IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Crowne Plaza Budva in Montenegro, expanding its presence along the Adriatic coast as part of a broader growth strategy in the Balkans. The new hotel, developed in partnership with Uniprom Hoteli d.o.o., is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2026 in Budva, one of Montenegro’s most prominent coastal destinations.
The 81-room Crowne Plaza Budva will occupy a prime location along the Slovenska obala promenade, just 70 metres from the sea and within walking distance of Budva’s Old Town and City Marina. The hotel will feature a modern design and flexible spaces aimed at meeting the needs of both leisure and business travellers, while showcasing the region’s growing appeal as a premium tourism hub.
IHG strengthens Balkan footprint
The new property adds to IHG’s expanding regional portfolio, which currently includes 12 open hotels across Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia, and a further 10 in development. In Montenegro alone, Crowne Plaza Budva will join four existing IHG properties — Regent Porto Montenegro, voco Podgorica, Crowne Plaza Podgorica and Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi — strengthening the company’s foothold in the Adriatic market.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Uniprom Hoteli d.o.o. to bring our Crowne Plaza brand to Budva – a destination that continues to attract tourists on the Adriatic coast,” said (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Budva’s growing appeal reinforces its role as a cornerstone of Montenegro’s tourism industry, making it an ideal location for our premium Crowne Plaza brand.”
Geels added that the signing reflects IHG’s strategic expansion across the Balkans. “With over 20 open and pipeline hotels across the region, we’re committed to growing responsibly and bringing our premium and lifestyle brands to vibrant markets like Montenegro. Crowne Plaza Budva will offer guests a premium stay in one of the country’s most dynamic coastal cities, becoming a standout destination for both business and leisure travellers.”
The Budva project follows other planned Crowne Plaza openings in the region, including Crowne Plaza Durres in Albania and a forthcoming property in Kolašin, Montenegro. The expansion underscores IHG’s focus on high-demand Mediterranean and Balkan markets where tourism infrastructure continues to evolve rapidly.
Modern design meets Adriatic charm
Located on the lively promenade lined with restaurants, parks and seaside attractions, Crowne Plaza Budva aims to combine contemporary comfort with the charm of Montenegro’s Adriatic lifestyle. Guests will have access to a destination restaurant offering sea views, a sophisticated terrace popular with locals and visitors, and meeting spaces equipped with advanced technology for conferences and events.
According to IHG, the hotel will reflect Crowne Plaza’s “New Modern” design philosophy, which blends modern interiors with natural surroundings. The property’s flexible work and leisure areas are designed for the “blended traveller,” a growing segment of guests combining business and leisure travel in a single trip. The concept aligns with broader trends across IHG’s global portfolio, now spanning more than 400 Crowne Plaza hotels worldwide.
Veselin Pejović and Stevan Pejović of Uniprom Hoteli d.o.o. said the collaboration represents an opportunity to elevate Montenegrin hospitality standards. “We are excited to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring one of the world’s most trusted premium brands to Budva,” they said. “Crowne Plaza Budva represents an exciting opportunity to showcase the best of Montenegrin hospitality in a location that is already renowned for its beauty and vibrancy.”
The developers said their goal is to create a destination that “blends modern comfort with the unique charm of the Adriatic coast, offering guests an exceptional experience whether they are here for business or leisure.” They added that the partnership with IHG “will set a new benchmark for upscale hospitality in Montenegro.”
IHG currently operates 92 Crowne Plaza hotels in Europe, with 19 more under development. Recent additions include Crowne Plaza Paris Marne-la-Vallée, Crowne Plaza Katowice, and Crowne Plaza Istanbul West. The company continues to position the brand at the forefront of premium travel by introducing refreshed design, updated guest amenities and a renewed focus on connectivity and well-being for modern travellers.
With tourism to Montenegro continuing to rise, particularly along the Adriatic coastline, the addition of Crowne Plaza Budva reflects investor confidence in the region’s long-term potential. The new opening will provide visitors with another high-quality accommodation option in Budva — a city known for its blend of ancient architecture, lively nightlife and stunning seaside views.
