During our month in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, we stayed in small, independent hotels. The “Four Points by Sheraton, Kolasin”:https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tgdfp-four-points-kolasin/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2, Montenegro was the exception, the only ‘chain’ hotel which we generally avoid. It was the only one where paperwork was required at check in, the room wasn’t ready on arrival and we weren’t given a complimentary upgrade. Having waited only a short time for the room, 123 on the first floor, we eventually found our luggage which had already been taken up, outside 102.
The hotel was large and imposing, compared to our others, with 72 rooms and 15 suites. It was situated at the base of the Bjelasica and Biogradska Gora mountains at nearly 1000m and was a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
Our room was small with little space around the double bed and a shelf running down one side. There was a TV, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary water. The bed was comfortable and there were two bedside tables with touch sensitive lights and sockets. The wardrobe had a safe, iron, ironing board and empty fridge. It was pine clad reflecting its ski-resort location. Complimentary Wi-Fi was good.
The miniscule bathroom, had large basin, loo and a very dark shower. However, the water was hot and the pressure good. There was a wall mounted hairdryer near a mirror.
We assumed the hotel was new as it didn’t feature in our 2017 edition of Bradt. However, our local guide told us it was probably in its third season and was originally a pensioner’s home (hence the small rooms) and then the Hotel Bianca.
There was a spa with complimentary free sauna and steam room and massages could be booked (on the day we arrived, Sunday, there was 20% off).
The dining room was on the fourth floor, and we unexpectedly found we had dinner included. The buffet was good with two soups, salads, a small variety of vegetarian, meat and fish dishes. For dessert there was cheese and tiny pieces of cake meant we could try several. Whilst not normally a fan of buffets, we enjoyed the food and plates were quickly cleared by us and staff. A chef constantly tidied up the food and replaced dishes.
The ground floor bar, which was open to the public, was large with a variety of seating. We found the service slightly lacking and when we had after dinner coffee, it arrived with sugar added but was quickly replaced – unfortunately it was also lukewarm.
The breakfast buffet had the usual fare of juices cereals, yoghurt, hot dishes (eggs, sausages and bacon), salads, cold meats and cheeses, lovely breads and more tiny pieces of cake perfect with our help-yourself coffee.
This hotel was popular with tour groups, but our timings meant we avoided them in the restaurant.
Whilst our stay was reasonable, it did nothing to dispel my dislike for chain hotels and we think there may have been better options.
