Best Hotels in Budva
Ever since the early days of hotel openings at the end of the 1930s, bringing the first tourists to this lesser-known part of Europe, the hospitality sector in Budva has been in constant evolution: from meticulously planned large-scale hotel resorts in the post-war Yugoslav period to fast-paced and rather tumultuous developments in the early 2000s.
If we compare the jolly but chaotic days of old to the here and now, we see that we have entered into a whole new era of a more authentic, sophisticated, and personalized guest experience. Nowhere is change more evident than along Budva’s and Becici’s seaside promenades, where several four and five-star luxury retreats have invigorated the established hotel landscape.
Budva
One of the oldest settlements along the Adriatic, Budva today is a popular holiday resort, attracting thousands of visitors to its pretty beaches and piazzas.
Hotel Budva
Full of elegant, contemporary touches, this recently remodeled 5-star offering scores big on personality and location. Hotel Budva sits right on the promenade – just a 5-minute walk to the old town – which means that its immediate surroundings are as energetic as the friendly and forthcoming hotel staff.
Most visitors find they’re happy escaping the summer heat and hiding away here, either lounging by the sparking outdoor pool, or inside their spacious and comfortable residences. Goddo, an on-site gourmet ice cream parlor is well regarded also with non-guests, and the daily breakfast served on the picturesque, walkway-facing patio is varied and plentiful. There is also a well-equipped gym and spa center.
The Historic Center
Budva’s Old Town has a history dating back more than two millennia. Its narrow cobblestone streets and scenic piazzas are dotted with shops, bars, and restaurants.
Merit Starlit
The Merit Starlit is a crisp, contemporary stay checking all the 5-star boxes and offering just that little dose of extra magic. While its stylish rooftop bar, the two fine dining restaurants serving Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine, a sumptuous SPA & Wellness Center, and 24-hour concierge service are some of its major perks, its setting is the real star of the show.
This urban retreat sits within footwalk distance to the old town, Budva’s marina, and a wealth of dining and shopping options. Its on-site casino is one of the largest in the region, offering entertainment on more than 2,500 square meters of dopamine-filled space, and the wonderful staff strives to make guests feel cared for.
Avala
Budva’s oldest hotel is situated directly on Ricardova Glava Beach adjacent to the main city gate and ancient walls. Enjoy breakfast (changed on a daily rotation) overlooking the Adriatic followed by a stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of historic Budva, or a day of sunbathing on Avala’s private hotel beach or neighboring Mogren and Mogren II.
Social Media addicts will probably go ga-ga for the tennis-racket-shaped infinity pool, hovering above the Adriatic. Spend a while lazing on its pool deck or get pampered in the on-site Spa Center, and you’ll discover quickly that staying here means experiencing a little microcosm of everything that is so gorgeous about Montenegro.
Hotel Avala might not have the newest facilities (its last substantial makeover was in 2008) but it still is an oasis of tranquility and timeless design in the heart of Budva – and still one of our editor’s favorite spots in town, and you’ll have the option to stay away from the main building, in one of the 67 luxurious villas further up the hill.
Mogren Beach
Popular for its crystalline waters, golden pebbles, and proximity to Budva’s historic center, Mogren Beach has a lot to offer but gets busy in the peak of summer.
Katamare
Katamare’s formula lies in creating a real feel-good oasis of modern comfort and plenty of leisure potential, be it at one of its pools, the private beach, or the magnificent rooftop bar. Art and modern light fixtures are prevalent throughout this 4-star hotel in the heart of Becici, reflecting the preferences and tastes of the kind of cosmopolitan traveler Katamare attracts.
A break here might include a trip to nearby Sveti Nikola Island, a stroll along the promenade to neighboring coves, and a Montenegrin dinner at one of the waterfront taverns in Rafailovici. Opened just recently, this cool hub which, by the way, is named after the twin-hulled sailing boat, is already a staple in Budva’s hospitality scene.
Sveti Nikola Island
A popular day trip from Budva, Sveti Nikola Island impresses with its beautiful beaches, magnificent views of the Budva Riviera, and laid-back island vibes.
Casa Al Mare Residences
Successfully bridging the gap between short and long-term rentals in Budva is Casa Al Mare Residences. A home away from home accommodation approach, this aparthotel will be no less comfortable and cozy than your own home. All residences are well-thought-out, ranging from 30 m2 studios to 2-bedroom suites, and have everything you’d need for a perfectly convenient staycation: kitchens, washing machines, and soundproofing.
Fontana
The four-star Hotel Fontana sits in one of the town’s tallest buildings and is just the ideal place to retreat and relax after having explored some of Budva’s delights, right on the doorstep of its bustling promenade and historic center. It has a designated wine bar, a small coffee shop (great for co-working), and a refined on-site restaurant serving fresh local delicacies.
With sleek Scandinavian style and breezy coastal touches, the spacious rooms and suites are defined by contemporary bathrooms with walk-in showers, fluffy bathrobes, and high-quality toiletries. Having the jetty, from where water taxis depart to Sveti Nikola Island, just around the corner means that you can explore one of Budva’s gems with ease and visit some of its most secluded beaches.
