Escape to Paradise: Stunning Bianca Apartments Await in Herceg Novi!
Escape to Paradise: Bianca Apartments - Herceg Novi Review - My Brain's Take! (Totally Honest)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans, the burek, the entire damn Montenegrin feast on my stay at the Bianca Apartments in Herceg Novi. Let's be real, planning a trip is stressful, and reading reviews is the only sane thing to do. So here's the good, the bad, and the slightly-burnt-toast-inducing truth.
First Impressions: The "Wow" Factor & The "Where's the Elevator?!" Reality Check
The brochure promised "Stunning Bianca Apartments" and honestly? They delivered. The first view from the terrace? Jaw-dropping. Picture postcard perfect. Turquoise water, mountains rolling into the sea, yachts… Yeah, it's gorgeous. (Things to do: Checking out the view is a good start!)
But hold on. I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting the climb. You know, I'm talking about Accessibility. They do say "facilities for disabled guests," but I'm not sure if they mean you need to be literally lifted up the stairs half the time. (My first internal monologue: "Ugh, where’s the elevator? Seriously?"). The reception, while helpful, isn't exactly right at the entrance. It's up some steps. And maneuvering with luggage? Let's just say I'm glad I wasn't actually trying to maneuver a wheelchair. (Accessibility: It's present, maybe not perfectly accessible, and you better have some stamina!).
Rooms: Paradise Found (Mostly!)
The room itself? (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, Bathrobes, Slippers, Coffee/tea maker, Fridge, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Private Bathroom, Shower, Toiletries, etc. - this is the long list, but most of the basics are covered!) Sweet. Seriously, the bed was like sleeping on a cloud of kittens (and maybe a hint of clean laundry). Blackout curtains, so I could sleep like the dead. (Non-smoking rooms? Yes, thankfully. Smoke detectors? Check.) My room had a balcony, and a view that made me want to just…stare. And I did. For hours. The mini-bar was stocked with all sorts of goodies – a dangerous temptation when you're aiming for a relaxing vacation. (Free bottled water: YES! Thank goodness for that when the thirst hits!)
The bathroom was okay, but the hot water had, shall we say, a temperamental personality. One minute, scalding. The next, a mere lukewarm trickle. A minor annoyance, but something to keep in mind. (Additional Toilet: not sure if all rooms have it, but mine did! And I appreciated that!).
Cleanliness and Safety: Covid-Era Comfort (Mostly)
Okay, this is where Bianca really shines, especially during these crazy times. (Cleanliness and safety - Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Professional-grade sanitizing, etc.) I saw staff constantly cleaning. Seriously, they were like hygiene ninjas. The rooms were sparkling, and I felt safe knowing they were taking extra precautions. The staff wore masks and were friendly and accommodating, making it all feel a bit more comforting. They've clearly put a lot of thought into safety protocols. (Room sanitization opt-out available… I didn't opt out. I embraced the sterile goodness!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Relaxation Machine
The restaurant. Let's talk food. There was a (Breakfast [buffet] - buffet! Good start!). I'm not a huge fan of the European breakfast, especially in the Eastern European regions, but it was fine. Lots of pastries and cheeses. Coffee was decent. (I did miss a good, strong Americano.) But the real star here was the poolside bar! (Poolside bar: Essential. A-la-carte restaurant - Yes, international cuisine, etc.) Sipping a cocktail with that view? Pure bliss. (Happy hour? I'm assuming. I "enjoyed" a cocktail or two…)
They had a (Snack bar) too, which came in handy when the hunger pangs hit. But I might suggest looking for a restaurant off-property. The options were limited enough to repeat.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Saunas & Staring at the Sea
Okay, the Bianca has a Spa! (Spa/Sauna, Massage, Steamroom, Pool with view, Body scrub, Body wrap…) The (Sauna) was my happy place. Just sweating out all the stress. And yes, the (Swimming pool [outdoor]) with that view? Epic. I think I spent half my vacation just floating, staring at the sky. The (Massage) was a must-do. You need it. After all that exploring, and climbing!
Getting Around: The Car Park is Your Friend (And Maybe a Taxi)
Car park [free of charge]: YES! That was a massive relief. Parking in Herceg Novi can be a nightmare. (Taxi service: Available!) They also offer an (Airport transfer), which is a lifesaver if you don't want to navigate the drive from the airport yourself.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The staff were generally very helpful and friendly. (Doorman, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, all available). They had a (Convenience store), a nice option for those last minute forgotten items. The (Cash withdrawal) and (Currency exchange) were super handy.
