LOCATION
The legendary Hotel Splendid was the first five-star resort to open in Montenegro. It was, furthermore, the premier meeting hotel boasting a modern multifunctional hall and a holistic spa centre. It seems deserved that this institution earns a place in Montenegrin books on MICE tourism. The extraordinary location undoubtedly played a role in solidifying its reputation. Hotel Splendid overlooks the legendary islet of Saint Stephen and Pržno, sitting amid the picturesque bay. The village of Bečići has become one with Hotel Splendid and vice versa. One does not exist without the other. Countless attendees of events, conferences, congresses and events have been wowed by one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Upon our last visit, the hotel was abuzz and still among top-tier regional hotels.
ACCESSIBILITY
Hotel Splendid sits in the heart of the Montenegrin coastline. The iconic Adriatic motorway connects it with nearby airports. Cetinje, the old capital, is only a stone’s throw away. Likewise, Tivat airport is only 20 kilometres away, while the central air crossroads in Montenegro, Podgorica, is 50 kilometres from the hotel. Hotel guests can reach these locations by opting for well-organised taxis, shuttles or popular rent-a-car. Public transport is improving year-on-year, thus becoming more organised. Nonetheless, rush hours are nearly impossible to avoid. Upon arriving at the hotel, your car will be kindly parked by utterly kind concierges, working like a well-oiled machine.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
Architecturally, the entire building is the embodiment of a typical hotel resort that opens up to a stunning bay and pools, forming a sort of paradise garden. The best way to label the design is maximalist, evident when admiring the hotel from the beach. Only then can one comprehend the gigantic proportions of the building. A stand-out piece is the glass lift, connecting eight floors and the beige facade intertwined with the balconies.
Upon setting foot in the hotel, guests are greeted by a luxurious lobby featuring a majestic staircase and extravagant chandelier. Judging by its interior, the hotel is a timeless classic due to the quality of its materials. Unsurprisingly, the couches and lounge area are exceptionally well-preserved. Even though the resort is vast, guests will have no trouble finding their way around.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
Expectations concerning the quality of staff are high in a hotel of this category. Most personnel can handle the pressure, yet there were some negative examples in the gastronomy section who could have been kinder. However, that is understandable, given the long and fruitful summer season. The entire team at the reception and concierges luckily ensure a phenomenal first and last impression. Compared with other five-star heavyweights, the culinary offer needs polishing to keep in step with the times. Less is more may be one of the trends Promenada Restaurant should follow. They have room for improvement in this segment. The same goes for breakfast: although among the tastiest and most diverse in Montenegro, it lacks proper visual representation.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
Amid a flood of modern hotel rooms, the classic room design in Hotel Splendid is a sight for sore eyes. It proves that investing in quality pays off. Everything is perfectly placed, and the quality furniture looks identical to when we first visited. Functionality is equally impressive. Guests will feel exceptional in the bathroom. The bed is still world-class, and the bed lining is unmatched. Albeit some patterns may be outdated, we were entirely convinced by the room once more. Many Montenegrin hotels can continue admiring the pioneer of congress tourism.
Meetings centre
The conference centre, one of the best in the Adriatic, is a true hidden gem within the hotel. Meeting planners highly praise the centre and, above all, appreciate the kindness of the staff. From a technical and aesthetic viewpoint, the meeting halls are the best in Montenegro. Having become experienced event counsellors at numerous past events, the team at Hotel Splendid can manage even the most demanding event production. They have an innate understanding of event organisers’ needs. Remarkable.
DESSERT – The extras
Splendid Spa is still the Montenegrin champion according to surface area and the diversity of its offer. You will never get bored in the spa because its unrivalled offer makes it stand out from the local competition.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
A rather cold breakfast hall and La Busola Restaurant do not meet the standards of the hotel. We were in a dilemma, nonetheless, as a rich assortment of food and kind staff compensated for the cold impression left by the hall.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
The conference centre is a pleasant surprise with modern equipment and excellent congress service. It is the largest conference centre in Montenegro.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
It is crystal clear why almost every renowned event in Montenegro takes place in Hotel Splendid. In the field of event organising, the hotel is still head and shoulders above the competition, and its functionality and spaciousness are unmatched. The legendary lobby has seen countless world-renowned figures. Thus arises the question: where does Hotel Splendid place? The answer is very high. Although it is not the most advanced, modern or extravagant on the Montenegrin Coast, it is still in excellent form. It continues to amaze guests, including several celebrities. In the end, time always tells how good a hotel is. After seventeen years of rich history, Hotel Splendid has stood the test of time and is ageing like a fine wine.
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
