One of the tremendous benefits of Albania is to live like a king or queen for less. You can stay in magnificent places for half or a quarter the cost, on average. These top 18 resorts rival the amenities of top luxury locations worldwide at a fraction of the price.
It always confused me when speaking to family members about the cost. I would hear them say €56 is expensive or ‘shume shtrenjte’ as it translates. Even at the conversion rate today, that is around $68. $68 per night is very reasonable, and we can stay a week for less than $500. I am in! Especially when you see some of the resorts, they will go for $300-$500 a night in other parts of the world. It will catch on soon; Albania is in the travel spotlight now more than ever. In the meantime, take advantage of this opportunity before the travel market explodes and the prices go up.
Each resort has its specific niche and desired amenities, but they all will not disappoint when it comes to satisfying your need for fun and relaxation. Here are the top 18 Resorts for fun and relaxation in Albania.
1. Grand Blue Fafa Resort
Grand Blue Fafa Resort – Located in Golem, Grand Blue is lavish with updated luxury rooms. The resort is located directly on the beach. Enjoy the beach view from your room’s balcony while you sip on your morning coffee or a refreshing drink. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Grand Buffet Restaurant. This restaurant offers impressive choices with an elaborate and beautiful display of foods from around the region.
Grand Blue Fafa resort has everything you need to enjoy your stay; two restaurants, a beach bar, a café, and the infinite lobby bar that features live music at night.
It also has a full-day spa perfect for relaxation. Some other amenities include entertainment and sporting activities for children, and they also have a massive playground. If you are traveling with children in Albania don’t forget to read this blog post for tips.
Stay at Grand Blue Fafa.
2. Te Stela Resort
Te Stela Resort – Located in Tirana, this resort has a playground, pool, restaurant, fitness center, Spa, and several other amenities.
Beer garden restaurant is located near the hotel and has a fun playground adjacent to it. When we ate at Beer garden restaurant, the children were welcome to play on the playground at no charge.
We used the indoor pool, which cost 600 Lek for adults and 400 Lek for kids. They offer swimming lessons for kids there as well. There are changing rooms and showers inside, near the gym.
Stay at Te Stela Resort.
3. PalmaNova Resort
PalmaNova Resort – Located in Tirana, this is a beautiful resort with a playground, pool, and restaurant. This resort is more family-centric. The amenities are somewhat focused on children, but there is plenty for adults to do here.
Palma Nova is 11 miles from Skanderbeg Square, so you can experience all the wonder that Tirana has to offer while staying in a resort setting. They are also well known for service and will provide a paid shuttle service to and from the Airport.
Stay at PalmaNova Resort.
4. Adriatik Hotel
Adriatik Hotel – Located in Durres, this beautiful resort includes a beautiful pool and water slide. The resort is located directly on the beach. It is a historic hotel built in the late 1950s. In 2000 the hotel was taken over by a private family and completely renovated. Major renovations continued as recently as 2018.
You can choose to stay in a room with a sea view, partial sea view, pool view, rooms with terrace and sea view, junior or deluxe suite. Most of the rooms have amazing murals that make you feel like you are in other cities of Albania, like Butrinti or Apollonia.
Enjoy the meals at Apollonia Restaurant located in Adriatik Hotel. You can also view the menu online and reserve a table for your party all from this link.
There are many amenities for adults and children, including indoor and outdoor bars, indoor and outdoor pools, Spa, tennis court, and a playground.
Stay at Adriatik Hotel.
5. Xheko Imperial
Xheko Imperial – This hotel boasts a luxurious rooftop bar amongst other impressive amenities. Xheko is a premier luxury boutique hotel in the center of Tirana. The hotel is majestic with modern mixed together. The Xheko Club Spa by itself is worth a stay.
They have hosted ambassadors, directors of states, and artists. Weddings and business meetings are amongst the events Xheko regularly hosts. Traveler looking for relaxation and a taste of the Nightlife can find everything they are looking for in this 71-room boutique hotel.
Stay at Xheko Imperial.
