Montenegro's Hidden Gem: Scandinavian Chic Hotel in Ulcinj!
Montenegro's Hidden Gem: Scandinavian Chic Hotel in Ulcinj - A Review (With a Few Rambles!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the beans on the Scandinavian Chic Hotel in Ulcinj, Montenegro. Forget pristine brochure prose; this is the real deal. I’m talking honesty, opinions, and maybe a tiny bit of chaos (just like a good vacation should be, right?). My mission? To tell you if this place is actually a hidden gem, or just another Instagram-filtered disappointment. Let's dive in!
First Impressions & Accessibility (or Lack Thereof… Let's Be Real):
Okay, so Ulcinj is gorgeous. Period. The drive there is, shall we say, eventful. Winding roads, dramatic cliffs… you're practically guaranteed a scenic heart attack. The hotel itself? Well, "Scandi Chic" is spot on. Think clean lines, minimalist furniture, and a whole lotta light wood. The lobby? Stunning. But accessibility, sadly, isn't the hotel's strongest suit. While they do list "Facilities for disabled guests" and have an elevator, navigating the hotel with mobility issues might involve some… creative solutions. The entrance isn't perfectly flat, and I'm not sure about the pool access (more on that later). So, if accessibility is crucial, I'd recommend a very detailed chat with the hotel directly beforehand.
Internet Shenanigans (Wi-Fi, LAN, and the Elusive Signal Gods):
Let's talk internet. The hotel boasts "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" YES! I'm a digital nomad, so this is crucial! And… it mostly delivers. I tried the Internet [LAN] as well, just to geek out, but the Internet access – wireless option was stronger. There's also Wi-Fi in public areas, which is good for lurking around with your laptop and pretending to work while you stare at the Adriatic. The whole experience, it was… acceptable. I've had worse. I’ve also had much better. Let's just say, don't rely on it for a live video conference with the CEO. Maybe stick to emails.
The Good Stuff: Relaxation & Pampering (My God, the Spa!)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The spa. Oh, the spa! I'm not normally a spa person. I'm more of a "sit on the beach until I turn into a lobster" kind of gal. But the siren song of the Pool with view and the Spa/sauna got me. And, wow. The Sauna was legit hot, the Steamroom was… steamy (duh), and the Massage? I went for the full body. The therapist was amazing. I'm convinced she used magic. I'm rambling now, but the Body scrub? Worth it. The Body wrap? I fell asleep. I woke up feeling like a newborn, albeit one with a slightly sun-kissed nose. This part of the hotel nails it. Seriously. Go. Book a treatment. You won't regret it. I actually might go back just for the spa. The Fitness center is also there for those who want it, but I mostly stuck to the buffet…
Things To Do… Besides Just Existing (Because That's Also an Option)
Okay, Ulcinj is magic. It really is. Explore the Old Town, wander along the beach, and then get lost again! The hotel isn't exactly bursting at the seams with organized activities, but that's part of the charm. It's all about the freedom to do whatever you damn well please. You've got the Swimming pool [outdoor], of course. (I did manage to snag a lounger by the pool, not exactly a hardship. But sometimes felt a bit crowded.)
Food, Glorious Food (And My Stomach's Plea for Help!)
The food situation? A mixed bag. **Breakfast [buffet] **was the way to go. Plenty of options, solid coffee, and fresh fruit. There's also Breakfast takeaway service, which is a lifesaver for early excursions! The restaurants offer a mix of International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, but I was particularly excited by the Vegetarian restaurant option, (I'm a "mostly" vegetarian.) and the Asian cuisine in restaurant. The A la carte in restaurant was my go-to for dinner. The "salad" was huge. Be warned. Coffee/tea in restaurant were perfectly fine, but as I was still struggling with the "sea legs", I stuck to the Bottle of water, which was gratis. The Poolside bar is a lovely touch for cocktails! While there is a Snack bar, and it does have Desserts in restaurant, my favourite was the occasional Room service [24-hour] for a mid-afternoon snack.
Cleanliness, Safety & COVID-era Measures (Are We Even Safe?!)
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: COVID-19. The hotel seems to take it seriously. There was Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff wearing masks. I saw signs of Professional-grade sanitizing services in action. I also loved the thought they put in the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They had Individually-wrapped food options at the buffet. There's even a Doctor/nurse on call, which is reassuring. The Safe dining setup felt safe. They really did try. I appreciated the effort, and it put my mind at ease.
