The Budva Riviera draws travellers who want both Adriatic coastline and medieval Old Town charm, and the question of whether to book an all-inclusive package here — or choose a higher-rated city hotel instead — comes up repeatedly in travel forums. This guide examines the actual all-inclusive options in and around Budva, compares them with top-rated properties like the Crowne Plaza Budva by IHG, and helps you decide where your money goes furthest. All data reflects verified guest reviews and official announcements, not marketing claims.
Last checked: 2026-07-05
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Popular All-Inclusive Property: Azul Beach Resort Montenegro – Karisma Hotels · Top-Rated Hotel Area: Slovenska Plaza, Budva · Lowest Published Rate: £29 per night (Tripadvisor) · User Review Score: 6.0/10 (Hotels.com)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-05.
Sources reviewed: IHG corporate news release, Booking.com verified guest reviews, Hotels.com guest reviews, Tripadvisor all‑inclusive hotel lists and user discussions, Expedia property listings, HolidayCheck user reviews, Google Hotels user summaries, Trip.com hotel listings.
We did not conduct an on‑site visit, staff interviews, or independent price verification for 2026. Review scores cited are drawn from publicly available verified guest data as of the dates noted.
Snapshot: All-Inclusive Hotels in Budva, Montenegro
- Crowne Plaza Budva by IHG (Hotel Budva) scores 8.9/10 on Booking.com based on 328+ reviews, with location at 9.6 and cleanliness at 9.4 (Booking.com).
- The property is rebranding as Crowne Plaza Budva by IHG, expected to open with 81 rooms in Q1 2026 (IHG Hotels & Resorts).
- Slovenska Plaza is the top‑listed all‑inclusive hotel zone on Tripadvisor, with more than 1,600 reviews and proximity to Slovenska Beach and Budva Marina (Tripadvisor; Expedia).
- Tripadvisor’s dedicated Budva all‑inclusive page names Hotel Slovenska Plaza, Hotel Aleksandar, Aleksander Hotel, and Iberostar Waves Bellevue as the primary inclusive properties (Tripadvisor).
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Popular All-Inclusive Property | Azul Beach Resort Montenegro – Karisma Hotels |
| Top-Rated Hotel Area | Slovenska Plaza, Budva |
| Lowest Published Rate | From £29 per night (Tripadvisor) |
| User Review Score (Top Property) | 8.9/10 (Crowne Plaza Budva on Booking.com) |
| IHG Rebrand Room Count | 81 rooms (Q1 2026) |
| Alternative All-Inclusive Score | 2.7/6 (Hotel Aleksandar on HolidayCheck) |
| Boutique Alternative Rating | 9.8/10 (Avanti Hotel & Spa on Expedia) |
| Central Hotel Rating | 7.7/10 (Central Hotel & Restaurant on Booking.com) |
Are there any All Inclusive resorts in Montenegro?
Yes, Montenegro has several all-inclusive resorts, and Budva concentrates the largest cluster along its Riviera. The most frequently cited property on travel platforms is Slovenska Plaza, a large resort complex steps from Slovenska Beach and the Budva Marina. Tripadvisor lists it as the #1 all-inclusive hotel in Budva, with more than 1,600 reviews. Other recognised all-inclusive options include Hotel Aleksandar, Aleksander Hotel, and Iberostar Waves Bellevue.
However, the term “all-inclusive” is applied more loosely here than in destinations like Turkey or Mexico. Many Budva hotels listed as all-inclusive on package platforms operate on a full-board or half-board basis with limited drink inclusion. Expedia describes Slovenska Plaza Resort 4 as having on-site shopping, gardens, and beach proximity — a self-contained resort environment, but the exact meal plan varies by booking channel and season.
Hotel Budva (now Crowne Plaza Budva by IHG) is a different category entirely. It is not marketed as an all-inclusive resort on any major booking platform — it sells bed-and-breakfast or half-board rates. Its Booking.com listing shows an 8.9/10 overall score with location at 9.6, making it the highest-rated seafront hotel in Budva, but without the unlimited food-and-drink model that all-inclusive seekers expect.
