Best Hotels in Montenegro for a Peaceful Escape

Montenegro beyond the tourist crowds exists – you just need to leave the coast. The mountain towns of Kolašin and Žabljak, plus the village of Virpazar on the shore of Lake Skadar, are three destinations where summer temperatures run 10–15 degrees lower than on the coast, and instead of beach umbrellas you get conifer forests, alpine meadows and glacial lakes. Stays range from €35 per night in a cozy guesthouse to €200+ in a brand-new ski resort with a full spa.

Key facts:

• Kolašin – the country's main mountain hub: two ski resorts, Biogradska Gora National Park and Morača Monastery nearby
• Žabljak – gateway to Durmitor National Park, the highest town in the Balkans (1,456 m)
• Virpazar – a quiet village on the shore of the Balkans' largest lake, with fish restaurants serving lunch for €10–15
• Seasonal pricing – in Kolašin, winter rates can double (up to €300–350/night at top hotels), while summer brings lower prices
• A car is essential – public transport is infrequent; the bus from Podgorica to Žabljak takes 2.5–3 hours
• Mobile coverage in the mountains is patchy – expect gaps in canyons and on passes
• Book early – during the winter peak (New Year holidays) and July–August, popular hotels fill up fast

Kolašin sits at 954 m in the Tara River valley, surrounded by the Bjelasica and Sinjajevina mountains. It's a compact town of around 3,000 people with all infrastructure clustered around the main square. From here, it's a 20-minute drive to the Kolašin 1450 Ski Resort, and slightly further to the newer Kolašin 1600 Ski Resort.

In summer, this is a trekking paradise: Biogradska Gora National Park – home to one of Europe's last virgin rainforests – is 20 km away, and Mrtvica Canyon ranks among the best hiking routes in the Balkans.

• Swissôtel Resort Kolasin

(or book on Trip.com)

Montenegro's first and only ski-in/ski-out resort, located at the Kolašin 1600 Ski Resort at 1,600 m elevation. 116 rooms in alpine style with Montenegrin woven details, two restaurants (The Morel and Blend), a cigar salon and the Calmé Wellness & Spa with pool, sauna and hammam. Breakfast is a generous buffet with local products.

• Bianca Resort & Spa

(or book on Trip.com)

The largest hotel in Kolašin with 117 rooms set in a pine forest with views of Bjelasica Mountain. Large pool, spa, gym, buffet restaurant. Conveniently located near the town center and the Kolašin 1450 lifts.

• Wulfenia Hotel & Spa

(or book on Trip.com)

A five-star mountain hotel right in the centre of Kolašin – and yet remarkably quiet: pine trees all around, the peaks of Bjelasica on the horizon, and air that alone is reason enough to make the trip. 101 rooms with mountain views, a spa with indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and hammam, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and a dedicated wine room.

Žabljak is a town of 1,800 residents sitting on the Durmitor Plateau at 1,456 m. It's the starting point for hikes to Black Lake, ascents of Bobotov Kuk (2,523 m – the highest peak in the range), rafting through Tara Canyon and zip-lining across Đurđevića Tara Bridge.

Accommodation here is more modest than in Kolašin – guesthouses and apartments make up the bulk of the inventory. But that's part of the charm: hosts greet guests personally, prepare homemade dinners and organize excursions.

• Casa di Pino EcoLodge Hotel

(or book on Trip.com)

An eco-lodge B&B focused on sustainable tourism. Quiet location, locally sourced breakfast, a solid base for trekking in Durmitor National Park.

• Boutique Hotel Rezident

A brand-new boutique hotel right in the centre of Žabljak, steps from local cafés and the entrance to Durmitor National Park. Rooms are decorated in warm tones with thoughtful details – cosy and stylish enough to make you want to linger. Sauna, garden terrace, and a generous breakfast with vegan options. Black Lake is 3 km away, and outside the air is mountain-cold and pine-fresh.

• Hotel Falcon

A small aparthotel with studio-style units. Garden terrace, free parking, breakfast included. Black Lake is 6 km away, with Durmitor National Park, pine forests, and crisp mountain air right on the doorstep.

Important: In August, vacancies in Žabljak are extremely scarce. Travelers report that finding a room after 10 PM without a booking is nearly impossible. Reserve at least 2–3 weeks ahead.