6. Hotel Colombo
Hotel Colombo – Located in Berat, the elegant design of this hotel will lift your spirits. This hotel offers 188 rooms on four floors. The rooms are spacious and luxurious with modern designs. Their restaurant serves classic Albanian recipes with a modern flare.
The hotel offers a stunning view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Berat Castle, Osumi River & Mount Tomorr.
Stay at Hotel Colombo.
7. Poda Boutique Hotel
Poda Boutique Hotel – Located in Ksamil, Poda is a beautiful beachfront resort with stunning views, modern, spacious rooms, and an atmosphere for relaxing. There are several kid-friendly amenities, including a shallow pool for children.
The Poda Lounge features in our Beach Bar Post, is the perfect place for a relaxing cocktail on this warm, clearwater beach.
Stay at Poda Boutique Hotel.
If you’re interest in a trip to Permet Thermal Pools click here.
8. Brilliant Hotel & Spa
Brilliant Hotel & Spa – located in Qerret, offers you a luxurious vacation without breaking the bank. Located in Qerret village, near Durresi and a short ride from the capital, Tirana, you can live your dream vacation the minute you set foot in this hotel.
Whether traveling alone, as a couple, or with kids, this place has all of you covered with swimming pools (two for adults and one for kids), two beach bars, and three restaurants and pizzerias. And if you are too tired of walking on the sand or swim and want to enjoy the beautiful view of the sea from a bar, you can get a drink on the rooftop bar on the 8th floor.
Stay at Brilliant Hotel & Spa.
9. Grand Europa Resort
Velipoje Grand Europa Resort is located on the beach in Velipoje, Shkodra. This resort offers much-needed relaxation in a setting with plenty of fun things to do for everyone in the family.
Grand Europa boasts a massive swimming pool, kid pools, and an aquapark. Adults can enjoy refreshing drinks poolside. Five bars are always open.
The rooms range from single to two bathroom apartments. Other amenities include a gym, sauna, and three on-site restaurants. The apartments are still under $100 a night in season.
If you’re interested in a trip to Komani Lake click here.
Stay at Grand Europa Resort.
10. Splendor Hotel & Spa
Looking for a splendid vacation? Check out Splendor Hotel & Spa. Located in Dhermi, this hotel offers tourists a great combination of commodities and nature, alongside sea and mountain views.
Fabulous amenities are available in the hotel and also on the private beach section of this resort. Relax by the beach or by their beautiful pool. Exercise in the gym if you’d like and while your children pass the time in the playground. Enjoy delicious food in the hotel’s restaurant with a sea view. Get a refreshing beverage at the beach bar, and you can even schedule a massage by the sea as well.
Luxurious rooms are top of the line. Check out the Deluxe Suite and the Sky Suite and be amazed by the views. Glass walls in these suites allow you to view the sea and sky while relaxing in the comfort of your bed.
Stay at Splendor Hotel & Spa.
11. Aqua by Lura Resort
Aqua by Lura Resort is located in Durres, on the beach in Lalezit. The beach is lined with cabanas and beach chairs with umbrellas to ensure you’ll have a relaxing beach day, even during hot summer days on the coast.
The pool is a marvel on its own, with a walk bridge across the center. It is perfect for wedding photos and of course enjoying a swim!
The restaurant is well known for servicing some of the best contemporary dishes in the area. The food pictures are enough to bring you here even if you are not staying in the resort.
12. Gloria Palace Hotel Resort
Gloria Palace Hotel Resort Gloria Palace Hotel is located in Qerret, Golem. This hotel offers a modern and comfortable stay in its rooms and delicious food in its restaurant.
The private beach is just a quick walk from the hotel, and you can enjoy the beautiful sandy beach and the warm sea. The staff is fantastic, and so is the food. Overall this hotel offers excellent value for your money. Check it out next time you go to Albania.
Stay at Gloria Palace Hotel Resort.
Gloria Palace has a great beach bar spotlighted in the blog post: Live It Up At These 14 Beach Bars And Clubs In Albania
13. Hotel Flower
Hotel Flower is located in Golem, a luxury hotel that won the travelers’ choice 2020-2021 award.
