Ask any visitor to Albania and they’ll tell you the same thing: It’s the warmth of the people that makes this country so memorable. And some of the best hotels in Albania present a stellar example, Condè Nast writes. Yes, it has crystal-clear rivers, snow-dusted peaks, a glittering Ionian shoreline, and ancient UNESCO heritage sites galore, but it’s the Albanians and their innate kindness and hospitality that make a visit here truly special.

For decades, the country was cut off completely from the outside world due to a strict communist regime. Under dictator Enver Hoxha’s iron grip, the country was in a state of self-imposed isolation. Religion was outlawed, private property seized, and travel beyond its borders was unthinkable. Even today, echoes of its past linger in the thousands of stark concrete bunkers that pepper the landscape.

Recently, however, the small Balkan nation has been making its way onto the world stage. Thanks to a series of new flight routes, it is now firmly on the tourist map, with visitor numbers increasing year-over-year. With its EU membership pending and development occurring at every corner, Albania is a place to discover now. Larger brands and resorts are moving in fast, and there’s a distinct sense that Albania is repositioning itself as an upmarket destination, much like neighboring Montenegro and Croatia. But in the meantime, there are still plenty of incredible hotels in Albania worth checking into as soon as possible, and we’re highlighting our seven favorites. From traditional guesthouses to boutique boltholes and heritage properties, these stays bridge the old and new.

Life Gallery Hotel & Spa

Famous for its Greek influence, beer gardens, and Orthodox traditions, Korçë has a very different feel from the rest of Albania. Korçë is a popular winter destination for Albanians, with Christmas markets and the Bigëll ski resort just outside the city. So far it doesn’t get much outside tourism, making it an ideal spot for a more genuine Albanian experience. The arrival of Life Gallery Hotel & Spa in 2011 brought a whole new design aesthetic to the town’s existing offerings and attracted a younger, hip crowd. Renovated in 2023, it now comprises four buildings: a 1920s aristocratic mansion; a 1930s Italian-style villa; and two purpose-built structures housing bedrooms, the spa, and the gym. The overall look is African-minimalist-chic, with each room a pared-down contemporary space with floor-to-ceiling windows to let the natural light flood in. Local, organic, and sustainable materials were used throughout: wooden sinks, industrial metal fittings, vintage desk lamps, handwoven rugs, and custom-made bed linens. The minibar is stocked with artisanal products.Located in the historic part of town, Life Gallery Hotel & Spa’s two bars are popular with locals, many of whom come for the selection of cocktails and Albanian beers. A restaurant sits on the top floor of the former aristocratic mansion, and a continental breakfast is included in your stay.

N’Sokak

Halfway up the hill on a cobbled street in Gjirokastër’s old town, in between novelist Ismail Kadare’s former home and the iconic yellow Fico House, family-owned N’Sokak is a boutique stay with a strong sense of place. The Grade II-listed townhouse, built in the 1800s and once home to a well-known local family, has been thoughtfully restored and transformed into a cozy guesthouse, blending Albanian heritage with contemporary comfort.

The property is a homage to local arts and crafts, with dark-wood interiors and sculptures by the late Gjirokastër artist Arben Bajo, as well as paintings by his daughter, Era. Each of the four rooms has plush double beds and mountain views—the two on the top floor come with private balconies. The King Suite is the one to book, with its deep, egg-shaped bathtub; a rarity in Albania and a treat after a day climbing to the castle and back. Thoughtful, sustainable touches abound: refillable White Company toiletries, filtered water infused with rosemary and lemon, and a breakfast spread showcasing locally sourced ingredients.

Downstairs, an open fire, armchairs, and coffee table books await—perfect for easygoing evenings cradling a çaj mali (mountain tea) or glass of Albanian wine. If you don’t have the energy to eat out, a private chef can be brought in to prepare a selection of specialties for you to try. Fittingly, N’Sokak—meaning “alleyway” in Albanian—feels like a secret hideaway, a place where you can while away a few days in one of the prettiest UNESCO-listed towns in the world.

Radisson Collection Morina Hotel

Sitting on the edge of the lake near Grand Park, a 15-minute taxi ride from the city center, the Radisson Collection brings a dose of much-needed serenity to Tirana’s hustle and bustle. The lakeside location and indoor and outdoor pools are undoubtedly the biggest draw. However, it’s the staff that makes it a true gem. They’re genuinely kind and caring souls who go above and beyond to make you feel welcome.

The 49 rooms and suites have stylish, neoclassical interiors by Italian architects Cross Design. All come with Lavazza coffee machines, and those at the front have balconies with panoramic views stretching out across the lakes, the fast-changing city skyline, and the mountains beyond. Marble bathrooms, warm wooden floors, oyster-colored velvet curtains, and sink-into beds set the tone for a restful stay. They also smell divine.

