Should I stay in Dobrota or Kotor Old Town?
Are you planning a trip to Montenegro but are unsure whether to stay in Kotor Old Town or Dobrota? There are concerns about the noise levels inside the Old Town walls to consider, but how easy will it be to get around if you choose accommodation outside the Old Town, for example in Dobrota.
Then there’s the question of how close you’ll be to the incredible Kotor Bay scenery and boat trips you’ve been dreaming about.
All in all, choosing where to stay in Kotor can start to feel a bit overwhelming when planning your trip to Montenegro. That’s why I’ve written this guide.
As a seasoned traveller, who travels without a car (and who values a good night’s sleep), I recommend staying in Dobrota, over the Old Town in Kotor. I stayed in Dobrota and explored other nearby neighbourhoods, to give you the information on the benefits of each of them. I’ve got all the info to share with you to help you make that all important decision about where is the best place to stay in Kotor.
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Is it better to stay in Dobrota than Kotor Old Town?
Peace and quiet
There are plenty of benefits to staying in Dobrota, a neighbourhood to the north of the Old Town, based along the coast.
I loved my weeklong stay in Dobrota. It’s a much more peaceful location than the Old Town.
One of the biggest advantages of basing yourself in Dobrota is simply the fact that it’s a lot quieter than the noisy hustle and bustle of the Old Town.
Close to the Old Town
Dobrota is ideally located, it’s close enough to Kotor Old Town to walk there each day or night but far enough away that your chances of a good night’s sleep are better. You can easily make the most of all the reasons that Kotor’s worth visiting from Dobrota.
In fact, the 20 minute evening stroll along the water’s edge promenade was one of my favourite things about Dobrota. The wonderful views of sparkling lights across the whole of the bay, the boats bobbing in the water and the odd cat or two to keep you company. Pure bliss.
Be aware that there are some hillside properties in Dobrota that might require more effort to get up to them. Stay in a waterfront property to avoid this.
Good transport links
Staying in Dobrota means you can enjoy easy to access transport options. Buses stop at the bus stop next to the Dobrota medical centre.
Long distance buses as well as local buses stop here. I was able to stop here on my bus trip from Durmitor National Park (Zabljak) to Kotor.
Taxis are usually parked up by the waterside or you can book via Whatsapp and only pay a couple more euros than the trip to the Old Town. Uber does not operate in Kotor.
If you fancy heading out on two wheels, bike hire is available in Dobrota on your doorstep from the lovely people at the Multisport Shop and Café.
Boat tours
One of the best activities in Kotor, a boat tour of Kotor Bay, is available right from the Dobrota waterside. You don’t have to walk into the Old Town to get one.
Restaurants and bars
Although Dobrota is quieter than the Old Town, there are still several bars, restaurants and takeaway places dotted along the shore.
For a quick bite on the go, grab a huge giro from King of Giros. For a sit down meal, there are various good options, including Moment, Platanus and Tiha Noć.
Price
Much of the accommodation in Dobrota is cheaper than in the Old Town and you can get more for your money.
Places to stay in Dobrota
Kotor Lux apartments and rooms
Rated 9.8 out of 10 on booking.com. The modern and clean Kotor Lux apartments and rooms comes with views of the Bay of Kotor from the balcony. Conveniently located only 15 minutes walk from Kotor and only a few minutes from restaurants, a super market and boat tours of the bay.
The wonderfully spacious S&T Apartmani is located right on the bay front. Views from the balcony are outstanding. The apartment is large, with two rooms and a large living room and kitchen. WiFi works well and the host is very kind and helpful.
Montenegro Hostel 4U
For cheap accommodation check out Montenegro Hostel 4U in Dobrota. It’s right next to Kotor beach, which you can make the most of by taking out one of the kayaks. This is a sociable hostel with an emphasis on fun. There are regular organised activities to help you make new friends on your trip.
Is Kotor Old Town a good base?
Although I would pick a stay in Dobrota over the Old Town, there are still some good reasons to base yourself in Kotor’s centre.
History
Booking accommodation in Kotor’s Old Town is a good option if staying in the heart of the historic city is a priority for you.
The idea of waking up in the Old Town and stepping out into the beautiful historic streets is an appealing one.
Convenience
It’s easy to visit Kotor’s old city walls, hike up the Ladder of Kotor and book boat trips around Kotor Bay right from the Old Town.
Staying in the Old Town also means you’ll be close to Kotor’s transport links, with the bus station just a 5 minute walk outside the southern end.
You can also get here quickly from the Dubrovnik to Montenegro ferry, which stops at Budva, 35 minutes away.
However, there are several drawbacks of staying in Kotor’s Old Town.
Noise
Kotor Old Town is lively, especially in peak tourist season. If you’re looking for peace and quiet or want to avoid noise at night, the bustling restaurants and bars that fill the Old Town could be a reason to look outside of the Old Town for your accommodation in Kotor.
Avoid staying somewhere near the main squares if you do want to stay in the Old Town.