Hotel Majestic
One of the first stays in Budva to develop the luxury boutique hotel concept and after all those years, still a reference for style and service, Hotel Majestic offers something truly special – just 100 meters away from the old town. You can’t help but feel like a Budva insider when staying at this charming 4-star retreat.
Nestled away on leafy Slovenska Obala Street, its restaurant Hemingway, occupies a Parisian-style terrace and is well regarded and particularly popular with locals (always a good sign). Being placed on arguably Budva’s loveliest avenue, it offers fantastic people-watching opportunities.
Hotel Majestic
Elegance permeates every inch of Hotel Majestic, a quintessential boutique stay close to the yacht marina and Budva’s historic center.
Maestral Resort & Casino
Lovingly restored by its talented new owners, the iconic 5-star Maestral Resort & Casino suits those with a proclivity for understated luxury. Red bricks, marble tiles, and wooden cladding are just some of the elements that contribute to its sophisticated elegance. Luxuriating on the hotel’s pool deck or picturesque private beach is surely one way to unwind and if that’s not enough, there is also the well-equipped wellness center and gym.
This 201-room resort is a leading example of how hotel design can push new creative boundaries by merging the old with the new, without losing its character. Initially designed by Slovene architect Edvard Ravnikar, the hotel pays homage to its beautiful surroundings while incorporating elegant modern themes as well. Poker, roulette, blackjack, and the like can be enjoyed in the on-site casino.
Hotel Maestral
The Maestral Hotel & Casino is a beautiful resort-style retreat in the picturesque fishing village of Przno, offering everything you need for a relaxing few days.
Shell Boutique Hotel
Boutique Hotel Shell’s comfortable rooms and relaxing Finnish sauna offer an instant break from Rafailovici’s lively beachfront. Seriously romantic with views to Sveti Nikola Island, its heavenly outdoor terrace is the ideal setting for contemplating Budva’s setting sun, a tranquility only interrupted by the rhythmic sound of waves.
Boasting a fresh, sleek look with a decidedly contemporary flavor, you’ll certainly feel like a king or queen in all of its 14 rooms, where resting and restoring on the ultra-comfortable beds only comes naturally – and the best of them face the beautiful Adriatic, which is just a stone’s throw away. Service is notedly flawless in this pet-friendly and peaceful hotel.
Becici Beach
Almost two kilometers of soft pebbles, crystal-clear waters, and a seaside promenade lined with charming restaurants, and cafes make Becici Beach well-liked.
Boutique Hotel Imperial
The 5-star Hotel Imperial, previously known as Hotel Square, is run by the same highly functional team that is also responsible for Ploce Beach and the Carevic National Restaurant, offering similarly outstanding service and guest care. You will enjoy a heated indoor pool with sea views on the fifth floor, a small Spa Center, and an outstanding restaurant.
The on-site children’s playroom makes Hotel Imperial a very family-friendly option, and it is also within footwalk distance of Slovenska Plaza and Becici Beach, where there is a good range of water-based activities, shops, and beach bars. All of its 30 residences feature large pieces of artwork and come with comfortable rainfall showers and premium personal care products.
Ploce Beach
Popular with a younger crowd – but not exclusively – Ploce Beach offers a fun Adriatic experience, attracting beachgoers from nearby Kotor and Budva.
Hotel Tate
The essence of Budva lies inside this 16-room boutique hotel, which combines classic Montenegrin stone architecture with organic materials and heart-based hospitality. Set back from the noise and passing traffic in a quiet corner of town, Hotel Tate is filled with rustic, quirky design elements, and even comes with a beautiful outdoor pool, gym, and small Spa Center.
Opened at the height of the Corona epidemic, and having more staff than rooms, Hotel Tate is really something for visitors to Budva to look forward to. A sister hotel of Hotel Riva in Petrovac na Moru and Hotel Kadmo in Budva, this hotel is equally exceptional in terms of facilities, decor, and customer experience. The abundant breakfast is served on the beautiful patio weather permitting.
Petrovac na Moru
One of the most charming coastal towns on the Budva Riviera, Petrovac is a family-friendly resort with a picturesque promenade and real Mediterranean vibes.
Splendid
Budva would not be Budva without Hotel Splendid, Montenegro’s first 5-star hotel that is located on neighboring Becici Beach and connected to the old town via a scenic coastal walkway. A family-friendly wellness marvel with more than 300 rooms and suites, Hotel Splendid is perfect for a revitalizing seaside break close to Budva.
A vast pool landscape, three on-site restaurants, four bars, and private beach access round up the offerings that attract locals and visiting beachgoers alike. Not a place for minimal design enthusiasts, this is a hotel of timeless luxury and each of its residences is dramatically staged, with an emphasis on comfort. If nothing else, stay here for Montenegro’s largest Spa and Wellness Center and the incredible views.
