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12 Best Hotels in Gjirokaster: Where I’d Stay in 2026

I have created this guide to the best hotels in Gjirokaster to make your trip planning experience to this Albania city as seamless as possible!

Gjirokaster is known as the “city of stone” and is home to iconic attractions such as the Gjirokaster Castle.

This Unesco town is filled with ancient ruins and breathtaking natural beauty and should be a part of your Albania travel itinerary!

Keep reading to find out the where to find the top hotels in Gjirokaster.

A quaint outdoor dining setup features a table draped in a red and white checkered tablecloth, with chairs set for two. Overlooking the picturesque rooftops of a traditional village, the scene is framed by leafy vines and a green trellis. The backdrop showcases rolling hills and distant mountains under a clear sky, providing a serene atmosphere.

1.Guesthouse Mele

Guesthouse Mele is truly beautiful and will always be my first pick when staying in Gjirokaster.

The family that runs this guest house are so, so friendly and always greets you with a warm welcome.

The location is set within the old town so you’ll be nearby to some popular attractions but honestly, the entire area is unreal.

Inside the guest house the rooms are comfortable with free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms and mountain views.

Each morning you’ll be served a free breakfast, full with all of your favourite snacks, coffee and and you can even try a herbal tea. You can enjoy the breakfast on the balcony whilst taking in the mountain views.

Brunch, lunch and dinner is available at guest house or you can visit the nearby restaurants.

Parking is free which makes this the perfect location to stay in whilst road tripping around Albania!

A luxurious hillside hotel is illuminated at dusk, featuring multiple levels of terraced architecture. The main building's white facade is adorned with soft lighting, highlighting wooden accents and large windows. A sparkling outdoor pool, lined with lounge chairs and umbrellas, is the centrepiece of the lower level. The surrounding mountains create a stunning natural backdrop, adding to the serene and exclusive ambiance.

2. KERCULLA Resort

My second favourite place to stay whilst in Gjirokaster is Kerculla Resort.

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This is a four star accommodation which has much more of a luxury feel and the hotel staff are very welcoming.

The resort features a seasonal outdoor pool, a garden and free self-parking.

This is a great location to stay in if you’re travelling during the spring or summer.

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The resort is also surrounded by incredible mountain views. The hotel itself has facilities such as a a fitness centre, free wifi, an exceptional breakfast and room service. 

The hotel is located across from the old town and on top of the mountain, so you’ll have to climb some steep hills to get there but it is well worth it.

This is the best place in Gjirokaster for a luxury hotel experience, in opinion.

The nearest airport to this hotel is Corfu International Airport.

A grand multi-story hotel with a white facade and large arched windows, named "Vila Karmen," stands prominently against a backdrop of distant mountains. The hotel has tall, elegant columns, a neat driveway, and a well-maintained garden with small palm trees and shrubs. Several cars are parked in the driveway, and the street in front curves slightly downhill, with more residential buildings visible in the background.

3. Sharm hotel

The Sharm Hotel has accumulated a four star rating and with good reason!

Is hotel is located in a quiet area of the city and is perfect for a peaceful getaway.

The hotel is praised online for being very clean and welcoming with an on-site restaurant, free private parking and a bar.

The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a private bathroom and a coffee machine.

A cosy hotel room with rustic exposed stone walls features a large comfortable bed with a mustard yellow headboard and beige bedding. The room has a wooden floor with a colourful patterned rug next to the bed. On one side, there's a small dining table with two black wire chairs, and the other side has a light beige sofa. The room is softly lit with ceiling spotlights, giving it a warm and inviting atmosphere

4. “Villa 70” guesthouse

“Villa 70” Guesthouse is another beautiful traditional guesthouse that has those home-away-from-home vibes which I love.

Each unit is fully equipped with a toaster, a fireplace, a seating area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

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Breakfast is also served and there are gluten-free options available each morning.

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    There is also an outside garden and outdoor play area which is perfect is you’re travelling as a family.

    A quaint rooftop patio at dusk features small tables with lace tablecloths and wooden chairs. Potted plants decorate the area, and a low stone wall surrounds the terrace. In the background, a distant view of a hilltop castle, softly lit against the darkening sky, adds to the charming atmosphere. The tiled floor complements the rustic, cosy vibe of this outdoor space

    5. guest house bake

    Situated only a five minute walk away to the old town is The Guest House Bake which is convenient and comfortable.

    The guest house has a free private parking and in-house restaurant serving a delicious breakfast and a garden to relax in.

    The rooms are also equipped with modern ammenities and the friendly hosts are always more than happy to help point you in the direction of local hidden gems.

    The meals served here are home cooked with fresh local produce and you can indulge in glass of wine or two.

    6. Hotel Argjiro

    This Gjirokaster hotel is one of the best hotels in Gjirokaster simply because of the old traditional building and the great location.

    Hotel Argjiro is right by Gjirokaster Castle, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site and other fun attractions and tours.

    Inside the hotel, you will be able to tuck into a good breakfast and stay in spacious clean rooms.

    You also discover a restaurant, free Wi-Fi and a gorgeous garden to soak up some sun in.