For the Kids: Family Friendly, But…
I didn’t bring the kids, but from what I saw, it seemed pretty family-friendly. (Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Babysitting service). There were kids' facilities, although I'm not sure what exactly. I'd say this would be a good option, in general.
Internet: The Constant Companion (Mostly Good)
Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free] in most parts…): WiFi was pretty decent, generally, though it did have a couple of moments where it decided to take a nap. (I got a bit frustrated, trying to upload photos… But hey, you’re on vacation. Unplug, remember?)! (Internet, Internet services, Internet access – LAN and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!)
Accessibility Re-visited (Because It's Important)
Alright, let's circle back to Accessibility because it deserves its own paragraph. The Bianca tries. They really do. But it’s not perfect. If you have significant mobility issues, I'd seriously suggest you contact them before booking to clarify access. While they have a (Elevator), accessing all parts of the property might be, if not impossible, very challenging. Some of the more remote rooms seemed like a lot of extra stair-climbing. I’m not trying to be harsh, but it's important to be aware. (Facilities for disabled guests: Yes, listed. I can't personally vouch for how effective they are).
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
In a heartbeat. Despite the accessibility niggles and the slightly-meh breakfast, the Bianca Apartments are a fantastic option. The view, the spa, the clean rooms, and the friendly service more than make up for any minor flaws. If you're looking for a slice of paradise with a stunning view, and you're okay with (potentially) a few steps, then book it. Just, maybe, pack some comfy shoes. And maybe request a room closer to the front desk.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Italia & Lombardi's Montefiascone Magic
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is my attempt to wrestle a week in Bianca Apartments, Herceg Novi, Montenegro into some semblance of order. And let me tell you, I'm already feeling the pull of the Adriatic… and the potential for utter, glorious chaos.
The Bianca Apartments, Herceg Novi: A Hot Mess (But Hopefully a Charming One!)
Day 1: Arrival – Huzzah! (And Panic!)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up. Or rather, wrestle myself out of a sleep-induced coma after a transatlantic flight. Jet lag is a beast. Swear at the alarm clock (because obviously). Scramble for coffee. The good stuff is a must.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Land in Tivat, Montenegro. The airport is tiny. Like, the baggage claim is practically in the arrivals area. I could almost hear the crickets chirping. This is promising. Grab a taxi. The driver, bless his heart, seemed to know the road less traveled. He's a good man.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM): Arrive at Bianca Apartments. Finally! Pray to the travel gods that it looks like the photos. Double check the apartment key, because if I lost it before I checked in then it's all over. Breathe. Unlock the door.
- Internal Monologue: Okay, apartment. Not bad. Balcony? Excellent. View? Holy guacamole, the view! The Bay of Kotor is absolutely stunning. Someone pinch me. (Actually, don't. I'm still grumpy from the flight.) Unpack like a whirlwind. Hide all valuables, because you know, safety first.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Wander out to explore the Old Town. Google maps is my new best friend. Get lost. Completely, gloriously lost. Discover a tiny, family-run konoba (restaurant) and order the local seafood. Fail to pronounce a single Montenegrin word correctly. End up laughing so hard with the waiter that he gives me a shot of rakija (local moonshine).
- Reaction: Ah yes, now that's what I'm talking about! This is what it's about. The taste of freedom! And, admittedly, the taste of something that'll probably give me a headache tomorrow.
Day 2: Sun, Sea, and Seafood – And Possibly Sunburn.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Battle with the sun lounger on the apartment balcony. It's surprisingly difficult to conquer a simple chair. Finally, triumph! Slap on sunscreen (hopefully enough).
- Mid-morning (10:00 AM): Head to the beach. Find a spot. Get distracted by the impossibly blue water. Stare at the tiny sailboats. Take approximately 500 photos. Decide that, yes, I could definitely live here.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Beachside lunch. Order grilled fish (the second time I've tried this week!), try to act like I know what I'm doing with a fork, and get sand everywhere. Worth it.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Attempt to read a book, but end up people-watching instead. Observe the family next to me building a sandcastle empire. Feel pangs of envy for their unwavering dedication to sandy construction.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Walk along the promenade. Window shop. Buy a ridiculous straw hat that I will probably never wear again. But, darn it, it was cute at the time.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a different konoba. This time, I try the black risotto. It’s… interesting. The texture is vaguely squid-like. Take mental notes to learn more about seafood.
