Pick a Kotor base by how you are arriving
Old Town suits short, car-free stays. You can walk to the fortress entrance, restaurants and the waterfront in minutes, and an apartment in a historic building makes an early start easy. The cost is stairs, luggage over cobbles, limited vehicle access and late noise around the squares in season. Confirm the exact arrival instructions before booking; a property "in Kotor" may still require a walk from the drop-off point.
Dobrota is the better compromise for most drivers. It runs north along the bay from the Old Town and gives you a flatter waterfront walk back to town, usually 15 to 30 minutes depending on the address. Many small hotels and apartments advertise parking, but ask whether it is on-site, reserved and large enough for your car. Choose Dobrota for more space, bay access and quieter nights without giving up Kotor entirely.
Muo and Prčanj work for slow evenings and a car-based trip. They sit across the water and have a more residential feel, but transport becomes part of the day: you will drive, take a taxi, or plan around the bus. They suit couples and families who value a terrace and silence over popping out to the Old Town after dinner. Check the road-facing side of any property if traffic noise matters.
Tivat is a transport base, not a substitute for Kotor. It can make an early airport flight or marina stay easier, and it has more modern hotel inventory, but you will need to factor in the road journey to Kotor. In high season, do not assume a ten-minute transfer will remain ten minutes. Use the Kotor activity plan to decide how many Old Town starts you want, then use the dining guide to judge whether a kitchen or central dinner access matters more.