Avala Resort & Villas

We’re currently staying in this hotel. Beautiful weather, ready to lie out, chill and get a bit of sun - no water in the outdoor pool, no sun beds on the beach, no help from a very brusque receptionist Off we go to reception to get some advice on what we could do to be greeted with shoulder shrugs and “I don’t knows” No recommendations of other places to try. Lovely hotel, but customer service and facilities lacking

The outdoor pool was closed and there were no sunbeds on the beach. The receptionists was very unhelpful shrugging her shoulders and saying we have had lots of rain and it is not the season however there was no mention of this when booking the hotel. We booked a girls 5 day break and there was nowhere to lie out and sun bathe, when asked if there was anywhere nearby we were told no it’s out of season. There was also a kettle and cups in the room but no tea or coffee, when asked the receptionist she said you have to go to the restaurant and ask them. We stated what it the point of a kettle and cups and again she shrugged her shoulders. This is not the hotel to stay in until May at the earliest. Please check what facilities are open before you book as you will be sorely disappointed.

The Avala occupies arguably the best position in Budva – panoramic views, direct access to the old town, a property that could genuinely compete with the finest hotels on the Adriatic coast. It does not. Facilities & Maintenance The sauna operates four hours per day (16:00–20:00), a restriction that would be unusual in a budget hostel, let alone a resort charging premium rates. The spa itself tells a longer story: the sun loungers appear to be the same ones that were already past their prime five years ago – and have not been replaced since. They remain in use today. The terrace furniture is in an advanced state of neglect: weathered, cracked wood, protruding screws and nails, mould staining – the kind of deterioration that accumulates over years of deliberate inaction. Photos attached. Ongoing repair works left corridors blocked with ladders, hoses, power tools and construction debris – directly in front of guest rooms, with no advance notice, no protective barriers, and no apology. Works began early in the morning, ensuring that guests unable to navigate the chaos were at least woken by the noise. Photos attached. Food & Beverage Breakfast is, by any reasonable standard, not commensurate with the room rate. Fried eggs arrive swimming in an unidentified liquid. Fruit is canned. Coffee – served both at breakfast and in the bar – carries a persistent soapy aftertaste consistent with either inadequate cleaning of equipment or contaminated water lines. We chose to have breakfast in town every single morning of our stay. That decision made itself. Service This is where the picture becomes more nuanced – and more damning. Reception and spa staff were genuinely friendly and professional. They are the exception. Elsewhere, the experience oscillates between indifference and active hostility. On arrival, the car park attendant shouted at me from a distance and ran after me to verify whether I was actually a guest – an encounter more reminiscent of a correctional facility than a hotel claiming starred status. The reception desk offered a verbal apology. No gesture followed. At breakfast, staff did not greet guests, made no eye contact, and appeared primarily occupied with conversations among themselves. Guests were an interruption to their day, not the reason for it. The bar – which enjoys one of the most spectacular views in Budva – operates on similar principles. As the sole guest present, I waited approximately thirty minutes without being noticed. Two members of staff walked directly past me during this time – one pausing at the window to enjoy the view himself. I eventually approached the bar to request service. When the bill arrived – also only after explicit request – no one returned to collect payment or bring change. I left a considerably larger tip than intended, not out of generosity but because further waiting was not an option. Whether this is incompetence or a calculated business model is left as an exercise for the reader. Summary The Avala is a premium-priced property running on deferred investment and absent leadership. Reception and spa staff deserve better than the operation they are asked to represent. The location is irreplaceable. Everything else reflects a series of choices – and someone here has been making the wrong ones for a very long time. The view from the bar is genuinely magnificent. A pity about everything else.

We were warmly welcomed on arrival by a helpful porter who assisted with our luggage and escorted us to reception. The receptionist was friendly and kindly upgraded us to a sea-view room, which was spacious, beautifully presented, and offered a view of the sea. We opted for half board. Breakfast was excellent, with a wide variety of buffet options to choose from. Dinner during the first couple of nights was also very enjoyable. However, it was disappointing that no drinks were included at dinner apart from water—there was no option for even a complimentary glass of wine or coffee. The restaurant also lacked atmosphere, although we understand this may be due to it being off-season. During our stay, the hotel hosted several business conferences, which made the spa area quite noisy at times. Additionally, we were later moved to a smaller dining area with a more limited menu, which was disappointing. The hotel’s location is fantastic—very close to the Old Town and within easy walking distance of most attractions. On the downside, housekeeping could be improved, as the room cleaning was not up to standard. On a positive note, the gym and spa pool were a great bonus, especially since other pools were not open. Pros: • Friendly and helpful staff • Complimentary room upgrade with a beautiful sea view • Spacious, comfortable rooms • Excellent breakfast selection • Great location near the Old Town • Good gym and spa facilities Cons: • No drinks included with dinner (other than water) • Limited atmosphere in the restaurant • Spa became noisy due to conferences • Reduced dinner options later in the stay • Housekeeping could be improved Overall: A pleasant stay with some highlights, particularly the location and staff, but a few areas that could be improved.

Great hotel, very big rooms. we got upgraded to a luxury suite which was very specious suite. the shower alone bigger than many hotel rooms. And a wonderful sea view. Perfect location - right on the entrance to Budva old town. Big Spa with Jacuzzi, Sauna, indoor pool and outdoor infinity pool. Massage treatments are excellent!