Whilst Kotor Old Town is undeniably beautiful, it gets very busy, particularly when the cruise ships are docked. For a more authentic, local experience, try venturing out to accommodation in the nearby villages and quieter areas included in this guide.
Accessibility
Access to the Old Town is prohibited for cars, so if you have heavy luggage that you don’t want to drag through the cobbled streets, or mobility requirements, it might be better to stay elsewhere.
Price
Staying in the heart of Kotor’s historic Old Town comes at a cost. Hotels and apartments in this part of Kotor are not cheap and book up quickly.
There are more affordable options just outside the town, which are still close enough that you can enjoy the Old Town’s attractions and restaurants.
Places to stay in Kotor Old Town
Here are three top choices for accommodation in Kotor Old Tsown, depending on budget:
Stay in the four star Boutique Hotel Astoria in the centre of Kotor’s Old Town for a luxury break. Rooms are tastefully decorated in a traditional style with a modern twist. Guest rate this hotel a near perfect 9 out of 10 on booking.com.
Offering a quiet location inside the Old Town, the Lana & Ena Apartments are highly rated. Enjoy clean and comfortable accommodation with friendly hosts to help you.
For an economical stay right in the Old Town of Kotor, book the Old Town Youth Hostel. Free WiFi is standard and there’s air conditioning in the property. As well as dorms, you can book a private room.
Best areas to stay in Kotor
As well as Kotor’s Old Town and Dobrota, there are some other nearby areas that you could use as your base.
Is it better to stay in Muo or Prčanj?
The areas of Muo and Prčanj form the opposite coast to Dubrota. Muo (also written as Myo) blends into Prčanj.
Both areas are quiet and Muo close to Old Town of Kotor.
The traditional architecture here is beautiful. There are lovely properties with incredible views over the bay.
These villages have a more traditional feel to them than Dobrota but are a little further away from Kotor. You could walk to the Old Town from Muo and you could take a taxi for a few euros from Prčanj.
The many little beaches and bay side resting spots are so appealing along this stretch of coast.
Whilst nowhere near as bustling as the Old Town of Kotor, the Muo coast is dotted with restaurants, small supermarkets and bakeries.
I had delicious fresh pastries on my trip. This area is perfect if you want to feel like you’re staying somewhere authentic but don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere.
Places to stay in Muo and Prčanj
A short 15 minute walk to the Old Town, Posto Capitano C Group are highly rated apartments, with a pool and balcony. Bike rental is available from the property and car parking is on-site.
Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort
Treat yourself to a luxury break in Kotor at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort. With a wellness spa, in-house piano lounge and two pools, this place was made for relaxation. Views over Kotor Bay are incredible.
Is it better to stay in Perast or Kotor?
Perast is gorgeous, there’s no denying it. It’s got more than its fair share of wonderful historic buildings. Walking amongst its alleys, it seems like you come across another impressive church around each little corner.
However, all this beauty comes at a cost and that is, people. Tonnes of them. Perast is a key stop on the boat trips from Kotor and, as such, walking along the front can feel like more you’re in busy London than seaside Montenegro.
Getting to Kotor from Perast is too far to walk for a day out, so you need to rely on buses, taxis or rent your own car to get there. Journey time is 20 minutes.
However, once the boat trips have died down for the evening, Perast becomes less busy. It’s much smaller than Kotor Old Town and has some exclusive hotels which offer incredible service.
Perast is also close to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, so if you want to get there early to beat the crowds, a stay in Perast would be a good option.
Places to stay in Perast
Stay at the Conte Hotel & Restaurant for a restful and indulgent break in Perast. Located in a protected heritage building, you can soak up the history whilst enjoy modern amenities. Guests love the comfortable beds and welcoming staff. Dine in the on-site restaurant to experience delicious cuisine.
For a more economical stay in Perast, book the Villa & Apartments Perasto. This highly rated property offers gorgeous views of the Bay of Kotor. The terrace makes for a great place to have breakfast, which you can prepare yourself in your self-catering apartment.
Is it better to stay in the modern part of Kotor?
If you want to stay in Kotor but avoid the Old Town, there is accommodation available outside the city walls. Staying in the less historic part of Kotor means prices are lower and availability is better.
You’re also close enough to enjoy all the delights of the Old Town, as it’s only a short walk away.
The bus station is nearby for easy onward transport connections. This area of Kotor feels busier and more crowded than Dobrota and Muo, so look to those first if atmosphere and peace and quiet are priorities for you.
Where to stay in Kotor without a car
I travel exclusively without a car found it easy to get around Kotor. I stayed in Dobrota, which was very convenient. It has its own bus stop and is only around 20 minutes’ walk into the main bus station (depending which end of Dobrota you stay in).
Taxis only cost a few euros more than if booking them to or from Kotor Old Town and they can pick you up from right outside your accommodation (which isn’t possible in the Old Town).
Similarly, Muo would make a good option if you’re looking for where to stay in Kotor without a car. However, it’s slightly further away from Kotor Old Town and not as well linked by buses.