Best Hotels in Ulcinj
The southern holiday resort of Ulcinj has an interesting history dating back to the Iron Age, with the Romans capturing it (from the Illyrians) in 163 BC. Today, the lively, family-friendly beachfront promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes and – together with the well-preserved old town – has made Ulcinj the second-most visited destination in Montenegro.
Tourism started to develop here as early as the 1950s, and while the coastline has since been plastered with apartment buildings and guest houses, there is a growing selection of historic boutique hotels within the ancient city walls, and new resort-style hotels on Long Beach and surroundings, for every taste and budget.
Centuries-old Venetian and Ottoman townhouses have been lovingly transformed into charming, luxurious retreats with contemporary decor and fittings, offering visitors to Ulcinj the utmost Mediterranean experience without sacrificing the comfort and amenities expected from modern hotels.
Ulcinj
The historic old town of Ulcinj is considered by many one of the most beautiful in Montenegro. This fortified town has a variety of restaurants and boutique hotels.
Hotel Palata Venezia
Gani Resulbegovic, one of Ulcinj’s most prominent hoteliers, is the visionary behind the 4-star Hotel Palata Venezia, a boutique retreat that is located in the heart of the old town, overlooking the Adriatic. The thirty-one rooms strike just the right balance between its classic origins, with natural hues and timeless furniture, and contemporary touches in the form of vibrant paintings and carpets.
Despite their small stone facade, these lovingly restored townhouses feature both a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a small spa area with a sauna, just two details that bring it up to today’s visitor expectations. And besides private beach access, hotel guests can learn more about Ulcinj’s interesting history of piracy in the hotel’s own maritime museum.
Villa Dulcinea
Named after a character in Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote, Villa Dulcinea is excellently situated on a tranquil side street of the historic town center. This 2-star hotel also houses a restaurant – with the same name and one of the best in Ulcinj – facing the beachfront and looking across at the lights around the port and promenade.
It serves creative Mediterranean dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood, and a complimentary a la carte breakfast which can also be enjoyed al fresco. Retaining traditional details such as exposed stone walls, all of the 13 hotel rooms are charming, and the best of them also come with a sea view. Similar to other old town hotels that are squeezed into old stone houses, the standard double rooms are on the smaller side.
Barjaktar Boutique Hotel
Set on the cliffs adjacent to St. Nicholas’ Church, and just a stone’s throw away from a small cove beach (with your own private beach section), the views from the Barjaktar Boutique Hotel on the ancient city walls of the old town are genuinely breathtaking. Opened in 2021, this fine retreat has quickly established itself as one of the leading boutique hotels in Montenegro.
Each of the 20 suites, of which the smallest one measures a roomy 35m2, feels distinctly upscale and thoughtfully appointed, with contemporary, luxurious fixtures, and select residences boasting hot tubs and sea views. The first rough diamond of this hotel is its surprisingly comprehensive spa and wellness center which comes with a heated indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub alongside a well-equipped gym.
The other is the charming wine cellar and wine-tasting room, where hotel guests can taste the delicious and autochthonous Vranac Wine and other zesty and refreshing drops from the hotel owner’s wine production. This wellness-centered boutique stay is particularly popular with holidaying, epicurean couples of all ages.
Vranac Wine
Montenegro’s most popular vino pairs exceptionally well with red meats and fatty cheeses. Vranac Wine is made from an autochthonous grape variety.
Hotel Maris
You can already see it from the outside – this brand-new boutique hotel packs a lot of leisure potential behind its walls. Understated luxury is well-supplied at this hotel which sits in a peaceful neighborhood, not too far away from the Ulcinj’s low-key nightlife, but secluded enough for a relaxing night of sleep.
The fantastic roof terrace boasts an infinity pool and provides panoramic views of the old town, while the adjoining restaurant serves complimentary breakfast (with lots of fresh fruits) and Adriatic cuisine with a twist. Enjoy vibrant sunsets from Hotel Maris rooftop bar or meander to the hotel’s private beach, only a couple of steps away
New Hotel Mediteran
Although one of Ulcinj’s first hotels, dating back to Tito’s Yugoslavia of the 1960s, the New Hotel Mediteran is distinctly contemporary, both in atmosphere and facilities. The recent makeover has given this pet-and-family-friendly hotel a sharp, sophisticated look, fully deserving of its four-star superior categorization.
The commodious and modern rooms are charming and minimal, with ultra-comfortable beds and all the amenities a sophisticated traveler has gotten accustomed to. The large outdoor pool and sun terraces are just 500 meters away from Small Beach and Ulcinj”s seaside walkway, which is lined with cafes and restaurants.
Aparthotel Eneida
Aparthotel Eneida is tucked into a serene neighborhood comprising a mix of vacation rentals, residential homes, and a few other hotels and guesthouses, within a 10-minute walking distance from the old town along the beautiful coastal road. It has the rare and enviable privilege of access to a private cove beach.
The terraced and beautifully landscaped gardens are a lovely spot for unwinding, boasting both a freeform pool and a small kid’s playground while overlooking the walled city and the crystal-clear Adriatic. The exceptionally spacious rooms are air-conditioned with contemporary bathrooms, some offering beautiful sea views.