Azul Beach Resort Montenegro – Karisma Hotels
This property appears in the content plan as a named all-inclusive option. Guest reviews on Hotels.com are limited — only 2 reviews produce a 6.0/10 score — so drawing firm conclusions from that data is difficult. Early reports suggest a beachfront setting with inclusive meal plans, but the review base is too thin to treat as representative.
Iberostar Budva options
Iberostar Waves Bellevue appears on Tripadvisor’s all-inclusive list and benefits from the Iberostar brand’s established all-inclusive standards in Europe. Guest satisfaction data for the Budva property specifically is sparse across English-language platforms, though the brand’s broader reputation suggests consistent buffet meals and drink packages.
Is All Inclusive worth it in Montenegro?
The value of an all-inclusive package in Montenegro depends entirely on your typical spending patterns and the quality of the specific resort. Two factors drive the calculation: local prices for food and drink, and the actual inclusions at the hotel.
Cost comparison with local prices
A pint of beer in Budva generally costs between €3 and €5 depending on the venue — a seaside bar charges more than a local konoba. A three-course meal with wine at a mid-range restaurant runs roughly €20–€30 per person. If you plan to eat out for most meals and drink moderately, the daily savings from all-inclusive are modest compared with Turkish or Greek resorts where local prices are higher.
Accommodation costs, however, show a wider gap. The cheapest all-inclusive rates in Budva start around £29 per night according to Tripadvisor listings, though that figure typically refers to low-season or basic room categories. For context, a night at the Crowne Plaza Budva — which offers breakfast only — starts at a noticeably higher rate outside its rebranding period.
Quality of all-inclusive packages
This is where the trade-off sharpens. Reviews for Hotel Aleksandar, one of the main all-inclusive options, are strikingly negative. On HolidayCheck, German-language reviewers describe stays as “an absolute disappointment” and state the resort has “nothing to do with a relaxing all-inclusive holiday” (HolidayCheck). Its aggregate score of 2.7 out of 6 — based on hundreds of reviews — sits well below regional averages.
Meanwhile, the Crowne Plaza Budva scores 9.3 for comfort and 8.9 for facilities on Booking.com, and Hotels.com guests consistently praise its “excellent customer care and service.” But it does not include drinks or unlimited meals. One Hotels.com reviewer noted the “breakfast buffet is good but the area becomes crowded at peak times,” while others called rooms “very clean, lovely, a good size” (Hotels.com). The recurring pattern: strong hardware and service, weaker food logistics.
Where is it best to stay in Budva?
Three main zones serve different traveller priorities: Slovenska Plaza for resort-style all-inclusive convenience, the Old Town perimeter for walkable nightlife and dining, and the seafront strip near the marina for a balance of beach access and city amenities.
Slovenska Plaza area
This is Budva’s largest resort zone, home to Slovenska Plaza Resort 4 and several neighbouring properties. Expedia notes its location on Trg Slobode 1, directly opposite Slovenska Beach and within walking distance of Budva Marina. The area suits families and package holiday travellers who want on-site dining, pools, and shopping without leaving the resort footprint.
Old Town proximity
Hotels within a 5–10 minute walk of Budva’s Old Town — like the Crowne Plaza Budva, which Hotels.com reviewers describe as directly on the seafront near the marina — offer the best access to historic streets, harbour restaurants, and evening bars. Guests consistently rate location as the top asset here: Booking.com gives the Crowne Plaza a 9.6/10 for location. But these hotels rarely include meals beyond breakfast.
Beachfront options
Several properties along the Budva Riviera, such as Avanti Hotel & Spa and Central Hotel & Restaurant, offer beach proximity with breakfast included but not all-inclusive packages. Avanti scores an exceptional 9.8/10 on Expedia (Expedia), with guests praising quiet pools and low restaurant prices. Central Hotel scores 7.7/10 on Booking.com, with its location rated 9.1 but cleanliness and facilities scoring lower (Booking.com).
Is Budva, Montenegro expensive?
Budva sits in a middle tier of Adriatic destinations — cheaper than the Croatian coast (Dubrovnik, Split) but more expensive than inland Montenegro or Albania. Accommodation and transport create the biggest cost variables.
Accommodation costs
All-inclusive rates start from roughly £29 per night in low season, according to Tripadvisor listings, but peak summer prices at the same resorts can triple or quadruple. The Crowne Plaza Budva, with its 8.9/10 rating, commands a premium over the all-inclusive options — you pay more for a higher guest experience score but get fewer meal inclusions.
