Boutique Hotel Casa del Mare Mediterraneo

Boutique Hotel Casa del Mare Mediterraneo: A One-Key Michelin Gem in the Bay of Kotor

Boutique Hotel Casa del Mare Mediterraneo in Herceg Novi, Montenegro, a recipient of one Michelin Key, generally garners overwhelmingly positive reviews for its luxurious experience, attentive staff, and elegant design. Nestled on a spectacular beach within the sheltered Bay of Kotor, this boutique-sized hotel offers a tranquil and upscale retreat.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Boutique Hotel Casa del Mare Mediterraneo is exceptionally positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "perfect," "fabulous," and "a place of relax, beauty, high standard." It is lauded for providing a luxurious experience following a recent refurbishment. The hotel consistently receives high scores from verified guests.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects of the hotel that contribute to its charm and appeal:

• Exceptional Service: The staff's exceptional helpfulness, kindness, and warm welcome are frequently praised.
• Refined Design: The hotel's decoration is described as very refined, with a neat, contemporary design that incorporates echoes of the past, such as weathered stone walls, reflecting the region's heritage.
• Impressive Spa Facilities: The spa, featuring an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and ice shower, is a significant draw, often described as "amazing" and "one of the best" experienced by guests.
• Private Beach Access: The hotel boasts a charming private beach club, though some guests note the need to cross a busy road to access it.
• Comfort and Cleanliness: Rooms are consistently noted as comfortable and exceptionally clean.

3. Room Quality

The hotel, with just 17 rooms and suites, offers a truly boutique experience. All rooms, suites, and apartments are well-maintained and come with balconies overlooking the sea, with some offering direct views and others more partial. In-room comforts are consistently state-of-the-art. Guests praise the beds as "awesome" and the rooms as very comfortable with beautiful views.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience is generally well-regarded, particularly the breakfast.

• Breakfast: The breakfast receives strong positive feedback, described as "excellent," "very delicious," "so tasty," and abundant, with a good selection of cheeses and pastries.
• Limoneto Restaurant & Beach: This restaurant, presiding over the beach club, serves fresh seafood alongside stunning Adriatic views.
• Bocasa Restaurant: The hotel's restaurant (Bocasa) is mentioned, though some guests found it to be quite expensive. For Italian fare, La Bocca, near the hotel, offers wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Casa del Mare Mediterraneo consistently receives glowing reviews. They are described as exceptionally helpful, very kind, professional, and accommodating. Guests appreciate the warm welcome and the staff's willingness to assist with any needs. Housekeeping is also highlighted, with towels reportedly changed very regularly, even twice in the same day if used.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is situated on a spectacular little beach deeply sheltered within the Bay of Kotor. While offering great access to beach bars and restaurants, its immediate surroundings require a vehicle for exploration, as there is "nothing to do on foot in the surrounding area." It is located in Kamenari, which is described as being a bit far from Herceg Novi itself, necessitating a car to visit the city or dine out. A positive note on accessibility is the proximity to a ferry for crossing the bay. Google Maps may not provide the precise location, so visitors should be mindful.

7. Value & Pricing

Boutique Hotel Casa del Mare Mediterraneo offers a luxurious experience. Average prices for a weeknight are around $260, while weekend nights average about $342. Rates can start from around $117 in the low season (January) but can rise significantly in high season (September), with an average room price of $281. Compared to the average hotel room price in Herceg Novi ($227), it stands out as a "hidden gem" that offers incredible value without compromising quality or comfort. An extra bed can be requested for €40 per person per night.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Road to the Beach: Guests often mention having to cross a busy road to reach the private beach.
• Limited Storage: Some guests staying for extended periods noted a lack of sufficient storage in the rooms.
• Lack of Amenities/Services as Advertised: There were instances where advertised features, such as a "zen roof garden," "evening low key entertainment," or an "in-hotel Michelin chef," were unavailable or closed. The jacuzzi on the roof was also reported under repair and inaccessible.
• Restaurant Pricing and Location: The hotel's restaurant (Bocasa) was considered expensive by some, and the hotel's location meant always needing a car to visit other dining options.
• Hygiene Kits: The restocking of small hygiene kits was sometimes infrequent.
• Adults-Only Preference: A few guests expressed a preference for the hotel to be adults-only.
• No Tissues: A minor but noted complaint was the absence of tissues in the room.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. michelin.com
3. tablethotels.com
4. booking.com
5. voyage-prive.co.uk
6. booking.com
7. agoda.com
8. kayak.com
9. kayak.com