Montenegro's Hidden Gem: Porto Sole Hotel's Paradise Awaits!
Montenegro's Hidden Gem: Porto Sole Hotel – Paradise… Mostly! (A Review That’s Actually Real)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans on Porto Sole Hotel in Montenegro. Forget those glossy, perfectly-lit travel blog posts, this is the raw, unfiltered truth, sprinkled with my questionable sense of humor. I'm talking honest-to-god experiences, the good, the slightly less good (and the "whoa, what was that" moments). And yes, I'll try to sprinkle in some SEO magic to help you fine folks find your way here. Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility (Or, How I Almost Face-Planted):
Finding Porto Sole was an adventure in itself. Think winding roads, sheer cliffs (don't look down!), and my perpetually surprised, yet optimistic, GPS. Accessibility is… well, let's say it's a work in progress. There's an elevator, which is a huge plus, and a good car park [free of charge] (thank god, because Montenegrin parking is a whole other drama). But navigating the uneven cobblestones and occasional step during my stay wasn't for the faint of heart. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so perhaps a call ahead is wise to ensure your specific needs are met. The property also boasts CCTV in common areas and outside property, making one feel safe.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (And Occasional Laundry Pile):
Alright, let's talk room details because that's where you'll spend a good chunk of your vacation. My room, thankfully, was a haven. The air conditioning was a lifesaver (Montenegro gets hot), and the blackout curtains were my best friends for serious sleep-ins. They had free Wi-Fi in the rooms! (Bless you, Porto Sole!). Wi-Fi was also available in the public areas, but in my room, I had the best connection. I loved the complimentary tea and free bottled water, those little touches that make a big difference. I also appreciated the non-smoking policy.
The downside? My desk, well, it wasn’t the most organized workspace. And the additional toilet was needed, given the location of the hotel. But overall, it was clean, comfortable, and provided the essentials. I also appreciated the daily housekeeping.
The "Me-Time" Zone: Spa, Sauna & Sunburns (Oh, the Sunburns!)
OK, this is where Porto Sole really shines. The Spa/sauna, the massage, the pool with a view… pure bliss! I spent a glorious afternoon in the sauna and steamroom (thank heavens for the bathrobes and slippers!), sweating out all the stress of… well, everything. The swimming pool [outdoor] was a slice of paradise, and I spent hours in there. The best part? Sipping a cocktail from the poolside bar while watching the sun dip below the Adriatic. (Word to the wise: slather on the sunscreen! I learned that the hard way. Thank heavens for the toiletries) The Body scrub and Body wrap beckoned, but I have to confess, I was enjoying my own personal state of relaxation!
Eating & Drinking: From Asian Cuisine to Breakfast Buffets (And My Existential Salad Crisis):
Okay, food. This is where things got… interesting. The restaurants offered a diverse menu, from Asian cuisine in restaurant to Western cuisine in restaurant. The breakfast [buffet] was a standard affair, with the usual suspects (eggs, bacon, cereal, the works). The staff was always very accommodating, offering breakfast service and alternative meal arrangement options. I loved the coffee/tea in restaurant and generally the coffee shop was a nice experience. One minor complaint: finding good coffee was a quest in Montenegro as a whole.
The salad in restaurant was the centerpiece of my day, but unfortunately, I couldn't get the perfect salad. I mean, it was fine, but nothing sparkled on the plate. It was a real moment of existential crisis.
On a brighter note, the poolside bar was a godsend. Great for a quick snack, and a place to hide and chat with strangers.
Things to Do: More Than Just Lounging (Although That's a Good Start):
Beyond the poolside paradise, Porto Sole offers a good range of activities. Things to do seemed limited, but I'm a lover of ways to relax, which was what I wanted on this vacation, and Porto Sole certainly gives. The meeting/banquet facilities, were there, but I didn't need to use them.
