Sar'Otel Boutique Hotel

Location is excellent, rooms little outdated but comfortable and functional. Beds are great, rooms are quiet, shower, wifi and breakfast are all excellent. Best about this hotel is the staff, particularly Gerando at the reseption. He went beyond all expectations by arranging a trip to Durres for us, by booking beuty salon and massage appointments for us etc. etc. Other staff members at breakfast and at reception were also great. Hotel has a lovely little garden at the back.

An excellent value for money option right in the heart of Tirana (a few minutes on foot from the main square). The staff are extremely helpful and the service is great. Rooms are well-equipped and the bathroom is spacious. Decent breakfast which includes some local Albanian options. The view from the balcony may not have been the best, however that is but a minor gripe. Would definitely recommend Sar'Otel to anyone looking for a solid hotel in the centre of the city.

The staff were extremely helpful.

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.

Close to everything

We absolutely loved staying here! Hotel and staff - great all purpose hotel. Lovely breakfast buffet serving both hot/cold, sweet/savoury food, with a beautiful garden area to eat in. We were amazed at how people that were not guests of the hotel were coming here to eat - some of them we saw multiple times during our stay! The staff could not do enough for us, and I would say we are that couple that have a question/request every time we pass reception! They were able to speak very good English, and were most helpful with any information we needed. Their hospitality and conversations with us were genuine, Room - perfect for a city break, with a very comfortable bed, nice balcony, and all the wash facilities you could need. Safe has a key and also combination, and our room was cleaned daily. Location - could not be better and because it is tucked down a side street, you do not get the noise that I have read on reviews for other hotels in the area. Within a minute walk you have an all purpose shop (Rossman) for toiletries, food and drink etc. Across the road from the shop is Skanderbeg Square. From here you are only a few minutes walk from the main city centre shops. As the area is very flat, you can see most of the main monuments of Tirana easily within one full day like we did if you so wish. There is a very famous bazaar (flea market) within a couple of minutes of the hotel. When we return to Tirana, we will be staying here again!