Palazzo Radomiri has a real blend of international elegance about it, from the Moroccan-style outdoor snugs to the Mediterranean-Balkan fusion fare in its restaurant - and luxe elements mingle happily with the exposed stone and rugged scenery of its setting. Built at the height of Kotor Bay’s time under Venetian rule, this Baroque property was one of many weekend homes that sprung up in Dobrota for affluent traders. They’d spend their week living and working in Old Town Kotor, before sailing along the coast for a few days of peace in their waterfront palazzo. And just like the 18th-century Radomiri family, guests still flock here to enjoy the tranquil seaside beauty of this unassuming village.
Converted to a hotel in 2006, the palazzo now holds 10 antiques-filled bedrooms (each with an expansive sea view), as well as a bistro-style courtyard, a pool and a sun-drenched jetty leading into the bay’s crystalline water - to resist a swim is inconceivable! Mountains wall the coast and after a couple of days relaxing you'll find yourself wanting a little activity and adventure. No problem. Start with a morning yoga class overlooking the sea, then hire bicycles and kayaks or take a private boat trip to discover your very own corner of Kotor Bay.
Highs
- The stone architecture mirrors that of Kotor's historic walled Old Town, a beautiful spot for a day out and just 4km along the coast
- A sublimely peaceful place to unwind and the Junior Suite is ideal for honeymooners with its ancient stone balcony overlooking the bay
- Good value - and rates include breakfast and tax
- Aquamarine waters, verdant hillsides and craggy mountains define the region, and making the most of them is easy with bikes, kayaks and guided excursions all available from the hotel; great for outdoorsy families
- You're only 90 minutes south of the Croatian border, so Dubrovnik and its airport are within easy reach (plus Tivat airport now operates more flights than before)
Lows
- Breakfast was a little underwhelming when we visited, but the menu has since changed considerably and feedback is good
- 65% of your stay must be paid on reservation
- The 18th-century courtyard dining space only has glimpses of the sea
- There are a lot of steps between the various elements of the hotel, so it's not ideal for those with limited mobility or for toddlers
- Those seeking nightlife and excitement may prefer to be in central Kotor
Best time to go
Montenegro is busiest during the long, hot summer (June-August). We prefer visiting in spring or early autumn, when the temperatures are still high enough for swimming but it's easier to explore the country's stunning landscape. As autumn progresses into winter, rainstorms become more prevalent and many coastal businesses close; Palazzo Radomiri tends to close from early October until the beginning of April.
Our top tips
If you drive up to Lovcen national park, stop off in Njegusi: this tiny village produces excellent prosciutto and cheese, which can be bought from local stallholders. We also picked up some beautiful handmade wool slippers while there.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
We loved the hotel, stone built, with courtyards and terraces. We had a balcony overlooking the bay, giving us stunning views. The staff were fantastic and breakfast was perfect. We rode the bikes into town, swam in the sea, sunbathed off the jetty and watched the world go by. It was lovely and highly recommended.
Beautiful spot on the Bay of Kotor, approx 45 minute walk into the old town. We loved being away from the hustle and bustle but close enough if we wanted it.
Anna and her team provided an excellent attentive service without being overbearing and the hotel and grounds are kept beautifully
Thank you for a super holiday Anna
The most beautiful hotel in an idyllic setting, the location, the building and the rooms, the quality of the service and staff at the hotel is really perfect.
Located directly on the waterfront we were able to sunbathe on private loungers, step directly down into the water from a beautiful jetty and swim. There is also a beautifully maintained pool and a lovely upper terrace with a gorgeous view where a daily morning yoga class is held by an excellent Yoga teacher.
The breakfast was delicious and plentiful and the hotel staff could not do enough to assist us with booking restaurants, speed boat tours, supplying great info on the local area and warmly chatting to us about the local area.
SUP’s, Kayaks and bikes are for hire and there are many beautiful restaurants within walking distance, it’s perfect for couples and families with older children and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves the water.
I would return without a moments hesitation and flying to Tivat from Gatwick was very easy, with a 20 min transfer time.
Wow, what a wonderful hotel! Could not recommend this place more highly. A really peaceful atmosphere, with numerous places to sit and chill with a book, but not easy to concentrate with those breath taking views of the bay. The location couldn't be better - right by the water for swimming, and a lovely walk into Kotor or to one of the numerous bars/restaurants along the water front.
There is a jetty right outside the hotel with sun loungers, an attentive bar man should you want refreshments but we also made the most of the activities they offered - hiring bikes and paddle boards. Also highly recommend the Hawaiian massage.
And the highlight for us was Anna the hotel owner. She made us feel so welcome and was really classy the way she managed to be super attentive but create a relaxed vibe. Will def return here!
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape