Escape to Paradise: Hotel Plaza Budva's Unforgettable Montenegro Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Plaza Budva – My Budva Buzz! (Or, Did I Seriously Need That Extra Towel?)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I just got back from an escape – seriously, an escape – to Hotel Plaza Budva in Montenegro. And let me tell you, it's… well, it's a lot. A glorious, slightly overwhelming, sun-drenched lot. This isn’t your perfectly curated Instagram post review, folks. This is the real deal, warts and all (and trust me, there were a few minor, minor warts).
First Impressions: Can We Get Past the Elevator, Please?
From the moment I stepped out of the airport transfer (which, by the way, was thankfully arranged perfectly – the airport transfer is key, especially if you are just coming there, which is something I recommend, because the streets are very hilly and the weather is hot, so get a driver, just do it!) I was greeted by that familiar vacation buzz. The Hotel Plaza is… grand. Think gleaming white walls kissed by the sun, a lobby that whispers "luxury," and staff who, bless their hearts, are always smiling.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Let's be real, accessibility is crucial for some of us. The good news? The hotel claims to be wheelchair accessible, and there IS an elevator (though it's a bit… slow. Let's just say I made good use of the gym stairs a few times). The bad news? While the public areas are generally fine, I'd love to know more about the specifics of the rooms. I didn’t fully investigate, but I'd advise calling and double-checking before booking if that's a primary concern.
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Accidental Soup Disaster)
The food… this is where things get interesting. Hotel Plaza Budva’s restaurants are plentiful. Seriously, I think I ate my way through half of Montenegro.
- The Breakfast Buffet: A classic. Imagine mountains of pastries that taunt you, fresh fruit that practically sings, and an omelet station manned by a perpetually cheerful chef. I'm a breakfast fiend, and even I was slightly dazed by the choices. The Asian breakfast options were a welcome surprise, too. (Though, I did have to ask for an English translation of the noodle dish. Apparently, I was eating "Happiness Noodles”.)
- The A La Carte Restaurant: This is where I had my big… well, you'll find out. The food was exquisite. The atmosphere was magical. I went with my partner there for dinner. I ordered a soup… I don't remember which. It was beautiful, steaming in a perfect bowl. However, I ended up spilling the soup on my blouse! Ugh. So, while the anti-viral cleaning products did do their job in the restaurant in cleaning my clothes to prevent the spread of diseases, that's not the only thing that needed cleaning. That reminded me, I went to the bathroom once. I thought I'd take the risk and leave the door open, but my partner said that's what's behind the door. Anyway, I’m rambling! The food was excellent.
- Poolside Bar: Cocktails, snacks, the sun… pure bliss. (Important note: the poolside bar is absolutely clutch. Especially after you burn yourself on the sun and you need a cold drink.)
Things to Do (Or, How I Became a Spa Addict)
Okay, so, let's talk about ways to relax. Hotel Plaza is a spa and wellness haven. This is where Hotel Plaza Budva truly shined. The spa/sauna setup is magnificent. I spent… a lot… of time there.
- The Pool with a View: Picture this: a shimmering infinity pool overlooking the Adriatic Sea. I could spend hours there, getting lost in the view. (And yes, I did. Several times.)
- The Sauna: Pure, unadulterated bliss. I'm pretty sure I sweated out a whole year's worth of stress.
- The Massage: Okay, this deserves its own paragraph. I booked a massage after a particularly strenuous hike (hey, I explored!), and… wow. The masseuse was an artist. Honestly, I wasn't sure if it was massage or a transformation. I left feeling like a new woman. It’s the perfect couple’s room in this room for relaxing.
- The Fitness Center: I’m not a gym rat, but the fitness center was surprisingly well-equipped. And the gym/fitness equipment was up to date.
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (and Questionable Towel Usage)
My room? Spacious, comfortable, and blessed with a window that opens (a must-have for me!). The air conditioning worked like a charm (thank goodness, because Montenegro in summer is HOT). The bathrobes were fluffy, the complimentary tea was appreciated, and the daily housekeeping kept things spick and span.
- The One Minor Issue: I might have borrowed one too many towels. I swear, they just kept multiplying!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
Hotel Plaza takes hygiene seriously. I mean, seriously. There were hand sanitizers everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and I felt perfectly safe. Rooms sanitized between stays, daily disinfection in common areas, it was clear the hotel had invested in anti-viral cleaning products. And the cashless payment service was a plus. (Though, I almost forgot how to use cash entirely!)
The Essentials: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
- Internet: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a godsend. Especially when you’re trying to upload pictures of sun-drenched beaches. (And complain to your friends.)
