Hotel Bineri

Lovely quiet hotel in a great location with lovely views. Unfortunately we didn't stay in it as we were bumped into their Medieval Rooms. Our room was very hot and the air-conditioning didn't work. The hotel couldn't fix it, although eventually we did that ourselves. There nothing to sit on but the bed and no toilet paper in the very cramped "bathroom". The room was noisy day and night, being right on the busy main street - one of our friends had people sitting talking outside their room, 1 metre from her head, when trying to sleep. The drink-making facility was one jug kettle, one mug and some spoons - between 6 occupants, in an area open to the public.

I came as part of a group of 14 people, on a tour attracting mostly older people. This hotel is totally unsuitable. The town is already quite hard to navigate, which is fine. But the last thing you need is another 20-plus steps, not all with rails, to reach reception, and still more to reach your room. My room had a small wardrobe which was almost inaccessible, as behind the bed, and had just 2 hangers. The television had two controls and incomprehensible instructions. I could not get it to work, neither could two members of staff. The phone in the room was dead. One of the bedside lights had no bulb in. the other didn't work (tho a new bulb was provided when I asked). There was a towel on the bathroom radiator left from a previous occupant. I do not understand the positive reviews here.

Am not sure if this hotel has changed hands as the reviews prior to mine are nearly a year old and conflicts with my experience. I was part of a small tour of 15 people - when we arrived we all had to sit in the breakfast dining room (very dated/old rickety tables with plastic covers) for a welcome drink - our courier was handed one bottle of wine for all of us! The rooms were allocated next and as there was no lift every one was on the 2nd or 3rd floor so all had to manhandle their cases up the stairs - the second flight which I had to use took me to the attic to a small room up in the attic amongst the beams. Shower room was tiny and dark and very low ceilings as sloping attic. After the first night I did complain and was given a better room downstairs - you have to ask why they gave out the worst rooms when there were better ones. The breakfast was abysmal. The pre cooked eggs/sausages were in terrains with no heat under them so were stone cold. The coffee was luke warm. Not much choice and what was there was done on a real budget and only enough put out. There is a list of rules to abide by in the hotel!

The staff was very kind. They even offered us the best view in the house. There were no other guests staying there the day arrived but still, this was very thoughtful.

What a delightful hotel! Small, cosy, traditional with a stunning terrace overlooking the rooftops of Gjirokaster. Very friendly staff who sorted luggage transfers and made our group so welcome. My room at the top had its own little balcony - I could happily have stayed here for weeks! A wonderful place.