BANJALUKA: NEW YEAR'S EVE ACCOMMODATION PRICES SOAR BY UP TO NINE TIMES!

Banjaluka is becoming an increasingly popular destination for New Year’s celebrations, and accommodations for the big night are nearly fully booked.

Hoteliers across the city report that early reservations have filled most available spaces, with high demand for short-term rentals despite many owners raising prices significantly. In addition to luxury hotel offers, private apartment rentals are reaching astonishing rates, with “daily rental” prices up to 1,330 KM in the Nova Varoš neighborhood.

Listings for “daily rentals” in Rosulje now require 313 KM per night, with a two-person stay on December 31 costing as much as 939 KM. Although more affordable options are available, their prices have also surged for New Year’s Eve. For instance, an apartment in Borik that typically costs 57 KM now charges 331 KM. In Hisete, prices for some apartments have jumped ninefold, from 60 KM in November to 554 KM for New Year’s Eve.

Despite the high prices, availability of “daily rentals” is dwindling as many hotels are fully booked. Courtyard by Marriott reports that all 114 rooms have been reserved since June, with New Year’s rates set at 220 KM for single rooms and 300 KM for doubles. However, they do not plan to host a New Year’s event unless a travel agency rents the space for a private gathering.

Hotel Vidović also reported full bookings made months ago, setting a rate of 165 KM for double rooms in partnership with a travel agency. Hotel Cepter Palas, in collaboration with a Slovenian agency, saw its rooms snapped up as early as February, with single rooms for New Year’s costing 150 KM and doubles 160 KM.

Reservations at Hotel Jelena began several months ago, and all 78 rooms are now booked, with New Year’s rates 30% higher than usual, costing 165 KM for singles and 235 KM for doubles. Meanwhile, Hotel Bosna currently has about 70% occupancy for New Year’s Eve, having started bookings a month ago. They offer a special package including two nights in a double room and a gala celebration in their Crystal Hall, complete with a welcome drink and multi-course dinner, at a rate of 682 KM for two people, or 348 KM per person.

Dragana Vukliš, Director of the Banjaluka Tourism Organization, noted that as of Monday, hotel occupancy stands at over 70%, with another review expected in mid-November. The City Administration has also started preparations for another memorable “Banjaluka Winter,” aiming to make the city a beloved destination for the many tourists who traditionally visit Vrbas for the holidays. They are also gearing up for a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration in Banjaluka.