Escape to Paradise: Montenegro's Hotel Casa del Mare Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Montenegro's Hotel Casa del Mare Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Messy, Honest Review.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Hotel Casa del Mare in Montenegro, and lemme tell you, it was… an experience. This isn't your polished travel brochure review; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with questionable decisions and a healthy dose of hyperbole.
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First Impressions & The Great Entrance Shuffle:
So, arriving at Casa del Mare? Stunning. Seriously, the location is just jaw-dropping. Nestled right on the coast, the water… sigh. Blue. Like, unreal blue. The exterior is all chic white lines and that Mediterranean vibe that Instagram practically begs for. But the entrance? A bit of a… situation.
Accessibility (The Real Talk):
Now, I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I was paying close attention for a friend. Accessibility is a mixed bag. The website says they're all good, but in reality? It felt mostly good. There's an elevator (huge win!), and some ramps. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so this is promising. However, some of the pathways to the pool felt a bit narrow, and, well, I didn’t see any specific signage for accessible bathrooms in the public areas. So, it’s not perfect, but it’s definitely better than some places I've been, and definitely a crucial aspect for many, so, weigh it carefully.
Rambling on the Exterior - The Pool with View - And A Near Catastrophe:
That pool with the view? Okay, so, picture this: shimmering water, overlooking the glittering Adriatic. Pure bliss, right? Mostly right. The view IS incredible. But the pool itself… well, the tiles were a little slippery. I ALMOST ate it on the way to the edge and went flying - mortifying! But the view, once I regained my composure? Worth it.
The Spa – Where I Melted (Mostly):
The Spa/Sauna/Steamroom combo was an absolute highlight. I spent a solid afternoon there, drifting between the sauna, the steamroom, and the pool. The massage was… transcendental. Seriously, forget everything you think you know about relaxation. This was next level. I opted for a body scrub (hello, new skin!) and briefly considered a body wrap (but chickened out, because commitment). The whole experience felt… well, clean. And necessary.
**(Side note: they had decent hygiene! I saw a sign indicating *sterilizing equipment* and professional-grade sanitizing services in the spa. Made me feel a bit less germ-phobic, but hey! I loved the spa experience! )**"
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Oh, The Food!
Okay, let’s talk food. Because, let's be real, food is everything on vacation. Breakfast [buffet] was a pretty standard fare. Not mind-blowing, but plenty of options and the coffee/tea in restaurant was decent. I loved having the bottle of water always beside me and if I had a craving there was always the Coffee/tea in restaurant, Happy Hour, Poolside bar, and Snack bar, and Restaurants available. But it was fun to A la carte in restaurant and go crazy, like I did!
The best part? The Asian Cuisine! Okay, I didn’t expect to find amazing Asian cuisine in restaurant, but they had a chef who absolutely KILLED it. I swear, I ordered everything. Noodles, spring rolls, sushi… I may still be dreaming about it. The Western cuisine in restaurant was also solid, and the salad in restaurant was a lifesaver after a few too many cocktails. I even saw a Vegetarian restaurant. And the best part of all… 24/7 Room service [24-hour]!
(But… the devil’s in the details.)
Look, there's always a "but," right? The buffet in restaurant sometimes felt a little… chaotic. And the service, while generally friendly, could be slow at points. And I swear, they kept running out of my favorite dessert. But, overall? Yum.
The Room – My Little Palace (Mostly):
The rooms! Spacious, well-appointed, and mostly excellent. Air conditioning was a godsend. The bathrobes were fluffy, the bed was comfy. I had a window that opens for fresh air, which I appreciate. The Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, and free Wi-Fi [free] in my room was fast and reliable. And the complimentary tea and coffee maker was a lifesaver in that morning haze.
(The minor annoyances.)
There were some minor annoyances. The mirror in the bathroom was a little too far from the sink for my liking. And the soundproofing? Not quite as good as advertised. I could hear my neighbors’ conversations… which, let's be honest, might have been fun if I knew the language.
