Capital cities will usually have an overabundance of locations from which to choose when searching for a place to sleep. Tirana, the capital of Albania, is no exception. The city has a very modern European feel, alongside cobbled sidewalks, bakeries on every corner, and busy streets. In a city full of accommodation options, we chose to stay at the sleek and hip Hotel Antigone.
The white building is surrounded by a patterned black metal gate and has a cool bar right on the property. Colorful chairs and benches paired with simple tables add to the unique look of the hotel.
The rooms are equally as modern as the building itself: air conditioning, large comfortable beds, spacious interior with high ceilings, and a spotlessly clean bathroom. The bar serves drinks both inside, and outside on the patio. Customer service was great; there are only 9 rooms, ensuring you will not be treated as just another random guest. Encountering English in Albania is rather uncommon so it was helpful to learn that the staff spoke English.
Hotel Antigone is only 9 miles (15km) from the airport and is within easy walking distance from Skenderberg Square, the main square. This is one of the most iconic images of Tirana and worth checking out. Rinia Park and the casino (if you like to gamble) are also within walking distance; the park seems to be a very popular place to get drinks, or mingle while watching sporting events. Otherwise, just down the street and around the corner you will find yourself on a main road with restaurant options that will more than satisfy your tastebuds, and plenty of car rental offices as well. We used EuroCar Albania and couldn’t recommend them enough!
Hotel Antigone should be your first choice when staying in Tirana. The hotel stands out from the rest in terms of quality and attentiveness to its guests. The location, while not sitting at the very heart of all activities in the city, is near enough to the action that you don’t have to walk far, but far enough that your sleep will not be disturbed.
**Special thanks to Hotel Antigone for kindly offering me a complimentary stay. As always, all opinions are my own.
