WHITE AND BLUE
LOCATION
The Bay of Kotor is a magnificent 30-kilometre-long bay at the northernmost part of Montenegro’s coast in the Adriatic Sea. Some have dubbed the Bay of Kotor the southernmost fjord in Europe due to the towering surrounding mountains. Recognised as UNESCO World Heritage, many of its smaller harbours form a picture-postcard natural port. Blue Kotor Bay hotel sits in Prčanj, a part of Kotor that was declared a natural climate resort as early as 1920. The area’s specific geomorphology renders the air rich with beneficial minerals, favourable for patients with allergies and asthma. The hotel was constructed on the basis of a former health resort, where Vrmac Banja continues to foster the tradition of a health spa.
ACCESSIBILITY
Seven kilometres separate Prčanj from the heart of Kotor city. The distance from Tivat is similar. The winding road is a piece of cake for locals; however, foreign tourists will find themselves amid an adrenaline joyride. The picturesque road may present a challenge for drivers used to driving on wide motorways. Yet, difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations, and Hotel Blue Kotor Bay is no exception. Given the complex stretches on both sides of the highway, a motorway overpass solved the drawback. Once visitors get acquainted with the location, everything seems nearby, including the airport, a stone’s throw away because of the Vrmac tunnel. Kind staff will gladly park your vehicle, while the hotel will ensure a taxi or shuttle to and from the airport. We strongly recommend a beneficial cycling trip around the fjord. The destination is renowned as a starting point of several well-maintained hiking routes. If you have time, make sure not to miss possibly the most picturesque Montenegrin route, stretching from Kotor to Lovčen.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
Blue Kotor Bay sits at a spectacular location on Marco’s Cape. It comprises a central facility that will soon be joined by a third building that will include a conference hall. Several buildings catch one’s eye immediately. These include the annexe buildings with a spa centre, restaurant, and new villas under construction. With two floors, the elegant architectural solution seamlessly blends with the surroundings. The hotel features predominantly bright colours combined with glass and stone, alluding to the tradition of the destination and numerous captains’ houses scattered throughout the Bay of Kotor. We believe the reconstruction of the former health resort has created an invaluable quality of staying here. Thus, it is no surprise that Hyatt Regency has noticed the superb hotel. The resort will still be managed by the same team, under the Hyatt franchise from Spring 2023 onward.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
Blue Kotor Bay has proven that guest is king in a hotel. The entire team strives to make every guest feel like one, including the novice bellboy, who showed such earnest enthusiasm that we only hope he stays in the tourism industry. Not a single staff member was short of world-class professionalism. That is possibly the resort’s greatest advantage. That may well be why Hyatt will enter the market in Montenegro. Every hotelier desires a professional team, yet only a few have one. The breakfast was above average, and guests could enjoy the show-cooking of three chefs. A culinary experience like no other represents the heart of the diverse and outstanding gastronomy offered by the hotel. We were further impressed by the Lighthouse Restaurant. Their recipe for tuna tartare may seem simple, yet it takes a great chef to perfect it. The restaurant’s head chef is a true master, and together with the wine list, the culinary experience deserves five stars.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
Can you imagine a hotel room where everything is within arm’s reach and maintained at a world-class level? You can find such a room within the hotel that exudes timeless elegance. One of the room’s stand-out features is the imposing padded wooden headboard. High-quality wallpaper in beige colour serves as an excellent passe-partout for graphic art. An open wardrobe makes a short stay even more pleasant. The quality marble tiles combined with designer carpets appear utterly inviting. Everything seems thought-out to the final detail – the excellent cosmetics in the bathroom, the quality shower and a minibar filled with everything you might need. Guests will remember the view of Kotor Bay for a long time. Simply spectacular.
Meetings centre
It is crucial to note that a brand new and significantly larger conference centre will enrich the hotel soon. It is set to open in Spring 2023. Until then, the Azure Hall is an excellent choice for smaller to medium-sized events for up to 220 attendees. The elegant hall has become a favourite for weddings and gala receptions among meeting planners. It features plenty of daylight and quality equipment.
DESSERT – The extras
Hotels exude a specific smell, right? We had not stayed in such a fragrant hotel in a while. Although we have no clue how they do it, the scent is enchanting.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
Reaching the hotel is a bit of an adrenaline experience, yet undoubtedly picturesque. Hence, a road bump here and there can be forgiven.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The premium hotel spa continues the tradition of health and spa tourism of Vrmac Banja. The expert leadership under the helm of Marina Delić from Igalo health centre is a guarantee of professionalism and added value. We recommend all congress guests visit the spa. Immuno-boosting is an optimal solution for all who are under constant stress.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
The hotel has received substantial investment and is polishing its offer ahead of the arrival of the Hyatt Regency hotel chain. Such recognition is undisputedly the best confirmation of a hotel’s quality and heralds that the hotel has entered the premier league of the Montenegrin meetings industry. The latest investment will enable the hotel to keep in step with time and stay one step ahead of its competition. For all nostalgics, it is evident that they preserved little of the former health resort. However, the hotel still offers health services that now belong among the region’s best. The concept of Adults Only goes hand in hand with the needs of demanding event organisers. A holistic renovation of the area thus seems to have been a resounding success. We are eager to see a new chapter of Blue Kotor Bay.
FINAL GRADE: 4.83 GOLD Resort 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
