Where to stay in Kotor in Montenegro for First Timers – Best areas & hotels.
I will never forget opening my hotel window each morning and seeing the biggest cruise ship pull into the bay.
Then there was the hike…
Starting right behind Stari Grad, climbing above the rooftops to the famous viewpoint, and looking back down over Stari grad and the bay, easily one of the best views I had in the Balkans.
But Kotor isn’t just one place.
Do you stay inside the Old Town walls? Along the quieter waterfront in Dobrota?
Or base yourself in postcard-perfect Perast, where every walk feels cinematic?
What I quickly realised is that where you stay in Kotor completely changes your experience.
Pretty Perast offers a completely different vibe to staying within the narrow alleys of the Stari Grad, but both are equally amazing.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in Kotor, with clear hotel recommendations to help you book the right base first time — without overthinking it.
Magnificent views.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
Quick Mini Guide to Kotor.
Where to Stay:
Stari Grad (Old Town) — Best for First Timers.
Historic, atmospheric, completely walkable.
Hotel Monte Cristo (£££) – Boutique stay inside the Old Town walls, full of character and perfectly located.
Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro (£££) – Stylish waterfront boutique hotel at the Old Town gate, offering larger rooms, bay views, and easy access.
Dobrota — Sea Views & Better Value.
Waterfront, calmer, great for longer stays.
Hotel Libertas (£££) – Modern boutique hotel with bay views and excellent value.
Huma Kotor Bay (££££) – Stylish beachfront resort with pools, spa, and private access to the bay.
Perast — Scenic & Romantic (Optional).
Beautiful but quieter, best for 1–2 nights.
Conte Hotel & Restaurant (£££) – Classic waterfront hotel with postcard views.
Iconic cruise ships are in the port daily.
Understanding Kotor’s Layout (Important for First Timers).
Kotor is small, but where you stay really matters, much more than I expected before arriving.
At the heart of everything is Stari Grad, the medieval Old Town wrapped inside thick stone walls.
This is where Kotor feels most intense and atmospheric, and displays most of its character, which makes it one of the most popular destinations in the Balkans.
I will never forget my first moments exploring the beautiful Old Town, with narrow alleys, church bells echoing through the streets, and the quirkiest cafés tucked into tiny squares.
To add the town’s atmosphere, I kept spotting giant cruise ships pulling into the bay right outside the walls on a daily basis.
I also loved being able to step straight from my hotel into the Old Town, then start the famous hike to the viewpoint just minutes later.
Just north of the Old Town is Dobrota, a long, quiet waterfront stretch along the Bay of Kotor.
This area feels far more relaxed. I noticed bigger hotels, balconies over the water, and a slower pace, especially in the evenings. It’s ideal if you want better sleep, sea swims, and sunset walks without the crowds.
Then a short drive away is Perast.
It’s undeniably beautiful, arguably the most photogenic spot in the bay, but also much quieter. I found it perfect for a few slow nights, aesthetic walks, and soaking up the scenery.
Kotor is compact, so nowhere is ever that far away.
But choosing the right base makes a big difference to price, comfort, noise levels, and the overall feel of your trip, especially if it’s your first time here.
Perast.
Best Area to Stay in Kotor for First Timers – Stari Grad (Old Town).
If it’s your first time in Kotor, Stari Grad (the Old Town) is the best place to base yourself.
This is where I find Kotor feels most atmospheric.
As with all of the popular spots in the Balkans, you should think medieval lanes, stone squares, cafés tucked into courtyards, but then uniquely for Kotor, the bay shimmers just beyond the walls.
You can walk everywhere, soak up the history day and night, and never worry about transport.
I will never forget sitting outside a restaurant looking up at the enormous mountains towering over the small Old Town.
Aesthetically incredible!
Amazing views of Stari Grad.
Why Stay in Stari Grad?
Staying inside the Old Town walls puts you right in the heart of Kotor’s story.
From here, everything that makes Kotor special is on your doorstep, historic sights, restaurants, waterfront walks, and the famous viewpoint hike. For first-time visitors deciding where to stay in Kotor, this is the easiest and most immersive choice.
A quirky corner in the Old Town.
Historic atmosphere & walkability.