- Services and Conveniences: The concierge was incredibly helpful, arranging taxis, suggesting restaurants, and generally making my life easier.
- Things That Could Be Better: The elevator. Seriously, it's slow. But, hey, gives you a chance to appreciate the artwork in the hallway, right?
Overall: Worth the Trip? (Absolutely!)
Look, Hotel Plaza Budva isn’t perfect. But it's close. It’s a beautiful hotel, with a fantastic pool and spa, delicious food, attentive staff, and a location that’s hard to beat. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. (Just, maybe, pack my own extra towel… or two…)
My Unforgettable Montenegro Getaway Offer:
Tired of the ordinary? Crave a slice of paradise?
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Plaza Budva's Unforgettable Montenegro Getaway!
Here's what awaits you:
- Luxurious accommodations with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and breathtaking views.
- Indulgent spa experiences: Rejuvenate with a massage, unwind in the sauna, and soak up the sun by the pool with a view.
- Culinary adventures: Savor exquisite meals at our restaurants, enjoy refreshing cocktails at the poolside bar, and start your day with a delicious breakfast buffet.
- Unparalleled service: Our dedicated staff is ready to cater to your every need, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable stay.
- Prime location: Explore the vibrant city of Budva, relax on stunning beaches, and discover the natural beauty of Montenegro.
Book your escape now and receive:
- Exclusive early bird discounts!
- Complimentary welcome drinks upon arrival.
- Free access to our fitness center and spa facilities.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to experience the ultimate Montenegro getaway!
Visit our website or call us today to book your stay. (Mention this review and get a free bottle of water!)
Hotel Plaza Budva: Your gateway to paradise awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Palm Beach Resort Batangas
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause here's my attempt at a travel itinerary for Hotel Plaza Budva, Montenegro. Emphasis on "attempt." I'm more of a "wander-around-until-something-interesting-happens" kind of traveler, you know? This is gonna be a glorious mess. Let's go:
Trip: Budva Bonanza (aka, Pray for My Sanity)
Hotel: Hotel Plaza, Budva. (Fingers crossed it's as glamorous on arrival as it looks on the website. My expectations are perpetually high, and frequently shattered. I'm already anticipating the tiny, unappetizing coffee in the morning.)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread on the Adriatic Coast
- Morning (or whenever I can drag myself out of bed): Flight lands! (If the flight actually lands on time, I'll be considering it a small miracle. My luggage, however, will probably be touring Dubai. It's always something.) Taxi from Tivat Airport to Budva. The taxi driver looked like a retired James Bond, and drove accordingly. I swear my life flashed before my eyes on one hairpin turn. Worth it though, for the views. And the freedom. I nearly wept when I saw the sparkling Adriatic for the first time. Emotional Reaction Alert! I love the turquoise water and the way the sun bounces off of everything…
- Afternoon (Assuming I'm not lost…again): Check into Hotel Plaza. I imagine the lobby will be pristine. I hope the room matches the pictures. I'm secretly praying for a balcony with an amazing view. You know, a place to sit and contemplate the meaninglessness of existence while drinking a very strong, and definitely not tiny, espresso. (Okay, it's probably going to be tiny. Prepare yourself, Sarah.) Unpack. Immediately realize I've forgotten something crucial (probably my toothbrush, my brain, or both). Cue mild panic. A half hour later I'm finally ready to hit the town.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Wander Budva's Old Town. Get delightfully lost in the narrow, winding streets. Take approximately a thousand photos of everything. Seriously. Everything. The cobblestones, the cats, the laundry hanging from balconies (is that a sock?!). Seek out a gelato shop. Devour gelato. Repeat. Have a minor existential crisis while eating gelato and watching the sunset. The Adriatic… how can something be so blue?
- Evening: Dinner at a konoba (traditional Montenegrin restaurant). Aim for something authentically local and filling. Order too much food (it's a given). Probably the njeguški pršut (smoked ham). And some grilled octopus. And… well, everything. Drink local wine. Feel pleasantly tipsy. People-watch. Marvel at how effortlessly stylish everyone else seems to be. Stumble back to the hotel. Fall into bed. Sleep. (Hopefully.)
Important Note: Budva is a tourist trap. Everyone is trying to sell you something. Haggling is practically mandatory. Embrace it, or be prepared to pay way too much for a souvenir. I'm preparing for both scenarios.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (or, Why Did I Forget My Sunscreen?)
