Escape to Paradise: Montenegro's Hidden Gem, Hotel Pelikan Virpazar
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this is not your average hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the waters of Montenegro's Lake Skadar, aiming for the elusive "Hidden Gem" that is Hotel Pelikan Virpazar. And let me tell you, I've got opinions. Strong ones. (And probably still some sand from the beach in my shoes.)
First things first: Accessibility (and my own personal struggles!)
Alright, so, accessibility. This is important. For the record, I’m relatively able-bodied, but I'm always super conscious of this as a potential issue. The review mentions Facilities for disabled guests - which is good, and I hope it means they’ve got some thought behind it. But honestly, unless you can give me specific details – like, are the rooms actually wheelchair accessible? Are the bathrooms set up right? Is the path to the pool paved smoothly or am I going to be battling cobblestones? – I'm gonna need more intel. The Elevator is a must, clearly. Hopefully, it actually WORKS all the time. This is a mountain area; I'm sweating at the thought of climbing stairs, even briefly!
The Blissful (and Messy) World of Relaxation: Sauna, Spa, and All Things Cozy
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Massage, Pool with View. Yes, yes, and YES! This is where Hotel Pelikan should shine. I NEED a good massage, after all that travel and walking around. And that Pool with a View… you better believe I'm picturing myself sipping something fruity, gazing out over that majestic lake, probably with a slight sunburn because I forgot sunscreen (classic).
I'm imagining the towels - are they the thick, fluffy kind? Or are they… well, let's just say some hotels skimp on towels. (I've been there. I shiver at the memory). Bathrobes are a must, too! I want to feel like a pampered princess! The Spa is absolutely essential, after a long flight. If it's anything like I'm hoping for, with those essential oils and soothing sounds… I might just drift off to a blissful nap right there.
Cleanliness & Safety: The New Normal (and My Mild Obsessions)
We live in a post-pandemic world, folks. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Individually-wrapped food options, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol. Okay, good. Really good. This is the stuff that lets me actually relax, instead of constantly worrying. Hygiene certification makes me breath easy. But… is it just lip-service? Do they really care? I have to be honest, I'm a bit of a germaphobe. So, everything must be clean. The Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out, the Doctor/nurse on call… all reassuring.
*Food Glorious Food (and Maybe a Few Regrets…)
Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Whew! That’s a lot of options.
Here's the deal. I LIVE for breakfast. Breakfast [buffet] is my jam. Western breakfast is my usual, but if that Asian breakfast is legit, I'm in. I crave a good salad, and a light soup. Desserts? Always. BUT, and this is a big BUT, I've been burned by hotel food before. Bland, overpriced, and generally disappointing. I’m praying for the Happy hour. Poolside bar sounds amazing… I hope they make a good Aperol spritz, I need that.
Services & Conveniences: From Concierge to the Essentials (and My Love of a Good Terrace)
Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Terrace. Ok, the essentials. A doorman is always a nice touch. Elevator = vital (see accessibility!). Concierge better have some fantastic restaurant recommendations. Daily housekeeping is crucial. Luggage storage is perfect for early arrivals or departures. But the Terrace… this is where it gets interesting.
Here's my deep, deep dive into the Terrace situation. Imagine, if you will: the sun setting over Lake Skadar, a gentle breeze playing with your hair. You're leaning back in a comfy chair, a glass of local wine in hand, on the terrace. The world's problems melt away. The sounds of the lake. The smells of the food. The Terrace is where you connect with the soul of the place. I'm already planning my terrace setup: a good book, a bottle of wine, maybe a small plate of olives. I can see myself spending hours here. I hope the terrace is as good as I imagine (and has a good view).
For the Kids (and the Parents Who Need a Break)
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Crucial if you are traveling with kids. This is a make-or-break for family holidays. A hotel that can cater to the little ones, gives parents a break, and everyone a happy holiday.
Rooms, Rooms, Rooms (And the Tiny Details That Matter!)
Okay, let's get real about rooms. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Closet, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Whew. It's a LOT.