Kulla e Balshajve (Dvori Balsica)
Hovering above the Adriatic Sea, this three-star boutique hotel has striking views over Ulcinj’s city beach from its prime location on the main old town square, just a few steps from the lighthouse. Young couples as well as older visitors will appreciate the convenience of staying so close to an abundance of good restaurants and the lively promenade below.
The hotel interior is immediately welcoming and cozy (probably too traditional and rustic for some), with natural tones, dark wooden furniture, and ceiling timber cladding. It’s a homely retreat where all eight residences have been given their unique personality, but all have one thing in common: comfortable beds, perfect for recharging after a long, sunny day.
Ulcinj’s City Beach
Sweeping along the entire width of Ulcinj’s coastal promenade, Small Beach is your typical city beach that can get jam-packed during the peak summer season.
Mashtra – The Olive House
Sitting on dozens of acres of olive orchards, Mashtra – The Olive House is ideal for unwinding in a countryside ambiance, set in a quiet location but still well connected to the city center. People who come here are in search of a true refuge in which nature is as much the luxury as the beautifully designed boutique property.
Food at Mashtra is sourced locally wherever possible and is almost always accompanied by farm-fresh olives and a bottle of local Montenegrin wine. The hotel only boasts ten individually appointed rooms and suites, with rustic hand-made touches throughout, and luxurious, free-standing bathtubs in its more exclusive residences.
Hotel Pirate
A heritage boutique stay that is still transitioning from its former existence as a hostel, Pirate is housed in a lovingly restored stone building in a peaceful corner of the old town. Guests will appreciate the friendly service and breathtaking views out across the Adriatic, which are truly spectacular from the sea-facing rooms.
The hotel’s restaurant Pirate serves creative seafood and meat dishes, and a complimentary breakfast which can also be savored on the picturesque outdoor terrace. A good choice for traveling couples, but less so for unfit and older visitors because of the many steps and stairs leading up to it – and there is no elevator.
Hotel Nobel
When running a hotel means achieving your lifelong dream, expect a heartening experience, where every detail has been taken care of. The cordial host Nedzad Hasanaga and his family ensure that guests are looked after in a natural, empathetic way that perfectly fits the style of this small 17-room hotel, which finds itself just a short walk away from the old town and beachfront.
With comfortably sized rooms and first-class service, this gem of a hotel prides itself as one of the best boutique stays in Ulcinj – the ideal spot to lose track of time. It offers a small selection of rooms decorated in a soothing color scheme with modern furnishings and fixtures. The hotel restaurant offers particularly great cuisine, served at the breakfast and dinner buffets.
Citadela
Only a handful of rooms comprise the family-friendly Citadela Hotel, a lovingly refurbished boutique stay housed in a heritage building, not far from the entrance to the old town. The rooms exude traditional Montenegrin coastal charm, with antique wooden furnishings yet contemporary bathrooms complete with walk-in showers, rainfall shower heads, and modern fixtures.
Just a stone’s throw away from top-notch restaurants, beautiful coves, and Ulcinj’s lively seaside promenade. Citadela is an editor’s favorite for its holistic and congenial approach to hospitality and its perfect location, offering the ideal base for exploring Ulcinj and its surroundings. A delicious breakfast is included in the hotel booking, which guests can also enjoy outside of ordinary hours.
Ulcinj’s Much-Praised Eateries
Discover the best restaurants in Ulcinj, from refined venues with sweeping terraces and menus of fresh fish and seafood to hidden gems serving affordable local fare.
Carolea Villas
Surrounded by centuries-old olive groves, between Valdanos Beach and Ulcinj’s old town, the Carolea Villas offer a home-from-home experience, a place where visitors can switch off from daily stressors and finally find relaxation. It’s a beautiful homely rural retreat, housed in low-key Mediterranean-style villas, with slow Montenegrin country living at its heart.
This family-owned estate is complete with a picturesque outdoor swimming pool and views of rolling hills dotted with olive trees as far as the eye can see. The hotel focuses on crafting a peaceful, contemporary space, which it achieves through light, spacious interiors using natural materials and color palettes.
Valdanos Beach
One of Ulcinj’s most picturesque coves, surrounded by olive trees and clear waters, Valdanos Beach used to be a military holiday resort but is now open to the general public.
Boutique Hotel Pino
The Pino Boutique Hotel is truly designed with relaxation and your wellness in mind, offering sea views from the scenic infinity pool, and a lush landscaped garden with swing chairs and Bali beds. All of the 13 guestrooms are elaborate and spacious, enhanced with elegant yet contemporary interior decor.
Although this gem of a boutique retreat does not have a restaurant, you are treated to a surprisingly rich breakfast buffet consisting of fresh pastries, a variety of egg dishes, and freshly squeezed juices. Pino sits right in Ulcinj’s coastal pine forest, within a 10-minute walking distance of the walled old town and promenade.
Montenegro’s Longest Beach
The Long Beach in Ulcinj extends 12 kilometers around a pine-backed headland. The waters are shallow and the water entry is gentle, perfect for families with children!