Hotel Kalemi

large room, friendly staff, breakfast in the garden, exceptional value

Wi-Fi worked fine in the common area of the first floor, but was non-existent in room 6 (other than in the entryway where it was just very weak). Not the hotel’s problem, but when arriving from the North, Google sends you up some really bad one lane, two way, cobblestone lanes. There is a much better route if you drive past the foot of the castle rock, and take a right on a new asphalt road. That road brings you up to the high end of the castle above the town. Then there are roads wide enough for two cars most of the way to the hotel.

The hotel is better than the pictures shown on Booking.com. It is close to shops and the castle. The staff is wonderful, starting with the owner and on with reception and kitchen personnel. I have never experienced a service as excellent. Everyone going above and beyond to make sure we were satisfied. The room was very spacious, beautiful and the bathroom very modern. The breakfast was outstanding. High quality food and very pleasant service. I highly recommend Hotel Kalemi.

Everything was wonderful.

I was originally booked at Hotel Kalemi but staff upgraded me to a suite at Hotel Kalemi 2, which was much-appreciated. Hotel Kalemi 2 is more in the thick of things. The suite was spacious, with incredible views of both the town and the castle. The breakfast was unbelievable, with mountain tea, omlette, fresh bread, homemade fig jam. Delicious!

The only drawback during my stay was the Wifi was being upgraded so it was unavailable for about a half-day of my two day stay. I totally understand it was just unfortunate timing, but these days internet access is a crucial part of travel.

Although this hotel is located in the old part of Gjirokaster we were happy that it is a little bit aside from the touristic center with all the cafés, bars, restaurants and shops (5 minutes walk). From our room or the public balcony you have a stunning view over the whole city and valley. The room has kept his old Osman charm. But this also means small closets and creaky planks. The bathroom is super modern in a superb state. Everything is super clean. The Albanian style breakfast is absolutely delicious. The staff is very friendly. Especially the young Mr. Irvin is outstandingly caring and gives you the idea of being "the one and only family's best friend". The perfect host!

The lights in the room are too dark. This might have been to our very personal minds.

traditional, original, and unique, it’s difficult to find accommodations as authentic as this. it was stunning!

we liked everything! don’t expect luxury because tradition and luxury often dont go hand in hand. for us, this was one of the nicest experiences because it was so authentic and genuine. the breakfast could be better if they had freshly squeezed orange juice, but apart from that-everything else perfect.

Room and building felt authentic. Large bathroom (with shower cabin). Breakfast is outside and in the shadow. The center and Castle are easy to reach on foot. Parking available on the property (on Google maps, the hotel appears to be between two roads. However, only the one on the south east side is a road for cars, do yourself a favor and drive up using that one, arriving at the hotel from the east).

The wifi coverage isn't great due to the thick walls. Doorways are a bit short (beware tall people), but this is minor.

everything is fantastic in this hotel: from the staff (a nice and welcoming family) to the breakfast. the room was exactly what we wanted and the bathroom has been recently renovated. the old bazaar and the entrance to the castle are also minutes away. they also arranged a taxi for us when we left, and the driver made sure we found the right bus and didn’t leave until we left. the experience has been fantastic, i will go back.

nothing

The staff were lovely, very friendly and helpful. The room was excellent, spacious with a good modern bathroom. There was beautiful original carved wooden panelling and detailing in the bedroom combined with sensitively done reproduction work. The views from the balcony where we had breakfast were astonishing. The courtyard gardens were shady and nicely planted. Great location, an easy (if steep) walk to the bazaar area, castle, museum etc.

Can’t think of anything.

Amazing spacious room with a great heater for someone like me who freezes a lot. Clean bathroom with towels, and hot water. The room had a beautiful views of the castle, mountains, and the city and had multiple blankets to keep you warm. The bed was big and comfortable. The hotel's staff is helpful and very friendly. Special shout out to Francesca for being so helpful. Hotel has great breakfast! The mountain tea, traditional pancakes, fruits, fig jam and eggs are delicious.

Complimentary bottles of water in the room - Just 2 would be nice. The hotel is located a bit down so some signage would be nice to find it.

Very nice stay in a small, family-owned property. Wooden floors and carved ceiling, modern bathroom. Quiet area, a little bit uphill from the center. Public spaces, e.g. a balcony with a view of The Valley. Friendly breakfast with home-made fig jam and eggs fried to order.

Not much to improve. Maybe serve the honey at breakfast in a jar like the jam, instead of plastic portions that are hard to break in to?