Since the opening, for the 7th year now, we are being reviewed by our guests on Booking.com and Tripadvisor as the top hotel in the city, which is a proof of our commitment and dedication to every single guest.
Cue Podgorica has firmly positioned itself on the map of ‘the place’ to see and be seen in Podgorica and has become a destination in itself in the capital. Miloš Duletić, from The Collection caught up with Slavica Stojković, General Manager to talk key elements of success to date, plans for the future and challenges to be met going forward.
What makes Hotel CUE special?
CUE Podgorica is a unique hotel in the Capital of Montenegro, recognizable by its brilliant, playful, and friendly energy, making our guests coming back. It can simply be described as a vibrant hotel, striving to keep up with the trends, not only those of Podgorica, but also international.
Since the opening, for the 7th year now, we are being reviewed by our guests on Booking.com and Tripadvisor as the top hotel in the city, which is a proof of our commitment and dedication to every single guest. Hence, we believe that CUE Podgorica is the most inspiring place to stay in Podgorica, with a distinctive combination of business and warm, family atmosphere. This is best reflected in our slogan- "Unplug&play," inviting you to disconnect from the virtual and dive into the reality.
All of the 122 rooms and suites are comfortable and contemporary, with the Penthouse standing out with its fantastic view of the city, being one of the most popular suites in Podgorica. We host various events, weddings, theater performances, but are also recognized as the location for shooting numerous music videos and movies. Additionally, we have turned our conference area gallery into an art gallery, hosting each month exhibitions of different artists. Our Conference Center is a particularly significant feature, with contemporary equipped conference and meeting rooms, making CUE the best business and MICE hotel in Podgorica.
If I was to choose between different selling points of the CUE, I would be tempted to mention The Living Room lounge & dining. From the very beginning, we have positioned ourselves as leaders in the hospitality industry. In The Living Room you may meet politicians, important businessmen, Ambassadors, popular actors, athletes, as well as regular foreign and local tourists simply enjoying their first morning coffee, breakfast, or just relaxing after a hard-working day. Our Living Room is now recognized as a meeting place and the venue for celebrations.
What are your plans for the current year, 2023?
The plan is to continue at an even better pace, further improving our results. The essence of a successful hotel is warm hospitality and quality of service and those will be the areas of our focus. Creating experiences for our guests, being attentive to their needs is our way of building trust and loyalty. But finally, as a proverb says: the way to one’s heart is through his/her stomach, and we will certainly strive to enhance our gastronomic offer. Our Executive Chef, Stefan Đukanović, with his extensive international experience, incessantly infuses the menu with dishes from various parts of the world, captivating all senses of even the most demanding gourmets at Hotel CUE Podgorica and The Living Room Lounge & Dining.
As the first hotel in Podgorica to be awarded the Green Key, a leading international eco-label for tourism and hospitality establishments, we are adhering to strict criteria, contributing to environmental responsibility, and exercising sustainable operations at all times.
Our objective is also to support the community, so we have initiated numerous cultural and entertainment events, striving to promote the tourist offer of Podgorica and Podgorica as a new destination on the map. Our key events include the Summer Jam festival, bringing famous regional pop music performers, as well as the Theater in The Living Room. Theater plays and stand-up shows have enchanted our guests, who are impatient to hear about new dates and performers and eagerly await the upcoming theater season in the fall.
What is the key to successfully running a hotel business today?
People are the key, as they are the ones making the difference and making the hotel a place you want to return to. At CUE Podgorica, we pay great attention to each individual, and have been successful in doing it for years. Of course, in order for everything to go flawlessly, it is important to have competent individuals in key positions, efficiently managing the hotel's day-to-day operation. On the other hand, the positive feedback we receive from our guests provides a steady motivation to do even better and push the limits still further.
Furthermore, it goes without saying that the hotel industry is constantly evolving, so it is crucial to keep up with trends, innovations, and changes, while also considering the specifics of the destination that defines Podgorica.