- Morning: Wake up. Regret everything from the night before. (Especially all the wine. The wine was a mistake. A delicious, terrible mistake.) Force myself to go for a walk along the beach. This is the goal. Embrace the sea air regardless of how I'm feeling. Find (or don't. Let's be real, I'm going to be lost again) a decent coffee shop near the water. Caffeine is a vital life source, after all.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Find a beach! Not the super-crowded one. The one where it's slightly less shoulder-to-shoulder and the water is crystal clear. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing (with sunscreen, this time, I promise!), and reading a book. Get distracted by the scenery. Stare at the boats. Wonder what it would be like to live on a yacht. Probably incredibly stressful, if I'm being honest. But the views! The lifestyle! Ah well… back to reality.
- Afternoon (the beach again, because why not, unless I'm burnt to a crisp?): Double down on the beach. Watch the sunset over the sea. It’s simply gorgeous. Get slightly sunburned (yes, even with the sunscreen this time). I'm going to try to be proactive this time around. This is my biggest issue. I just need to be aware that skin cancer, and the sun, and all of this is real. Why is the sun so appealing when it can destroy me?
- Evening: Dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the harbor. Order more seafood. (Because I haven't had enough seafood already!) Attempt to learn a few phrases in Montenegrin. Probably butcher them horribly. The locals will likely laugh. I'll laugh with them. Mostly because I have no idea what I'm saying. Maybe they'll be nice and I'll become a local to the place. Either way…
- Important Note: Montenegro is stunning. It really is. But it's hilly. Prepare your legs for a workout. And your lungs. And your general sense of direction.
Day 3: So Many Churches and A Boat Ride!
- Morning: This is where I get philosophical again at Hotel Plaza. Wake up. Consider ordering room service. Decide against it because I'm cheap. Go for an even longer walk (this time in the other direction) along the coast. Take a deep breath of the salt air. Think about life and how I need to do more. Then I quickly stop because I'm too lazy.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Day trip to Kotor (if I can convince myself to leave the beach. This is a big "if"). The drive should be beautiful. The traffic, probably less so. Explore Kotor's Old Town. Visit the churches. Climb the city walls (if I'm feeling ambitious. See previous comments about hills). Marvel at the Bay of Kotor. It's supposed to be breathtaking.
- Afternoon: Boat tour! Yes! More water! Find a boat tour that goes to Our Lady of the Rocks (a tiny island with a church) and the island of Sveti Đorđe. Take a million pictures. Get seasick. (Probably. I'm not a great sailor.) Try really, really hard to enjoy the views. The water will be crystal clear. The sun will shine. More emotional reaction alert! Seriously, you’ll never forget the view!
- Evening: Return to Budva. Dinner at a restaurant with live music. (Preferably not too loud, because I like to, you know, hear the conversation. But also… a little party?) Dance (badly) if the mood strikes and the wine is flowing. (It will be.)
- Important Note: Montenegrin roads can be…interesting. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads. And goats. Lots and lots of goats.
Day 4: High Drama and Leaving
- Morning: Spend the morning doing something that will not be mentioned. I just need a day to myself.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Panic. Realize I haven't bought anything for anyone. Find something vaguely appropriate (and hopefully not overpriced). Consider buying myself a souvenir (probably something totally impractical. Like ten kilos of smoked ham. I can dream, right?). One last gelato. The perfect gelato.
- Afternoon: Pack. Cry a little bit. (Vacations always go too fast!) One last walk around the Old Town. Say goodbye to the cats. Say goodbye to the Adriatic. (Until next time, beautiful sea!)
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Try not to be sad. Reflect on the trip. (I'll probably mostly be thinking about what I forgot to do, and what I'm going to eat on the plane.) One last glass of wine. Head back to the hotel. Get the taxi driver who is a Bond. Ask him to take the scenic route? Enjoy the last few moments. Look at the stars for the last time.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Wake up. Get on the plane. Wonder where my luggage will end up. Plan my next trip. (Seriously.)
- **Post-Trip
1. How did you even *find* this place? Did a magical Adriatic genie whisper its name into your ear?
Oh, the origin story. It's less genie, more…late-night scrolling with wine. I was desperately craving sun, and the usual suspects (Greece, Italy) felt…cliched. Then, BOOM, Montenegro popped up, all rugged cliffs and crystal-clear water. I saw pictures of Hotel Plaza Budva, and frankly, the pool looked *phenomenal*. Also the website promised 'unforgettable' and 'paradise'! I mean, who can resist that kind of hyperbole? My internal monologue was basically "Montenegro? Paradise? Fine. Sold." I'm a sucker for a good promise.
2. Packing. Ugh. What did you *actually* bring that you used…and what was a complete waste of luggage space? Please be brutally honest.