Food and drink prices
Meals at local restaurants are reasonable by Western European standards: a pizza costs €6–€9, a grilled fish dish €12–€18, and a glass of local wine €3–€5. Supermarket prices for water, snacks, and beer are markedly lower than hotel mini-bar rates, so travellers who self-cater for lunches can reduce daily costs significantly. One Budget Your Trip estimate suggests a daily food budget of roughly €25–€35 per person for mid-range eating.
Transport costs
Tivat Airport is the main gateway for Budva. Taxi fare from Tivat to Budva varies by season and negotiation — expect roughly €25–€40 for the 20‑minute drive. A more budget-friendly option is the local bus route between Tivat and Budva, which costs around €5 one way.
Is 3 days in Budva enough?
Yes — three days gives you sufficient time to experience the Old Town, two or three beaches, and a day trip without feeling rushed. Travellers who want a purely resort-based holiday with beach lounging and on-site dining may find even two days adequate, while those combining Budva with a Kotor day trip should aim for four.
Suggested 3-day itinerary in Budva
Day 1: Arrival and Old Town exploration. Walk the medieval walls, visit the Citadel, and have dinner at a harbour-front restaurant. Day 2: Morning at Slovenska Beach or Mogren Beach (a 10-minute walk from Old Town). Afternoon swim and evening stroll through the marina. Day 3: Half-day trip to Kotor — a 30-minute drive or bus ride — to see the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor, returning for a final Budva dinner.
Must-see spots: Old Town, beaches
Budva’s Old Town clusters its main sights — the Citadel, Church of St. Ivan, and the small pebble beaches — within a compact walled area. Three days allows you to cover these without rushing and still leave time for the seafront promenade that connects the marina to Slovenska Beach. Crowne Plaza Budva guests on Hotels.com describe the location as “roughly a 5‑minute walk from the Old Town,” making it a practical base for a short trip.
All-Inclusive & City Hotel Comparison in Budva
| Hotel Name | All-Inclusive Type | Price Range (Per Night) | Key Features | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azul Beach Resort Montenegro – Karisma Hotels | Full all-inclusive | £29–£120 (est.) | Beachfront, Karisma brand, family suites | 6.0/10 (Hotels.com, 2 reviews) |
| Iberostar Waves Bellevue | Full all-inclusive | £45–£150 (est.) | Iberostar brand, buffet dining, pool complex | Not enough verified reviews |
| Slovenska Plaza Resort 4 | Inclusive meal plans | £35–£100 (est.) | Large resort, shops, pools, near Slovenska Beach | 1,600+ reviews (Tripadvisor) |
| Crowne Plaza Budva by IHG (Hotel Budva) | Bed & breakfast / half-board | Premium (est. £80–£200) | Seafront, near Old Town, IHG loyalty, 81 rooms | 8.9/10 (Booking.com) |
| Avanti Hotel & Spa | Breakfast only | Mid-range (est. £50–£130) | Quiet pools, kid-friendly, low restaurant prices | 9.8/10 (Expedia) |
| Central Hotel & Restaurant | Breakfast only | Budget–mid (est. £30–£80) | Central location, basic facilities | 7.7/10 (Booking.com) |
Pros and cons of All-Inclusive vs. Independent Dining in Budva
All-Inclusive Advantages
- Upfront cost certainty — no surprise meal bills
- Convenient for families who want on-site dining at all hours
- Suitable if you plan to spend most days at the resort pool or beach
- Budget-friendly low-season packages from around £29/night
All-Inclusive Disadvantages
- Limited high-quality options — Hotel Aleksandar scores 2.7/6 on HolidayCheck
- Inclusions vary by property; drinks and snacks may not be covered
- Budva’s restaurants offer good value — you may overpay for inclusions you don’t use
- Package pricing jumps sharply in peak summer months
Independent Dining Advantages
- Access to Budva’s Old Town restaurants and harbour seafood
- Full control over meal budget — eat cheap or splurge as you choose
- Higher guest satisfaction at top hotels (Crowne Plaza: 8.9/10)
- Flexibility to try local konobas and wine bars
Independent Dining Disadvantages
- Meal costs add up — €20–€30 per dinner with wine
- Beach sunbeds and parasols often charged separately
- Requires advance planning for restaurant reservations in August
- No one-price-fits-all convenience for large families
Pricing bands: What to expect per night in Budva
| Band | Price Guide (Low Season) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget all-inclusive | £29–£45 | Basic room, buffet meals, limited drink inclusion; variable quality (check recent reviews) |
| Mid-range all-inclusive | £45–£90 | Resort-style property like Slovenska Plaza; broader meal and drink coverage |
| Premium city hotel (B&B) | £80–£200 | Crowne Plaza Budva tier; breakfast only, but high guest satisfaction and prime seafront location |
| Boutique with breakfast | £50–£130 | Avanti Hotel & Spa level; high ratings, quiet pools, pay-as-you-go dining |
Location and getting there: Budva from Tivat Airport
Tivat Airport (TIV) is the closest international gateway to Budva, sitting roughly 20 kilometres northwest along the coast. The drive takes about 20 minutes without traffic, though summer congestion can stretch it closer to 40 minutes.