Hotel Splendid
A large hotel with good facilities and amenities, the 5-star Hotel Splendid is separated from Budva’s Old Town via a picturesque coastal walkway.
Moskva
Polished marble flooring, pretty French balconies, and a high-quality contemporary interior make the four-star Hotel Moskva feel distinctly refined and upscale. Being located in a quieter area of town, it does not look out onto the sea, but Budva’s Old Town, the shopping mall, and the adjacent promenade with its numerous good dining options are within a 10-minute walking distance.
Hotel Moskva’s commodious 40 rooms and suites combine a calming palette of muted tones, comfortable beds, and luxurious walk-in showers – perfect for a romantic retreat. The courtyard boasts a narrow, elongated outdoor pool with poolside loungers. Also on the ground floor, there is a bistro-style restaurant, serving delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinner. Another perk is the small but good spa which is equipped with a Finnish sauna and a Turkish steam bath.
Zeta Hotel
Along Rafailovici’s lovely coastal promenade is a 22-room boutique hotel with a great Georgian on-site restaurant. Soothing nature-inspired hues and beautiful oil paintings by Dutch artists are the foundation for interior decor while high-speed internet and innovative technology such as lighting control systems will probably satisfy even the most demanding 21st-century traveler.
Stepping onto the scenic outdoor terrace, visitors will discover a breathtaking panorama of Becici and Sveti Nikola Island. The views certainly enhance every a la carte breakfast meal, lunch, or al-fresco dinner of Kharcho and Shkmeruli. The small but perfect spa boasts a jacuzzi, a sauna, and a Turkish steam bath – the first hour is free of charge.
Hotel Twelve
Handsome stone walls, beautiful balconies with potted flowers, and modern interior design make this 12-room boutique hotel feel markedly classy. Set within a 15-minute walking distance to the beach (twenty to the old town), Hotel Twelve is currently one of Budva’s most-loved hotels.
It would suit a romantic getaway – guests can enjoy the rooftop pool with its pretty sundeck, where they can recline with a cocktail in hand and enjoy views over the town and the mountains surrounding it. Those celebrating a special event at this hotel can expect a chilled bottle of Montenegrin brut on the house.
La Villa Boutique Hotel
Get a real sense of Budva’s 2,500-year-long history with a stay at La Villa Boutique Hotel, the only hotel within the walled town that offers sea & marina views. The only handful of purely pampering rooms are all individually appointed and radiate a sense of calm and serenity – thanks to the soft nautical design scheme – allowing plenty of chance to relax while being just steps away from Budva’s busy old town streets.
Many waterfront restaurants and cultural sights including the Giant Bell of Budva, the town’s history museum, Budva Citadel, and St. John’s Church are within easy walking distance, making La Villa Boutique Hotel the perfect stay for history enthusiasts and gourmets alike. In the summer months, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast served in the hotel’s picturesque courtyard below.
Dukley Resort
Designed to enliven the senses, this 5-star wellness refuge gradually sweeps around the pretty Zavala Peninsula, where it was built a decade or so ago. All of its 202 luxury suites and 36 villas have floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking Budva’s pretty Old Town, and are surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. Staying here truly encapsulates the essence of Adriatic living.
The Dukley Hotel & Resort makes guests feel special, and already arriving on the long driveway approaching the entrance gives you a sense of glamor and seclusion. It should come as no surprise then that in their dedication to going above and beyond guest expectations, valet parking, and effortless electric golf cart transportation are offered as a standard here.
The hotel’s elegant brown exterior cladding stands in stark contrast to the bright and breezy color palettes you will find indoors. Most visitors to the 5-star Dukley Hotel & Resort come to disconnect on pristine resort beaches and their sophisticated beach clubs (there is also an infinity pool), savor incredibly tasty dishes in one of the restaurants and enjoy top-notch facials and massages at the Wellness & Spa Center. There is also a complimentary water taxi to the historic center of Budva.
Dukley
The 5-star Dukley Hotel & Resort sits on the southern edges of Budva, offering a restorative mix of uncrowded beaches, great cuisine, and extraordinary vistas.
Aman Sveti Stefan
Where else but in Montenegro would you find a hotel like the prestigious Aman Sveti Stefan? Straight from the 15th century and an example of showstopping local stone architecture, this retreat is a place of living history – both the private resort island and the former king’s summer residence with its three pink pebble beaches: Queen’s Beach, Sveti Stefan Beach, and Milocer Beach.
Not only does this former royal estate ooze character, it also guarantees its guests royal treatment, with generously spaced sun loungers, a posh wellness landscape, and a staff that prides itself on upholding the time-honored precious principles of Montenegrin hospitality. What the former inhabitants would have made of the decadent international cuisine, magnificently modern interiors, contemporary wall art, and free-standing bathtubs is another thing, however.
Aman Sveti Stefan
The 5-star Aman Sveti Stefan occupies an entire island settlement plus a vast royal estate, allowing for plenty of chance to relax and enjoy Montenegro’s pristine nature.