Shkoder, Albania is a charming city, nestled between the stunning Lake Shkodër and the majestic mountains. Most commonly known as the gateway to trekking through the Albanian Alps, there are several excellent hotels in Shkoder that that will suit any travelers budget and style.
Known as the “City of Bicycles and Rain” in Albania, Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in Europe and worth spending a day or two if time allows on your Albanian itinerary. Think pastel colored buildings and an inviting pedestrian street filled with cute cafes and shops.
You can reserve many Shkoder hotels or guesthouses online but you will you will likely have to pay cash at the property when you arrive, especially for budget properties. If you are staying at a more luxurious hotel in Shkoder, credit cards are usually accepted.
If you are traveling to Shkoder during busy season, it is best to book a hotel in advance as accommodations fill up quick and are double the price as off season. If you are traveling Albania in the off/shoulder season then you can book as you go, a night or two before.
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In this post I’ll go over the best hotels in Shkoder, Albania, list accommodation options for every budget and at the end of the post, I’ll add any useful tips that will aid you in a trip to Shkoder.
But first, are you in a hurry? Below I have listed where to stay in Shkoder and the reason to stay for easy booking if you don’t have time to read the whole article or need a hotel in Shkoder to book tonight.
- Top Pick of Where to Stay in Shkoder – Rose Garden Hotel
- Where to Stay in Shkoder for Luxury – Hotel Colosseo & Spa
- Best Budget Hotel in Shkoder – Vila Koltrina
- Best Hostel in Shkoder – The Wanderers Hostel
- Best Mid Range Place to Stay in Shkoder – Petit Hotel Elita
- Where to Stay in Shkoder for Tradition – Hotel Tradita
Keep scrolling for more details on where to stay in Shkoder, Albania.
13 Best Hotels in Shkoder, Albania
Grand Hotel Europa
- Price: $$$
- Highlights: Spa, Fitness Center and Location
Starting our best hotels in Shkoder list is the Grand Hotel Europa. This towering hotel is located directly on the pedestrian walking street close to all the tasty restaurants, shopping and attractions.
This is one of the only hotels in the city that features a spa and fitness center. Book a night or two at the Grand Hotel Europa after you’ve trekked through the Accursed Mountains so you can enjoy some much needed spa time.
Vila Koltrina
- Price: $
- Highlights: Best Value for your Money
The Vila Koltrina offers a blend of comfort and Albanian hospitality. This small, intimate guest house is a delightful and cozy stay.
The hotel features variety of rooms to choose from including family rooms, as well bunks. All rooms come with air-conditioning and modern amenities. This hotel offers great value for your money.
Rose Garden Hotel
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Location and Cozy Vibes
One of the best hotels in Shkoder is the Rose Garden Hotel. With its prime location, you can easily access popular attractions in town and Kole Idromeno Pedestrian Street is at your doorstep.
The hotel features well-appointed rooms that are tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities. From cozy double rooms to family suites, there is an accommodation option to suit every traveler’s needs.
Hotel TREVA
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Breakfast Buffet & New
Hotel TREVA is a beautiful new hotel located in the center of the city. This modern and stylish hotel in Shkoder is an excellent choice for both leisure travelers and trekkers.
The spacious rooms provide a comfortable retreat, with amenities such as air conditioning, balconies and a delicious buffet breakfast every morning. If you are staying at this Shkoder hotel before heading to Valbona or Theth, ask the hotel to make your breakfast to go. These trips require an early wake up call.
Çoçja Boutique Hotel
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Luxurious Comfort
The Cocja Boutique Hotel will be sure to offer a memorial stay. This charming Shkodra hotel is housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era building, providing a perfect blend of historical charm and modern comforts.
The rooms at the Çoçja Boutique Hotel are tastefully decorated with a blend of traditional Albanian elements and contemporary design. This is where to stay in Shkoder for a luxurious, comfortable and stylish stay.
The Wanderers Hostel
- Price: $
- Highlights: Location and Atmosphere
Making our best hostel in Shkoder list is the The Wanderers Hostel. This hostel is a welcoming accommodation option for travelers seeking comfort, affordability and a lively atmosphere.
Located in the heart of the city, this Shkoder hostel provides easy access to the main attractions in Shkoder, including the pedestrian walking street and Ebu Bekr Mosque. The hostel offers a variety of room types, from dormitories to private rooms.
Highlights include a chill hang out area and cheap drinks at the bar. This is a great choice for backpackers, solo travelers and anyone on a budget looking for a place to sleep before embarking on the Valbona to Theth Trek.
Mi Casa Es Tu Casa
- Price: $
- Highlights: Community Vibes
Another budget friendly backpacker option is Mi Casa Es Tu Casa Shkodra Hostel. Like most Shkoder accommodation options on this list, this hostel has a great location close to the city center and all major attractions.
The staff is incredibly welcoming, always ready to provide assistance and local recommendations. The common areas are perfect for getting to know fellow travelers. Rooms are comfortable and come in a variety of types – dormitories, doubles or triples.
