Podgorica is one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, making it extremely easy to explore. This also means you don’t have to spend a long time enjoying everything the city has to offer. During our trip, we had a lot of fun exploring the exciting cafe culture, sampling the delicious food, and enjoying the hotel facilities. Trust us; staying at a top hotel in Podgorica, Montenegro, can make a world of difference. But with so many hotels to choose from, which one should you consider? Fret not, as we’ve stayed at some of the best, so you can have an easier time deciding which hotel to book. We’ve handpicked the best choices, from 5-star hotels to budget-friendly accommodations. So, let’s not waste any more time and check out our picks.
Table of contents
- Hotel Resurs
- Marienplatz Podgorica
- Hotel Kerber
- Hotel Aria
- Perla Residence Hotel & SPA
- Hotel Ziya
- Ramada by Wyndham Podgorica
- CUE Podgorica
- Hotel Aurel
- Hotel Hemera
- Hotel Podgorica
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Podgorica, Montenegro
- Is it worth visiting Podgorica?
- Is Podgorica safe at night?
- How long do you need in Podgorica?
Hotel Resurs
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The first hotel on this list is Hotel Resurs, a contemporary 4-star hotel that puts you within a short walk away from some of the city’s must-visit attractions. It took us roughly 15 minutes to reach the Temple of Christ’s Resurrection on foot, which was pretty fast. In addition to that, places like the Millennium Bridge and Republic Square are also within easy reach. Not familiar with the area? Just talk to the friendly staff. They’re very nice and will gladly let you know where to go and what to avoid.
At this hotel, you’ll find bright guestrooms with spotless bathrooms. Personally, we fancy the neutral color palette as it makes each room feels more calming and comfy. It doesn’t matter whether you stay in a single or double room as both are equally nice. After a good night’s sleep, we’d enjoy the breakfast buffet each morning. It’s available from 7 to 10 AM.
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Marienplatz Podgorica
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Best Concept. Marienplatz Podgorica has to be one of the most unique stays in Podgorica. This is because you can find a beerhouse inside the hotel! Located right in the heart of the city, this German-inspired hotel features a cool beerhouse with plenty of draft beer. Of course, we visited the beerhouse a few times during our stay and enjoyed the sausages, burgers, and pizza that go well with the beer.
Another unique thing about this hotel is its guestrooms. They have quirky names like Drunk Playroom and Mum’s Alcoholic. But despite that, all of them are exceptionally clean and fitted with modern amenities. Most of them are also decorated with bold prints, which surely will attract younger travelers.
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Hotel Kerber
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Like many other accommodations on this list, Hotel Kerber also benefits from a central location. Though we only spent a night at this hotel, we can say that this hotel is a nice option for budget-conscious travelers. Nothing is too fancy here. However, it’s only steps away from the main street, which is bustling with nightlife. And considering this is a budget hotel, we were surprised by the quality of the breakfast. We had a lot of options to choose from, and all of them were fresh.
Now, the rooms are on the smaller side. After all, this isn’t a fancy hotel. However, based on our experience, we still managed to have a good night’s sleep. The bed was comfy, and it was surprisingly peaceful despite the street noise outside. It also had everything we needed, like a minibar and toiletries. Those on a super tight budget can consider booking one of the economy rooms.
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Hotel Aria
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Best Airport Hotel. Unlike most of our picks, Hotel Aria isn’t set in the heart of Podgorica. It’s a few miles from the city center and a nice option for those who plan to only stay a night or two in the city. How come? Well, that’s because this place is literally right beside Podgorica Airport. We only spent a day here, but we saw many guests take the complimentary airport shuttle. This facility is surely a huge plus, especially for those who don’t drive. You can rent a car from the hotel so getting around the city will be a breeze.
Aside from being near the airport, we also think this hotel is a great option for families. First of all, there’s an indoor play area where kids can have fun. The weather in Podgorica can be pretty unforgiving during July and August. Luckily, this hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool, so everyone can take a dip and beat the heat. Best of all, breakfast and parking are both complimentary.
