Montenegro's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Luxury of Hotel Alexandar Lux Podgorica
Montenegro's Hidden Gem: Hotel Alexandar Lux – A Podgorica Review (with a Side of Crazy)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and probably a little Rakija) on Hotel Alexandar Lux in Podgorica, Montenegro. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is the real deal. I’m talking a full-blown, warts-and-all, "I'm still dreaming about the pool" kind of review. And yes, this thing is LOADED with SEO so you can actually find something truly worth your while! Don’t expect perfection, expect authenticity.
First Impressions & Accessibility – Or, How I Didn't Immediately Faceplant
Landing in Podgorica, I was immediately charmed. Not by the airport, mind you (though it was efficient), but by the promise of Montenegro. Finding Hotel Alexandar Lux was a breeze – they actually have car park [free of charge] – a godsend for a budget traveler like myself. And car park [on-site] too! Bonus!
Now, I'm not wheelchair-bound, thankfully, but Elevator access is CRUCIAL for those of us (me) who have packed way too much stuff. The hotel's definitely got it, so that's a massive tick. They also have Facilities for disabled guests, though I didn't personally test them. Always good to know, though, right? They offer Airport transfer too…wish I'd known that before hauling my suitcase across the city! Ugh, always the lessons learned later.
Rooms: Sanctuary & Slumber – Plus a Bit of Mild Panic
Okay, the rooms! Where do I even start? Yes, it’s got every Available in all rooms convenience you could need – Air conditioning, YES! Alarm clock, Bathrobes (hallelujah!), Bathroom phone (because, why not?), Bathtub (essential for soaking away travel woes), Blackout curtains (bliss!), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (my lifeline!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk (for those urgent emails…or more likely, Netflix), Extra long bed (a godsend for a tall person like myself), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (great views!), In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace (for finally finishing that novel…maybe.), Linens, Mini bar (temptation!), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies (perfect for a lazy night), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (the dreaded truth!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower (duh), Slippers (luxury!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens.
I seriously just spent an hour in that room. I mean, the Wi-Fi [free] is FAST. And the Smoke detector did its job, for all the non-smoking rooms. I was just sitting in the seating area staring out the window, the window that opens, and I just thought about the bathtub and wondered if it would fit two people and it got awkward.
The Spa: Finding My Zen…Sort Of
Okay, so, the spa experience? Let's just say it was intense…in a good way. They've got the full shebang: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. I chose the massage. I figured, why not just jump in?
After that, I'd recommend it. I'm a terrible person. I was so relaxed, I slept in the Steamroom! Oops!
Dining & Drinking: Fueling the Adventure
The dining at Alexandar Lux is a real treat. They've got it all: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, 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, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The Breakfast [buffet] was seriously epic. I'm talking mountains of pastries, the Coffee/tea in restaurant flowing freely, and enough Western breakfast options to satisfy even the most picky eater. I had the Breakfast takeaway service at least twice…guilty. And the Poolside bar? Forget about it. Cocktails with a view of that Pool with view – pure heaven.
Cleanliness & Safety: Making Sure We Don't Die
Look, I’m a germaphobe. I am. So, the fact that they have Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment – well, it put my mind at ease immediately. I didn't have to worry; I could just enjoy my vacation.
Services & Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost)
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
Basically? They’ve got everything. From Currency exchange to Luggage storage, they anticipate your needs. The Concierge helped me book tours, and the Doorman was always there with a smile. I appreciated the Invoice provided and the Cash withdrawal option.
For The Kids: Bringing the Little Rascals? (Seriously)
While I didn’t bring any rugrats, the hotel seemed Family/child friendly! They offer Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around: Avoiding That Awful Podgorica Bus
They have Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Which is good, because the public transportation in Podgorica is… an experience. That's all I'll say.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Besides Massages & Cocktails)
Okay, so, relaxing is easy at Hotel Alexandar Lux. Beyond the spa and the pool, they don't have as much to do. But, is that bad? No. It's refreshing. You can just relax.
