Villa Varosh is an upscale guesthouse at 15a Boro Shain in Ohrid's Varosh quarter, remodelled in 2019. It earns a 10 out of 10 on Expedia from 358 reviews, with cleanliness, staff and amenities all scoring top marks. The location is the draw: Lake Ohrid, the Ohrid amphitheatre and the old town are each about two minutes on foot, the church of St. John at Kaneo is about seven minutes, and Plaoshnik and the church of St. Clement and Panteleimon are within about ten. There are eight room types, from double rooms with garden, balcony or lake view to a deluxe apartment and a two-bedroom panoramic penthouse that sleeps four. Free WiFi, air conditioning, safes, refrigerators and free tea and coffee are standard, and the property has a terrace, a garden and a coffee shop. It is a charming base for couples, solo travellers and friends who want to explore on foot, and a good-value alternative to the larger lakeside resorts.
Location and getting around: you are inside the walkable old town, so almost everything is on foot, including the lakeside path to Kaneo, the stairs to Samuel's Fortress and the cafes of the main streets. Ohrid Airport is about 23 minutes by car, and the hotel offers an airport shuttle on request for a surcharge. Parking is free, though public parking can be a short walk from the property.
The rooms: choose a lake-view double for the water, or the penthouse for a family or group that wants space and a panoramic terrace. Check-in starts at 1 pm and check-out is at 10 am, with late check-out available for a fee. Free tea and coffee in the room and the lobby are a nice touch.
Good to know: breakfast is not listed as included, and reviews mention a shared kitchen and dining area that guests use, so plan to buy bakery breakfast or cook simply. There is no elevator, so expect stairs with luggage. The property can be hard to find, so use a map, and the reception desk is not staffed at all times, though the owners can be contacted. Nearby bars can be loud late at night, particularly in summer, so ask for a room on the garden side if you are a light sleeper. Pets are not allowed, and free cancellation is offered on some rates. It is a good fit for walkers, couples and travellers who prefer a personal guesthouse to a resort.
Why stay here
- ✓Two minutes from the lake
- ✓In the old town
- ✓Lake-view rooms
- ✓Terrace and garden
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Free tea and coffee
- ✓Free self-parking
Good questions
Where is Villa Varosh?+
It is in Varosh, the old-town quarter of Ohrid, about two minutes on foot from the lake and the amphitheatre, and about seven minutes from the church of St. John at Kaneo.
Is breakfast included?+
It is not listed as included, and reviews mention a shared kitchen and dining area. Plan to buy breakfast nearby or prepare something simple.
Is there an elevator?+
No, there is no elevator, so expect stairs with luggage. The property can also be hard to find, so use a map.
