Sar'Otel Boutique Hotel

This was the first hotel on a group trip to Albania. A charming small boutique style hotel with a nice terrace and in a really good location - very central for walking around Tirana but tucked away. A little mini mart opposite useful for water etc. My main criticism is that as a solo guest my room was not great. A tiny space with a single bed and an equally tiny shower room. It’s a shame to penalise solo guests who have inevitably paid a premium.

The Sar Otel is a lovely small boutique hotel which is centrally located for all the tourist attractions in Tirana. The staff were all very warm, friendly and welcoming and eager to help. The room was of a good size with a small en-suite, an excellent shower and very quiet efficient air conditioning. Despite it being right in the centre of things it was very quiet at night and the comfortable bed made for an excellent nights sleep. It has a lovely outdoor shady terrace which is perfect for drinks and snacks on a hot day. It is used by a lot of the locals so is excellent for people watching. But beware, just about everyone smokes. We would definitely recommend this hotel for a short stay in the lively city of Tirana.

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.

Location is excellent, rooms little outdated but comfortable and functional.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.

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.

The hotel is in a good location. The front line staff (reception and restaurant) are friendly and efficient. The rooms are comfortable. In these respects the hotel deserves its good reviews. However, the management response to complaints needs examination. One of my nights at the hotel was ruined by the malfunction of a door alarm (persistent bleeping) which could not be fixed by the night staff. I was unable to accept a free night's stay and was not offered any alternative compensation for a very unhappy night. For the sake of future guests, there is a significant need to improve managerial response.

A great location just off the main square, but set back from main roads. Easy to get to from the main bus stop from the airport. Lots of seating down stairs and its own court yard type area with bar. Staff were really friendly and helpful! We had a room on the 2nd floor with small balcony, clean, beds comfy and AC. Buffet breakfast which was very good! Really enjoyed our stay here!

The hotel overall is very nice. It is centrally located, has lovely staff, a delicious breakfast buffet and stylish, comfy rooms. I’d also like to make mention of a staff member who especially helped out by using his personal phone to call collect to Canada to sort out my bank card issue. My negative related to the fact that on their website they specifically mention that they have a spa and offer massage to guests. However, this turned out to be false and when I sent an email of question/complaint, I got no response. The front desk staff told me it has been since Covid but the they certainly should change their website. I would probably have booked somewhere a little cheaper if I had known this as that was that we main reason I booked at this location. It was my most expensive accommodation in a six week trip in the Balkans.