Rooms and Amenities (The Little Luxuries):
My room was a haven. Air conditioning was a godsend in the Montenegrin heat. I had Free bottled water, and my Mini bar was well-stocked with cold drinks (a lifesaver after a sweltering day at the beach). The Bathrobes and Slippers? Pure bliss. Air conditioning was glorious in the sweltering heat. The Blackout curtains meant I could sleep in, which was dangerous. I really, really appreciated the Desk, making life easier. Hair dryer was available. The In-room safe box I used to safely store all my important stuff. The Internet access – wireless worked a charm, and I used it heavily. The real joy however, was the Wake-up service, because I tend to sleep through everything.
Services & Conveniences (The Stuff You Need, Sometimes):
The hotel offers quite a few things, including a Concierge to help with day trips, Daily housekeeping, (which was efficient). I also found a Cash withdrawal machine. Laundry service and Dry cleaning were available. There is a Gift/souvenir shop, in case you feel like buying a miniature statue of a communist leader, or a fridge magnet of a goat.
For the Kids… and the Big Kids Too (If You're Into That Sort of Thing):
I didn’t have kids with me, but the Family/child friendly hotel does offer Babysitting service (I'm told) and Kids facilities. So, if you want to bring the rugrats, they'll be looked after.
Getting Around (Or, How to Avoid Getting Lost):
Airport transfer made the arrival a breeze. They have a Car park [free of charge] if you're driving and there's also a Taxi service. I stuck to the well-trodden paths and used the Valet parking service.
The Verdict: Is It a Hidden Gem? (And Should You Book?)
Okay, the million-dollar question. Is the Scandinavian Chic Hotel in Ulcinj a hidden gem? It’s… complicated. It's not perfect. Accessibility is a genuine concern. But the spa alone almost makes it worth it. The location is unbeatable, the rooms are lovely, and the service is friendly and helpful. There were times when I felt a bit lost, and things definitely weren't perfect (the occasional dodgy internet signal, a slightly-too-loud air conditioner), but that's part of the charm of traveling, right? It's real. It's human. It's not always smooth.
My rating? 4 out of 5 stars.
My Advice? If you're looking for a stylish, relaxing getaway with a killer spa in a stunning location and don’t have major mobility issues, book it. But if you're expecting perfection? Maybe adjust your expectations slightly. Embrace the imperfections. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the Montenegrin sunshine.
The Offer: Your Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Ulcinj's Undiscovered Paradise!
Tired of the same old routine? Craving a getaway that's both chic and soulful? Then, don't miss this opportunity: Book your stay at the Scandinavian Chic Hotel in Ulcinj and receive a complimentary spa treatment!
Here's what you'll get:
- Luxurious accommodations: Designed with Scandi-chic elegance and comfort in mind. *
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, brochure-perfect itinerary. This is the real deal, a messy, glorious, hopefully-not-too-disastrous chronicle of my trip to Scandinavian HOTEL Ulqin in Ulcinj, Montenegro. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because I'm about as organized as a squirrel in a laundromat.
Day 1: Arrival & Utter Confusion (aka "Where Did I Park the Sun?")
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, landing at Podgorica airport. Honestly, I forgot how much I hate airport chaos. My luggage is probably now vacationing in Zurich. Wonderful start! Found some local taxi driver with a mustache that could rival Mario in the Super Mario Brothers. He had a weird vibe about him, like he knew some REALLY juicy secrets about Ulcinj. I'm now at the mercy of his knowledge, but it is what it is.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Finally made it to Ulcinj! That drive, though. Mountain roads, cliff edges, the whole shebang. Makes my tummy do a little dance. Now, Scandinavian HOTEL Ulqin. I pictured a minimalist paradise of blonde wood and hygge. Turns out, it's more… characterful. Let's just say the decor has a “seen-some-things” kind of charm. The receptionist, a woman who looked like she'd single-handedly run the place for 20 years, gave me a side-eye that could curdle milk when I struggled with my luggage.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Checked into the room. "Sea view," they promised. Turns out, "view" is a generous term. More like "glimpse of the sea between two buildings and a pigeon's nest." I'm already feeling a slight existential dread, but the balcony does have a small table and two rickety chairs. I swear, if one of them collapses while I'm drinking my morning coffee, I'm blaming the pigeon of my morning view.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): Got lost trying to find a decent konoba (traditional tavern). Ended up wandering down a cobbled street that smelled vaguely of fish and mystery. I think I just saw a cat judging me in a very pointed way. Finally stumbled upon Konoba "Luna" (I hope that's the name). Ate grilled squid that was so good, I momentarily forgot the existential dread, and the pigeon's nest. Fell asleep listening to the waves a little bit tipsy.