Cleanliness & Safety – Feeling Safe-ish:
In this post-pandemic world, everyone's extra-sensitive. Cleanliness and safety were taken seriously. I saw staff taking a bunch of measures: Anti-viral cleaning products were present to ensure that I would be safe. There was Daily disinfection in common areas and Room sanitization between stays. There was even some Hygiene certification to ensure that the Hotel was safe for its guests. This gives the guest some peace of mind and reassurance, in my opinion. Hand sanitizer was readily available. And, of course, Staff trained in safety protocol was present.
Services & Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, and the… Delayed:
The concierge was helpful (eventually). The doorman was always smiling. The daily housekeeping was impeccable. BUT. Getting anything done (like, say, arranging a boat trip or getting your dry cleaning back) sometimes felt like a mission. The luggage storage was super convenient.
A Shout-out to the Little Things:
They had a gift/souvenir shop, a convenience store (for those late-night snack cravings), and the elevator made getting around so, so much easier. They even had Invoice provided for the more picky guests.
(The missing elements.)
One thing that was a little disappointing? The lack of a proper gym. TheFitness center, while listed, was pretty basic. And the babysitting service? I didn't test it, but I saw the option.
For the Kids - Family/child friendly
I don't have any kids, but it was apparent that the environment was family/child friendly. I even saw some kids facilities!
Getting Around – The Airport Transfer and More!
They offered Airport transfer! And the car park [free of charge] was a massive bonus. They also offered car park [on-site], valet parking, and the taxi service which was very convenient.
The Final Verdict – Worth It?
Look, Casa del Mare isn't flawless. It has its quirks. The food isn’t always perfect. Things can be slow. It could definitely have more accessibility, and I wish it had some more amenities, such as a more complete gym/fitness area.
But the location? The spa? The Asian food? The overall vibe? Absolutely worth it! I'd go back. Just maybe pack a book for the slower service days… and maybe a personal tile grip.
(Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Would recommend, with caveats.)
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Casa del Mare, Kotor: My Montenegro Mayhem (and Maybe, Just Maybe, a Little Bliss)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized travel brochure. This is ME, wrestling with cobblestones and attempting to find my inner zen (spoiler alert: it's hiding somewhere near the mini-bar). We're hitting up Casa del Mare - Amfora in Kotor, Montenegro, and let me tell you, I'm going in with expectations as high as those freakin' mountains. Prepare for the ramblings…
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Labyrinth
Morning (ish): We're talking 6 AM flight, which already makes me question my life choices. Landing in Tivat… beautiful, but I'm pretty sure the entire airport is running on a single generator. The luggage carousel? More like a luggage S-L-O-W dance. Where is my bag!? I swear, if my favourite pair of slightly-too-tight, but incredibly flattering, linen trousers are lost, heads will roll.
Midday: Finally! After a spirited negotiation with a remarkably tanned taxi driver (who, I suspect, also dabbles in horse trading), we arrive at Casa del Mare. First impressions? Stunning. Picture postcard material. That view of the bay? Worth all the early morning trauma. The check-in? Slightly chaotic. "Your room will be ready… eventually." Okay, fine. Forced to spend the next hour basking in the courtyard sunlight with a hastily-acquired (and slightly warm) beer. Not a bad start, but would've preferred my room.
Afternoon: Room acquired! It's lovely. Seriously, the balcony is a win. Overlook the petty check-in drama, the room rewards me. Exploration time! Wander through Kotor Old Town. It's… crowded. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder, feeling-claustrophobic crowded. But beautiful. The architecture is mind-blowing, and the cats! Dear God the cats. So many, just lounging around, judging everyone. I spent a solid five minutes trying to befriend a particularly fluffy ginger one. He wasn't impressed.
Evening: Dinner at a terrace restaurant. I've got the sea. I've got the view. I've got a fish that's been staring back on me for a while now. The food's good, the wine's better. But the waiter? Bless him, he's trying. But the service is slow. Like, Montenegro-slow. I'm talking "contemplate-the-meaning-of-life" slow. I actually started writing a poem in the interim… "Ode to the Missing Bread Basket". * *Verdict: Worth it, despite the slow-mo service. Sunset over the bay? Unbeatable. Fish got me through.
