Dynamic and colorful, Tirana is one of the most fascinating up-and-coming vacation destinations in Europe. Following a complete transformation after shaking off its communist past in the early 1990s, Albania’s capital city is completely unrecognizable today.
The dull, gray buildings and somber, gloomy atmosphere have been replaced with houses painted in bright, happy colors and streets buzzing with an upbeat, anything-can-happen vibe. Explore downtown, and you’ll find all sorts of trendy cafes, colorful street art, and truly eclectic architecture.
From exploring quirky art-filled bunker museums to marveling at the 18th-century Et’hem Bey Mosque and taking in the bird’s-eye views from the top of Dajti Mountain, you’ll find endless things to keep you entertained in this dynamic city!
Things work a little bit differently here from what you’re probably used to. Many of the roads are closed in the evening so people can stretch their legs, and a scarecrow impaled on a rod while a building is under construction is said to ward off neighbors’ envy.
Another thing that may catch your attention is that in Albania, nodding your head means “no,” and shaking your head means “yes”! Stay in one of the coolest Tirana hotels, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the quirky, fascinating, and fun things the city has to offer.
Luckily, Tirana is home to all kinds of great accommodation options, from stylish independent apartments to charming boutique hotels. In fact, there are so many great places to stay that you may struggle to choose just one. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the 12 best hotels in Tirana so you can plan your perfect getaway!
Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Hotels in Tirana, Albania
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Where to Stay in Tirana
There are loads of lively, trendy places to stay in Tirana, whatever you’re into! If this is your first visit, we suggest staying in Zona 1. This is one of the most central neighborhoods in the city, where you’ll find all the biggest and best attractions within easy walking distance. There’s a fantastic selection of bars and restaurants, as well as the vibrant Pazari I Ri market, which is filled with places to shop and dine.
Blloku is another popular place to stay. The most famous Tirana neighborhood, Blloku offers a fantastic mix of cultural attractions, family-friendly parks, and a vibrant nightlife scene. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best hotels in Tirana.
If you’re planning on visiting many galleries and museums, consider staying in Tregu Çam. This area is a fantastic place to learn about the city’s history and culture. It’s home to various museums and galleries, as well as a number of mosques and cathedrals. Myslym Shyri, Tirana’s main shopping street, runs right through the center of Tregu Çam.
For a family trip to Tirana, we suggest staying in Komuna e Parisit. Also known as the Paris Commune, this part of the city is more residential than the others and has a lot of open space. It’s close to a large park and lake where you can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities without being too far away from the city center.
The 12 Best Hotels in Tirana, Albania
1. Metro Hotel Tirana
Just a short distance from Skanderbeg Square and a number of galleries, museums, and parks, the Metro Hotel Tirana is a chic, modern hotel that’s ideal for a short break.
Here you can choose between Twin and Double Rooms, both of which are minimalist, with cool white walls, big comfy beds, individual air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms are fantastic and feature giant walk-in showers, as well as luxurious toiletries.
For something a little extra, choose the King Room. This huge room is incredibly spacious and boasts an oversized bed, as well as a third fold-up bed for an additional guest.
There’s a trendy bar onsite where you can sip a creative cocktail before starting your night out. A daily continental breakfast is also served each morning. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, you’ll find plenty of breakfast options on your doorstep.
2. Lake Drive Rooms & Apartments
Lake Drive Rooms & Apartments is one of the best places to stay in Tirana if you’re in need of a little luxury. This glamorous hotel features standard-size guest rooms, as well as spacious suites that are ideal for pampering yourself.
The on-site spa makes it one of the coolest Tirana hotels. The spa’s water circuit is huge and boasts a Finnish sauna, hot tub, Turkish bath, ice shower, salt relaxation zone, aromatherapy, and chromotherapy. After a couple of hours here, you’ll feel like a brand new person!
The guest rooms are just as relaxing as the spa. Stay in a Deluxe Junior Suite, and you’ll be treated to a remarkably roomy suite with a free-standing hot tub in the bedroom. You’ll also get plush bathrobes and high-end toiletries to make your experience more opulent.
Even the most basic rooms are sophisticated. The Double Room with Balcony is surprisingly spacious and features luxury bed linens as well as air purifiers. The room also comes with wonderful views.
3. Habitat Hotel Tirana
Boasting a fantastic location in the center of the city, Habitat Hotel Tirana is an excellent choice if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing during your trip. You’ll find all the city’s most important landmarks, as well as a great selection of cafes, bars, and boutique shops, within walking distance.
A standard guest room is perfect for a short stay. Surprisingly spacious, these rooms feature a calming white color palette with pops of mauve and gold. The large bathroom is striking and modern and boasts an oversized walk-in shower.
If you’re planning on spending a week or more in Tirana, we suggest you upgrade to an apartment. Each apartment is minimalist and contemporary, with a complete kitchen, dining area, lounge with TV, and separate bedroom. One of the apartments even boasts a stunning in-room hot tub!