The Honest Truth: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Awkward
Look, no place is perfect. My one minor gripe? The lack of Pets allowed. I missed my little fluffball!
But that’s it. The staff were all lovely, the place was spotless, and the overall vibe was relaxed and sophisticated.
The Verdict: Book It, You Fool!
Hotel Alexandar Lux is more than just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place where you can unwind, recharge, and fall in love with Montenegro. It's not flawless, but it's real. It's got enough amenities that it's nice and it lets you chill out.
The Offer (You Know You Want This!)
Tired of Ordinary Vacations? Discover the Luxury of Hotel Alexandar Lux in Podgorica!
Escape the mundane and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Montenegro. At Hotel Alexandar Lux, you'll experience:
- Luxury Defined: Indulge in spacious, impeccably designed rooms with free Wi-Fi
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your sterile corporate travel itinerary. This is a real recount of a trip to Hotel Alexandar Lux in Podgorica, Montenegro. Consider this… a chaotic love letter to potential chaos.
Day 1: Arrival and the Perpetual Hunt for "Wifi That Actually Works"
- Morning (8:00 AM Podgorica Time – or what I hope it is, the damn clock on the plane was possessed): Landed. Sun in my face like a judgmental god. Podgorica Airport: small, efficient, and radiating a certain… understated charm. By charm, I mean, "Where's the damn taxi?". Finally wrestled a guy into taking us to the hotel. He looked like he'd seen things. I suspect I'm about to, too.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Hotel Alexandar Lux! First impressions: Gleaming lobby. Way too much white, but hey, that's the luxury vibe, right? Check-in: Smooth, the staff is surprisingly friendly. First problem: My "mountain view" room seems primarily designed for pigeon-watching. Sigh. Travel, folks.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): The Great Wifi Quest. Okay, maybe not "great", more like mildly infuriating. Router's in hiding, I swear. Spent an hour pacing my room like a caffeinated panther, cursing modern technology and my reliance on it. Finally, semi-decent connection. Began, and immediately abandoned, a work email. Instead, I’m texting my friend Sarah (who is probably doing something far more glamorous, like eating a gourmet cheese board).
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch. Hotel restaurant. Food was… fine. Edible. Needed salt. The waiter, however, was a legend. He looked like he’d been doing this for sixty years and still somehow managed to be charming. He even gave me a free espresso when I nearly choked on a bread crust. Podgorica, you already have my heart.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Wandered the city. Podgorica is… not a city bursting with obvious grandeur. It’s a little rough around the edges, a bit understated. But that's exactly why I loved it! Didn't know where I was going, saw a church. The church bells made my heart skip a beat: they resonated with what felt like pure history. I would like to go there again. I feel like it would be the type of experience, where you find more of yourself.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Whenever the Jet Lag Decides to Leave Me Alone): Dinner at a little restaurant a few blocks from the hotel. Found this little gem of a resturant. It's a local place. The food was fantastic: grilled meat, delicious salads, and local wine that cost less than a bottle of water back home. Did I mention the people are fantastic? The restaurant owner, a sweet woman gave me the best dessert, and made me feel like I actually knew her. Fell deep in love with Montenegro within the first day.
Day 2: The Obsession with the Swimming Pool, and the Near-Death Experience with a Street Dog
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The pool. The promise of the pool. The reality of the pool. Hotel Alexandar Lux's pool is… okay. Fine. Clean. A little small, but I wasn't expecting the Taj Mahal. Did some laps, felt like a dolphin, promptly got bored.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Determined to explore the, again, understated beauty of this city. Saw a marketplace. So many people, so many colours, so much smells. I even ate some strange fruit.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch in the hotel? No. Gotta venture out! Found a random place. The menu was in a language I couldn't read. Pointed randomly at a dish. Turned out to be delicious. A testament to my adventurous spirit… or just really good luck.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Dog Incident. I repeat, The Dog Incident. Wandering down a quiet street, completely engrossed in the architecture and the peeling paint (Montenegro, your textures are a work of art!), when suddenly… A BIG, BARKING, UNLEASHED STREET DOG. It wasn’t aggressive, just… enthusiastic. I have a mortal fear of dogs. It seemed to take forever, but finally, the dog ran off, and I was left trembling with… relief. And maybe a little bit of adrenaline. I will never recover from this experience. Never in my life have I been so anxious. The moment I woke up, I went to the pool.. The swimming pool has become the source of my salvation. The swimming pool is the thing I will most certainly miss when I go.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Recovered from the dog fight (mentally, anyway) by walking around the city. Found a small restaurant with tables overlooking the river. I ate something that I did not recognized but it was delicious. And there, I sat for hours watching the water with a beer in front of me. Time stood still, this is the closest I have ever felt to a moment of peace.