Air conditioning is a must, especially in a warmer climate. Blackout curtains are non-negotiable for these sleep-loving eyes. Wi-Fi [free] is a life saver. The Mini bar better be stocked with something other than expensive water and flat soda. Bathrobes, Slippers are the ultimate hotel luxury. Coffee/tea maker is a must-have. Non-smoking rooms are essential. In-room safe box for protecting my important stuff. Soundproofing… oh, please, please be soundproof. I don't want to hear every cough, sneeze, or romantic rendezvous next door! A window that opens is a must-have.
Things to do – the things to do better be exciting!
Getting Around:
Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service. Airport transfer… I'm really hoping it does not involve a death-defying drive through the mountains. The Car park [free of charge] and Taxi service are great for reaching other excursions. If you have a car, Car power charging station can make the difference between booking or not.
Things that could potentially be improved:
- More Detail on Accessibility: Don't just say you're accessible; show me photos! Tell me the width of doorways, the height of the beds, the layout of the bathrooms.
- Be More Specific About the Food: Instead of just "Asian Cuisine," give me a sample menu. What makes it better than the standard.
- Tell me about the activities!
My Overall Impression (and a Hazy Recommendation)
So, Hotel Pelikan Virpazar. Is it a "Hidden Gem"? It could be. It has a lot going for it. The location on Lake Skadar is stunning, and the potential for relaxation is high. The rooms sound well-appointed. The emphasis on safety is reassuring.
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The Verdict?
I'm cautiously optimistic. I'd book it. I'd go. I'd definitely head for the Terrace with a nice bottle of Montenegrin wine. But I also want to be realistic. No place is perfect. And this place sounds like perfection is possible.
And finally, the pitch!
**Escape to Paradise: Unwind in Luxury at Hotel Pelikan Virp
Gallery Hotel Australia: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits You!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is a trip to Hotel Pelikan in Virpazar, Montenegro, through my ridiculously subjective lens. Prepare for a bumpy ride. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic (aka, "Where the Heck is Virpazar?")
- Morning (Oh God, the Morning): My alarm went off. The second alarm, because, you know, I'm human. Finally dragged myself out of bed, fueled by instant coffee that tasted vaguely of burnt tires and a healthy dose of pre-trip anxiety. Spent a solid hour packing and repacking my bag, convinced I'd forgotten something crucial (spoiler alert: I did, my toothbrush).
- Midday (The Great Escape): Flew into Podgorica. The airport was… compact. Like, really compact. Found a rental car, which, after a brief and terrifying moment of "Do I really know how to drive a stick shift on the other side of the road?", I managed to wrestle into submission. The drive to Virpazar? Absolutely stunning. Mountains, that intense Balkan sun… and me, gripping the steering wheel like my life depended on it (it kind of did).
- Afternoon (Finding My Feet… and Probably Getting Eaten by Mosquitoes): Arrived at Hotel Pelikan. It's charming, rustic, right on the water as promised. My room? Okay, maybe "charming" is a generous term. It's cozy. Small. And, judging by the faint musty smell, has probably seen more than a few rainy seasons. But the view from the balcony? Unbelievable. Lake Skadar spreads out before you, a shimmering expanse of water. Forgot about the "cozy" room.
- Evening (Dinner & Mild Melodrama): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Ordered the grilled fish. Delicious. Except… I think I swallowed a bone. Cue a dramatic coughing fit, which probably annoyed the other guests (mostly elderly couples, so I'm sure I came across as a massive disruption)
- Post-Dinner (The Great Mosquito War Begins): Sat on the balcony, trying to write in my travel journal. Swarms of mosquitos descended. I swear, these things were the size of small birds. Scratched furiously. Debated running back to my room and barricading myself in. Lost the battle. Went to bed, already calculating how many insect bites I'd wake up with.
Day 2: Lake Skadar & Existential Dread (and Glorious Sunshine)
- Morning (Lake Lore): Woke up. Yes, I had mosquitoes. But the view… oh, the view! Had breakfast at the hotel (delicious again). Then, a boat trip on the lake!
- The Boat Ride: The boat captain, a grizzled local with a twinkle in his eye, regaled us with tales of the lake's history. The area is also home to the endangered Dalmatian pelican.
- The Monastery: Visited a tiny islet. The monastery was humble, beautiful, and perfectly still.
- The Water Lilies: The lake is covered in water lilies. The green, lush carpets are like something out of a storybook.