Stari Grad is compact and completely walkable.
You’ll step out of your hotel straight into cobbled streets, stone churches, and small squares that feel unchanged for centuries.
I loved being able to explore early in the morning before the cruise crowds arrived, then wander again late at night when the streets emptied and the Old Town felt calmer and more local.
If you want hotels in Kotor Old Town where you can explore without taxis, buses, or planning routes, this is the place.
Some stunning architecture in Stari Grad.
Narrow cobbled alleyways in Stari Grad.
Food, bars & evening atmosphere.
The best restaurants in Kotor are inside the Old Town.
Evenings here are lively, social, and atmospheric, and ideal if you like wandering out after dinner without needing transport.
Staying here means you can enjoy a late drink, stroll back through the alleys, and be in bed within minutes, one of the big advantages of choosing Kotor Old Town accommodation.
Stari Grad is home to typical Balkan squares.
Gateway to the Kotor Viewpoint.
One of the biggest perks of staying in Stari Grad is direct access to the Kotor Viewpoint hike.
The official trail starts right behind the Old Town walls, meaning you can begin early (or late) without commuting.
Most people take the standard paid route that zigzags up the mountain behind the fortress. It’s steep, hot, and very popular, especially mid-morning once the cruise ships arrive
Starting early from the Old Town gives you a huge advantage if you want cooler temperatures and fewer people.
A tough climb was worth the views.
I actually took the ‘secret’ route instead — the free trail that locals quietly recommend. It’s more adventurous, far less crowded, and (in my opinion) more fun, with sections that feel a bit wild rather than touristy.
Climbing above the rooftops and looking back down over Stari Grad, the bay, and the cruise ships slowly gliding in was unreal, easily the highlight of Montenegro.
If this hike is high on your Kotor itinerary, staying inside the Old Town makes it effortless and turns a must-do attraction into a spontaneous, unforgettable experience.
The ‘secret’ back entrance to the fortress.
Beaches right on your doorstep.
While Kotor isn’t a classic sandy-beach destination, staying in Stari Grad (Old Town) still gives you surprisingly good access to the water, and some of the most scenic swims I had anywhere in the Balkans.
Just outside the Old Town walls, small stone jetties and ladder-access swimming spots line the bay.
One of my best memories was walking out of the medieval streets on hot afternoons and jumping straight into the water.
Walking or cycling north toward Dobrota opens up even more quiet waterfront spots, with calmer water and fewer people.
Some of these swims genuinely rival the views I had at Sveti Stefan, which is saying a lot.
Different vibe, obviously, but in terms of dramatic scenery, Kotor Bay is right up there with the very best coastal views in Montenegro.
The beaches are awesome.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations – Stari Grad (Old Town).
Top Pick – Hotel Monte Cristo (£££).
A character-filled boutique hotel inside the Old Town walls, with unique rooms and an unbeatable location. One of the best hotels in Kotor Old Town for first-time visitors who want atmosphere and walkability.
Mid-Range – Hotel Astoria Kotor (£££).
A stylish historic hotel set within a restored palace in the heart of the Old Town. Comfortable rooms, a popular on-site restaurant, and a central yet surprisingly calm location. Ideal if you want classic Old Town charm with dependable comfort.
Mid-Range – Hotel Vardar (£££).
A well-known Old Town hotel overlooking the main square, with modern rooms, excellent breakfast, and easy access to restaurants and bars. A strong choice if you want to stay right in the heart of Kotor.
Stari Grad is full of character.
Best Area for Views & Better Value – Dobrota.
If Stari Grad is all about atmosphere and history, Dobrota is definitely about space, views, and value.
Stretching north along the edge of Kotor Bay, this waterfront neighbourhood feels calmer, more residential, and noticeably better value than staying inside the Old Town walls.
I found Dobrota ideal when I wanted to slow things down a bit, with fewer crowds, more breathing room, and those classic bay views you see all over Instagram.
It’s still close enough to Kotor Old Town to dip in and out easily, but far enough away to feel relaxed.
More peaceful vibes.
Why Stay in Dobrota?
Dobrota is perfect if you want scenery without the Old Town price tag.