Hotel Flower’s restaurant offers mouthwatering dishes based on traditional cuisine. The beach bar is perfect for an evening cocktail while you relax and converse with your loved one.
Children under three years old stay for free, and children aged 4-12 stay for half-price. They also offer packages for couples and families, including buying three nights get one night free, half-board, and romantic package.
Stay at Hotel Flower.
14. Bougainville Bay Hotel
Bougainville Bay Hotel Bougainville Bay and Spa is a Mediterranean paradise located in Saranda. Its amazing architecture intertwined with unique landscape makes this place perfect for relaxation. The Infinity pool is beautiful, and views of the sea are serene. There are also three bars on-site; The rooftop bar, butterfly bar, and terrace bar.
Whether you visit Saranda during warm or cold weather, this place has all you need to have a perfect vacation. The Spa offers several services: massages, sauna, hammam, various water treatments and beauty treatments for face and body, manicure and pedicure.
Stay at Bougainville Bay Hotel.
If you’re interest in a trip to Permet Thermal Pools click here.
Butrint National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site is only 2.6 miles away, and Ali Pasha Castle is 10 miles away.
15. Nuevo Deluxe Resort
Nuevo Deluxe Resort is located in the city of Lezha, 25 miles drive from the Airport. The resort offers amazing rooms, a restaurant with Albanian and Italian cuisine, a bar, an outdoor pool with multiple slides, free parking.
Above all their amazing customer service is well known by previous visitors. They offer currency exchange, live music, tour or class of local culture, airport shuttle service, and shuttle service are available for an additional charge.
Visit Lezha and discover more of Albania’s history during your stay. You can visit Skenderbeu’s tomb and learn more about Albania’s national hero and the main protagonist of Albania’s history.
Stay at Nuevo Deluxe Resort.
16. Rea Boutique Hotel
Recently opened in the summer of 2020, Rea Boutique Hotel offers you luxurious accommodation in the city of Himara. Breathtaking views are available from the comfort of your bed or the balcony of your room. Relax in your private terrace jacuzzi, as you have never dreamed before. ‘\
The city of Himara offers excellent sandy and rocky beaches and unique historical places to visit. Keshtjella e Himares (Himara Castle), Keshtjella e Bukur – Palermo (Beauty Castle – Palermo), and Shpella e Pirateve (Pirate’s Cove) are waiting for you to visit.
In Himara Castle, you can see proofs that show that the place was habituated over 3500 years ago. Pirate’s Cove is a massive cove with an entrance only from the sea.
Stay at Rea Boutique Hotel.
17. Klajdi Resort
Klajdi Resort is in Golem, just a short drive from the capital and the Airport. Sandy beach makes this hotel an excellent option for families traveling with children. And if you have children under 3-year-old, they stay for free.
The hotel boasts contemporary design and modern amenities. The rooms are big and spacious. Poolside cocktails are a must. The restaurant is in a league all its own, serving high-end cuisine from Albanian influences and beyond.
Another benefit of this resort is a bar the jets out over the water. Pista Kajdi is an excellent venue for a cool drink on a hot summer night relaxing with a loved one.
Breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, playground and umbrella, and sunbeds are all included in the price of your stay. You can enjoy your meals indoors or outdoors by the poolside. They also offer romantic dinners on the beach for couples.
Stay at Klajdi Resort & Spa.
18. Hotel Nimfa
Located in Vlora, Hotel Nimfa is a short 15-minute drive from the city center. Roll out of bed, and you are on the beach. The hotel has a section of the beach and provides beach chairs and umbrellas to hotel guests.
We visited Hotel Nimfa in 2011. It’s an excellent hotel for families and people looking to relax on the beach carefree.
The Ionian Sea is clear blue and warm. The water is usually calm, and it gets deep very quickly. The rock nearby makes a perfect diving spot or a picture background.
Stay at Hotel Nimfa.
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I hope this list helps you select the perfect resort in Albania to enjoy a dream vacation without breaking the bank. The service in Albania is world-renowned and one of the more prominent reasons why a trip to this European paradise is well worth it.
If you feel we have failed to mention a resort you’ve stayed at in Albania that deserves to be on this list, please let us know in the comments below.
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