Your stay — Rio Apartments
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The Property — Rio Apartments
The Rio Apartments is a straightforward three-star property a few blocks back from Budva's main beaches, offering self-contained rooms with kitchenettes rather than hotel fuss. The lobby is small and functional, with a reception desk and a couple of chairs—no restaurant, bar or pool on site. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want independence and a location within a five-minute walk of the Old Town and the coastal promenade, but not the frills of a resort.
Chronicles of Budva
Budva began as a Greek colony called Buthoe in the 4th century BC, later became a Roman municipium, and spent centuries under Venetian rule, which gave its Old Town the compact stone piazzas and red-tiled roofs visible today. The 1979 earthquake flattened large parts of the historic centre, but it was meticulously rebuilt, reviving its medieval layout with churches, restaurants and narrow alleyways. Modern Budva is the tourist capital of Montenegro’s coast, known for its long sandy beaches, nightlife and cruise-ship day-trippers, though its walled Old Town still feels very much like a small Mediterranean port.
Best Time to Visit
Full Budva guide →Best months
June and September: settled, warm weather without July–August heat spikes, with hotels and beaches busy but not jammed. Late May also works if you're willing to risk the odd rainy day.
Peak / festival surge
July through mid-August is absolute peak: temperatures reach 30–35°C, beaches pack out by 9am, and Budva hosts the Sea Dance Festival (early July) plus many local concerts. Hotel rates triple or quadruple compared to June, and advance booking is essential.
Budget shoulder season
May and October are the best budget windows: May has green hillsides and uncrowded beaches, October sees autumn sun and huge discounts (up to 60% off peak rates), though some seaside bars and boat tours close from mid-October.
Weather & packing
Budva sits on the coast right against the Dinaric Alps, so afternoon thunderstorms can suddenly roll in even in July. Pack swimwear, a light rain jacket, and one smart outfit for evening dinners in the Old Town—the dress codes are relaxed everywhere except the fancier restaurants.
Live City Briefing — Budva
- Jaz Beach, 2km west of Budva, saw new sunbed and bar licensing in 2025 for smaller operators after the controversial mega-resort project was paused—more relaxed beach vibes this season.
- Bus station renovation is ongoing throughout 2026, so expect temporary stops for local and intercity buses near the marina; check with the driver or the station kiosk for updated departure points.
- Several new fast-casual restaurants opened on Njegoševa Street (the main pedestrian link between Old Town and the marina) in late 2025, offering cheaper alternatives to the tourist-trap places inside the city walls.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Rio Apartments, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the top floor (likely 3rd or 4th) facing away from Babalonija street. These will get less foot traffic and sea-breeze noise, and the upper floors give better light and air in a compact building.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms, especially those at the front – street-side noise from Babalonija (a main coastal road) will be constant. Also skip rooms directly above or beside the reception/lobby area, as lift and guest movement can be noisy in a 3-star setup.
Best views
Ask for a room overlooking the side or rear (not Babalonija) – likely a partial sea view from higher floors. The address is near the coast, so top floors may glimpse the Budva Riviera over rooftops.
Quietest floors
Top two floors (if the building has 4 floors) – generally 3rd and 4th are quietest. If it's a lower building, the highest floor still wins.
🔊 Noise notes
Babalonija is a fairly busy road connecting Budva's old town and newer resort areas – expect car, scooter, and pedestrian noise until late evening in summer. Local bars and restaurants nearby add chatter and music. No major nightclub or railway noise.
Insider tips
1. Parking is tight in this area – pre-book a space if available, or arrive after 6pm when street parking frees up near the marina. 2. Check-in can be slow at a 3-star; arrive early afternoon to avoid queue, and request a high floor at booking, not on arrival.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Rio Apartments
Free WiFi for up to 4 devices per room, typical speed 25 Mbps download; no login, connects on first browse
One lift serves all 4 floors; no stairs-only sections
No physical papers; free access to digital news via guest tablet in lobby (PressReader)
Check-in from 14:00, early bag drop allowed from 10:00 if room not ready; late check-out until 12:00 free, after 12:00 charged 50% of nightly rate
Free luggage storage for day of check-out, must collect by 20:00
No step-free access – main entrance has two steps; no wheelchair-accessible rooms; lift fits standard wheelchair
No on-site parking; paid public parking 50 m away at 10 EUR per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 1.00 EUR per person per night
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of 30% via bank transfer or card link; at check-in, hold 50 EUR on card for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Synagogue: Chabad House Budva (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Church: Crkva Sv. Petke (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Mosque: Mesdžid Budva (1.6 km · ~20 min walk)
- Church: Crkva svetog Arhanđela (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Mega mall — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Gradski Park — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
Arheološki muzej — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
La Bocca Restaurant Playground — 288 m · ~4 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 24 m · ~1 min walk
Althaea — 508 m · ~6 min walk
Panorama marketi br. 7 — 160 m · ~2 min walk
Autobuska Stanica Budva — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs in Budva town centre; avoid hotel desks and airport exchange bureaux which give poor rates.
Cards widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops; contactless works in most places, but small markets and taxis prefer cash.
Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants; taxis and hotel staff don't expect tips, but a euro or two for porters is fine.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small espresso or Turkish coffee from a kiosk or bakery: about €1.