Day 2: Fortress Frenzy and the Great Climbing Debacle
Morning: Okay, so, the fortifications. Let's talk about them. The ramparts. The climb. The heat. The sheer, vertical ness of it all. I'd read about it, of course. "Challenging but rewarding," they said. LIES! Pure, unadulterated lies. I'm not ashamed to admit it: I made it about halfway. About a thousand stairs. Legs, screaming. Lungs, burning. Every muscle protesting this masochistic endeavour. Stopped to rest. Looked at the view. Decided I was good. Turned around. This is the best decision ever.
- Anecdote: Saw a kid, maybe eight years old, running up the steps. Eight years old! Where does that level of energy come from?! I'm pretty sure I aged a year just watching him. Note to self: Must invest in better cardio.
Afternoon: Back at the hotel. Needed to recover. Flopped on the sun lounger with a book and attempted to forget my near-death experience. Managed to fall into a deep sleep. Woke up the sun was beating down on my face like a judgemental spotlight. (Did I forget sunscreen? You bet I did).
Evening: Finally, dinner… at the hotel restaurant. The view is magnificent. I actually ordered the steak (against my usual better judgement, and my budget). I was going to take a bite, but it was so rare I thought I would scare the fish I had on the first day.
Day 3: Boat Trip, Bliss, and Bad Decisions (Maybe)
Morning: Boat trip! Finally, a break from the relentless exploring. The tour promised hidden coves, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The boat ride was excellent.
Afternoon: Floating in turquoise water, feeling all the stress melt away. This is what I came for. Pure, unadulterated, sunshine-soaked bliss. We stopped at a beach with a sand that was like flour. I spent far too long building a sandcastle, which, of course, got washed away by the tide.
Evening: Dinner… where did I go wrong? After a day of sun, sea, and… well, a lot of sunshine, I returned to the hotel feeling like a lobster. I had the fish again. After the amazing day, the dinner lacked any excitement. I should have eaten more of the fish.
Day 4: Departure (and lingering sighs)
Morning: Packed. (Mostly. I think I left a sock. Or two…). One last breakfast on the balcony, soaking up that view. Tears begin to form.
Afternoon: Taxi to the airport. Farewell, Kotor. Farewell, Casa del Mare. Farewell, Montenegro (for now!). I'm leaving with a tan, a camera roll bursting with photos, and a slightly bruised ego from those stairs. But also with a feeling of… peace? Yeah, I think so. Despite the mishaps, the heat, the slow service, and the near-death experience on the ramparts. Kotor… you were beautiful. And I'll be back. Just…maybe with a new pair of hiking boots and a stronger resolve. And maybe… perhaps… by then, they'll have sorted out the luggage situation.
Escape to Paradise: Casa del Mare - The Questions You *Actually* Have (And My Rambling Answers)
1. Okay, Casa del Mare – Is it *Really* as Instagrammable as it looks? (And, like, is that everything?)
Alright, let's get this out of the way. YES. It's ridiculously photogenic. Think bright white walls, ridiculously blue water, perfectly placed sun loungers...it’s practically begging for a filter. I mean, I *tried* to mess up a photo of the breakfast buffet. I *tried*! But even my terrible attempts were… passable. My Instagram feed? Exploded. But…and this is important…is it *everything*? No. Because REAL life isn't a perfectly curated photo, right? It's about the feeling. And the feeling at Casa del Mare? Mostly, it's "Ooooh, this is nice." But also, occasionally, "Oh crap, did I just spill something on my linen pants?" (Spoiler alert: yes, yes, I did). The "Instagrammable" part is a bonus, not the whole enchilada.