Hotels here tend to be newer, rooms are bigger, and many places have balconies or terraces right on the water, something that’s rare (and expensive) inside Stari Grad.
It’s also a great option in peak summer, when Old Town accommodation books out fast or feels a bit claustrophobic. In Dobrota, everything feels more open, calmer, and designed for longer, slower stays.
Waterfront hotels & bay views.
This is where Dobrota really shines.
Many of the best hotels here sit directly on the bay, with uninterrupted views across the water to the mountains.
Sunset is amazing here, as the light hits the bay perfectly, and it feels far more peaceful than the Old Town at the same time of day.
If bay-view hotels near Kotor are high on your list, Dobrota offers some of the best value you’ll find anywhere around the bay.
Bay views are amazing here.
Quieter, more relaxed stays.
Dobrota is noticeably calmer than Stari Grad.
There’s no late-night bar noise, no cruise-ship crowds pouring through narrow streets, and no constant foot traffic outside your door.
Instead, evenings are about slow dinners by the water, sunset walks along the promenade, and genuinely good sleep.
I found it ideal after busy sightseeing days, especially in summer heat.
You’ll still need a short walk, taxi, or boat ride to reach Kotor Old Town, but that trade-off is exactly why many travellers prefer Dobrota.
It’s one of the best places to stay in Kotor for views, comfort, and value, especially if you’re staying more than a couple of nights or visiting during peak season.
Peaceful vibes.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations – Dobrota.
Top Pick – Forza Mare Hotel (£££££).
Widely considered the number one boutique hotel in Dobrota, Forza Mare is a luxury waterfront property with beautifully designed themed suites, a private beach area, spa facilities, and outstanding service. It’s perfect if you want a peaceful, high-end stay on the bay while still being just a short walk or taxi from Kotor Old Town.
Mid-Range – Palazzo Radomiri Hotel (£££).
A restored 18th-century palace right on the water, offering historic charm, elegant rooms, and a quieter, more intimate feel than large resorts. This is a great option if you want a classic Dobrota waterfront hotel with character and bay views.
Mid-Range – Adiya Signature Hotel (£££).
A modern, stylish boutique hotel with clean design, comfortable rooms, and a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the bay. Ideal for travellers looking for a newer hotel in Dobrota with good value, peaceful nights, and scenic walks straight from the doorstep.
A quirky corner of Kotor.
Perast - Scenic but Less Central.
Perast is one of the most beautiful places on the Bay of Kotor, but it’s a very different experience from staying in Kotor itself.
This tiny waterfront town feels slower, quieter, and far more polished, making it ideal for short stays, couples, or travellers who value scenery over convenience.
I didn’t stay here overnight, but I spent enough time wandering Perast to understand exactly why so many people do, and also why it’s not the best base for everyone.
A quieter area.
A daily wander with epic views.
Perast is made for walking. One flat, elegant promenade runs the length of the town, lined with stone palaces, tiny churches, cafés right on the water, and uninterrupted views across the bay.
It was a pleasure achieving my daily step goal here, it feels so cinematic. It felt like I was in a James Bond movie.
Cruise ships were constantly gliding past in the distance, as other boats drifted between the islands, , all with dramatic mountains as the backdrop.
If your idea of a perfect stay involves waterfront cafés, gentle walks, and constant views, Perast delivers that in the perfect way.
A very aesthetic walk.
Romantic, scenic & postcard-pretty.
Perast is easily one of the most romantic places to stay near Kotor.
It’s quiet in the evenings, softly lit, and far less busy than the Old Town. That makes it a popular choice for couples, honeymooners, and travellers booking boutique hotels in Montenegro with sea views.
That said, it’s important to be realistic. Perast has:
Very limited nightlife.
Fewer restaurant choices.
No Old Town buzz or late evenings.
You’ll rely on taxis, boats, or day trips if you want variety, which is fine if you’re here to relax, but less ideal if you want to explore Kotor daily.
If you’re searching for hotels in Perast with bay views, you’ll find some of the prettiest, but it’s best enjoyed as a complement to Kotor, not a replacement.
Pretty Perast.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations – Perast.
Top Pick – Heritage Grand Perast By Rixos (£££££).