A burek (savoury pastry) or pizza by the slice from a bakery: €2-3.
A main course like grilled fish or meat with sides at a local konoba: €8-12.
Along the promenade near Slovenska Plaza and around the Old Town, small stands sell grilled corn, burgers, and ice cream; eat away from the immediate Old Town gate for lower prices.
Idea and Voli supermarket chains (one at each end of Slovenska Obala) are the main budget options.
A few mid-range chain stores along the main pedestrian street near the marina; the weekly open market on the hill above the bus station (Wednesday/Saturday mornings) has cheap basics.
Walking covers most of Babalonija and Budva; the local bus (line 1) from Babalonija to Stari Grad costs €1; from Tivat airport, take the public bus (line 32) for €2.50 or the shared minibus to Budva bus station for €3.
Buy drinks and snacks at a supermarket rather than beach bars, which double the price; eat lunch at bakeries or konobas away from the waterfront; skip the pricey Old Town restaurants and walk five minutes into Babalonija for half the cost.
Emergency Contacts
BudvaWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Budva, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Rio Apartments
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 24 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Althaea — 508 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Budva Main Bus Station → Stari Grad (Old Town)
💡 Walk instead it's just 10 minutes. But if you have luggage or a long day, the bus passes right near the hotel.
Budvanka Hotel → Jaz Beach or Bečići
💡 Use the 'Taksi' app (similar to Uber) for fixed prices. Avoid taxi touts near the marina; they charge double.
Tivat Airport (TIV) → Budvanka Hotel
💡 Pre-book with a local operator to avoid haggling; rates are fixed at €20-25. Your hotel can arrange one in advance.
Tivat Airport (TIV) → Budva Main Bus Station
💡 Get off at 'Budva Bus Station', not the port stop. From there it's a 10-minute walk to Budvanka. Bus runs roughly hourly; check local timetable at the airport stand.
About Budva
Wikipedia ↗
Budva (Cyrillic: Будва, pronounced [bûːdv̞a] or [bûdv̞a]) is a town in the Coastal region of Montenegro. It had 17,479 inhabitants as of 2023, and is the centre of Budva Municipality. The coastal area around Budva, known as the Budva Riviera, is the center of Montenegrin tourism, renowned for its we...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Rio Apartments?
Request a room on the top floor (likely 3rd or 4th) facing away from Babalonija street. These will get less foot traffic and sea-breeze noise, and the upper floors give better light and air in a compact building.
Which rooms should I avoid at Rio Apartments?
Avoid ground-floor rooms, especially those at the front – street-side noise from Babalonija (a main coastal road) will be constant. Also skip rooms directly above or beside the reception/lobby area, as lift and guest movement can be noisy in a 3-star setup.
Is Rio Apartments noisy?
Babalonija is a fairly busy road connecting Budva's old town and newer resort areas – expect car, scooter, and pedestrian noise until late evening in summer. Local bars and restaurants nearby add chatter and music. No major nightclub or railway noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Rio Apartments?
Ask for a room overlooking the side or rear (not Babalonija) – likely a partial sea view from higher floors. The address is near the coast, so top floors may glimpse the Budva Riviera over rooftops.
What are insider tips for staying at Rio Apartments?
1. Parking is tight in this area – pre-book a space if available, or arrive after 6pm when street parking frees up near the marina. 2. Check-in can be slow at a 3-star; arrive early afternoon to avoid queue, and request a high floor at booking, not on arrival.
What time is check-in at Rio Apartments?
Check-in at Rio Apartments is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Rio Apartments have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi for up to 4 devices per room, typical speed 25 Mbps download; no login, connects on first browse
Is there a city or tourist tax at Rio Apartments?
1.00 EUR per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Rio Apartments?
A burek (savoury pastry) or pizza by the slice from a bakery: €2-3.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Rio Apartments?
Walking covers most of Babalonija and Budva; the local bus (line 1) from Babalonija to Stari Grad costs €1; from Tivat airport, take the public bus (line 32) for €2.50 or the shared minibus to Budva bus station for €3.
When is the best time to visit Budva?
June and September: settled, warm weather without July–August heat spikes, with hotels and beaches busy but not jammed. Late May also works if you're willing to risk the odd rainy day.
Top Attractions in Budva
💡 Free to enter but donations welcome. Go during daily Mass at 11am (weekdays) for a short peaceful visit – otherwise it can be locked. The treasury costs a euro, skip it unless you're into artefacts.
💡 Walk from the Old Town past the small marina to the raised section by the Hotel Avala – best photo spot of the Old Town walls with the sea. Bring a bottle of water; no public fountains nearby.
💡 Snorkel the rocks at the far right end for small fish and occasional starfish. Bring a mat or towel with padding – the pebbles hurt. Avoid midday in peak season; the sun bounces off the wall and gets intense.
💡 Walk past the first cove – the second one (Mogren II) is quieter and has a small bar with reasonable beer prices. Bring water shoes: the rocks near the water are sharp.
💡 Visit early morning or after 8pm to dodge cruise-ship crowds. Climb the citadel walls for panoramic views of the coast and island of Sveti Stefan – it costs a few euros, but worth it if budget allows.