- Reaction: Bliss. Utter, sun-drenched bliss. Until I realize I've probably overexposed my back and will resemble a lobster tomorrow. Oops.
Day 3: Kotor Bay Adventure and the Art of Procrastination
- Morning (9:00 AM): Plan a day trip to Kotor Bay. Research buses. Research boat tours. Get overwhelmed by options. Stare blankly at the map for an hour.
- Mid-morning (10:30 AM): Decide to "get organized" by reorganizing my suitcase. Discover a rogue sock. Debate the merits of bringing the sock to the laundromat. Put off leaving for Kotor. Procrastination level: expert.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Finally, drag myself out. Catch a bus to Kotor. The bus is packed. Someone’s playing loud Balkan music on their phone. Feel the true vibe of Montenegro.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Arrive in Kotor. It's gorgeous. Seriously, straight out of a fairytale. Get lost in the cobblestone streets. Climb the city walls (the views are insane, but my legs are screaming).
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Find a café. Order coffee. People-watch. Wonder if I'm actually supposed to be doing anything.
- Reaction: Kotor is incredible. But the climb? Not so much. My legs are probably going to hate me tomorrow. And I still haven't booked that boat tour…. Maybe tomorrow.
Day 4: Boats, Beers, and Beach Bumming – The Repeat Cycle
- Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up. My legs are screaming! The sun is calling. Coffee, coffee, coffee.
- Mid-morning (10:00 AM): Actually manage to book a boat tour of the Bay of Kotor! Hurray for proactive decisions. Spend way too long deciding on the exact seating on the boat.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Enjoy the boat tour. The water is unbelievably clear. Visit a tiny island with a church. The views are breathtaking and I wish I could swim in the deep.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Beer. Beach. Repeat. It's a cycle, and I'm okay with it. Decide that I absolutely love this town.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Find a nice restaurant. Decide to splurge. Drink some wine. Eat delicious food. And then I fall asleep on the couch!
- Reaction: Today was a perfect day. I'm so lucky to be here.
Day 5: Fortress Hopping, History, and Hangovers
- Morning (9:00 AM): Another day, another coffee. Stare at the list of fortresses and castles. The list is getting longer.
- Mid-morning (10:00 AM): So, I'm not sure what to do. I'm still tired and have a sore throat. So, naturally, spend the morning with Netflix.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Attempt to eat lunch but give up.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Take a nap. That helped.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Check out the city again.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Back in the hotel.
- Reaction: Ugh, this is a terrible day, but I'm surviving. I've learned to say no to more things today than usual.
Day 6: Farewell Dinner – And the Deep, Dark Fear of Leaving
- Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up. Sigh. The end is near. Start packing, then get distracted by the amazing view. Take a million more photos.
- Mid-morning (10:00 AM): wander through the local market. Buy some souvenirs. Attempt to haggle, utterly fail, and then overpay anyway because it's all so charming.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Enjoy a final seafood feast. This time, I’m a seasoned pro with the fork. Get a little teary-eyed at the thought of leaving all this behind.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Head for one last swim. Realize this is probably the last time I can swim for a long time. Soak it all in.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Stroll through the Old Town one last time. Try to memorize every cobbled street, every flower-filled balcony.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Farewell dinner at that konoba I loved on Day 1. Order everything. Drink all the wine. Tell the waiter how much I'll miss Montenegro.
- Reaction: Okay, I'm officially in love with this place. Actually, I'm not ready to leave. I want to stay forever! The food has been incredible. The ocean is perfect. I've fallen in love with the people, and the landscape.
Day 7: Departure – And the Promise to Return!
- Morning (7:00 AM): Drag myself out of bed. Pack the last bits and bobs. Try not to cry (too much).
- **Early Morning (8
So, You're Thinking About Bianca Apartments in Herceg Novi? Buckle Up! (You Need This)
Okay, First Things First: Is This Really Paradise? (Don't Judge Me!)
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Paradise" is a STRONG word. I went in with sky-high expectations, thanks to all the Instagram posts. And listen, Herceg Novi itself? Utterly gorgeous. The Bay of Kotor? Breathtaking. Did Bianca Apartments deliver on the promise of… well, actual paradise? Honestly? Almost. The view from our balcony? Unreal. Like, I'd sit out there with my morning coffee (and maybe a cheeky biscuit, don't tell anyone) and just… *sigh*. Pure bliss. The sunsets? Forget about it. They make you want to write bad poetry. But, and there’s *always* a but…
So, the "But"… Spill. What's the Catch?
