El Primero Hotel

What stood out most was the breakfast, all handmade and incredibly rich, especially the pastries. The lady who bakes them is a real treasure, and the whole staff was friendly and helpful. This was the best hotel we stayed at during our 13-day trip through Albania. It’s away from the fuss of Sarandë promenade, though still about a 25 min. walk away, and Kesamil is a 20 min. drive. The private beach has free beds and umbrellas for hotel guests, while the infinity pool is peaceful and quiet. The place was very clean, with workers constantly cleaning, which made it feel safe and secure. Wifi was strong throughout the area, and we strongly recommend choosing a full sea view room if one is available. The hotel also seems suitable for people with reduced mobility, although I’m not sure about wheel chairs. The Bistrice river rafting activity is especially convenient, since both the starting and ending points are near the hotel and you don’t need to take the car. The one thing we missed was the option to get lunch or snacks at the hotel or beach bar. That would save time and effort when finding food for the kids.

The quiet location made this hotel feel like a safe haven to return to at night. It’s a little farther from central Sarande, but that also means very little noise, and the town is easy to reach by taxi or on foot. Just don’t let taxi drivers charge more than 2000 lek for a ride. Shops and restaurants are nearby too, and Troy is worth trying for takeaway pizza or pasta to eat beside the sunset. The beach is only a few steps away, with loungers, a cute bar, panoramic views of the whole city, and drinks from both the hotel and beach bars. We also loved having breakfast beside the pool, then going straight to our sun beds. Breakfast had something for everyone, including fruits, pastries, eggs, cheeses, and meats. Our room was spacious and had a TV with Netflix, air conditioning, a kettle, plus soap, body wash, and shampoo in the bathroom. The staff were kind and accommodating from the moment my partner and I arrived. When we asked for water at reception, the receptionist even offered her own bottle, which says a lot about how far they go for guests. We loved our stay and hope to come back next summer, maybe for longer.

The private beach was beautiful and free for guests, with freshly cleaned beach towels provided each day. The music stayed at a comfortable volume, more lounge/bosa nova than anything loud, so the atmosphere was wonderfully relaxing. Everything was very well maintained and clean, including the attractive room, which matched the photos on the booking site. Breakfast was excellent, served in a serene room that never felt crowded. Parking is behind a barrier, and even at the pool we didn’t feel worried about our belongings being stolen. Check-in was easy, and the staff were hospitable and friendly. A really nice hotel with a luscious appearance and a calm atmosphere.

The hotel’s location was ideal for us, away from the busiest parts of Sarandë but still within walking distance of plenty of restaurants. The room was exceptionally clean and comfortable, and the staff were lovely. We especially enjoyed the pool, which was the perfect temperature and had a gorgeous view over the beach. Coming all the way from Australia, we really loved our stay here. 100% recommend!