Virpazar is a tiny settlement (fewer than 500 residents) that serves as the main gateway to Lake Skadar National Park. There are no large hotels here, but dozens of family-run guesthouses and agritourism properties where hosts offer homemade wine, cheese and fresh fish from the lake.

Visitors come for kayaking among water lilies, spotting Dalmatian pelicans, hiking to the historic village of Godinje and wine tasting at local wineries. A full fish lunch with wine at local restaurants costs €10–15 – roughly half the price of coastal tourist towns.

• Hotel De'Andros

(or book on Trip.com)

A newer option with a fitness center, lounge and terrace. 47 rooms with lake views. A good choice for those wanting slightly more comfort than guesthouses provide.

• Eco Villas Merak

Eco-villas with a seasonal pool, free bikes and mountain views. A good compromise between seclusion and comfort.

All three destinations are best explored by car. Public transport from Podgorica exists but schedules are irregular, and buses to Virpazar run infrequently.

Approximate driving times from airports:

Renting a car is straightforward through Localrent. Compact car rentals start from €25–30 per day. For mountain roads in winter, all-wheel drive is recommended – switchbacks toward Žabljak can be icy from November through March.

Parking in Kolašin and Žabljak is generally free at hotels. In Virpazar, street parking is also free but fills up fast in summer.

Winter (December – March): Kolašin is the obvious choice for skiers. Two resorts, developed infrastructure, après-ski spa and dining. Žabljak has skiing too (Savin Kuk), but it's more limited.

Summer (June – September): Žabljak is the best base for trekking in Durmitor. Virpazar is ideal for kayaking and birdwatching on Lake Skadar.

Shoulder season (April – May, October): the lowest accommodation prices. Average rates in Kolašin drop to around €149/night in March versus €345 in December.

Dining in the mountains costs significantly less than on the coast. A simple restaurant meal runs €6–10; dinner for two at a good spot costs €30–40 with wine. Don't miss kačamak (cornmeal with kajmak cream), lamb cooked in milk and čičvara.

1. Can I reach Kolašin and Žabljak without a car? Yes, but with limitations. Buses and a train connect Podgorica to Kolašin (about 1–1.5 hours). To Žabljak – bus only (2.5–3 hours), with irregular schedules. No direct public transport links Žabljak and Kolašin. Check visa requirements for your nationality before planning.

2. When is the best time to visit mountain Montenegro? For skiing – December through March. For trekking – June through September. Lowest prices come in the shoulder seasons (April–May and October). July–August in Žabljak is peak season as everyone flees the coastal heat.

3. Are mountain roads safe to drive? Roads to Kolašin and Žabljak are two-lane switchbacks with generally good asphalt. Winter brings ice – snow chains or winter tires are mandatory. Night driving is not recommended due to poor road markings and animals on the road.

4. Does mobile internet work in the mountains? In the towns – yes, coverage is stable. On trails in Durmitor, in Tara Canyon and on mountain passes – expect outages. Download offline maps before heading out.

5. How many days should I spend in mountain Montenegro? A minimum of 3–4 days: 2 days for Žabljak and Durmitor, 1 day for Kolašin and Biogradska Gora, 1 day for Lake Skadar. Ideally a full week to take it slow and fit in Tara River rafting.

Mountain Montenegro is the antidote to coastal crowds: honest prices, genuine hospitality and landscapes unspoiled by mass tourism. Kolašin suits those seeking ski-resort comfort with spa, Žabljak appeals to wilderness trekkers, and Virpazar rewards lovers of quiet, wine and lakeside fish restaurants. The key: book early and rent a car.

Read also:

• Accommodation in Off-the-Beaten-Path Places in Montenegro
• Best Hotels in Montenegro for a Peaceful Escape
• Durmitor Mountains and Black Lake: Tours into the Heart of Montenegro's Nature
• Active Tours in Montenegro: Hiking, Rafting, and Canyons
• Car Rental in Montenegro: Everything Tourists Need to Know
• Ski Resorts in Montenegro: Where to Go and How to Get There
• Lake Skadar: Kayaking, Pelicans, and the Best Fish Restaurants in Virpazar