Montenegro is astounding, from the deep blue waters of the Bay of Kotor to the sandy beaches of the Budva Riviera and the soaring mountains of the interior. The country’s most sumptuous resorts line the shores of the Bay of Kotor, a world unto its own, sheltered by rugged limestone slopes. These properties offer chic contemporary design, lavish accommodation and lush spas, along with private sailing tours around the bay – the best way to explore it is by boat.
But Montenegro is as much about luxury as it is about adventure. Lovers of wild landscapes can try hiking and cycling in the mountains (the country has five national parks), rafting down the Unesco-listed Tara River Canyon, and kayaking through water lilies on Lake Skadar (look out for pelicans).
You’ll dine well too, on fresh Adriatic fish and seafood along the coast, and rustic inland specialities, including pršut (similar to Italian prosciutto), Njeguši cheese (sheep’s cheese) and roast lamb, which pair perfectly with Montenegro’s full-bodied Vranac red wine.
How we review
All our reviewers are either resident destination experts or travel writers that specialise in hotels. Often they will have stayed at a hotel many times and so can see how it has changed for better or worse over the years. They know what makes a great hotel in that particular destination and will compare it contextually against local competition. When our reviewers first visit a hotel, they stay for at least one night, eat one meal in addition to breakfast and will experience all of the facilities on offer. Whichever category of room they stay in, they will see the entry-level rooms in order to assess them.
After their stay, our reviewers then give the hotel six scores out of 10, rating its location, style and character, service and facilities, rooms, food and drink, and value for money. The average of these scores then determines the overall score. Our experts then select reviews for curated lists like this – the best hotels in a particular destination for families, for instance – together with the Telegraph Hotels team.
At a glance: the best hotels in Montenegro
Best luxury hotel in Montenegro: Regent Porto Montenegro
Best budget hotel in Montenegro: Conte Hotel & Restaurant
Best hotel for fitness and wellbeing in Montenegro: SIRO Boka Place