Hotel Lakaj

We spent three nights at Hotel Lakaj, and I can’t recommend it. The hotel is far from both the center and the beach. Facebook said 200 meters, but it took at least 20-25 minutes to walk. The rooms are old, the bathroom wasn’t clean, and there was no water in the shower on the first day. The sheets and towels were never changed, the food was terrible, and breakfast was much too early. The staff were the worst part: rude, unhelpful, and lying. They showed us a trick for closing the broken door that a normal person couldn’t use. On our last day, we asked for umbrellas. One staff member drove off in the golf buggy, mocking us like it was a joke. We didn’t get umbrellas and were told we needed to pay for one. The attitude and service were terrible. If hotels keep treating tourists this way, tourism in Albania will only get worse.

I was on an organized tour and had to leave early, but the breakfast room was still closed when it was supposed to open, so I had to wait to get in. I paid for breakfast and took both coffee and juice. Staff then aggressively asked me to pay for one drink, saying only one was included. I couldn’t find that rule displayed or printed anywhere. They gave me no receipt and claimed cash payments weren’t eligible for one. I suspect the payment may have been illegal, at least for tax purposes. Their manner was consistently unfriendly and arrogant. The hotel’s reputation isn’t deserved, and I felt deceived. My trash was never emptied, and my towels and sheets weren’t replaced even though I left them on the floor as instructed, as is done internationally. Only after other tourists asked did they replace some, but not all, of the towels after three days. The food choices were limited too.

We’ve been coming here for years and still don’t get bored. The rooms are neat and very clean, the night is cheap, the service is so kind, and the food is delicious. Everyone is respectful, energetic, and helpful. When we were waiting for the car to take us to the beach, another family tried to take our turn when it arrived, but the workers didn’t let them. If walking is difficult, they have a tall car to take you to the beach. We had a 12/10 experience, definitely recommend it, and can’t wait to go back next month. I’m so excited!

Best food, and the best hotel.