- Anecdote Alert! At one point, I almost fell right into the lake while trying to get the perfect Instagram shot of the water lilies. My phone survived though, which is frankly a miracle.
- Emotional Reaction: This trip was amazing. The scenery was beautiful. The water was clear.
- Midday (Lunch & Deep Thoughts): Lunch at a restaurant on the shore. (I think I might have developed a fondness for grilled fish). The sun was warm. I sat and let the peace just wash over me. Suddenly, felt very very small and insignificant.
- Afternoon (Wandering & Wondering): Wandered through Virpazar, a tiny village. It's mostly a collection of restaurants and boat tour operators. Not much happening, that's fine. I found an ice cream place, and sat on a bench, eating some ice cream and people-watching. Realized how utterly lovely it is just to be somewhere, without the pressures of home.
- Evening (Sunset & Stargazing): Sat on the balcony again, this time with a healthy dose of mosquito repellent. Watched the sunset. The sky exploded in a riot of colors. It was ridiculously beautiful. The stars later were a masterpiece.
Day 3: Hiking & Humbling (and Trying Not to Get Lost)
- Morning (The Trail): Decided to be adventurous and go hiking. Found a trail marked on a crumpled paper map I managed to pinch from the hotel receptionist. It promised views. It also promised to be difficult.
- The Hike: The trail was VERY steep. Full of loose rocks. Climbed up mountains. The higher I got, the more I wondered if I'd actually make it back down.
- The View: The view from the top? Absolutely worth it. The entire lake spread out below me, like a giant, shimmering emerald, with the pelicans diving down. Exalted!
- Anecdote Alert! I actually got slightly lost on the way back to the trail. Panic set in. (I'm not good with direction). Eventually, I found my way but not before vowing to NEVER stray from a well-marked path again.
- Midday (Recovery Mode): Back at the hotel. Showered. Changed clothes. Spent the afternoon horizontal, recovering from the hike. Ate leftover fruits and nuts.
- Evening (Dinner & Departure Preparations): Dinner. (Maybe I'll skip the bone-filled fish this time). Started the annoying process of packing. Feeling a little melancholy that my time in Virpazar is ending.
- Post-Dinner (One Last Look): Sat on the balcony one last time. Enjoyed the night and then went to bed.
Day 4: Goodbye, Virpazar (and Hello, More Panic!)
- Morning (More Food, More Feelings): One last hotel breakfast. Bittersweet moment. Checked out. The drive back to Podgorica? Slightly less terrifying this time.
- Midday (Airport & Anxiety): Airport again. Lines. Security. The usual pre-flight jitters. Did I leave anything? Probably.
- Afternoon (Departure): Said goodbye to Montenegro. Felt peaceful and grateful.
Final Thoughts:
Hotel Pelikan? Rustic but very, very loveable. Virpazar and Lake Skadar? Absolutely worth the trip. Montenegro? A stunningly beautiful country. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Even with the mosquitoes. Even with the near-death experiences. Even with the burnt coffee. Because sometimes, the imperfections are what make a trip truly unforgettable.
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Escape to Paradise: Hotel Pelikan Virpazar - Your Questions Answered (and My Ramblings!)
Is Hotel Pelikan Really a "Hidden Gem"? Is it as Magical as the Instagram Pics?
Okay, let's be real. Instagram? Filter city. But…yes, it *is* pretty darn special. Virpazar itself? Tiny, charming, the kind of place where the main street is practically a postage stamp. Hotel Pelikan? Perched right on the edge of Lake Skadar, those views in the morning? Forget about it. I actually choked on my *rakija* (Montenegrin brandy, strong stuff!) the first morning because the sunrise over the water was so breathtaking. Seriously, I almost spat it out. And trust me, that *rakija* was delicious! It's not *perfect*, though. More on that later…
The "hidden gem" thing? It's true-ish. You're not going to find giant tour buses and hordes of tourists. It's more about finding your own little slice of heaven, which is kind of the whole point, right? It's magical in the sense of genuine, not the Disney kind. More like, you feel like you've stepped into a postcard and could absolutely believe a dragon could live in those misty mountains.
What's the Deal with the Boat Trips on Lake Skadar? Worth it? And where do I even *book* one?!
