Hotel Sanja former Oliva

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Hotel Sanja? The name change from Oliva still catches locals off guard – I mean, half the taxi drivers in Budva still call it the old name, so don’t be surprised if there’s some confusion when you’re trying to get there. But honestly, once you find this place tucked away in Velji Vinogradi, you’ll understand why it’s got that 9.1 rating despite being a modest three-star spot. It’s one of those hotels that just gets the basics incredibly right.

The location is actually pretty clever – you’re far enough from the Old Town chaos (trust me, you’ll appreciate this during peak summer when Budva turns into an absolute zoo) but close enough that a fifteen-minute walk gets you to all the action. What I love is that you’re in a real neighborhood here, not some tourist bubble. There’s this little bakery just down the hill where locals grab their morning burek, and the smell of fresh bread drifts up to the hotel in the mornings. The staff – and this is where smaller places really shine – they remember your name after one night, know how you like your coffee, that sort of thing. I’ve stayed at fancier places along the Budva Riviera that felt like conveyor belts, but here there’s this genuine warmth that you can’t fake.

The rooms aren’t going to win any design awards, but they’re clean, comfortable, and honestly better maintained than some four-star places I’ve been to in the region. What really matters is the attention to detail – good water pressure (seriously underrated when you’re washing off Adriatic salt), decent WiFi that actually works, and windows that properly block out noise. Speaking of noise, here’s something most reviews won’t tell you: unlike the hotels right on the main strip, you can actually sleep here without earplugs. The only sounds you’ll hear are the occasional church bell and maybe some local kids playing football in the evening. Parking isn’t a nightmare either, which if you’ve driven around Budva in July, you’ll know is practically a miracle. The whole experience just feels… well, authentic, I guess. It’s the kind of place where Montenegro shows you its genuine hospitality rather than its tourism machine face, and at this price point with these ratings, that’s honestly pretty rare to find.

Travelers should reserve a hotel in Budva at least two months ahead for major events like Sea Dance Festival, ensuring the best rates and prime locations near the beach.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $107. Double Room with 1 queen bed for Max. people: 2
• Estimated price from: $155. Triple Room with 1 sofa bed and 1 queen bed for Max. people: 3

Reviews

• Exceptional – Yaron from Israel – August 8, 2025 (10/10)

  Private free parking on site.
  600 meters from the beach, 1.2 km from Budva old town.
  Breakfast was excellent.
  The owner was super nice.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Lilya from Israel – August 4, 2025 (10/10)

  It is a family-run business. The owners are very kind and welcoming. They gave us a free welcome drink and even prepared the room before the official check-in time. The breakfast was nice, the location is perfect, and they also provided us with a parking space.

• Teemu – Teemu from Finland – July 31, 2025 (9/10)

  Our host was awesome. When we arrived with car he directed our car to hotel parking spot and helped with bags. Breakfast was served on hotel garden. Hotel was clean and service was best we have had with our travels.

• Decent place – Muhammet from Turkey – July 21, 2025 (9/10)

  Owner’s helpfulness,The garden makes you feel like you are in another world,Peaceful environment.The rooms were clean.

• Exceptional – Makiyan from Armenia – July 18, 2025 (10/10)

  We initially chose this hotel for its great location, but what will truly bring us back is the impeccable service and thoughtful attention to every detail. The rooms were beautifully designed, incredibly comfortable(especially bed), and clean. We especially enjoyed starting our mornings with a delicious breakfast on the terrace. The warm hospitality of the staff (especially the owner of the hotel) made our stay feel truly memorable.
  Thank you 🤍

• Would recommend those who want to chat with the owner to understand local history and culture – Gupte from United States – July 12, 2025 (9/10)

  Well located. Excellent value for money Run by local family Great backyard garden
  
  What could be improved: No elevator (although they helped taking the bags up and down

• Beautiful place with amazing people and close to everything! – Milla from Finland – June 29, 2025 (10/10)

  So nice, clean and comfortable place with a beautiful garden and beautiful friendly people, we loved it very much!!!! You feel like at home from the very first minutes treated like family members, big thanks to the owners and everyone who works there!!! Loved this nice place and definitely going to be back one day! 😍
  
  What could be improved: –

• Exceptional – Yiğit from Turkey – June 26, 2025 (10/10)

  Very good location. Room was very clean. Owner is very friendly and helpful for any issue.
  
  What could be improved: Room was a bit small. Parking place is a bit difficult to park.

• Exceptional – Uria from Israel – June 18, 2025 (10/10)

  Branko was an amazing host – kind, helpful, and genuinely welcoming from the moment we arrived. The staff were also very friendly and made us feel right at home. The hotel is in a great location, close to everything we needed, and offered excellent value for money. The air conditioning worked perfectly, and the bed was huge and comfortable. We also really appreciated the easy, free on-site parking – very convenient.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was perfect.

• Wonderful – Yair from Israel – May 14, 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent breakfast, clean and nice room size

SURROUNDINGS