City Center Hotel

“Good location, kind staff, poor breakfast experience”

My husband and I had the opportunity to visit Albania last month, and because of the pandemic, we sought out hotels that had specific designations that listed them as adhering to cleanliness and hygiene practices in a way that would reduce the likelihood of the transmission of COVID-19. We found th… more

My husband and I had the opportunity to visit Albania last month, and because of the pandemic, we sought out hotels that had specific designations that listed them as adhering to cleanliness and hygiene practices in a way that would reduce the likelihood of the transmission of COVID-19. We found this property to be very responsive before our trip, answering questions that we had, and subsequently making the check in process very smooth. We later met Olna(sp?), who was so very kind and accommodating, and this high rating is more a reflection of her than it is of anything else! The hotel is well situated just off of a main street, in a well-populated area, though far enough away from the square that it was quiet and felt quite safe. It was also in close proximity to several restaurants and shops. My only complaint was that the breakfast situation left much to be desired - we went downstairs the first morning after we arrived, and the language barrier made it difficult to understand what was supposed to happen with regard to us getting our food. We eventually determined that we were to sit and wait until they prepared a breakfast for us and brought it to us (most likely because of the pandemic). We were fine with that, but it also meant that what we ate was at the mercy of the person preparing it (versus us having a choice in what we ate). In addition, there was not enough outdoor seating (which we preferred in order to avoid being in close proximity to others, and to avoid the ever-present cigarette smoke indoors), so, that made the experience less-than-desirable as well. As a result, we did not eat breakfast in the hotel for the rest of our stay. Perhaps this would have been a different experience if they had been able to do a buffet (perhaps pre- or post-COVID), or had someone who could effectively communicate in other languages to the guests. That said, we are giving the hotel 4 stars for the rest of the experience (including a very comfortable bed, though it would have been nice to have more than just the one sheet that barely covered the bed...)

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“Breakfast”

My family and I stayed one and half night at this hotel. Hotel City Center Tirana is ranked as 4 star hotels, but services seem far below that. Upon arrival very early, almost 3:00 am were I booked one day before my arrival, the old man in the counter gave me hard time to let check in. I told him t… more

My family and I stayed one and half night at this hotel. Hotel City Center Tirana is ranked as 4 star hotels, but services seem far below that. Upon arrival very early, almost 3:00 am were I booked one day before my arrival, the old man in the counter gave me hard time to let check in. I told him that we are late 15 hours and very tired so as to let my child join in till we get the second room few hours after, but he insisted to pay full amount for one child for few hours. Later on, he agreed for half payment. Nice and big room. They provide towels only. Fridge is empty. Not even complementary drinking water. It's available for 1.5 euros. Toilet has hot/cold water, soap and towels. But nothing else like toothpaste and brushes. Breakfast is ok. Omelette, cheese, fruits, cake, cold and hot drinks. The location is good, 10 minutes walking distance from Eskenderbeg Square. Few shops and pharmacy are nearby where we bought something to drink.

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