Okay, okay, here we go. Let's just rip off the band-aid. Firstly, the walk up the hill to get to your apartment… Let's just say, pack light. And by "light," I mean like, two pairs of underwear and a toothbrush. I’m not kidding! My calves were screaming by the end of the week. It’s a workout, a brutal, beautiful workout! But hey, at least you'll earn that gelato later, right? Secondly, the Wi-Fi was… intermittent, shall we say? Perfect for a digital detox (which, admittedly, I *needed*), but less ideal if you, you know, *work*. My boss probably thought I'd been kidnapped. Finally, the kitchen… It had the basics. That's really all I can say. Don't expect to be whipping up Michelin-star meals. Stick to the fresh markets and local restaurants, trust me.
The Apartments Themselves: Are They Actually Nice? (Or Just Instagram-Pretty?)
Okay, the interiors. They're definitely styled for Instagram. Clean lines, minimalist decor… Very "Scandi-chic by the Sea." Our apartment (we were in the [Insert Apartment Name] – can't remember it off the top of my head, I was busy staring at the view!), was generally good. The bed? Comfy. The bathroom? Clean. The balcony? As mentioned, GOLD. But… and I hate to say it… small quirks. Like, the shower pressure fluctuated wildly. And the air conditioning… well, let's just say it sometimes felt like it was gently whispering "I'm not sure I can handle this heat." It's like, they’re *almost* perfect, but not quite. Maybe they need a few more years to work out all the kinks!
The View...again. Is It *Really* That Good? I Mean, Pictures Lie!
Okay. The view. Let's just dedicate an entire subsection to this. Because honestly? The view is *the* reason to go. Period. I'm talking, panoramic, across-the-Bay-of-Kotor, postcard-perfect, makes-you-forget-all-your-problems kind of view. I spent HOURS just staring. Seriously. I actually *lost* a whole afternoon just observing the boats sailing by. Each sunset was a *spectacle.* The way the light hit the old town… It's worth the hike, the dodgy Wi-Fi, the shower pressure issues, and the… well, everything. It's genuinely breathtaking. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it!
What's Herceg Novi Like? Is It a Tourist Trap?
Herceg Novi itself? Lovely. Not a *total* tourist trap (though it's definitely on the tourist radar). Charming Old Town, cute cafes, delicious food (more on that in a minute!). It's got a good vibe. It’s not overly crowded, which is always a plus. The locals are friendly, even if my Serbian is non-existent. Plenty of opportunities for wandering, getting lost in the narrow streets, and discovering hidden gems. There are some touristy bits, sure, but you can easily escape them. Just… explore! Seriously, get lost. That's half the fun!
Food, Glorious Food! Where Do I Eat?
Oh. My. God. The food! Okay, so, I’m a foodie. A *major* foodie. Herceg Novi didn't disappoint. There are tons of fantastic restaurants. I can't remember *every* name (again, blame the view! And the wine…), but: Definitely try the seafood. Freshly caught, grilled to perfection. And the local wine? So good. We had this amazing meal at [Insert Restaurant Name, if you actually remember one] - it was incredible. I think I ate an entire plate of grilled octopus. And don't forget the burek! Savory pastry goodness. Oh, and gelato. You *must* have gelato. Because, walking up that hill… well, you deserve it. All of it.
Okay, So, the Walk Up the Hill Again... How Bad Is It, Really?
Okay, let me paint you a picture. Imagine you've spent a glorious day swimming, sunbathing, and consuming copious amounts of delicious food and wine. You're tired, you're possibly a little sunburnt… and then you see the hill. It's a steep one, folks. Like, *really* steep. Think "stairmaster from hell" but with a stunning view as your reward. I swear, the first few days, I was huffing and puffing like a geriatric walrus. My legs burned. I regretted every single pizza slice. But... and here's the weird thing… after a few days, you get used to it. Your calves toughen up. You pace yourself. You start seeing it as an excuse to indulge in more delicious food. Is it ideal? No. Is it a deal-breaker? Probably not. Just pack sensible shoes and be prepared to take breaks. And… maybe bring a portable oxygen tank. (Kidding… mostly.)
Would You Go Back? (Be Honest!)
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. Despite the Wi-Fi issues, the shower quirks, and the hill (oh, the hill!), I had an *amazing* time. The scenery, the food, the vibe… It was incredible. I’d gladly go back, maybe even for a whole month next time! I’d be better prepared for the hike, I’Web Hotel Search Site