Breakfast is a huge spread of fresh, homemade dishes and à la carte options. The complimentary cakes, fruit, and water at reception are also a nice touch. A basement pool, sauna, and steam room come into their own during winter months, as does the outdoor pool in summer, and there’s a decent range of spa treatments available at very reasonable prices.

No need to venture into town for a good meal, either. Restaurant Eden has all bases covered from leisurely lunches to cozy dinners. The bar serves classic cocktails alongside local wines. It’s a popular hangout for locals, who come to sit poolside and enjoy the fresh air and lakeside breeze, so head down early to secure a table.

Miamar

Pretty Himara rivals Ksamil for postcard-perfect beaches and relaxed vibes. Yet Himara remains more down-to-earth, with a greater number of boutique hotels than big resorts. Set on Livadhi Beach, beneath the remains of Himara Castle, Miamar is a tasteful, contemporary bolthole, with rooms that cater to couples, families, and solo travelers alike.

There’s a fitness center and spa with a range of massages and treatments, plus a hair and beauty salon for any last-minute vacation makeovers. The outdoor pool has a separate area for children, and the beach is just steps away, with a private section reserved for guests.

Chef Loris Marinetto leads the kitchen, with the main restaurant focusing on Albanian classics using local ingredients. The sushi lounge is knocking out fresh fish and seafood alongside superb wines, which is sometimes exactly what you want when by the sea.

Tirana Marriott

The red-and-black shuttered building is something of a landmark in Tirana, sitting atop the AirAlbania National Stadium on Sheshi Italia. The Marriott’s location puts you right in the center of things, with lively Blloku on your doorstep, the Grand Park just around the corner, and Skanderbeg Square a 10-minute walk away.

155 rooms span 24 floors, so you’re pretty much guaranteed a good view; many overlook the stadium itself. In-room recycling (unfortunately not very common in Albania) and refillable amenities by This Works add sustainability points. Accessible rooms have roll-in showers, visual alarms, and notification devices for the phone and door. All rooms are decked out in a calming color palette of white and soft gray, with powerful rain showers, Lavazza coffee machines, and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the views and light. They’re also well-equipped for working, with tables, swivel chairs, and plenty of sockets. Add to that the spacious third-floor business lounge, and this a great choice to bed down for both business and leisure travelers.

Downstairs restaurant Terra serves well-heeled locals and hotel guests from dawn to dusk. The staff is slick and efficient. The 24-hour M Club—a members-only lounge—offers complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktails. The fitness center is open around the clock and has yoga, pilates, and dance classes as well as separate male and female steam rooms and saunas.

LaFe Boutique Hotel Sarande

With its dark green shutters, parquet floors, and swanky chandeliers, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re on the French rather than Albanian Riviera. Located just a block from the main strip on a pedestrianized street that snakes up the hillside, LaFe is easily Sarande’s most sophisticated sanctuary.

Inside, the aesthetic is equally chic: wood-paneled walls, marble bathrooms, and gilded mirrors. Ask for the suite, which has a bathtub and private balcony so you can enjoy leisurely mornings soaking up the sun and Ionian views.

Breakfast is served in the bar area or outside on the pavement tables. There’s no formal menu, just whatever is fresh that morning—usually eggs, local cheeses, buttery avocado, fresh orange juice, and strong coffee. LaFe doesn’t have its own restaurant, but cocktails are available on request, and the city’s vibrant dining scene is only a short stroll away. The ferry terminal to Corfu is a 10-minute walk along the promenade, and the UNESCO archeological site of Butrint is a 30-minute drive away.

Vista Boutique Hotel

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, Ottoman-era Berat is split into two distinct halves by the Osum River. The quieter Gorica side, on the left bank, is the place to stay for more tranquil, traffic-free streets. Founded in the 16th century, it was once home to the town’s Christian population after the Ottoman conquest. Following a huge earthquake in 1851, much of the area was rebuilt. Today, it’s a maze of cobbled lanes lined with traditional stone houses; many with cantilevered first floors, chardaks (wooden balconies), and windows thrown open to the river’s breeze.

Inside one such building—which served as a safe house for members of the Albanian anti-fascist movement during World War II—is Vista Boutique Hotel. Eight rooms juxtapose old and new—think exposed stone walls, ornate carved wooden ceilings, local textiles, and soft white linens. Breakfast is a spread of tasty traditional foods: slices of fresh tomatoes and cucumber, various breads and jams, and eggs made to order.

A beautiful, plant-filled courtyard comes into its own in the summer months. The name speaks for itself; that is, Vista is the place for stunning views over the castle and Mangalem, on the other side of the river.