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Perla Residence Hotel & SPA
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Northwest of the heart of the city is Perla Residence Hotel & SPA. Offering affordable accommodations, this hotel is known for its amazing spa and wellness center (hence, the name). Our expectations were high, and they were all met. We would take a dip in the indoor swimming pool or work out in the fitness center whenever we could. After that, we’d end our workout session with a few minutes in the sauna.
We were also happy to know that the staff was knowledgeable and helpful. They’d help us organize trips and let us know some insider tips. And if you want to explore the hotel’s surrounding area, you can consider renting one of the hotel’s bikes. When it comes to accommodations, most of them are apartments, which come with a kitchen and dining area. But if you’re too tired to cook, you can enjoy the hotel’s buffet breakfast or explore the eateries nearby instead.
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Hotel Ziya
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Best Wellness Facilities. Hotel Ziya is a 5-star hotel in Podgorica, Montenegro, that’s great for those who want to stay somewhere cozy. This hotel boasts an awesome wellness area in the quiet part of downtown. After visiting the nearby Donja Gorica Forest Park and other nearby attractions, we would head back to the hotel and have a relaxing massage. In addition to that, the hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, hydromassage tubs, and a sauna.
Though only 28 guestrooms and suites are on the property, they’re nothing short of comfy. All of them have a similar vibe, where they’re all fitted with plush bedding, soundproofed windows, and spacious bathrooms. Meanwhile, the high ceilings and neutral color palettes make them feel extra spacious and luxurious.
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Ramada by Wyndham Podgorica
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You don’t always have to stay at a super fancy hotel to have the best experience, and Ramada by Wyndham Podgorica is proof. There are so many reasons why adore this hotel. For one, the staff was nothing but friendly to us throughout our stay. They were always willing to go the extra mile, making sure that we had a pleasant stay. Furthermore, the location of this hotel is simply amazing. That’s because the Mall of Montenegro is conveniently next door. Whenever we wanted to buy some snacks or anything, all we had to do was walk to the mall.
Apart from the enviable location, the hotel also boasts several amenities for every type of traveler. Those who are here for work can take advantage of the six meeting rooms. Meanwhile, leisure travelers like us should use the well-equipped gym and the refreshing spa. When it comes to food, the on-site restaurant is ready to serve you delectable cuisines along with panoramic views of the city. Speaking of which, breakfast is available for free.
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CUE Podgorica
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Best for Business Travelers. Conveniently set in Capital Plaza, Podgorica’s top business area, CUE Podgorica is easily the best choice for those traveling for work. As everyone can expect, this hotel boasts spacious meeting spaces for meetings and conferences. There’s even one with a grand piano! But just because you’re here for work doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of yourself. We were honestly impressed by the gym. It wasn’t too crowded, but the equipment was all taken care of. But if you don’t lift weights, why not try out the massages instead?
While there are many restaurants within the vicinity, you should head to the Living Room Restaurant. This low-lit dining area is where you’ll be able to enjoy high-quality cocktails and cuisines. There wasn’t a day when we didn’t go there. During our stay, we booked one of the Signature Suites. It turned out to be our best decision as it allowed us to enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks at the Exclusive Signature Lounge on the fifth floor.
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Hotel Aurel
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What we have here is Hotel Aurel, a 4-star hotel in the vicinity of Podgorica’s city center. Ideal for both leisure and business, it took us only a short drive to reach downtown as it’s a mere 1 mile away. All of downtown’s top restaurants and shops are within easy reach. In addition to that, this hotel also offers a complimentary airport shuttle. Though we didn’t use it, it’s nice to know that the hotel offers such a thoughtful facility.
Though there aren’t many rooms on the property, all of them are spacious and comfortable. We decided to choose the one with a private balcony, so we could spend each morning admiring the beautiful city views. Don’t spend too much time in your room, though, as the hotel has plenty to explore. We would relax in the jacuzzi or steam bath during our spare time. If you want to keep your body in shape, you can work up a sweat in the modern gym instead.