- Evening (7:00 PM Onward): Dinner at the hotel again (convenience trumps ambition sometimes). The waiter from yesterday remembered my espresso incident and gave me extra. Honestly, the guy is a saint. Finished the night with a good night swim.
Day 3: This is where my memory gets fuzzy. No worries, it's all part of the vacation experience.
- Morning: I think I did the pool again. May have had some breakfast. I vaguely recall coffee.
- Mid-morning: I went for a walk again. I think I made note about the architecture and the colours.
- Lunch: Oh, I ate at the hotel.
- Afternoon: I tried to find a specific restaurant. I failed.
- Evening: I'm not sure. I might have eaten.
Day 4: Departure – and the Promise of Return
- Morning (Whenever the Alarm Decided to Wake Me Up): Packed. Or, rather, haphazardly shoved things into my suitcase. Found a sock I’d been looking for since day one. Score!
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Final breakfast. Said a fond farewell to the charming waiter. Promised myself I’d learn some basic phrases in Montenegrin next time. Seriously, how did I go to this country, and never learned at least "cheers", or "Thank you".
- Midday (12:00 PM): Taxi back to the airport. The driver regaled me with stories of Podgorica's past and present. He was right, the city itself is beautiful.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - Onward): Got back at the airport. Flight. Home. Thinking about going back soon.
Overall Impression of Hotel Alexandar Lux and Podgorica:
Hotel: Decent. Clean. Staff is amazing. The pool is there.
Podgorica: Unexpectedly wonderful. I was not expecting to be so enamored with this place. The city has a quiet elegance, a soulful depth. It's a place that sneaks up on you. You think, "Eh, it's alright," and then, boom! You're in love.
Will I return? Absolutely. As soon as I can find a good flight. Maybe next time I won't suffer so much from the dog, or the wifi. But even if I do, it will all be part of the experience.
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Montenegro's Best-Kept Secret: Alexander Lux Podgorica - Your Questions Answered (and My Rants Included!)
Okay, seriously, is this place *really* as luxurious as they claim? I'm skeptical.
Skepticism is healthy! And yes, with a ridiculously qualified "mostly, yes." Look, I've stayed in hotels that promised the moon and delivered…well, a slightly dusty rock. The Alexander Lux *tries*. The marble floors gleam. The staff, bless their hearts, are trying hard. But here's the thing… it’s not *over-the-top* luxury, which is what I secretly crave! Think more… elevated elegance with a dash of local charm.
My room? Beautiful, yes, with a balcony that offered views… of another building. (Sigh. I’m a view snob). The bed? Cloud nine, seriously, I almost didn’t get up from it the first morning! The bathroom? Seriously, where did they get those amazing towels? However, there was this ONE tiny issue. One evening, I swear, there was a water pressure hiccup. Not a total disaster, but a slight dribble while I was trying to wash my hair. Minor? Yes. Annoying? A little! But hey, it’s Montenegro, not Monaco. And the pros DEFINITELY outweigh the cons.
What's Podgorica like? Is it worth spending time there, or should I just jet off to the coast ASAP?
