Boutique Hotel Old Town

Boutique Hotel Old Town stands at Rade Bitange 9 in Mostar's historic quarter, a minute from the Crooked Bridge and two from the Old Bridge. Expedia lists it as a four-class property with a guest score of 9.4 out of 10 from 98 reviews, a free daily breakfast buffet, a restaurant, a bar, a terrace and a garden. For travellers who want to see Mostar at dawn and dusk, it is the right base.

Location and getting around: everything in the old town is within a few minutes on foot. The Crooked Bridge is a minute away, the Old Bridge two minutes, the clock tower five and the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque about seven, while the Tepa vegetable market is also seven minutes away. The airport is a 15-minute drive. Blagaj, Kravice and Počitelj are easy day trips by car or tour from here, and many operators will pick up from central hotels.

Rooms and facilities: expect a small, characterful property with free WiFi, air conditioning, a terrace and a garden. There is no elevator, so ask for a lower-floor room if stairs are a problem. Breakfast is a free buffet served from 7:30 to 10:00 each day, which is a real bonus given how early day trips begin. Parking is limited, must be requested in advance and costs a daily fee, with valet and off-site options at the same listed rate, so confirm if you are arriving by car.

Who it suits and what to know: couples and independent travellers who want atmosphere, and anyone who wants to cross the Old Bridge when it is empty. Pets are accepted for an extra fee. The old town is lively in the evening, with restaurants and bars close by, so request a quiet room if you are a light sleeper. If you are coming from Sarajevo by day trip, consider staying one night: the difference between Mostar at midday and at sunrise is enormous. Cobbled streets make rolling luggage tiring, so ask the hotel for directions and pickup options.