Where to Stay The Albanian capital’s hotel scene is as dynamic as ever, with a new Marriott opening in August beside the national stadium, and Hyatt set to take over the former Sheraton by the Grand Park. Besides the big hitters, Tirana features a place to stay on almost every street, including a dazzling array of mid-range hotels and hostels. If you’re sleeping on a budget in Tirana, consider how near to a mosque you are; the first call to prayers of the day can be depressingly early. Room prices listed here include breakfast unless otherwise mentioned, and hotel categories are based on the price of the cheapest double room (listed in euros though payment is in lek).
CREAM OF THE CROP ARTÉ BOUTIQUE HOTEL Set in a gem of a building sandwiched between more modern high-rises, the Arté Boutique Hotel is a charming place with spacious, quiet rooms, great service and a beautiful restaurant with a terrace. And in the middle of the Blloku area, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to food and entertainment.QH‑4, Rr. Ibrahim Rugova 32, tel. +355 68 409 92 22, www. artehotel.al. 14 rooms (singles €125, doubles €135, 2 suites €150). AP G B K H MAK HOTEL TIRANA Between the city centre and the Grand Park, the former Sheraton and future Hyatt hotel offers world-class services and amenities. The lovely large rooms come with comfy beds and wooden floors, and suites have extra seating areas and bathtubs. The restaurant, gym and pool are all top-notch as well. The rooms face either the city or the park, you choose.QJ‑5, Sheshi Italia, tel. +355 4 227 47 07/+355 (0) 69 208 7151, www.makalbania.com. 151 rooms (singles €90-130, 95 doubles €110-150, 55 suites €150-2000). AP GU B L K H C D F O w MARITIM HOTEL PLAZA TIRANA Inside the interesting-looking skyscraper just east of Sheshi Skënderbej, Maritim Plaza Tirana offers a mighty collection of services together with almost 200 rooms spread out on 23 floors. Besides the views, guests can enjoy a gym open around the clock, a luxury spa and no less than three restaurants.QF‑5, Rr. Abdi Toptani 18, tel. +355 4 221 12 21, www.plazatirana.com. 190 rooms (singles €120-150, doubles €146-256, suites €386). AP G U B LJKH D F w ROGNER HOTEL TIRANA One of Albania’s top hotels both for its services and its reputation as a meeting point for locals and foreign visitors alike since 1995, the Rogner’s rooms are decked out with stylish wooden floors and furniture, some with balconies for some wonderful views. The highlight of the hotel is arguably its garden, complete with swimming pool, tennis court, putting green and tirana.inyourpocket.com
SYMBOL KEY P Air-conditioning
T Child-friendly
A Credit cards accepted
F Fitness centre
H Conference facilities
G Non-smoking
U Facilities for the disabled K Restaurant K Restaurant
C Swimming pool
playground, where the brilliant breakfast is served during the summer.QH‑5, Blv. Dëshmorët e Kombit, tel. +355 4 223 50 35, www.hotel-europapark.com. 178 rooms (134 double rooms, 18 deluxe rooms, 25 suites). AP G U B L W K H C F i
UPMARKET ARBËR Mercifully quiet compared to many other city centre hotels, the Arbër is a great little hotel hidden in the streets east of Sheshi Skënderbej. Inside, expect friendly service and small but well-appointed rooms. QE‑4, Rr. Bardhok Biba 59, tel. +355 4 227 38 11, www.hotelarber.com. 24 rooms (5 singles €40, 18 doubles €50, 1 triple €60). AP L J K H BOKA A lovely city centre choice, this striking yellow Italianate building in the middle of the lively Pazari i Ri market district has comfortable rooms in 19th-century design, some with balconies. The basement breakfast room has the largest wrap-around aquarium we’ve seen, with fish eying your egg and bacon through the windows.QE‑5, Rr. Shemsi Haka 4, tel. +355 68 494 35 12, www.hotel-boka.al. 20 Rooms(17 doubles €55-€65, Singles €45, 2 Triple €80-€90, 1 Family Room €100). AP B BRILANT ANTIK Central, quiet, family-run and welcoming, the Brilant Antik has grand rooms decorated with plenty of hand-carved wood. There’s a traditionally furnished Albanian/Italian restaurant in the basement.QF‑5, Rr. Jeronim de Rada 79, tel. +355 4 225 11 66/+355 69 20 20 719, www.hotelbrilant.com. 15 rooms (singles €50- €60 doubles €65-€75). AP G T L J R KH D w
Exchange rates: €1=121 lek, $1=115 lek
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