Sar'Otel Boutique Hotel

Centrally located with clean, spacious rooms and friendly staff. Reasonable pricing and diverse, delicious breakfast. However, some mention noise from the basement.

A mixed bag stay. The room was a reasonable size and very clean. The bathroom was clean. The bed was large and comfortable with good pillows. There was a balcony, room safe and fridge. Hotel has a lift, restaurant, bar with outdoor seating and a coffee shop. Air conditioning is good in room. Wifi is slow at times, but you can eventually get everything done. The room has no privacy at night, however. Numerous windows look into room from surrounding buildings, but curtain only covers part of the window, so if you have the light on at night, there is literally no privacy. It also fails to keep lights out during the night.

My partner and I decided to take an impromptu trip to Tirana to immerse ourselves in the wonderfully festive frivolity this zibrant, 'up-and-coming' city has to offer. We were so pleased we decided to book at Sar'Otel. Firstly, we were informed to catch the bus from the airport at only 400 Lek (£3.60) per person that drops you in the cente at Skanderbeg Square. The hotel is a very short walk from the drop-off spot - testement to its excellent central location - as we were greeted with joyous hospitality from the Assistant Manager, Elsa. Side note: Elsa is truly wonderful, infectiously smiley and incredibly helpful member of staff. Check-in was quick with access to free WiFi and Elsa's personal recommendations for places to visit; traditional eateries; Albanian custom and much more. Taking the short lift to the third floor we were welcomed by the embrace of a colossal bed, a fair sized en-suite and personal balcony. Yes, the balcony view is ever so slighted limited, but this is once again testament to the Tirana investment in unique and exploratory architecture. The mini bus was stocked with food and drinks available at a minimal cost. I would say drink the water as tap water can be sketchy in the country. We ventured out for the evening (visiting many of Elsa's recommendations) and enjoyed the temporary Christmas Market in the main square - roughly 3 minute walk from the hotel. On our return another member of the hotel staff offered us a glass of Raki as we played cards on our balcony and retired for a blissful evening of slumber. The electric black-out blind created a darkness paralleled only by the depths of the mariana trench. Morning bought even more surprise with a beautiful continental breakfast and coffee (+ soft drinks) available upon request. I personally opted for a mixture of fruit, yogurt, muffin and sausages; an odd combination but one that helped with the Raki hangover! Heading back to the room we quickly collected our items and set out for another day exploring. Side note: we visited all of Albania's landmarks and I would recommend the climb to the top of 'the pyramid' to feel as if you were scaling the opposite 'Dajti mountain'. Sar'otel was as perfect as the city made us feel.