experience: I only pick hotels that deliver exceptional value. I have personally stayed at many of the hotels listed during my trips to Kotor.
- Top Reviews: All listed hotels show high ratings on booking platforms like Hotels.com, Expedia, and Booking.com. I regularly update these recommendations to ensure accuracy.
- Local Insights: I have stayed at numerous hotels and hostels from the list. I've also engaged with and taken on feedback from other travelers who recommend accommodations based on their location, staff, cost, and proximity to activities.
Read more about how I review & select hotels & accommodations.
I'm Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. Each accommodation option in this guide is handpicked by me. Read my travel review ethics statement.
Looking For Fun Things to Do in Kotor?
Looking for epic outdoor and adventure experiences in Kotor? Below are my top tours in Kotor that I recommend to everyone based on inclusions, price, and customer reviews
1. Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik
Don't have time to stay in Kotor? Visit the top attractions including the old city and bay of Kotor on an easy and cost-effective day trip from the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.
2. Kotor Blue Cave Tour Must-Do
Visit the one and only Blue Cave, as well as the other famous Boka Kotorska highlights including Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula, and the WWII submarine tunnels.
3. Lovcen National Park Day Trip
A 12-hour tour featuring spectacular viewpoints and iconic Montenegrin vistas including Lovcen National Park, Cetinje, the Crnojevic River, and Sveti Stefan.
4. Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Day Trip
An epic day trip to Durmitor Mountain. Visit the deepest canyon in Europe and hike around the iconic black lake.
FAQ About staying in Kotor
What are the best areas to stay in Kotor?
The best places to stay in Kotor are the Old Town for its historic charm, Muo or Prčanj for a quieter experience, and Dobrota for cheaper choices close to the Old Town. I stayed in Muo on my last visit and found the views to be incredible and it was close to many hiking trails like the Fort Vrmac Hike.
Are there budget-friendly options in Kotor?
Absolutely! Centrum Hostel in Kotor Old Town and Montenegro Hostel 4U Party in Dobrota are budget-friendly options with great locations and amenities.
How many days do I need in Kotor?
I suggest staying for at least 3-4 days in Kotor due to the amount of activities and tours that can be done within the area without rushing. It is a great base for those looking to explore the Lovcen National Park or nearby Budva.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kotor?
Kotor is a year-round holiday destination. However, the best time to visit is during the warm summer months, when the weather is calm and pleasant and the bay is great for swimming.
More Kotor & Montenegro Travel & Accommodation Guides
So, now that you know exactly where to stay in Kotor, let's get exploring!
This Montenegrin city is one of my favorite adventure destinations in the Balkans, and there's no shortage of epic things to do!
To start, dive into one of my recent guides below.
- Things to do in Kotor - My comprehensive guide to the best 25+ things to do in Kotor.
- Blue Cave Montenegro Guide - Discover the incredible Blue Cave of Montenegro.
- Ladder of Kotor Hike - Complete hiking guide to the Ladder of Kotor.
- Fort Vrmac Hike - Discover the lesser-known Fort Vrmac Hike for sunset.
- Lovcen National Park - Everything you need to know for visiting Lovcen National Park.
- Accommodation: Find out where to stay in Kotor or where to stay in Budva for great deals!