The hotel’s restaurant specializes in wonderfully fresh fish and seafood. If you’re in the mood for something else, you’ll find a great selection of local and international eateries in the area.
4. Sar’Otel Boutique Hotel
One of the longest-established boutique hotels in Tirana, the Sar’Otel Boutique Hotel has been around since 1938. The place where local tradition and modern leisure blend together, this hotel has a lot of history.
It was home to Kafe Mokka, the first and most important coffee distributor in all of Albania. Its restaurant, La Perla, was also the first Italian restaurant in the country.
Although neither of these two spots exists today, the hotel does boast a wonderful bar and garden terrace where you can grab something to eat and drink. Here you can sit outside on the shaded patio during the summer months and enjoy your choice of a buffet or a la carte breakfast.
The hotel’s guest rooms are simple but comfortable. If you’re spending more than a couple of nights here, we recommend you book the Superior Double Room with Balcony. This bright and airy room features modern minimalist furniture, individual air conditioning, a workspace, and a balcony with city views.
5. Moncafe BoutiqueHotel Spa
When you need to get away from it all, Moncafe BoutiqueHotel Spa is the place to escape to. This hotel makes your well-being a priority, with all the luxuries and indulgences you could ever want on vacation. There’s a reason this is considered to be one of the best hotels in Tirana!
The hotel’s on-site spa invites you to relax your body and mind. Here you can pamper yourself with exotic menu items, such as Himalayan salt treatments and essential oil massages. If you’d prefer something a little simpler, the spa also has a number of hot tubs where you can just soak and relax.
The bar area is stunning and looks like an exhibit from an art gallery. The menu here is regularly updated, and only the finest ingredients and spirits are used to make the creative cocktails on offer.
There’s also a cool restaurant with a glass ceiling and wall. It’s the perfect place to indulge in modern Albanian cuisine while watching the world go by!
6. Rooftop Tirana
Rooftop Tirana’s unparalleled views make it one of the most unique hotels in Tirana. This gorgeous hotel boasts incredible rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to soak in dramatic city views that stretch on for miles.
For the best panoramas, you need to reserve the Studio Apartment. This huge apartment boasts a kitchenette, dining area, and wonderful lounge with a fireplace and comfy furniture. Of course, the highlight is the full-size windows through which you can see all of the city. There’s also a balcony where you can sit and stare at the view for hours.
Although they don’t come with epic views, the Studio Apartments are perfectly comfortable and pleasant. They feature neutral color palettes with bright pops of color and have coffee-making facilities as well as a refrigerator.
There’s no bar or restaurant onsite. But if you don’t feel like preparing your own meals, there’s a great selection of places to eat and drink within walking distance.
7. Iliria Boutique Hotel
A friendly family-run hotel, Iliria Boutique Hotel has all the welcoming atmosphere of a traditional rustic inn with all the facilities and top-notch service of an excellent hotel. Ideally located, the hotel is just steps away from the National Park and Coin Shopping Center, as well as countless cafes, bars, and restaurants.
You don’t need to go far to find something great to eat here. Iliria Boutique Hotel boasts the Serafina Restaurant, a modern and colorful space with a seasonal menu made fresh in-house every day. Here you can start your day with a hot cup of coffee and a croissant, then return in the evening for authentic Albanian cuisine.
The Nomad Bar is ideal if you’re looking for something more casual. This spot offers a selection of drinks, as well as sandwiches and pizzas you can enjoy while watching the game.
Twin, triple, and quadruple rooms are available, providing something for all group sizes. Whichever room you choose, you’ll be treated to a flat-screen TV with Netflix, working space, Wi-Fi access, individual air conditioning, and a stylish bathroom with a high-pressure shower.
8. Hotel Sokrati
If you’re wondering where to stay in Tirana with kids, consider Hotel Sokrati. This charming hotel is just steps away from the city’s zoo, a playpark, and loads of wide-open spaces where you can enjoy spending time outdoors.
To help you get out and about, the hotel rents out bikes which you can ride in the nearby mountains. Dajti Mountain is also just a short distance away, where you can have a go at everything from ziplining and cable car rides to mini-golf and obstacle courses.
Hotel Sokrati’s guest rooms are absolutely beautiful! They’re decorated in a contemporary style with eye-catching pieces of artwork and bright pops of color. Our favorite room is the Deluxe Suite. It comes with a spacious lounge with a huge sofa, a glamorous bedroom with an oversized bed, a large workstation, and soundproofing to ensure a good night’s sleep.
You can choose to enjoy breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant or in your room. Either way, you’ll be treated to a wonderful array of fresh, local, and seasonal produce served in the traditional Albanian way.
9. Unik Hotel
Easily one of the best Tirana hotels, the Unik Hotel has all the sophistication and elegance you’d expect from a top-end hotel somewhere like London or Paris. Boasting a modern and mature style throughout, this hotel is a great place to stay if you enjoy the finer things in life.
The guest rooms are gorgeous and come in everything from Deluxe Double Rooms to a Superior King Suite with Terrace. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, we definitely recommend you splurge on the latter!