Day 2: Beach Blunders & Sunset Spectacles (and Questionable Gelato)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, beach time! Velika Plaza (Big Beach) is supposed to be amazing. Finding a parking spot was an Olympic sport. The sand is indeed, big. And, well, it is a beach. Some dude kept trying to sell me a parasol, which I politely declined. He kept insisting. And that's the story of my sun and me until I said YES, just to get him to go away.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch. Found a little beach bar. The food was… fine. The service… non-existent. But, the view! Actually, the view was amazing. I mean, I nearly forgot the lack of service.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Attempted to tan. Ended up burnt. Badly. I look like a lobster who's been through a divorce. My attempts at elegance are always failures.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Gelato. Found the 'best gelato place in town (according to TripAdvisor, which is, you know, not always the most reliable source). "Best," I thought? More like "mostly melted, vaguely flavored ice water." I love ice cream. It's my therapist. And yet, the disappointment was real.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): Sunset at Ada Bojana. Now this was something. The sky exploded with colors. The sand was soft. Beautiful. This kind of thing is why I travel. Until I try to leave and get lost. Again.
Day 3: Old Town & Ode to Olive Trees (and Slightly Questionable Hygiene)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Explored Ulcinj Old Town. Narrow streets, crumbling stone buildings, the air filled with the scent of history and… something else. Not sure what. Maybe the fish markets from yesterday. The view is so captivating, though.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Had lunch somewhere that I can't actually name. The food was good, but the service was bad. They were out of olive oil. In Montenegro.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Found myself wandering off in a beautiful olive grove. I think I had my very own epiphany. The olive trees are ancient and gnarled. I love how they grow here.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): I'm starting to get the rhythm of local time. The food is fine, the service is slow, and the scenery is great. I had a beer at a place with a cool name. Some music, some chatter, and a new sense of peace that I did not find coming here.
Day 4: Departure & Reflections (aka “Did I Actually Sleep?”)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Packing. The hardest thing to do. Do I want this shirt? Do I want to leave? Do I want to come back?
- Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last breakfast on the balcony of my lovely room. Looking at the pigeon's nest. It makes me happy.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Taxi to the airport. The driver is not the same dude with the mustache. He is driving fast, which is so stressful that I have a mental breakdown.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Onward): Now on the plane. Overall, Ulcinj was a bit of a mixed bag. The hotel was… interesting. The food could be hit or miss. But the beauty of Montenegro, the sunsets, the olive trees… it got to me. The beach was magnificent. The people are incredibly friendly. I'd go back.
Final Thoughts:
This isn't a perfect trip. It’s real. I got lost. I got burnt. I had gelato that was less than thrilling. But I also ate incredible food, saw breathtaking sunsets, and had moments of pure, unadulterated joy. That, my friends, is what travel is all about. The mess, the mistakes, the memories… they’re all part of the adventure. So, go to Montenegro, get lost, and embrace the chaos. You might just find something amazing.
Escape to Paradise: Martin Wales Inn, Kenting's Hidden Gem
Ulcinj's Scandinavian Secret: Your Messy, Honest Guide to the 'Chic'
Is it *really* Scandinavian? Like, actual fjords and IKEA-adjacent vibes?
Alright, let's get this out in the open: No. No fjords. No reindeer. Think 'Scandinavian-inspired' through a fiercely Montenegrin lens. They *definitely* went for the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, but the materials? Think sun-baked wood, maybe a local artist's take on a minimalist painting (saw one – it was abstract and I... didn't get it). I’d say they tried REALLY hard, bless their hearts, but it's less 'Stockholm' and more 'Ulcinj with a serious design crush'. Still, it's a breath of fresh air from some of the, shall we say, **bold** architectural choices I've seen elsewhere along the coast.
The Location: Is it on the beach? Because I NEED beach. Like, immediately.
