The Central Palace

We’d booked a week in the Deluxe double with balcony and loved it at first. The place is right in the middle of the city, close to everything, and the host met us after helping arrange our transport. The taxi driver was lovely too. The hosts were very understanding and tried hard to sort out the noise, even calling the police to ask the club across the street to follow the noise rules. But the music was so loud that the windows rattled until 2:30 a.m., then started again at 9. The club is open every day from 9 a.m. until 1 or 2 a.m., and we got very little sleep. The hosts said we could find another place to stay and only pay for the one night. I’d give it 3½ stars.

What stood out most was how welcoming the hosts were. They made me feel like part of the family, shared useful recommendations, and arranged my airport ride. The guesthouse is above the main pedestrian street, surrounded by busy shops and cafes, and just a two-minute walk from the main port and lake. It’s right in the middle of the action, but great value for the price, which felt very low for such a central spot. I’d wholeheartedly recommend staying here when visiting the city.

Gjergj was friendly and helpful, even guiding me to a spot where parking in the old town, which seemed impossible, actually worked. He shared useful details about the Orthodox Easter festivities and treated us to plenty of Raki. The room suited us perfectly, with a balcony over the busy pedestrian zone, and the music was tolerable, though the club opposite wasn’t open. A bathroom leak was fixed promptly. Gjergj speaks English, and his daughter answered our WhatsApp questions quickly. The location is very central.

A good, very affordable place in a perfect location.