Hotel Grbalj

Hotel Description

You know what? Hotel Grbalj is one of those places that doesn’t try to be something it’s not – and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it work. Right there on Trg Sunca (which literally means Sun Square, by the way), you’re basically in the heart of Budva without the absolute chaos of staying directly on the waterfront. I mean, you can still hear the buzz from the old town when things get lively at night, but it’s not like having a disco right under your window.

The thing about this place is that it feels authentically Montenegrin in a way that some of the flashier hotels along the coast just… don’t. The lobby has this sort of lived-in comfort – think sturdy furniture that’s seen plenty of travelers but still does the job perfectly well. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward too, none of that over-the-top performance some places put on. The staff actually knows the area, which sounds obvious but you’d be surprised how rare that is. When I asked about getting to Sveti Stefan without dealing with the main road traffic, the desk clerk gave me this local route through the hills that saved me probably thirty minutes each way.

The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 3-star – clean, functional, with that particular Balkan attention to heavy curtains (thank god, because summer mornings here are bright). Air conditioning works well, which matters more than you might think when July hits and the whole Adriatic coast turns into a sauna. The bathrooms are compact but everything works, hot water’s reliable, and there’s actually decent water pressure. From some rooms you can catch glimpses of the sea between the buildings, though honestly the mountain views are probably more impressive anyway. Parking can get tight during peak season – there’s a small lot but Budva in August is… well, it’s a lot. The location though, it’s actually perfect for exploring beyond just the beach scene. You’re close enough to walk into the old town (maybe 8-10 minutes), but you can also easily grab a bus or drive to some of the smaller beaches like Jaz or Trsteno that the day-trippers often miss.

What really sold me on the place was this: it’s the kind of hotel where you can plan your day over coffee without feeling rushed, where the WiFi actually works when you need to sort out your next destination, and where nobody’s trying to upsell you on every single thing. The 7.1 rating feels about right – it’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s going to take care of what you actually need so you can focus on everything else Montenegro has going for it.

Apartments in Budva provide travelers with authentic local experiences, allowing them to explore traditional Montenegrin markets and cook with fresh Mediterranean ingredients.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $80. Superior Double Room with 1 full bed for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $80. Standard Double Room with 1 queen bed for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $80. Double or Twin Room with Balcony with 1 king bed for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $80. Twin Room with 2 twin beds for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $117. Triple Room with Balcony with 1 twin bed and 1 full bed for Max. people: 3
• Estimated price from: $201. Studio with 2 twin beds and 1 full bed for Max. people: 4

Reviews

• Comfortable and clean hotel – Caroline from United Kingdom – June 22, 2024 (8/10)

  Amazing hotel so close to lots of shops, restaurants, the bus station, walk into the old town etc.
  Breakfast was good. Super friendly staff and my room was very clean and comfortable. It was the perfect place to explore!
  
  What could be improved: Not sure if there was a restaurant or not as other people were eating but when I asked for the menu, they said no.
  No tea and coffee facilities in the room as advertised and the hairdryer didn't work in my room.
  But it was no big deal as I found a lovely coffee shop in the old town.

• Good – Clive from United Kingdom – June 28, 2025 (7/10)

  Well it didn't start off too well but I think that was due to booking.com with the hotel not aware I was coming but luckily I had the confirmation email on my app and I had to wait a very short time while the hotel sorted it out with booking.com thank you to the hotel for doing that the staff were nice and friendly the location was great for me just a couple of minutes from the bus station plus a bonus for beer lovers a great bar called bura pub 6 minutes walk away
  
  What could be improved: apart from the start all good

• modest but good – Yegorov from Ukraine – November 3, 2024 (8/10)

  Breakfast was good. Restaurant proposed variety of dishes and not in the morning only. Great palinka and grilled meat with vegetables.
  
  What could be improved: minor problems were with warm water during the first day, but it was not for a long time. TV had only programs in Serbian language, but it is not im[portant , as the sea was not far from the hotel

• Value for money. Good for transit/one-night – Ken from Hong Kong – April 30, 2024 (8/10)

  Just a couple minutes walk from the main bus station, the hotel will probably the best choice for those who wanna be the closest to the station.
  
  Most standard rooms come with a balcony. Single room is more like a make-shift room just enough for a single bed and a wardrobe at the very end of the top floor with no window (only one window in the bathroom) and balcony (but the plus side is you get the least noise disruption). Not a huge issue for one-nighter as the A/C can compensate the ventilation.
  
  What could be improved: The hotel cant hold luggage after check-out (the restaurant attached to the hotel can't hold luggage either), so you need to figure out yourself between 11am check-out and your next bus departure.
  
  There is no 24/7 reception but the restaurant staff would help with check in/out.

• Fits Expectations, Good Value – Hose_b from United States – April 5, 2024 (7/10)

  Good breakfast. Nice location if you don't mind a little walk — especially at this price in Budva. Nothing uncomfortable about the room or hotel.
  
  What could be improved: The room is a bit dated. There was some confusion about the room number on the key and in the course of correcting it I got a lesser room than the one the first key went to — though it might have been the proper room in the first place.

• Pleasant – Kate from United Kingdom – May 27, 2024 (6/10)

  Neat the bus station, quiet, basic but fine room

• Good – Manan from Armenia – August 1, 2023 (7/10)

  The cuisine was good. The breakfast was satisfying. Also, the hotel has a restaurant with a good selection and reasonable prices. The portions were also enough to fill you up. Would definitely recommend the restaurant.
  The stuff was friendly and helpful. The location was okay, 15 m walk to the nearest beach, about half an hour walk to the old town.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom needs some renovation. Some of the staff was old, like the shower head, the door handle. Also, it is important to have different sizes of towels for face and showering. Sometimes, each guest was provided with one towel, sometimes with two towels of the same size.

• Good – Pawel from Australia – June 24, 2025 (7/10)

  Conveniently located walking distance to a bus station which was what I needed. The hotel provided onsite car park. I’ve been offered a late check out so was very grateful. Old fashion decor alert! 😉

• Amazing – Tijana from Finland – July 30, 2025 (9/10)

  it was great location. The breakfast was good. The stuff were nice and kind. The rooms were very clean and in very good condition.

• I stay at this hotel every year. It was great as always! Everything was perfect. – Ahmet from Turkey – November 15, 2024 (10/10)

  I stay at this hotel every year. It was great as always! Everything was perfect.

SURROUNDINGS