Guesthouse Arben Selimaj

It felt like staying with relatives, and I was smiling all the way up the mountain afterward. This family-run guesthouse is full of warmth from the moment you arrive. The room was clean, everything seemed new and well cared for, and it had a private bathroom. Dinner was hearty and traditional, with plenty of vegetarian choices. There was an Albania football match that night. The host wasn’t showing it, but was driving into town to watch and invited us along. Locals and tourists cheered together, which made for a great evening. In the morning we got a proper Balkan breakfast and everything needed to make hiking sandwiches. The cook, who I think was the host’s mother, was incredibly sweet and secretly packed leftover cake and clementines for the trail. The family arranged an inexpensive shuttle to the trailhead, and the driver, the dad, gave us hiking tips.

Wanderers Hostel in Shkoder helped arrange my Valbona to Theth trip, which brought me to this guesthouse. I slept in a spotless shared room, and despite the on-and-off rain, there were comfy couches outside where I could sit and enjoy the view without getting wet. The bed was cozy, the food delicious, the showers properly hot, and the hospitality wonderful. With snow still around, they arranged a guide for an extra cost to take me from Valbona to the Valbona Pass along the Winter trail. I’m so grateful to Fariye, Leila, Ervan, and Gazi. Faleminderit!

There are a few friendly cats here that are lovely to cuddle with. The dining and community room, with its fireplace, is a great place to spend time with other guests. The food is freshly made and delicious, and the family running this cozy guesthouse is so friendly and makes sure you have what you need. You can tell they want everyone to feel at home.

Faria, Arben and Gazi were so kind and warm that I was touched, even though I only stayed one night before my hike. The rooms were charming, the burek delicious, and the views amazing. Such a lovely family. I hope to return soon! Madeleine