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Hotel Hemera
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Hotel Hemera was probably the most charming place to stay we’ve encountered in the Montenegro capital. With Greek-inspired decorations throughout the building, this hotel can easily captivate all travelers. Set in the heart of downtown, plenty of restaurants are easily accessible from the hotel. But why head outside for food when the hotel houses an excellent restaurant? Set on the ground floor, Hotel Hemera’s fashionable restaurant offers a wide variety of drinks and both international as well as local cuisines. The menu actually impressed us, as the items were all photographed beautifully and there were English descriptions so we could understand them better. It’s the best place on the property not only to enjoy great food but also to people-watch.
In addition to the lovely restaurant, the hotel also boasts a charming library with over 800 books to read. If your ideal me-time includes plenty of reading, we’re sure you’ll love the library. We stayed here for a few days and were glad to have experienced the services at the 24-hour spa center. Moreover, there’s also a sauna and a well-equipped gym. And when it comes to the rooms, all of them are stylish. Things like flat-screen TVs, seating areas, and minibars are standards.
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Hotel Podgorica
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Best Overall. While there are plenty of great accommodations in the city, we think Hotel Podgorica is the best overall choice. Set in the heart of Podgorica, these digs overlook the Moraca River. Once we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted by the friendly staff members. They went above and beyond to make sure our stay was as perfect as possible. Speaking of perfection, the breakfast was exceptionally good. There was more than enough variety for us, and the desserts were delicious. And if you can’t leave the comfort of your room, you can have your breakfast in bed.
“Our stay at this city’s namesake hotel was lovely. The room was big and clean, and the river views from the balcony was soothing. We could sit there for hours. The free breakfast was great, too.”
WOW Travel
Another highlight of the hotel is the modern wellness area. We’re certainly not gym rats, but we often began the day in the fitness center to burn those extra calories and ended our workout session in the sauna. In addition to that, there’s also a well-maintained indoor swimming pool for those who want to beat the heat. In the mood for a drink? Head to the rooftop bar and enjoy the surrounding views with a glass of cocktail in hand. And don’t call it a day if you haven’t stopped by Terrace Fontana and sampled its cakes.
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Our Verdict!
From budget stays to unique accommodations, our picks above will make your experience in Podgorica more enjoyable. They’re the perfect place to rest your tired body. That said, we think Hotel Podgorica is the best all-rounder. It’s set in the center of Podgorica, the rooms are reasonably priced, and the facilities are well-maintained. However, depending on your needs, the rest are amazing, too. We’ve categorized some of our picks according to the following criteria, so make sure to give them a look.
- Best for Business Travelers: CUE Podgorica
- Best Wellness Facilities: Hotel Ziya
- Best Airport Hotel: Hotel Aria
- Best Concept: Marienplatz Podgorica
Where to Stay in Podgorica, Montenegro
There are so many amazing places you must visit while in Montenegro. While Podgorica isn’t the most popular choice, it sure is worth visiting. If this is your first time visiting Podgorica, you should consider staying in the city center. The heart of Podgorica is the most popular area among travelers. We spent the majority of our time here, and everything was easily reachable. Not to mention, most of the city’s top hotels are in or near the city center, too. And since Montenegro is pretty affordable, the fancy hotels here won’t cost you a lot.
Another area that you should consider is the Old Town. This is a historic area with interesting ruins and buildings. By staying here, you’ll be able to reach King’s Park easily, which separates this area from the center of Podgorica.
Aside from Old Town, we also recommend New Town or Novi Grad. Just like other parts of Podgorica, this area also has plenty of lush parks as well as accommodations. When you’re here, make sure to visit the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ.
Is it worth visiting Podgorica?
Podgorica isn’t a big city with tons of historical sites. However, it’s a place worth visiting if you enjoy the vibrant nightlife and warm hospitality, just like Budva. Speaking of which, check out these best hotels in Budva.
Is Podgorica safe at night?
Yes, Podgorica is a safe city, even for solo travelers. The people are generally friendly and warm. However, you should still avoid walking alone near nightclubs or other potentially dangerous areas.
How long do you need in Podgorica?
Generally, people only spend a day or two in Podgorica before moving on to explore other nearby cities like Kotor and Perast. The best hotels in Kotor and Perast are waiting for you.