Services & Conveniences: From Cash Withdrawal to Laundry SOS:
Porto Sole offers a surprising number of services. There's a concierge, a daily housekeeping service, and even dry cleaning! I did, however, go into a full-blown panic when I realized I was out of clean socks. Luckily, they had laundry service. Whew! I never thought I'd be so delighted to see freshly laundered socks. Also, you can find a convenience store nearby, and you can exchange currency exchange, although I just used my debit card. I also appreciated the safety deposit boxes and the luggage storage.
Cleanliness & Safety: Did I Survive? (Yes! Mostly.)
Ah, COVID times. Porto Sole takes some precautions. There were hand sanitizers, a daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff seemed masked up, but it wasn't exactly Fort Knox. The staff trained in safety protocol, though, so I felt better. The hygiene certification provided some reassurance, and I was able to take advantage of the cashless payment service.
For the Kids: Babysitting? You Betcha!
I didn’t have kids with me on my trip, but I saw several families, and I'm guessing they appreciated the babysitting service and kids facilities.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer, Car Park, And The Mystery of the Taxi:
The airport transfer sounded appealing, but I never used it. There's a car park [free of charge] on-site, which is great. I tried the taxi service once, and that was an experience. Let's just say, make sure you agree on the price before you get in!
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Honestly? Yes. Despite a few minor hiccups, Porto Sole is a lovely hotel. It's a great base for exploring the beauty of Montenegro. The location is spectacular, the spa is a dream. Some things were perfect, some things were imperfect. But that's life, right?
Porto Sole Hotel's Paradise Awaits! (But with a few caveats…)
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Tokyo Bay Hotel: Unbelievable Urayasu Ekimae Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're diving into the glorious, slightly-chaotic, and utterly delicious adventure that is Hotel Porto Sole Sutomore, Montenegro. Consider yourself warned, it's going to be… well, it's going to be me.
The "Almost Didn't Happen" Itinerary: Sutomore & My Sanity (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (But Make it Beachy)
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The Great Airplane Shuffle. Or, as I like to call it, "Where's My Luggage and Why Am I Always Late?" Seriously, someone, PLEASE invent a luggage teleportation device. The flight was… fine. You know, airplane food, the usual air-rage incidents (mostly internal, let's be honest), and that one guy who insists on reclining his seat into my lap. Anyway, finally, FINALLY, we land in Podgorica. Freedom! … and the immediate, overwhelming urge for strong coffee.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Taxi Tango. The haggling over the taxi fair was a battle. Honestly, I might have lost, but at least I’m here. That drive though, the scenery was like a postcard, the mountains looming, the promise of the Adriatic Sea… it was breathtaking. And the driver was blasting some absolutely terrible local pop music. I’m starting to think I need noise-canceling headphones for the rest of my trip.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Hotel Porto Sole: The First Impression. Okay, the lobby? Stunning. That smell of the sea air mixed with (hopefully) fresh laundry. We got the room. The view is EPIC. Seriously, the balcony overlooks the Adriatic, and I think I might cry from the sheer beauty. The room itself? Kind of… small. And the air conditioning is a little temperamental. But I don't care right now. I’m looking at the sea. All is good.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Beach Time! So, the beach is a stone beach. Literally, stone. Not sand. I forgot my water shoes. This is a major rookie mistake. Hobbling across those pebbles was like a medieval torture device. But then… the water! CRYSTAL clear. The sun warming my skin. I forgot all about the pebbles. The first swim erased any lingering bad thoughts. Pure bliss.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant. This is where things got… interesting. The food was decent, but the waiter seemed to have forgotten his smile somewhere between the kitchen and our table. And the wine… let's just say I'm not sure it aged well. But the view! The sunset over the Adriatic was worth the slightly sour wine. I swear I saw a dolphin jumping in the distance. Or maybe it was just the wine.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Balcony contemplation and initial jet lag. Still not over that dolphin (or wine). And the sounds of the waves… heavenly.