2. What's the food *really* like? I worry about getting stuck with… blandness.
Okay, the food. This is where things get *interesting*. The breakfast buffet? Fantastic. Fresh fruit, pastries that could single-handedly ruin my diet (in the best possible way), and, crucially, a proper coffee machine. Coffee is important, people. I'm not a morning person. I *need* decent coffee. Lunch at the waterfront restaurant? Hit and miss. One day I had the most DIVINE grilled octopus (honestly, transcendent). The next day, I got a slightly under-seasoned salad. It happens. Perfection is a lie, especially in the kitchen, right? Dinner? Generally, very good. The seafood is, unsurprisingly, the way to go. I had a pasta with truffles that almost made me weep with joy (and possibly embarrassment, as I was surrounded by people). And the wine list…oh, the wine list. My only complaint? My wallet started weeping soon after, too. Worth it though? Absolutely. Just budget accordingly. And maybe bring a small notebook to remember what you ordered, because trust me, after a few glasses, it all blends together in a beautiful, hazy blur.
3. The rooms… are they actually nice? I've seen some hotels on Instagram that are all show, no comfort.
The rooms. Yes! They are. They are genuinely lovely. Clean, bright, well-designed. Mine had a balcony overlooking the bay. I spent a significant portion of my trip just…sitting out there, staring at the water, and feeling my stress levels melt away. It’s cliche, I know. But seriously, it was *glorious*. The bed was comfortable. The bathroom was modern. The air conditioning worked. (A crucial detail, considering the summer heat!) And...and this is a little detail, but I appreciated it...they had proper blackout curtains. I'm a terrible sleeper, and a good night's sleep is worth its weight in gold to me. So the rooms? Yeah, they're nice. Honestly, I could have lived there. (Don't tell the hotel, though. They might think I'm crazy.)
4. Booking: Is it a pain? What's the best way?
Booking? Alright, the practical stuff. I booked directly through their website because I'm a control freak, but also because I actually *liked* their website, oddly enough. It was easy to navigate, the photos were accurate, and the prices were (relatively) straightforward. You *could* try using a third-party booking site, but honestly, I’d always recommend going direct. That way, you’re dealing with the hotel directly, and you can (potentially) haggle a little. (Never hurts to ask, right? Though I'm terrible at haggling.) Do it in advance. Especially if you're going during peak season. I made the mistake of leaving it a bit late and had to settle for a room with a slightly less spectacular view. Regret. Huge regret. So, book ahead. Seriously. Do it now. I'll wait. ...Okay, are you done? Good.
5. Let's talk about the vibe… What's the crowd like? Is it a couples-only, romantic-getaway kind of place?
The vibe. Ah, the vibe. It's…relaxed luxury. That's the best way I can describe it. It's not stuffy. You're not expected to dress up to the nines (phew!). I saw couples, of course. Montenegro is a naturally romantic place. (The sunsets! Ugh, they were…sigh.) But I also saw groups of friends, and even a few families with well-behaved children. (Honestly, I admired their parenting skills.) It's not a party place. More of a chill-out-by-the-pool-with-a-cocktail-and-a-good-book kind of place. The kind of place where you find yourself chatting with the person next to you at breakfast and discovering you both have a shared obsession with… well, let's just say it involved a particular type of artisanal cheese. (Don't judge me.) So, romantic, yes. Exclusive? No. Relaxed? Absolutely. It's a place for unwinding and escaping. And, let's be honest, escaping is precisely what we all need sometimes, right?
6. What about the location? Is it actually good for exploring Montenegro? Or will I be stuck in a hotel bubble?
The location…Okay, this is a tough one, because the hotel is *gorgeous*, but it's a bit…isolated. It's in a lovely little bay (I think it was called Dobrota, or something equally charming), but you definitely need a car, or be prepared to use taxis, to get around. There isn't much within walking distance. Which is fine if you're happy to spend your days lounging by the pool and soaking up the sun. And I did plenty of that. (Seriously, the sun is *amazing*.) But if you want to see more of Montenegro… Kotor is a short drive away (definitely go!), Budva is a bit further (but worth it), and there’s the mountains (I regret not exploring those more!). I rented a car for a few days. The driving can be…interesting (narrow roads, lots of hairpin turns). But the views are phenomenal. So, location-wise…it’s a bit of a trade-off. Gorgeous hotel, but you'll need transport to explore. Choose your adventure! (I probably should have chosen more adventure, I'm realizing now...).
7. (Majorly Important) What are the spa treatments like? I'm looking for relaxation...
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