Hotel Hippocampus, Kotor, Montenegro - Explore & Book

"Kotor’s UNESCO-listed Old Town resembles a stolen corner of Venice, hidden in Montenegro's most sheltered bay. Inside the near Millennia-old fortified walls, narrow walkways meander between pretty piazzas, historic churches and thriving cafés. So far, so Venice - and the similarities are understandable. The floating city ruled over Kotor Bay for centuries; glance skywards and you’ll still see the Lion of St Mark presiding over many doorways. But while Venice has become one of the world’s favourite tourist destinations, Kotor offers a much more manageable and authentic experience, particularly outside the summer season. A visit to this understated gem requires an abode to match, and Hotel Hippocampus is just that. On the narrowest street in town, 9 Balkan-chic rooms and a sophisticated restaurant are concealed behind its unassuming 17th-century facade. Inside, sumptuous plum sofas, gilded doors and original abstract artworks are balanced by rustic bare walls and polished stone floors. Days are a blissful mix of lazy courtyard breakfasts, sunny strolls by the water and dusky evenings sipping sundowners on the romantic terrace. We can’t wait to return. Highs Opened in 2012, it's Kotor’s standard bearer for artful Balkan renovation and even won the Montenegrin Wild Beauty Award for best new coastal hotelThe elegant roof terrace and restaurant courtyard provide plenty of space to soak up the glorious Montenegrin sunshineA great Italian-influenced menu in the restaurant; the hotel also owns a less formal pizzeria just around the cornerThere’s more to Kotor than the Old Town: climb the 1,350 steps of St John’s Fort, book a boat trip around the bay, or lounge on one of the nearby beachesA stay in Montenegro is easily combined with a few nights in Dubrovnik (Croatia), which is just up the coast and served by plenty of international flights Lows The town-centre location means rooms lack dramatic views and tend to look over the narrow, time-worn streetsThere are a small number of bars playing music opposite the hotel in high season, and some guest feedback suggests sound can carry acrossWe encountered minor translation issues with some reception staff, but most guests are greeted by reservations manager Zana, who is an excellent hostRestaurant service, while always friendly and efficient, may lack precisionA strict cancellation policy" - Melissa Burfitt