The Best Cheap Hotels and Hostels to Book in Mostar, Bosnia

With the Neretva and its much-photographed Stari Most (Old Bridge) only 200m (650ft) away, each of the colourful rooms here are named after – you guessed it – one of five local rivers. A haven for eco-minded travellers, water- and energy-saving measures include water filtration, so guests can ditch plastic in favour of reusable bottles. Socialise in the well-equipped communal kitchen, where you can whip up a quick meal to enjoy on the shared terrace.

For the ultimate group holiday, book this six-bedroom home. Since each wooden-floored, pastel-hued bedroom is blessed with a balcony, we’ll let you fight over who gets the sweeping views of the Neretva river. After a day of exploring, head home to relax in the pretty garden or on one of those balconies, followed by dinner at the nearby Italian restaurant.

Light and airy rooms and suites with pops of green and red, a five-minute walk from Stari Most, blend city chic with the feel of a country villa. Everyone will love the stone walls, flower-adorned courtyard and minimalist design, with electricity from ecofriendly solar panels. There’s even an artefact-packed on-site museum. If you wake up peckish, devour the traditional breakfast of fresh bread, cured meats, cheeses and jams.

The earthy tones of this homely hotel may be just 500m (164ft) from the Old Town, but its tranquil courtyard feels a world away. Rooms here sleep up to four guests, while groups might opt for one of the two apartments with spacious living and kitchen areas – perfect for any budding chefs looking to try their hand at Bosnian cooking. Alternatively, try the home-cooked breakfast of crepes, eggs, pastries and fruit in the garden. For extra seclusion, book into the apartment with a private terrace.

Travelling by train? Mostar’s station is a five-minute walk away from these light, cosy and modern rooms with abundant pine accents and city or river views. The real draw, however, is the on-site restaurant dishing up bountiful breakfasts of omelettes, crepes, meats or cheese. Don’t fancy heading further afield for food? Return at dinner time for fresh grilled fish and meats.

Wake up with a breakfast of fresh burek (filled pastry) overlooking the roofs and minarets of Mostar from your private terrace. If you don’t manage to bag one of these sought-after spots, there is a shared courtyard, while the tranquil river is a four-minute walk away. Whether you’re in a double or triple room, rumour has it that you might struggle to rise – this modest but homely guesthouse receives rave reviews for its comfy beds.

With a dozen funkily decorated double and triple rooms, plus dorms, this place prides itself on being the friendliest and most design-forward hostel around. Friendships are forged in the colourful communal living room and on the shared terrace – a prime spot for a post-exploration beer. Most key sights are within a ten-minute walk, and hostel staff can organise excursions if you want to venture further afield to historic Blagaj or the dynamic Bosnian capital of Sarajevo.