The Best Places to Book Your Stay in Budva, Montenegro

For a romantic hotel within a 15-minute walk of the old town, book Hotel Moskva. Inside the neoclassical building, you’ll find an array of stylish rooms, boasting high ceilings and chic monochrome furnishings. Downstairs, toast your other half with a glass of bubbly in the sleek lounge bar. The on-site restaurant serves a breakfast buffet each morning, plus Italian and Mediterranean cuisine for evening meals.

Small is beautiful. Nowhere is that more true than at Vissi D’Arte, a luxury boutique hotel close to Dukley Marina. Each suite is individually designed with a Hästens bed – arguably the most comfortable in the world – and original artwork on the walls. Book La Traviata, a spacious one-bed suite with two balconies overlooking the glistening Adriatic. Come nightfall, savour the exclusive fine dining restaurant, named after the hotel’s art patron, Lothar Vigelandzoon.

You can’t miss the imposing stone facade of the Tate on the outskirts of Budva. It’s a tranquil spot, away from the party crowds of the town centre. A total of 16 rooms and suites make up the boutique offering here, most of which have sea views. Start your day with a dip in the outdoor pool or a workout in the on-site gym, then enjoy breakfast on the terrace with views towards rolling hills. Slovenska beach is a 10-minute walk away.

The atmospheric Hotel Astoria sits in a rustic stone building in the heart of Budva old town. Everything you need is on your doorstep, from Ričardova Glava beach to historic sights including the Citadela fortress. Rooms range from simple doubles to spacious two-bedroom apartments, but the real draw is the rooftop restaurant. From there, you can enjoy some of the best sunset views in town; make sure you also try their catch of the day, grilled over charcoal.

Among old town Budva resorts, it doesn’t get better than this place, overlooking Ričardova Glava beach – which is best admired from the circular infinity pool suspended over the Adriatic. Couples should book the Superior Guest Room, with its large, sea-facing balcony. Seeking more privacy? Villas for up to four guests are also available. Don’t leave without exploring the spa, complete with an indoor pool, Finnish sauna and steam room.

Sitting pretty on Greco Beach, this is among the grandest of all Budva resorts, and an iconic feature of the town’s landscape. Beyond its white neoclassical exterior you’ll find chic, Scandi-style rooms dressed in warm greys and wood; upgrade for sea views. Don’t fancy heading into Budva town at night? There’s on-site entertainment every evening, and the Farah Restaurant specialises in wood-fired pizza. Follow it up with a scoop of gelato from the hotel ice cream parlour, Godo.

Head for the next bay east from Budva and you’ll find the five-star Hotel Splendid on Bečići Beach. This upscale resort is known locally for its expansive spa, which boasts indoor pools, Finnish sauna, relaxation lounge and gym, as well as a plethora of treatment rooms. Outside, a network of seasonal pools looks towards the seafront. In the evening, head to the top-floor casino for a spin of the roulette wheel – you never know, it might be your lucky night.

Just 15 minutes’ drive from Budva town, you’ll find a private island that’s home to one of the most luxurious hotels in Montenegro. Once a quaint fishing village, this network of cobblestone streets and rustic cottages is now a five-star Aman resort. It’s easy to see why tennis champion Novak Djokovic hired it for his wedding. If you want to really push the boat out, book the Villa Miločer, a former royal summer residence with its own private cove, set in a forest of 800 olive trees.

Just opposite the Aman on Sveti Stefan beach is Hotel Azimut. This boutique hotel offers 17 rooms, decked out in neutral tones which compliment the stone walls. Despite its compact size, there’s an indoor pool, spa and sauna, plus a bougainvillea-covered restaurant terrace where freshly caught seafood and local wines are served. It’s ideal for couples seeking an intimate place to stay.