ABSOLUTELY worth it! Okay, *almost* a deal-breaker if you skip it. Picture this: you're bobbing gently on the lake, the sun warming your face, and you're cruising past these lily pads that look like something out of a Monet painting (though I’m no art expert, just…pretty). And the birds! So many birds! Pelicans, naturally (they're *everywhere*), and all sorts of other feathery friends. Seriously, pack binoculars! I swear I saw a bird that was, like, iridescent blue! (Or maybe it was the *rakija* again….)
Booking? Well, here's where it gets delightfully (or frustratingly, depending on your personality) Montenegrin. You *can* book online, but… honestly? Just wander down to the pier. There are a bunch of guys there with boats, hawking their tours. Haggling is expected (politely, of course!). We ended up with a guy named Marko, who also happened to be the unofficial historian of the lake. His English wasn't perfect, and he kept using the word "amazingly," like, "The birds are amazingly beautiful!" But he knew *everything*. And the boat? It was a bit… rustic (read: some questionable safety standards), but part of the charm! Just bring some water and sunscreen. And maybe a life jacket (just in case).
The Food! Tell Me About the Food! Is it all just Grilled Fish?
Okay, the food. This is where I have a slight… obsession. (Don't tell anyone, but I might have gained a few pounds. Worth it.) Yes, the grilled fish is prominent. And yes, it's amazing. Freshly caught, grilled to perfection—simple, flavorful, delicious. But it's NOT *just* grilled fish. Though, seriously, you could eat grilled Skadar Lake carp every day and be happy.
But... you need to try the *njeguški pršut* (cured ham), the local cheeses, the salads with tomatoes that actually *taste* like tomatoes (a revelation!), the hearty stews… Basically, prepare to loosen your belt. And don't be shy about asking for recommendations! The staff at Hotel Pelikan are usually super helpful (again, with varying degrees of English proficiency – be patient!). One night, the chef made us a special dish of grilled octopus that I’m still dreaming about. I almost licked the plate clean. Almost. Classy, right?
What are the Rooms at Hotel Pelikan like? Are they fancy-pants luxury or…?
They're… comfortable. Let's put it that way. They're not super-modern, minimalist design. Think more, "charming, slightly worn, but clean and with an amazing view." Our room had a balcony overlooking the lake, which was worth its weight in gold. We'd sit out there in the evenings with a bottle of local wine (cheaper than water, practically!) and just soak it all in.
The bathroom was… functional. The shower pressure could have been better, and the hot water was a little temperamental, but honestly? I didn't care. The view made up for everything. Plus, you're not exactly there to spend your days cooped up in a fancy hotel room, are you? You're there to *be* in Montenegro. To be outside, exploring the lake, eating delicious food, and maybe, just maybe, losing yourself in the beauty of it all for a while. That room? Just a place to crash. And wake up to *that* view.
Is it Easy to Get to Hotel Pelikan and Virpazar? Transportation Tips?
Getting *to* Virpazar is easier than getting around once you're *in* Virpazar. We flew into Podgorica Airport (TGD), which is the closest. From there, taxis are available, but pre-booking a transfer is probably smart. Traffic in Montenegro can be… interesting. Let's just say Montenegrins have a unique approach to driving. Expect winding roads and occasional moments of white-knuckle tension. And maybe a few *rakijas* beforehand, again (kidding!… mostly).
Once in Virpazar, it's all walkable. The hotel, the restaurants, the pier… everything's within easy reach. There are no buses or taxis to speak of, so pack comfortable shoes. Or, you know, just embrace the slow pace and enjoy the walk. We did get a taxi *once* from the airport, and the driver was… well, let's just say he took some particularly scenic routes. We ended up seeing a lot more of Montenegro than we'd planned! But hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
What's the Staff Like at Hotel Pelikan? Are They Friendly?
Okay, here's where things get a little… mixed. Generally, yes, they are friendly. Most of them, anyway. The front desk staff were always helpful, smiling, and eager to please (at least, to the best of their ability). English skills varied, as I mentioned. At times, communication required a bit of charades, pointing, and enthusiastic hand gestures. But hey, it's part of the fun, right?
The restaurant staff? A bit more… hit-or-miss. There were some absolutely lovely, genuinely sweet waitresses who were always attentive and helpful. And then there were… others. The occasional slightly grumpy waiter, the slow service, theJet Set Hotels
