Marilyn Apartment

Look, I’ll be honest with you – when I first pulled up to Marilyn Apartment on that unmarked street in Rozino, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The address just says “bb” which is Montenegro’s way of saying “you’ll figure it out,” and honestly, that pretty much sums up the whole experience here. It’s one of those places that grows on you once you understand what it’s actually about.

The thing is, Rozino isn’t where most tourists end up – it’s sort of tucked away from Budva’s main drag, which actually works in your favor. You’re close enough to walk to the Old Town (maybe 15 minutes if you don’t mind a bit of uphill), but far enough that you won’t hear drunk British tourists singing at 3 AM. The apartment itself is pretty straightforward – three stars means three stars, you know? Clean sheets, decent shower pressure, and a little kitchenette that’s actually useful if you hit up the local market. I mean, the furnishings aren’t going to win any design awards, but everything works, and there’s something refreshing about a place that doesn’t try to be fancier than it is.

What I actually liked most was how the owner – this local woman who’s been renting to travelers for years – just treats you like a normal person. No fake smiles or corporate scripts, just “here’s your key, the Wi-Fi password is on the fridge, let me know if anything breaks.” She gave me better restaurant recommendations in five minutes than most hotel concierges manage in an hour. Plus, there’s decent parking right there, which anyone who’s driven through Budva in summer will tell you is worth its weight in gold. The 7.6 rating makes sense to me – it’s not perfect (the walls are a bit thin, and good luck if you need ice), but it delivers exactly what it promises without any nonsense. If you’re the type who needs turn-down service and fancy toiletries, this isn’t your place. But if you want a clean, honest base for exploring Montenegro without paying resort prices, and you don’t mind feeling like you’re staying in an actual neighborhood instead of a tourist bubble, then yeah – Marilyn Apartment works just fine.

Best hotels in Budva range from charming boutique properties in the historic old town to elegant beachfront resorts with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding mountains.