Taxi: Official taxi fares from Tivat to Budva range from approximately €25 to €40 depending on the season and whether you pre-book. Hotels.com reviewers at the Crowne Plaza Budva note that the hotel can arrange transfers, which adds convenience but may cost a premium.
Bus: A more affordable option is the local bus from Tivat bus station to Budva, costing around €5 one way. Buses run roughly every 30 minutes during summer. The bus station in Budva is a 10‑minute walk from both the Old Town and the Slovenska Plaza area.
Walking from the hotel zone: Most all-inclusive resorts in the Slovenska Plaza area are within a 5‑ to 15‑minute walk of the Old Town and the marina. The Crowne Plaza Budva sits directly on the seafront between the marina and Slovenska Beach — a location that Hotels.com reviewers call “ideal for exploring without needing transport.”
Alternatives to all-inclusive in Budva
If the all-inclusive options in Budva do not convince you, several alternative lodging styles offer strong value within a similar budget range.
Avanti Hotel & Spa scores 9.8/10 on Expedia from a small review base, with guests highlighting quiet pools, a kid-friendly environment, and low restaurant prices on-site. It operates on a breakfast-only basis but the low dining costs make it an effective half-board substitute.
Boutique Hotel Momentum by Aycon offers modern design with a relaxing pool area. Tripadvisor reviewers praise its style and friendly staff but note expensive poolside charges and occasional service inconsistencies. It suits couples who prioritise design over package convenience.
Montenegro Beach Resort in Boreti — a short walk from central Budva — offers inclusive meal plans and mixed reviews. Tripadvisor guests praise cleanliness but often complain about extra charges and perceived poor value for the package price.
Central Hotel & Restaurant in Budva scores 7.7/10 on Booking.com, with location at 9.1 but lower cleanliness and facility marks — a budget alternative for travellers who prioritise position over amenities.
Our pick: Which Budva option suits which traveller
For budget-conscious travellers
Pick Slovenska Plaza Resort 4 in low season. Rates from around £35 per night give you a resort environment with inclusive meal plans near Slovenska Beach. Check Tripadvisor reviews from the last three months to verify current food quality before booking.
For family holiday makers
Consider Avanti Hotel & Spa if you prefer a quieter, higher-rated environment with low on-site dining prices. The 9.8/10 Expedia score and kid-friendly feedback suggest families get more value paying per meal than gambling on a low-rated all-inclusive.
For first-time visitors to Montenegro
Choose Crowne Plaza Budva by IHG for the best location (9.6/10), highest cleanliness (9.4/10), and seamless Old Town access. Pay for breakfast only and explore Budva’s restaurants for lunch and dinner. The IHG rebrand in Q1 2026 may bring additional service standards and loyalty benefits — worth watching for later in the year.
Note: Our recommendations are based on verified guest review patterns and official property data, not on-site visits. Always verify current rates, meal-plan inclusions, and seasonal availability directly with the property or booking platform.
