Sure, Albania might be pint-sized, but don’t let that fool you – this little gem in Southeast Europe is a seriously fascinating place. It’s tucked away on the western Balkan peninsula, with the Adriatic and Ionian Seas crashing along it’s coast.
The capital, Tirana, is where the action’s at – with buzzy vibes, colourful streets, and culture in spades. However, if you venture beyond the city, you’re in for a treat. Think of rugged mountain ranges and gorgeous beaches along the Albanian Riviera. Yep, you heard that right – Albania has its very own Riviera!
Albania’s packing some serious historical punch with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Butrint and Gjirokastër. With its ancient Illyrian roots mixed with influences from the Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, and Byzantines, there is a lot to uncover. It’s basically a history buff’s dream.
But okay, before I get too carried away geeking out, let’s get to the point – I’m here to give you the lowdown on some of the best hotels in Albania.
Ready? Let’s go!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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Selection Criteria
Right, before I get into the real juicy part of the article, I think we should look at a few criteria for picking the perfect hotel. First things first is figuring out exactly what you require from your hotel for your Albania trip and then you can take it from there.
- Location: You know what they say, location, location, location! It’s one of the most important considerations when deciding where to stay. Do you want to be in the thick of the hustle and bustle of city life? Or do you want to be a bit more out of the city and away from the busyness? Once you’ve determined what kind of trip you’re after, you can decide on where to stay in Albania and ultimately the best hotel for you.
- Customer reviews and ratings: How do you find out how good or bad a hotel is if you’ve never stayed there yourself? Well, by means of reviews and ratings, of course. This has become one of the best ways to determine if a place is worth staying at or not. Luckily, Booking.com is pretty great when it comes to their review system and it’s a trusted source based on guests who have stayed at the hotels before.
- Amenities and services: The amenities and services that a hotel offers are the difference between staying there and choosing an alternative spot. Who wants a hotel without a pool when you can have one with a pool? The hotels that I’ve chosen have a wide range of amenities to ensure that you have a more than comfortable stay.
- Price range: Let’s face it, no one just books a hotel and doesn’t consider price. Unless you’re a baller and money isn’t a worry. Therefore you’ll need to work out your budget for the trip and decide how much you can allocate to accommodation. There are a variety of hotels on the list below that will suit every budget, whether high-end or cash-conscious to help make the booking process that much easier. You can also check out the best hostels in Albania if that’s more your style.
After taking all of these factors into account, let me show you some of the best hotels in Albania 🙂
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Top Hotels in Albania
If you’re travelling in the Balkans, Albania absolutely needs to be on your hit list. From dazzling beaches and majestic mountain ranges to places of historical significance and museums, it is an outrageously cool country to visit.
Here are some of the best hotels in Albania to suit every need, want, and budget:
Rea Boutique Hotel
Kicking things off in Albania is the Rea Boutique Hotel, located in the charming coastal town of Himare. With stunning views of the Ionian Sea, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular option. This serene and luxurious escape also combines contemporary design with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Not only is this perfect for a romantic couples’ getaway, but it also suits family vacations and solo travellers. Talk about versatility!
The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated and feature all the modern amenities you’ll need for a more than comfortable stay. From Ac and free Wi-Fi to flat-screen TVs, private balconies, and sea views, it’s easy to see why many like-minded travellers have made it their first choice for accommodation.
You’ll also find a cosy bar and lounge area on-site which are perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a day of exploring. Heck, they’re even a great treat after spending the day at one of the many beaches along the Albanian Riviera.
Hotel Vlora Priam, Affiliated with Melia
Right, next up is Hotel Vlora Priam, a hotel affiliated with the internationally known Melia group, located in the coastal city of Vlorë, one of the best places to visit in Albania.
The hotel works incredibly well for both those travelling for leisure as well as those travelling for work, combining both comfort and convenience. Well-appointed rooms are kitted with contemporary décor and are equipped with essential amenities like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.
The hotel also features an on-site restaurant that serves up some banging cuisine, inspired by both local and international dishes. Benefitting from a perfectly central location, providing easy access to the city’s stunning beaches, historical sites, and of course, the buzzing city centre.
The cherry on the cake is the exceptional customer service which is something that really rounds off your experience. It’s the difference between a pleasant and relaxing stay and one that feels calculated and soulless. I certainly know which I prefer!
Vila Ndrio
Located in the picturesque town of Pogradec, Vila Ndrio offers guests a serene and welcoming escape near the shores of the stunning Lake Ohrid. The hotel is the ideal mix of comfort, natural beauty, and hospitality, all coming together harmoniously to create the ideal recipe for ultimate relaxation.
Right, now if you’re as much of a foodie as I am, then you’re going to like what I have to say next. The restaurant not only serves delicious breakfast but great lunches and dinners too, comprising both local Albanian and other Mediterranean cuisine. The emphasis is also on fresh, locally sourced ingredients which is always the major difference that sets the good from the great.
The hotel is also situated in a rather peaceful area, close to the lakeside promenade. Here, you can hop on a boat ride, enjoy a leisurely walk or go on one of Albania’s epic hikes.
Lot Boutique Hotel by Hotels and Preference
Located in the heart of the country’s capital city Tirana, Lot Boutique Hotel offers guests a wonderfully luxurious and modern stay. Rooms are both stylish and spacious and are equipped with top-notch amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, however long your trip is.
The hotel offers both a bar and lounge area as well as a fantastic on-site restaurant if you would prefer to eat in. If you want to head out and find that little hidden gem food spot, you’ll be pleased to know that the hotel is centrally located within the city. This also means that you’ll be close to many of the major sites such as Skanderberg Square, local museums, and opportunities to shop up a storm.