Brutally honest? Okay, here we go. I packed, like, ten swimsuits. Only wore three. The sequined cover-up I envisioned myself lounging in sipping cocktails? Never saw the light of day. Way too much effort in the Montenegrin heat. The hiking boots? Utterly unnecessary. I mostly did a shuffle between the pool and the breakfast buffet. The one thing I *did* use obsessively? That stupid little hat, the one I thought was "stylish and practical." Kept the sun off my face, prevented me from looking like a lobster… it was surprisingly vital. Oh, and the book I meant to read, "War and Peace"? Nope. Fell asleep trying to get through page 3. Another win for the vacation. I'm a lightweight, apparently.
3. Any airport dramas? We *need* the juicy details.
Oh honey, there's always airport drama. Mine involved a delayed flight, a screaming baby (whose parents clearly regretted their life choices... I felt their pain!), and a rogue bag of pretzels that exploded in my carry-on. Pretzels *everywhere*. Think dust bunnies, only salty and covered in… well, I'm not entirely sure what else was floating around my bag at that point. The less said about airport bathrooms, the healthier our society will be. Let's just say I arrived slightly stressed, slightly crumb-covered, and already questioning my life choices. The perfect start, right?
4. First impressions of the hotel? Did it live up to the hype (or your expectations, which may or may not be realistic)?
Okay, so the lobby. It was all marble and chandeliers and that sort of thing. Impressive! Definitely a step up from my usual Travelodge abode. But… the scent. I swear, it was a potent mix of disinfectant and something vaguely floral, like grandma's perfume had a baby with a hospital. I'm not sure what kind of image they were going for. Either way, it was… memorable. The staff seemed nice enough, though the check-in process was a little…slow. Apparently, someone got lost in translation and it felt like a lifetime. "Do you have passport?" "Yes!"… more questions. Then the view! The view from my room was spectacular. Even the slightly dusty balcony couldn't detract from that. The Adriatic Sea! Okay, maybe my expectations were met. For about five minutes.
5. The room. Tell us *everything*. Was it clean? Spacious? Did it have a mini-bar? (And if so, did you *use* it?)
The room itself was… decent. Clean enough, yeah. Bed was comfy, always a plus. The bathroom was fine, though the shower pressure was about as powerful as a toddler's dribble. The mini-bar… ah, yes, the mini-bar. Filled with suspiciously expensive snacks and tiny bottles of liquor. Did I use it? (nervous laugh) Let’s just say the tiny bottle of vodka and the Pringles disappeared at an alarming rate on the first night. I blame jet lag. And the sheer, unadulterated *temptation*. It's a problem, I'm not saying I'm innocent. Also the view from the window was gorgeous... until the sun went down. My fault for sleeping until midday then.
6. Let's talk pool. Was it as Instagrammable as the pictures suggested? And did you witness any poolside dramas? (We live for those.)
The pool! Ah, the reason I booked the whole damn thing. And yes, it was pretty damn gorgeous. Azure water, sun loungers galore… Until you actually tried to get one. I'm not sure how people did it, but the front row loungers were, and I am not lying, occupied before the sun even considered bothering to peek above the horizon. I spent a good hour each morning eyeing the territory like a lioness considering her next meal. I'd wait. I'd watch. I'd plot. One day, I saw someone, this older gentleman -- and I mean *older* -- sneak in and claim four loungers. Four! I was livid. And just as I was about to unleash my inner fury, he started doing… water aerobics. With a *sun hat*. It was… incredible. He looked like a particularly sassy garden gnome. Poolside drama? Oh yes. And you could tell a lot about people by their towel placement! Don't even get me started on the kids. I love kids but damn.
7. The beach. Did you venture beyond the pool? What was it like?
The beach, yes. I attempted the beach. It was… rocky. Think pebbles. Think walking barefoot on a thousand tiny angry fists. I lasted about twenty minutes before my feet were screaming for mercy. The water was crystal clear. Really, stunning. But getting in and out required a degree of agility I simply do not possess. I watched some people building sandcastles, and that's the closest I got to experiencing the beach properly. It was prettier from a distance, from the hotel. I'm a pool person, apparently. Sorry, sandy beaches of Montenegro. I failed you.
8. Breakfast. The most important meal of the day. What delights (or horrors) did you encounter at the Hotel Plaza's breakfast buffet?
The breakfast buffet… This is worth the price of admission, honestly. The first morning, I felt a thrill in my soul. Mountains of… everything. Eggs, bacon, bread, pastries. The coffee was… questionable. But the views were stunning. After Day 2 I had found my groove. The first rule of Buffet Club: Scope the entire buffet *before* you commit. Find the treasures. Find the danger zones (the suspect-looking scrambled eggs…). There was this AMAZING honeycomb, which I consumed withMountain Stay