This huge suite is beautifully appointed with an oversized bed with plush linens and a black velvet headboard, a black velvet sofa, a huge flat-screen TV, and a giant bathroom with relaxation loungers. The best part is the enormous terrace with furniture where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing.
As well as the stunning rooms, the hotel also features a fine dining restaurant, a chic cocktail bar, and free parking for guests.
10. ART Hotel Tirana
Located in the beating heart of Tirana, close to all the action, ART Hotel Tirana is the ideal place to stay if you want to see everything the city has to offer. The Skanderbeg Square and the Sky Tower are within easy reach, as is a huge selection of cafes, bars, restaurants, and boutique shops.
Here you can choose between a fantastic selection of rooms and suites. The rooms are decorated in bright, cheerful colors and come with king-size beds, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi access, and city views.
If you feel like treating yourself, upgrade to one of the suites. Also decorated in vibrant colors, these rooms offer much more space and include separate lounge areas with contemporary artwork and large flat-screen TVs.
You’ve got to check out the lounge bar when you’re there. It’s decorated in the same bright and cheery theme as the guest rooms and boasts a few quirky spaces where you can take great selfies. It’s also got a fantastic drinks menu with cocktails.
11. Hotel Boutique Restaurant Gloria
If you’re looking for one of the best traditional boutique hotels in Tirana, consider staying in Hotel Boutique Restaurant Gloria. Staying at this hotel is like stepping back in time when excellent service and charming surroundings were standard.
The small hotel has only six rooms, guaranteeing a friendly and intimate atmosphere. Each room is decorated with elegant wallpaper and features a king-size bed with a luxurious headboard, ornate mirrors hanging on the walls, and period-inspired furniture. Thankfully, the bathrooms are modern and come with a shower as well as opulent toiletries.
Restaurant Gloria is well-known for its excellent Albanian cuisine. It’s located at the top of the hotel and boasts stunning views over the city. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, order room service from Pizzeri. The hotel’s on-site pizzeria boasts an authentic wood-fired pizza oven and everything from here tastes amazing!
There’s also the hotel’s bar, where you can choose from a fantastic range of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails.
12. Xheko Imperial Luxury Boutique Hotel
Many hotels throughout the city are small and unassuming – that’s what makes Xheko Imperial Luxury Boutique Hotel one of the most unique Tirana hotels. This grandiose property is much larger and more extravagant than any other in the city. You’ll be left speechless as soon as you step inside!
The reception boasts a huge ceiling with shining marble pillars and a colorful chandelier. While you’re waiting to check in, there are plenty of plush armchairs in the Lobby Bar where you can relax and enjoy a drink while listening to the resident pianist. This place is so stunning it’s often used for weddings.
Every inch of the hotel is equally luxurious. The rooftop bar features fantastic views across the city and is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great place to grab a coffee in the morning, a creative cocktail in the afternoon, or a nightcap before retiring to your room.
If you need to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing, visit the Xheko Club Spa. Here you can take it easy in an authentic hammam, treat yourself to a traditional Asian massage, or pamper yourself with an aromatherapy treatment.
That completes our list of the 12 best hotels in Tirana! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Tirana? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
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Frequently Asked Questions
When you need to get away from it all, Moncafe BoutiqueHotel Spa is the place to escape to. This hotel makes your well-being a priority, with all the luxuries and indulgences you could ever want on vacation. The hotel’s on-site spa invites you to relax your body and mind. Here you can pamper yourself with exotic menu items, such as Himalayan salt treatments and essential oil massages. If you’d prefer something a little simpler, the spa also has a number of hot tubs where you can just soak and relax.
Rooftop Tirana’s unparalleled views make it one of the most unique hotels in Tirana. This gorgeous hotel boasts incredible rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to soak in dramatic city views that stretch on for miles. For the best panoramas, you need to reserve the Studio Apartment.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Tirana with kids, consider Hotel Sokrati. This charming hotel is just steps away from the city’s zoo, a playpark, and loads of wide-open spaces where you can enjoy spending time outdoors. To help you get out and about, the hotel rents out bikes which you can ride in the nearby mountains. Dajti Mountain is also just a short distance away, where you can have a go at everything from ziplining and cable car rides to mini-golf and obstacle courses.
If you’re looking for one of the best traditional boutique hotels in Tirana, consider staying in Hotel Boutique Restaurant Gloria. Restaurant Gloria is well-known for its excellent Albanian cuisine. It’s located at the top of the hotel and boasts stunning views over the city. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, order room service from Pizzeri. The hotel’s on-site pizzeria boasts an authentic wood-fired pizza oven and everything from here tastes amazing!
Many hotels throughout the city are small and unassuming – that’s what makes Xheko Imperial Luxury Boutique Hotel one of the most unique Tirana hotels. This grandiose property is much larger and more extravagant than any other in the city. You’ll be left speechless as soon as you step inside! Every inch of the hotel is equally luxurious. The rooftop bar features fantastic views across the city and is definitely worth checking out.