    A stunning outdoor dining setting with a white tablecloth and wooden chairs overlooks a scenic view of Gjirokastër, Albania. The table is set for four with plates, cutlery, and glasses of red wine, while a bottle of wine sits in the centre. The lush greenery and rooftops of the town sprawl beneath the hilltop, and the ancient fortress of Gjirokastër looms in the background. This peaceful terrace offers an incredible vantage point to enjoy both a meal and a breathtaking view

    7. Inn Cloud Gjirokaster

    Firstly, I absolutely love the name of this inn!

    By staying here, you’ll be sat amongst the mountains with amazing views of the city.

    Inside the hotel, you can access a tasty breakfast and a mini bar.

    You’ll be a 10 minute walk to the castle and a five minute walk to the main town.

    The views in this area are also pretty spectacular and there are plenty of hidden gems where you can unwind for a little ‘me time.’

    The host is also really friendly and available to help you book excursions, water sports, recreational activities and popular tours in Albania.

    A cosy and minimalist hotel room featuring two twin beds neatly made with soft brown covers and white towels. The room is warmly lit, with light wooden floors and a wooden ceiling, giving it a rustic charm. A small table with two white chairs is positioned against the wall, perfect for a relaxing moment or enjoying a cup of tea. A colourful, patterned rug adds a pop of colour to the otherwise neutral space. The walls have a natural concrete finish, and a light blue door leads into the hallway, evoking a simple yet inviting atmosphere

    8. Melodia – Harmony Heaven

    Melodia is one of the best hotels in Gjirokaster due to its central location.

    Staying here will bring you the closest to having an authentic experience in Albania.

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    You will wake up to the sound of roosters and spend your day enjoing the sun, with a glass of wine, champagne and fresh fruits too.

    This area of Gjirokaster is filled with so much character and definitely worth stopping by.

    trad

    9. Argjiro Traditional

    Argjiro Traditional is located within the centre of the Old Bazaar on the main road where fun attractions are moments away.

    Admittedly, you have to be okay with a little bit of noise as the nightlife scene is very lively around this area.

    But if you love a good late night activity, this is one of the best hotels in Gjirokaster for that.

    As for the guest house, you’ll stay within a traditional house equipped with modern facilities such as wifi, a flat screen TV and a coffee machine.

    A modern, spacious bedroom featuring sleek decor and warm tones. The room includes a comfortable double bed with crisp white linens, a soft beige blanket, and a stylish leather frame. A cosy sitting area with a leather sofa and armchair complements the room’s minimalist aesthetic. The natural light streams in through large windows, framed with floor-to-ceiling beige curtains, creating a bright and airy feel. A flat-screen TV is mounted on a textured feature wall, and a low wooden coffee table adds a touch of elegance. The room is illuminated by recessed ceiling lights, enhancing its sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

    10. hotel Fantasy

    This beautiful old town hotel, Hotel Fantasy, has beautifully decorated rooms and an amazing view of the city.

    This is a convenient place to stay in if you want to explore some of Gjirokaster’s most popular attractions.

    The breakfast served here is pretty top-tier so make sure to take advantage of that before you head out exploring.

    You’ll also be just a short walk away from the attractions such as Nemertsika mountain which is such a natural beauty!

    To end your evening here, spend some time on the balcony catching up or simply enjoying the warm weather as the sunsets. That sounds like pure bliss to me!

    A picturesque courtyard featuring rustic wooden chairs and tables with checked seat cushions. The courtyard is surrounded by lush green plants and flowerpots, creating a serene atmosphere. A motorcycle with yellow accents is parked by the side, adding a touch of adventure to the scene. Above, a trellis of metal beams stretches across the courtyard, which would be perfect for grapevines or other climbing plants. In the distance, the view opens up to reveal a stunning mountain range, with a small village nestled below, under a sky filled with soft clouds. The setting is peaceful and inviting, ideal for a relaxing afternoon

    11. Palorto Traditional Hotel

    The traditional home has everything you could want and more from staying in Albania. 

    The rooms in Palorto Traditional Hotel are a good size with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

    This accommodation option is right by Gjirokaster Castle, so you’ll have a great view too. Breakfast is served daily and can be enjoyed in the lush gardens.

    12. Hotel Praga

    Okay, so I am ending this list of the best hotels in Gjirokaster with a fan favourite.

    The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a 24 hour front desk and free Wi-Fi.

    You can also discover a buffet Continental or Italian breakfast served every single day which you can enjoy right by the pool.

    The rooms are large and air conditioned, which is very, very appreciated in the summer. Plus, there is a shared kitchen where you can meet other travellers!

    One of my favourite things about this accommodation option is that it is filled with cool antiques and old pictures, so you will feel right at home!

    Those were all of the best hotels to stay in Gjirokaster! From secluded locations hidden in the mountains to hotels situated within all the action, I hope you found your perfect accommodation option on this list.

    One thing for sure is that your visit to Gjirokaster will be filled with natural landscapes, ancient ruins, and relaxation!

    Have you visited Gjirokaster before? I would love to know how you found it and your favourite activities in the comments!

    ✅ How many days do you need in Gjirokaster?

    One to two days will be plenty of time to enjoy the best attractions and sites in Gjirokaster. Most of your time here will be spent enjoying the Old Town.

    ✅ Is Gjirokaster worth visiting?

    YES! Even if you just stop by a day, you seriously can’t miss this beautiful city. There is so much character to enjoy here and the locals are so much fun to be around.

    ✅ Which is better Berat or Gjirokaster?

    Honestly, both of these locations have their own unique character and so much to explore. I would recommend spending a day in both!

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