Studio Antonio

You know what caught me off guard about Studio Antonio? I was expecting some basic crash pad on Dositejeva street, but this place actually has personality. I mean, it’s not pretending to be the Ritz or anything – it’s solidly 3-star – but there’s this cozy, almost residential feel that you don’t get at the bigger hotels scattered around Budva’s main drags.

The location is honestly pretty sweet if you know the area. Dositejeva runs parallel to the coastline, so you’re close enough to hear the Adriatic without dealing with the waterfront chaos (and prices). It’s maybe a seven-minute walk to the Old Town walls – I timed it because I’m weird like that – and you’ll pass this little bakery that does incredible burek in the mornings. The hotel itself sits in what feels more like a neighborhood than a tourist zone, which means you get a glimpse of actual Montenegrin life happening around you. There’s street parking if you’re driving, though good luck finding a spot in July and August when half of Serbia descends on Budva for vacation.

What I really appreciated was how the staff just… gets it. Check-in was quick, they spoke decent English, and when I asked about avoiding the crowds at Mogren Beach, the guy at the front desk actually drew me a little map showing the less obvious path down. The rooms are clean and functional – think modern IKEA vibes rather than Balkan grandma’s house – and honestly, after spending your days exploring Kotor Bay or dealing with the summer madness of Budva’s beaches, you just want somewhere comfortable to crash. The air conditioning works (crucial in those sticky August nights), and the Wi-Fi doesn’t make you want to throw your laptop out the window. I did notice some street noise in the mornings – Montenegro seems to wake up early – but nothing that decent earplugs can’t handle. The 7.8 rating makes sense to me because while it’s not going to blow your mind, Studio Antonio delivers exactly what it promises without any nasty surprises. For the price point, especially if you’re planning to spend most of your time out exploring the coast anyway, it’s a solid choice that lets you experience Budva like less of a tourist and more like someone who actually belongs in the neighborhood.