One&Only Portonovi Tops La Liste Awards, but Does It Deserve the Hype?
One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro has been named one of the world's top 10 best hotels in the prestigious La Liste Awards, earning the highest score of 99.5 out of 100 in a 10-way tie for first place. The hotel, located on the Bay of Kotor, features terracotta-roofed villas, shimmering pools, and ocean views. It was recognized alongside luxury names such as Badrutt’s Palace Hotel in St Moritz, La Réserve Paris, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, and The Peninsula Shanghai.
However, a travel writer who stayed at the property for two nights found several shortcomings that detract from the five-star experience. While the hotel has exceptional fusion food, wonderful service, and a world-class wellness program, smaller details felt overlooked.
Privacy and Bathtub Issues
The reviewer noted that the Portonovi room, which costs about £1,600 per night in summer, had floor-to-ceiling windows facing directly into rooms opposite. The provided privacy curtain was see-through, forcing the curtains to be closed when changing or washing. Additionally, the bathtub had a persistent drainage problem, preventing a relaxing soak. The reviewer mentioned that other guests reported the same issue. Metro approached the hotel for comment but received no response.
Breakfast Buffet Falls Short
The breakfast buffet at La Veranda was described as not matching the price tag. While it included fresh fruit, traditional Montenegrin meats and cheeses, cooked options, and a juice bar, it paled in comparison to competitors like Atlantis, The Royal, which offers 17 live cooking stations and a dedicated juice room. However, the reviewer praised the allergy labeling and delightful service.
Wellness and Dining Highlights
The Chenot Espace spa offers a health-optimizing program with medical consultations, advanced diagnostic tests, a low-calorie plant-based nutritional plan, and targeted treatments. The week-long Advanced Detox plan costs £3,602 plus a 10% service charge. The hotel's restaurants, Tapasake (Mediterranean-Japanese fusion) and Sabia (Italian), received high praise for their food and service, though the gluten-free pasta at Sabia was not handmade.
Final Verdict
The reviewer concluded that while the hotel has many strengths, the top 10 accolade seems too generous given the issues. With 339,091 hotel and resort businesses worldwide, expectations for a top-ranked property should be met without compromise.