Day 2: Exploration & "Adventure"
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet (a mixed bag). The buffet offered a continental spread. I tried a local pastry that I think might have been cheese-filled. It tasted great! I'm going to need to find that pastry again.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Exploring Sutomore. We decided to actually leave the hotel. First stop, Sutomore Port, which was filled with the salty wind and the smell had a pleasant sea smell. And the local shops were charming. We stumbled upon a tiny shop selling homemade olive oil (bought some, of course). We wandered the backstreets, got slightly lost, and loved every second of it.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a local Konoba. Found a family-run restaurant. The food was incredible. I mean, melt-in-your-mouth good. We ordered the seafood platter, and it was a culinary masterpiece. The portions were HUGE, and there was so much fresh fish.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Beach Time… Again! This time I remembered my water shoes. Victory! I even managed to read an entire chapter of my book. Progress!
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Sunset "Drinks" at the Hotel Bar. The bar? Pretty basic. The cocktails? Strong. The view? Unbeatable. My soul is now truly relaxed.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner. We tried out the restaurant down the road. It was not nearly as good as the Konoba we found for lunch, but it was still alright.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: The Great Book Revival. Read my book for an hour on the balcony while feeling the waves splashing. Sleep promised to be a thing.
Day 3: The Fortress Fiasco & Emotional Meltdown (Just Kidding… Mostly)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. Same as yesterday, different day. Still loving those cheese pastries.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Rumija Fortress. We walked to the top of the hill and saw a fortress. The climb was brutal. I'm talking, "sweat pouring down your back," "thinking about quitting halfway," brutal. The views from the top? Worth it. The panoramic vista of the coastline, the distant mountains… it was awe-inspiring. The fortress itself? Less impressive. But the view… oh, that view. It was worth every single aching muscle.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch - Konoba time again! Same place, same order. It was that good.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Beach Time. This time, I tried snorkeling. The water was SO clear, I spent the next hour just laughing at myself because I was terrible at snorkeling.
- 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM: Relaxing at the Hotel
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: I will sleep till tomorrow.
Day 4: Goodbyes and the Promise of Return?
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last swim, sunbathing.
- 12:00 - 1:00 PM: Check out.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Taxi to the airport.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Airport waiting and flight home.
Final Ramblings:
Montenegro, you magnificent, messy beauty. Hotel Porto Sole, you quirky, slightly-flawed, and utterly charming gem. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was in a dream. The sea, the food, the people… the whole experience was an explosion of the senses. There were moments of frustration, yes. But they were quickly overshadowed by the sheer joy of being somewhere new, somewhere different. I'm already dreaming of my return. This is not a goodbye, it's a "See you later, Montenegro!" And I cannot wait.
Unbelievable Rivr House: Your Bucovina Dream Getaway Awaits!
Porto Sole Hotel: Paradise... Maybe? Let's Get Real. (FAQs for the Slightly Skeptical Traveler)
So, Porto Sole... Is it *actually* a hidden gem, or just a slightly overgrown pebble?
Alright, alright, let's be honest. "Hidden gem" gets thrown around more than a beach ball at a stag do, doesn't it? Porto Sole *is* lovely, don't get me wrong. It's tucked away in a little cove, the water is unbelievably clear (seriously, you can see the bottom from the pier!), and the sunsets… *chef's kiss*. But hidden? Hmmm… my taxi driver knew where it was, so, maybe not *that* hidden.
Truthfully, I'd say "undiscovered gem, maybe" is more accurate. It has that slightly off-the-beaten-path vibe that some of us desperately crave. You won't find hordes of tourists jostling for sunbeds, and honestly, that's a massive win in my book.
The website photos look *perfect*. Is it as Instagram-worthy as they claim?
Okay, hold up. Website photos are like Tinder profiles: they always present the absolute best angle. Yes, the waterfront *is* stunning, just like the photos. The views are legitimately breathtaking. But here's the thing… and I swear I’m not being a grumpy tourist... the hotel itself is... well, let's call it "charming in an older kind of way."