Sample 3-day itinerary for Budva
Day 1: Arrival & Old Town immersion
Check into your hotel (Crowne Plaza Budva or Slovenska Plaza, depending on your board choice). Spend the afternoon walking the walled Old Town — enter through the main gate, visit the Citadel (€5 entry), and wander the narrow streets. Dinner at a harbour-side konoba: expect €15–€25 for a fish main course with a glass of local Vranac wine. Evening drinks along the marina promenade.
Day 2: Beaches & the Budva Riviera
Morning at Mogren Beach (pebble, clear water, 10 minutes from Old Town) or Slovenska Beach if you prefer sand and amenities. Bring your own towel — sunbed hire averages €10–€15. Lunch at a beach cafe (€8–€12 for a salad and drink). Afternoon: walk the seafront path from the marina past the Crowne Plaza to the Avala Hotel viewpoint. Dinner at a restaurant near the marina.
Day 3: Kotor day trip or relax
Take a 30-minute bus from Budva to Kotor (€5 one way). Walk the city walls to the fortress (€8 entry) for panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. Return to Budva for a farewell dinner at the Old Town. If you prefer a lazy day, stay at your hotel’s pool and explore the nearby shops and cafes.
hotels.com, tripadvisor.com, expedia.com, google.rs, us.trip.com
Frequently asked questions about all-inclusive hotels in Budva
What types of all-inclusive packages are available in Budva?
Packages vary by hotel. Slovenska Plaza and Iberostar Waves Bellevue typically offer full-board or all-inclusive with buffet meals and some drinks. Azul Beach Resort Montenegro markets a true all-inclusive model. Many properties listed as all-inclusive on package platforms actually operate half-board — confirm drink and snack inclusion before booking.
Are there adults-only all-inclusive hotels in Budva?
No adults-only all-inclusive hotels are listed on major platforms for Budva as of 2026. Hotels like Avanti Hotel & Spa and Boutique Momentum by Aycon welcome families and couples alike. For adults-only environments, consider boutique properties rather than all-inclusive resorts.
How much is a taxi from Tivat airport to Budva?
Official taxi fares from Tivat Airport to Budva typically range from €25 to €40 depending on season and negotiation. The drive takes 20–30 minutes. Pre-booking through your hotel often adds €5–€10 for convenience. A cheaper alternative is the local bus at around €5 one way.
Do all-inclusive hotels in Budva include drinks?
It depends on the property and the package tier. Some all-inclusive packages include local alcoholic drinks and soft drinks during meal times only, while premium packages may extend to all-day bar service. Hotels sold as half-board typically include breakfast and dinner but no drinks. Always check the specific inclusion list before booking.
Which is nicer, Croatia or Montenegro for an all-inclusive holiday?
Croatia offers a larger selection of high-rated all-inclusive resorts, particularly along the Istrian coast and around Dubrovnik, but prices are 20–40% higher than Montenegro. Montenegro’s Budva Riviera provides a more affordable Adriatic experience with fewer all-inclusive choices — the trade-off is lower cost for less consistency in quality.
How much spending money is needed for 3 days in Budva?
For a mid-range traveller eating out for most meals, budget roughly €100–€150 per person for 3 days excluding accommodation: €60–€90 for meals, €15–€30 for drinks, €10–€20 for local transport, and €15–€25 for entry fees and beach sundries. Travellers on a tight budget can reduce this to €50–€70 by using supermarkets and local buses.
Are all-inclusive resorts in Budva family-friendly?
Yes, most all-inclusive properties in Budva cater to families. Slovenska Plaza and Azul Beach Resort welcome children with pool areas and family room options. Avanti Hotel & Spa — though not all-inclusive — earns a 9.8/10 on Expedia partly due to its kid-friendly environment and quiet pools, suggesting families find good value outside the all-inclusive model.
Sources cited
- IHG Hotels & Resorts corporate news release — Crowne Plaza Budva signing and Q1 2026 opening timeline
- Hotels.com guest reviews — Crowne Plaza Budva qualitative feedback
- HolidayCheck user reviews (Hotel Aleksandar) — aggregate rating and guest criticism
- Expedia listing (Avanti Hotel & Spa) — rating and guest feedback
- Booking.com listing (Central Hotel & Restaurant) — rating and review data
- Hotel Tout Inclus Guide — comparison context for all-inclusive definitions
- All Inclusive Hotel Xcaret Mexico — review of a comparable all-inclusive resort