Introduction - Another Random Jaunt to Europe
Exactly a year ago, my partner and I spent the Memorial Day long weekend in Slovakia and Austria. For MDW this year, we were planning to go to the Caribbean. But as is way too often with our life these days, my partner had a last-minute meeting in Hungary come up, so we figured we could make a whole trip out of it.
Both of us had already been to Budapest, so we wanted to explore new places in the general region. I had heard great things about Montenegro as an up-and-coming destination. There was once an Aman in Montenegro, but it’s been closed for a few years now due to disputes. The One & Only Portonovi had also been on my radar, but it was completely booked for the weekend. We later found out from our driver that some Russians bought out the hotel for a four-day wedding, which explained the lack of availability. That left us with only one option - the Regent Porto Montenegro. I’ve stayed at the Regent Singapore a decade ago, long before it was converted into the Conrad. But other than that, I can’t say I knew much about the brand, so I was excited to check it out.
My partner was leaving from DC, so I had to find my own way from Miami. This trip only came into fruition a couple of days before departure. Therefore, finding flights was quite challenging. Nowadays, Europe basically becomes America’s Disneyland every summer. Life pans out in fortuitous ways - I was in a similar situation last year where I booked last minute, and the best I could find was Virgin Atlantic’s premium class. This time around, the best I could find was Norse Atlantic Airways, the reincarnated low cost airline of Norwegian Air. Norse had a one-way Miami to Gatwick fare for $600 in premium economy, which was a bargain considering it was two days before departure. Of course I had to pay another $60 because they gave me a middle seat when I checked in, but all things considered, it was a solid deal. From Gatwick, I hopped on a quick BA flight to Dubrovnik. I paid 17,500 Alaska MileagePlan miles and ~$90 in taxes and fees for business class, although intra-European business class is hardly worth any premium.
After spending a few days at the Regent Porto Montenegro, we made our way to Hungary. Direct flights between Montenegro and Budapest were only operating on select days, so we had to connect via Munich. I intentionally booked Croatia Airlines as it recently took delivery of some A220s, and I had not flown on an A220 at the time. This was a great Air Canada Aeroplan redemption, given the cash fare was over $1,100 but I only paid 15,000 Aeroplan miles plus some fees. In Budapest, we stayed at the Matild Palace. Budapest does have a Four Seasons, however, it is in desperate need of renovation. The Matild Palace had impressive tech in the room while maintaining its historic charm. To return to Miami, I booked a cash fare in American Airlines business class, which I’ve reviewed many times on this blog and won’t be reviewing again.
In the end, our itinerary looked like this:
Review - Norse Atlantic Airways Premium Class B787-9 Miami to London Gatwick
Review - British Airways First Lounge Gatwick
Review - British Airways Business Class A320 London Gatwick to Dubrovnik
Review - Regent Porto Montenegro
Review - Adriatic Lounge Dubrovnik
Review - Croatia Airlines Business Class A220-300 Dubrovnik to Munich
Review - Lufthansa Business Lounge G Gates Munich
Review - Lufthansa Business Class A320 Munich to Budapest
Review - Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest
Review - MÁV Hungarian State Railways InterCity First Class Budapest-Keleti to Tokaj
Review - Plaza Premium Lounge (Non-Schengen) Budapest
We went to Tokaj one day and took the Hungarian State Rail, so I will have a short review about that. We really fell in love with the Adriatic Coast during our short stay. I wish we had more time to explore Croatia and Montenegro, and I can’t wait to return and visit Albania.