The rooms, *some* of them, are a bit… basic. Think functional, but maybe not "luxury boutique spa." My first room? Let's just say the air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus. After politely but firmly requesting a change (and maybe hinting at a negative TripAdvisor review… sorry, not sorry), they were thankfully super accommodating and gave me a much better one. Tip: ask to see the room *before* you fully commit. Trust me on this one.
And that pool? Gorgeous, like the photos. But, you know, kids. Lots and lots of kids. So be prepared for the joyful shrieks of splashing and the general mayhem that implies if you’re going for a quiet, romantic getaway.
What's the food situation like? I need deliciousness, stat.
Okay, food. This is where things get… interesting. The on-site restaurant is good, generally. The seafood is fresh (duh, it's the Adriatic!), and they do a decent grilled octopus. But, and it's a big but, it's not a culinary revelation, okay? It's more like solid, dependable, and reasonably priced. I wouldn't write home about the pasta, but I wouldn't *not* eat it.
The breakfast buffet? Standard. Some good pastries, but the coffee… let's be kind and say it's *eh*. Pack some instant coffee if you're a caffeine addict like me. The real win on the food front is the local restaurants outside of the hotel. Explore! There are some absolute gems just a short walk or taxi ride away. I stumbled upon a little family-run place that did the most incredible black risotto. I'm still dreaming about it. Seriously, that risotto alone would warrant a return trip.
Are there any activities beyond staring at the sea and occasionally dipping a toe in it?
Yes! *Finally!* It's not all just lying around, though, let's be real, a lot of it is. The hotel organizes some excursions. You can book boat trips to explore the Bay of Kotor. Do it! It's stunning. They also offer water sports, like paddleboarding and kayaking. I tried to kayak. I capsized. Twice. Turns out I’m not as graceful as I like to think I am. (The locals found it hilarious).
You can also hike. The surrounding area is full of hiking trails with some spectacular views. Bring good shoes, though. I ignored this advice and ended up with blisters the size of small grapefruits. Learn from my mistakes, people! Also, explore the local town - Perast, if you can. It's gorgeous!
What's the *worst* thing about Porto Sole? Give it to me straight.
Okay, let's get this out there. The worst thing? Honestly? The lack of consistent Wi-Fi. It's patchy at best. Sometimes you can get a good signal, other times… nothing. This might not bother everyone, but if you need to work remotely, this could be a problem. It definitely delayed my sending back a crucial email. Not ideal.
And, on a less-serious note, the music played at the pool bar. I am a lover of music, really, I am. But, oh dear god. The playlist was… let’s just say, it sounded like a radio station designed to drive you slowly insane. It was a mix of cheesy pop and… well, I'm not even sure what. Bring your own earplugs, or strategically position yourself away from the speakers.
Is it good for families?
Absolutely! Porto Sole is very family-friendly. There's a kids' club, a playground, and, as mentioned before, a pool that practically begs for splashing. The shallow water at the beach is perfect for little ones. I saw loads of happy kids having a blast. If you *don't* like kids, book a trip during the off-season, or pack some very good noise-canceling headphones.
Hidden Gems Within Porto Sole? Spill the beans!
Okay, so, I mentioned the slightly dodgy Wi-Fi and the questionable pool bar music. But, there are little pockets of pure joy to be found. The little stone pier, for instance, is the *perfect* spot for watching the sunset. Grab a bottle of the local wine (Vranac, it's lovely) and just soak in the view. Pure bliss.
Also, the staff. They were generally lovely and helpful, even with my grumbling about the air conditioning and the coffee. They went above and beyond to make the stay enjoyable. That warmth and kindness is worth its weight in gold. That’s what really makes a trip memorable--the people. That, and the black risotto.
My Porto Sole Experience - The Story of the Dreaded Elevator. (And How I Overcame It)
Right, to be completely honest? I had a slight… *situation* with the elevator. It was older, rattling, and franklyRoaming Hotels