Okay, here's the deal: the website photos? They look dreamy. Like, you're practically *on* the beach. In reality... it's a *shortish* walk. And by 'shortish,' I mean if you're a reasonably spry person, about 10 minutes. But that 10 minutes? It's uphill. And then downhill. And then, depending on the time of day, possibly baking under the sun. Look, I'm not a fitness influencer, I'm the type who orders pizza at 11 pm. But the upside? The beach is AMAZING. Velika Plaza (Long Beach). Think miles of sand. Worth the slight leg-burn? Absolutely. Just pack water. And maybe an ice cream break on the way back up because, whew.
The Rooms: Cleanliness, Comfort, and That All-Important Wi-Fi!
Okay, the rooms... they're aiming for crisp. And generally, they succeed. Clean! Minimalist to the point of, well, *slightly* sterile if you ask me. I'm all for uncluttered, but even I crave *something* to look at sometimes! The Wi-Fi? Hit or miss. Like, the universe decided to play a joke the day I *really* wanted to video call my mom. One minute, blazing fast. The next? Buffering hell! So, pack patience. Or, you know, a good book. Or both. The bed, though? Glorious. Slept like a log. Worth all the buffering. Seriously.
The Food! Give Me the Dish on the Dining! Tell Me Everything.
Ah, the food. This is where things get... interesting. Breakfast is included. A buffet. Not bad! Fresh bread, cheeses (Montenegrin cheese is *divine*), yogurt, the usual suspects. The coffee? Strong. Very strong. Maybe a little *too* strong, if you're me and sensitive to caffeine. I had to dial back on it to avoid the jitters. Dinner… it’s a set menu. Which I generally *like*, because I'm indecisive. But… it could be a smidge hit-or-miss. One night, the fish was *phenomenal*. Fresh, grilled perfectly. The next night? A slightly overcooked chicken. It happens. The service, though? Always friendly. And even on the "off" nights, the atmosphere was lovely - the setting really makes up for anything.
Okay, Spill the Tea: The "Hidden Gem" Factor. Is it Overhyped? Is it *Actually* Good?
Okay, here's the truth bomb: "Hidden Gem" status? Eh, it depends on your definition. It's *not* a mega-resort swarming with hordes of tourists. You won’t find the super-organized chaos you get in some places. You won’t find a ton of bars directly on the beach because, again, you’re a bit away from the shore. What you'll find instead is a quiet, a slower pace. A place that's trying really hard to be stylish. And that, frankly, is charming in itself. I'm not a huge fan of "hidden gem" hype, honestly, because it sets expectations... but I left feeling, well, pleased. Would I recommend it? Yeah, probably. If you're looking for a relaxing, stylish-ish base to explore Ulcinj and that stunning beach, it's worth a shot. Just remember: Embrace the quirks. Lower your expectations a *smidge*. And pack extra sunscreen!
Anything I Should *Definitely* Pack?
Besides the obvious (swimsuit, sunscreen, hat – seriously, the sun is fierce!), here’s my insider tip: BUG SPRAY. I'm not exaggerating. Mosquitoes. Little vampires. They *will* find you. Also, a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is key when you’re doing all that beach-ing and uphill walking. Oh, and earplugs, if you're a light sleeper. Just in case the cicadas decide to host an impromptu concert directly outside your window. Finally - and I can't stress this enough - bring a good book, or download some movies. That wifi might not always cooperate. I learned that the hard way! And one more thing: a good attitude! Embrace the Montenegrin charm, even if it means things aren't *perfect*. Perfection is boring, anyway.
Tell me about that pool. Is it as instagrammable as it looks?
Okay, the pool. The *pool*. The Instagrammable pool. The one that sucked me in. It looks AMAZING in the photos. Clean lines, turquoise water, that whole Scandinavian-chic deal. And... it is *pretty*. I'll give it that. The water's cool, which on a hot day... is a blessing. But here's where it gets REAL: chairs fill up FAST. Like, by 9 AM, you're SOL unless you're an early bird. And even if you snag a chair, the *shade* situation is a bit... patchy. You're either baking in the sun or desperately trying to angle yourself under a tiny umbrella. The photos? They lie, slightly. It's still a pleasant place to take a dip after a day at the beach, don't get me wrong, but the reality is a little different from the fantasy. My advice? Go early, or embrace the tan lines. And maybe bring a *much* bigger hat.