It’s often said that the people you meet on your travels really make the trip and the staff here at Lot Boutique Hotel are no different. Friendly, professional, and always willing to go the extra mile, they really contribute to making your stay a memorable one. This is an ideal place to stay in Tirana.
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Get Yours Here Read Our ReviewLife Gallery Hotel & Spa
Now, to say that Life Gallery Hotel and Spa is unique is a bit of an understatement. Located in the historical part of the city of Korçë, the hotel offers guests both rooms and suites, set in a complex that is made up of four buildings. The main building is an original 3-floor Aristocratic house that dates all the way back to 1924 so there’s some serious history there.
The hotel also blends old and new with the addition of two newly constructed buildings, housing a total of 28 rooms between them. There is also a spa and a gym on the ground floor for all those beauty, wellness, and fitness needs. Finally, you’ll find an Italian-style villa making up the final accommodation for the complex.
Looking to have a few drinks but don’t want to venture too far off at night? Don’t worry, the on-site Tenda bar has you covered. It serves up some mean cocktails as well as a variety of other drinks so you’ll never go thirsty on your trip. Hydration is important here!
Troci Hotel
Now, I don’t know about you, but all I need from a hotel is a comfortable bed to rest my head at night and a simple amenity offering. After all, I don’t normally spend much time at the hotel and it really just serves as a base to store my bags and sleep.
That being said, Troci Hotel’s commitment to comfort and quality is evident in its well-maintained and cosy rooms. The atmosphere is homely but also offers guests all the conveniences that they require for the duration of their stay in Tirana.
The ambience is also something to speak about, combining guest satisfaction with a willingness to please. The daily buffet breakfasts are also exceptional with a wide range of offerings including both international and local cuisine. Almost as important is the fitness centre available to guests to keep in shape while travelling.
Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel & SPA
Sticking around the country’s capital city for the moment, next on the list of the best hotels in Albania is the Xheko Imperial Luxury Hotel and Spa in Tirana. The hotel is located in the very centre of the city, benefitting from a convenient location to major attractions. I’d suggest asking for a room on one of the upper levels so that you can take full advantage of the panoramic views of the city.
There are some pretty cool facilities that the hotel offers but my personal favourite has to be the indoor swimming pool. Come rain or shine, you can still have a dip or do a couple of chilled lengths of the pool.
You’ll also be able to relax and rejuvenate in the on-site spa and wellness centre. There are a variety of treatments available including massages and a sauna to sweat away your troubles.
VM Resort & SPA
Now, moving away from the country’s capital, we find ourselves in one of the oldest and most vibrant cities in Albania, Durrës. The city is located along the Adriatic coast and is home to the next hotel on the list – Adriatik Hotel, BW Premier Collection. Casually boasting a 5-star rating, the hotel is nothing short of spectacular.
Now, what makes this spot worthy of 5-star status? Is it the stunning rooms with modern amenities and classy finishes? Is it the multiple pools, located both indoors and outdoors? Is it the spa and wellness centre? Or maybe the fitness centre? How about the private beach? Well, I’d say it’s all of the above!
Throw in easy access to Durrës and a variety of dining options at both the on-site restaurant and bar… and, we have ourselves a winner!
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View on Osprey View on REIRogner Hotel Tirana
Just when you thought we were done with Tirnana, the Rogner Hotel decides to show its face. The hotel is within walking distance of Tirana Park aka the Grand Park of Tirana – and grand it is! Spanning over 230 hectares, the park is a popular spot for outdoor activities, housing walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and plenty of trees. It’s also home to the Presidential Palace and the Botanical Gardens.
With beautifully designed rooms, a variety of dining options, an outdoor pool, and sauna and fitness facilities, it should be high on your list if you’re heading to Tirana!
Adriatik Hotel, BW Premier Collection
Last, and certainly not least, and wrapping things up for the best hotels in Albania, is the Adriatik Hotel, BW Premier Collection. You’ll also be pleased to know that we’ve moved out of the country’s capital and back to the city of Durrës, on the Adriatic coast. I mean, the name might’ve been a giveaway, but I thought I’d tell you anyway.
Now, what makes this spot so great? Bold question, I know, but one I feel needs to be answered. Well, for starters, it combines a stunning location and world-class service which is a great starting point. Then, you’ll casually be treated to breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, really creating an idyllic setting for relaxing and rejuvenating. I mean, that’s one of the reasons why we travel, right?
Throw in top-tier amenities, on-site restaurants, friendly staff, and remarkable attention to detail, and you have the makings of a truly epic experience.
Get Insured BEFORE Visiting Albania
I don’t travel anywhere without insurance, and neither should you. Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Albania.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Albania Hotels
Right, below are some of the most commonly asked questions I get when it comes to hotels in Albania:
Final Thoughts on Hotels in Albania
Now, this might be the end of the best hotels in Albania but it’s only just the beginning of your journey. From the Albanian Alps and Riviera to the bustling city life in Tirana, the country is just begging to be explored. And it should absolutely be on your list of countries to visit!
If you’re still unsure of where to stay, a really unique option is Life Gallery Hotel & Spa. If you’re keen on being out of the city then I’d check out Vila Ndrio as a more countryside location near to Ohrid Lake. But if it’s the hustle and bustle you’re after, then Rogner Hotel Tirana is a great call!
I hope that you’ve found this article helpful and that I’ve taken away some of the stress of searching for a hotel. Now you can focus on the rest of the planning process. Dust off that passport, book that flight, and secure your travel insurance – Albania awaits!
Photo: @harveypike_
- Check out our Backpacking Albania guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Albania guide to plan your adventure.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in Albania too.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
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