NEW DIVČIBARE BOUTIQUE STAR
LOCATION
Alongside Zlatibor and Kopaonik, Divčibare is among the most renowned Serbian mountainsides. It sits 38 kilometres from Valjevo, and with the newly constructed highway from Belgrade to Divčibare, you will need about an hour from the Serbian capital. Unsurprisingly, the mountainside is tremendously popular and strewn with hotels, tourist cottages and holiday houses. Divčibare is a karst plateau amid Maljen mountains that features karst phenomena above and below the earth. The appeal of these natural beauties is why Divčibare evolved its year-round tourism offer that attracts visitors and business guests alike. Hotel Royal Mountain boasts a fantastic location in the heart of the sprawling tourist village.
ACCESSIBILITY
The route to the mountainside was shortened by the newly-opened highway dubbed Miloš the Great. Thus, you will reach the intersection leading to Valjevo in around half an hour from Belgrade. Then, 40 kilometres of scenic roads will take you to the hotel on 980 metres. Hotel Royal Mountain can only be reached by car or bus. Nonetheless, public transport is well-organised, and agencies and hotels ensure smooth transportation from Belgrade. The mountainside is a hit chiefly among local event organisers, who know the route like the back of their hands. As we consider the destination an exceptional incentive gem, we recommend organising the trip via one of the plentiful esteemed DMC Serbian agencies.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
Modern architecture has a firm grip in Divčibare and is often reminiscent of the architecture of mountain cottages. Such weekend houses feature steep roofs, adapted to winter conditions, and wooden and rock elements. Hotel Royal Mountain follows this concept, blending seamlessly with the pine forest in the heart of the city. However, there are a few unnecessary screaming elements, such as the promo cube in front of the hotel. The interior is impressive, appearing welcoming with oak wood and marvellous walls. They help create a warm and inviting ambience combined with select and unique pieces of furniture. The restaurant features comfortable and ingenious chairs. Given the boutique status, the quality of stay exceeds the four-star expectations. Those who adore modern hotel design will be enchanted. As a genuine luxury mountain hotel, guests will find numerous intriguing pieces of furniture in the hotel lobby.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
The staff ranges from excellent to mediocre. Although kind, dedicated and professional, the young receptionist appeared baffled when a complication occurred. In the restaurant, conversely, the personnel stood out due to their professional approach. Staff working in the lobby should not be watching football derbies and neglecting guests. The dinner was good, even though guests arriving for dinner in later hours might be slightly disappointed. Breakfast, on the other hand, is well-structured and ranges from healthy cuisine to traditional, local dishes. Guests will be amazed by the diversity and richness of flavours. Hotel Royal Mountain is well-maintained, and a pleasant scent accompanies guests at every step. Cleanliness is thus tidily managed.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
The room features a pleasant combination of wooden furniture and minimalist elements in anthracite colour. Walls featuring a rarely-seen relief technique and artist colours are inspiring and continue throughout the halls. Equally impressive is a barrier that imitates pine trees and optically divides the room into two, with a TV nestled in its frame. The bed and lining are exceptional and offer a good night’s sleep. Perfecting the image is a well-illuminated bathroom that wows guests with sandy shades and superb cosmetics. With a bit of adapting, the lighting works flawlessly.
Meetings centre
Hotel Royal Mountain is home to a smaller conference room that can capacitate 40 participants and follows the hotel’s design. The hotel provides holistic catering for any event. Alongside the hall, meeting planners will be enthralled by the spacious restaurant on the first floor that can be privatised. The terrace next to the restaurant caught our eye, as it can transform into a unique venue in warmer months. Hotel Royal Mountain connects meeting planners with local team-building providers.
DESSERT – The extras
The boutique wellness and spa is superbly laid out and adds value to the overall offer. After a meeting or event, relaxing in the pool will complete the holistic experience.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
The inventory list is something that is rarely or never seen in hotel rooms. The flip side is that guests can calculate how much the interior equipment of the room costs. We full-heartedly recommend that the management remove the inventory price list from the “luxury” hotel manual.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
If you are a lover of coffee or original rakija, the hotel provides an extensive selection, and coffee tastes like in Italy.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
The quality of stay in the hotel is more than decent. Designers found the perfect balance between modern and traditional. This spirit is embodied in details such as the walls. Hotel Royal Mountain displays its boutique design with spacious and well-equipped rooms. In addition, quality materials, craftsmanship and, not least, the thought-out concept ensure excellent wellbeing.
The hotel’s character and service match well, although there are some discrepancies: the staff, per se. Nonetheless, Hotel Royal Mountain seems to have been well-accepted by guests. Divčibare has become an alluring incentive destination with the addition of Hotel Royal Mountain.
FINAL GRADE: 4.63 SILVER Boutique Meeting Hotel
GOLD final score from 4.81 to 5.00
SILVER final score from 4.61 to 4.80
BRONZE final score from 4.41 to 4.60