Okay, truth time. Podgorica isn't the postcard-perfect, jaw-dropping beauty of Kotor, okay? It’s a city that's… growing. It’s got a certain rough-around-the-edges charm. Think gritty, but with hidden pockets of beauty. And, important! A LOT less crowded than the coast. So, yes, it's worth a *day or two*.
The hotel is centrally located. You can walk to some decent restaurants, and the city park is lovely for a stroll. There are some interesting museums, if you're into that sort of thing (I admit, I spent more time on the hotel’s amazing Wi-Fi). Plus, Podgorica is a great base for exploring inland – canyons, mountains, the whole shebang. DON'T miss the old bridge, it's a stunner, and a real photo opp!
The breakfast buffet... Is it a highlight or a lowlight? I'm a breakfast person.
OH, THE BREAKFAST. This is where I have strong *feelings*. On the one hand: FRESH bread. Amazing pastries. A decent selection of fruits. They even make fresh omelets to order! (Bless the guy who’s always smiling behind the omelet station! Give that man a raise!).
On the other hand… it's not the MOST varied buffet I've ever seen. After a few days, it got… a little predictable. I found myself craving something *new*. Perhaps a slightly wider range of cheeses, or some more exciting cold cuts. Still, the quality was good, the coffee was STRONG, and the atmosphere was pleasant. So, a SOLID 'B+'. Definitely fuel for a day of Montenegrin adventures.
Tell me about the pool. Is it as Instagrammable as it looks?
Okay, the pool. Here's the thing: the pool is gorgeous. Really. Crystal-clear water, stylish sun loungers, a lovely little bar… and relatively quiet, which, honestly, is a huge win. I practically lived there. I spent hours sprawled on a sunbed, reading, sipping something fruity. Bliss. Pure bliss.
BUT… (There’s always a “but,” isn’t there?). The pool is not HUGE. So, if you're expecting a sprawling resort pool… temper your expectations. On a busy day, it might feel a *little* crowded. Also, a word of warning: the sun loungers are VERY comfortable. I might’ve fallen asleep a few times and gotten a little too much sun. Face like a lobster. Not my finest moment. Lesson learned: always bring sunscreen!
What about the staff? Are they friendly and helpful?
Yes! Mostly, absolutely! The staff were lovely. Really. There were a couple of minor hiccups, like when a waiter didn't quite understand my request for a dry martini (it came out… watery. But hey, accents are hard!). But generally, the staff were amazing. They were always polite, eager to help with anything, and they genuinely seemed to want you to have a good time.
One specific incident comes to mind... I needed help booking a taxi to the airport. I was running late, stressed out, and probably a little bit… (ahem) grumpy. The front desk staff went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly. Seriously, they saved the day! They remembered my name (which is a miracle, because I'm terrible with names). That kind of personalized service really makes a difference.
Is it a good choice for couples?
Absolutely! I think it's great for couples. Quiet, relatively intimate, with plenty of opportunities for relaxation and connection. The plush robes and slippers in the room? Perfect for snuggling up! The bar is a nice spot for pre-dinner cocktails. And the overall atmosphere is one of calm and tranquility.
Also, the location is convenient for exploring the area together. You can stroll hand-in-hand through the city park, take romantic day trips to nearby attractions, or simply relax by the pool and enjoy each other's company. Just be sure to pack some comfortable shoes... Montenegrin cobblestone streets can be tough on the ankles!
And for families? Is it kid-friendly?
Hmm, *slightly* less enthusiastic on this one. It's not overtly 'anti-kid', but it's not exactly geared towards families either. There aren't any dedicated kids' activities, and the pool isn't the kind of place for boisterous splashing around. If you've got well-behaved kids who can appreciate a bit of quietude, sure. If you're looking for a place where your kids can run wild and shout at the top of their lungs… maybe not. Think more sophisticated relaxation, less inflatable pool toys.
What's the best tip you can give someone planning to stay there?
Pack a sense of adventure and a thick skin for a bit of the unfamiliar. Embrace the imperfect! Things might not always go as planned, but that's part of the charm of travel, right? And don't be afraid to ask for what you want. The staff are generally happy to help.
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