The most luxurious place to stay in Perast, set inside a beautifully restored historic palace right on the bay. Expect elegant rooms, waterfront dining, a spa, and calm, five-star service. This is the best choice if you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Perast for a honeymoon, anniversary, or once-in-a-lifetime stay with unbeatable bay views.
Mid-Range – Hotel Conte (£££).
A charming boutique hotel spread across several historic stone buildings along the waterfront. Rooms are traditional but comfortable, many with sea views, and the on-site restaurant is one of the best in town. A fantastic option if you want a central Perast hotel with character, great food, and direct access to the promenade.
My Honest Recommendation.
If it’s your first time in Kotor, stay in Stari Grad (Old Town).
Being able to walk everywhere, soak up the medieval atmosphere, and step straight into the Old Town each morning made the whole experience feel effortless and immersive. I’ve always loved historic Old Towns, and Kotor instantly reminded me of my time wandering the stone streets of Dubrovnik and Zadar.
Both compact and atmospheric.
That said, if I were staying longer, or visiting during peak summer, I’d absolutely split my stay:
2 nights in Stari Grad for history, restaurants, evening atmosphere, and easy access to the viewpoint hike.
2–3 nights in Dobrota for space, calm mornings, bay views, and proper downtime.
Mixing both gave me the best of Kotor. Old Town days meant steps, climbs, and exploring. Dobrota days meant swimming, slowing down, and genuinely relaxing, with one of the most scenic speedboat rides in the Balkans linking the two along the bay.
Kotor is compact, dramatic, and incredibly easy to move around. Choose the right base (or combine two), and it becomes one of the most rewarding stops in Montenegro.
Sailing past Perast on my speedboat tour.
FAQs About Staying in Kotor.
If you’re planning your first trip to Montenegro, these are the questions I get asked most about where to stay in Kotor, which area offers the best value, and how to choose the right hotel for your trip style.
What is the best area to stay in Kotor for first-time visitors?
For most first-time visitors, Stari Grad (Kotor Old Town) is the best place to stay.
It puts you right inside the medieval walls, within walking distance of restaurants, bars, beaches, and the start of the Kotor Viewpoint hike.
If you want the classic experience, such as cobbled streets, candlelit dinners, and everything on your doorstep, then booking a hotel in Kotor Old Town makes exploring effortless, especially for short stays of 2–3 nights.
👉 Check current deals on Kotor Old Town hotels here.
Is it better to stay inside Kotor Old Town or in Dobrota?
It depends on your priorities.
Kotor Old Town hotels are best for atmosphere, nightlife, and walkability.
Dobrota hotels are better if you want quieter nights, waterfront balconies, and more space.
I’d recommend Old Town for first-time visitors, and Dobrota for longer stays or if you’re noise-sensitive. Dobrota still offers excellent value, especially for sea-view hotels in Kotor at lower prices than inside the walls.
Are hotels in Kotor Old Town noisy at night?
They can be, but it varies by street and hotel.
Old Town stays lively in the evenings, especially in summer. Restaurants and wine bars stay open late, and narrow streets echo sound. That said, many boutique hotels in Kotor Old Town are surprisingly well soundproofed.
If you’re a light sleeper, choose a hotel slightly away from the main squares, or consider waterfront hotels in Dobrota for better sleep quality.
Kotor at night.
Is Perast a good place to stay instead of Kotor?
Perast is stunning, but it works best as a romantic base or short stay, not a first base for exploring Kotor.
Hotels in Perast offer postcard views and peaceful evenings, but dining options are limited and you’ll need transport to reach Kotor’s attractions. I loved walking Perast at sunset, but I was glad I stayed in Kotor and visited Perast as a day trip.
If it’s your first visit, staying in central Kotor accommodation is far more practical.
Are hotels in Kotor expensive?
Compared to Western Europe, Kotor hotels offer excellent value, especially outside peak summer weeks.
You’ll find:
Affordable guesthouses in Old Town.
Mid-range boutique hotels with breakfast included.
Waterfront hotels in Dobrota with balconies for less than you’d expect.
Booking early is key though, as the best hotels in Kotor Montenegro sell out fast, especially in cruise season.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.