Hotel Blini
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Comfortable Mid Range Shkoder Hotel
Hotel Blini is an excellent mid range accommodation option in Shkoder. The hotel offers exceptional service and comfortable accommodations. The rooms are spacious, clean and well designed, providing a relaxing atmosphere during your stay.
The hotel’s restaurant is known for its delicious traditional Albanian cuisine. Other amenities include private parking and tasty breakfast.
Petit Hotel Elita
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Location, Breakfast and Comfortability
Petit Hotel Elita is another hotel to make this list due to its location. The rooms are modern and very comfortable for Albania standards, the perfect reward after trekking in the Albanian Alps.
The breakfast spread is also pretty delightful, offering a variety of traditional Albanian dishes as well as international favorites. Stay here for the location, breakfast and comfortability.
Buna Park Hotel
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Serene Location on the River
The Buna Park Hotel is located a bit farther outside the city from the pedestrian walking street. This is a great place to stay in Shkoder if you want to do a little bit of resting and relaxation and have your own veichle.
Located along the river, there is a swimming pool along with a tranquil outdoor area. The rooms are comfortable and cozy, providing you the best bang for your buck.
Red Bricks Hotel
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Walkable Location
If you are looking at where to stay in Shkoder with a central location where you can walk everywhere, look no further than the Red Bricks Hotel. This hotel is walking distance to the bus routes to Valbona National Park or Theth National Park, which makes it an excellent choice before or after a hiking excursion.
The elegant and modern design of the hotel create a chic and sophisticated ambiance. The rooms are spacious, featuring stylish decor and all the modern amenities that you would need.
Hotel Colosseo & Spa
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Turkish Bath
Staying at Hotel Colosseo & Spa is an exceptional experience. Upon arrival, be greeted by a friendly staff who will make you feel welcomed throughout the stay.
The hotel itself is tastefully decorated with a modern and luxurious ambiance. Rooms are spacious, clean and well-appointed, ensuring a comfortable stay. The best feature of this hotel is the spa facilities. Other highlights include breakfast and the fitness center.
Hotel Tradita
- Price: $$
- Highlights: Tradition & History
Hotel Tradita is a charming and traditional boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Shkoder. This family-run hotel offers guests a warm and welcoming atmosphere with its rustic decor and traditional Albanian architecture.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, adorned with handcraft furniture and textiles. The hotel also boasts a delightful restaurant serving traditional Albanian cuisine, where you can indulge in a variety of local dishes.
Honorable Mentions | Best Hotels in Shkoder
- Hotel Chicago – $$ Mid Range Hotel with a gym in a great location.
Things to do in Shkoder
There are a handful of things to do in Shkoder that will keep you busy for a day or two if you have the gift of time. Click on the blue links below for more details.
- Rozafa Castle
- Stroll down Sheshi or Kole Idromeno Street
- Kayak on Lake Shkodra
- Witness the Beauty of Ebu Bekr Mosque
- Explore the town via bike
- Boat Trip on Shala River & Lake Koman
- Explore Theth
📚 Read More: 12 Things to do in Shkoder + Day Trips
Tours in Shkoder
If you are short on time or just prefer to go on guided tour of Shkoder, you can book a tour from Tirana. All tours listed below are reasonably priced, have good reviews and the guides speak English.
How to Get to Shkoder
Shkoder is easily accessed from Tirana. The most convenient and commonly used method is by bus. Buses operate regularly from Tirana’s central bus station. It takes about two hours to get to Shkoder from Tirana. Tickets cost 400 Lek.
There technically isn’t a bus station in Shkoder. Most bus services leave from around Sheshi Demokracia in the center of town which is about a 10 minute walk from the Kole Idromeno pedestrian street.
Getting there will be easy as buses will just drop you off, when you’re leaving head to the same area and look for the destination in the bus windows. The reception at your hotel will also be able to point you in the right direction.
Best Time to Visit Shkoder
The best time to visit Shkoder is during dry/hiking season which runs May to October. July and August are the peak months, which mean higher crowds and hotter days.
Shoulder season May – June or September – October are the best months to visit Shkoder. During these months, you can still enjoy pleasant whether and avoid the crowds.
Albania Travel Tips
📍Plan your Trip:
🗺 How long to travel Albania? 3-6 Day Albanian Alps Hiking Itinerary
🛂 Visas: Up to 90 Days on arrival for most countries.
☔️ Best Time to Visit: Peak season = July & August. May, June, September & October = Less crowds & costs.
💰 Average Daily Budget: Expect to pay 50 USD’s a day for basic accommodations, sit down meals at a cafe and entrance fees.
⛺️ Albania accommodation Guides:
🪂 Highlights
- Tirana's Coffee Culture
- Berat - a Town of a Thousand Windows
- Trekking Valbona to Theth N.P.
- Gjirokaster Castle
- The Albanian Riviera
- Shkoder - the Gateway to the Albanian Alps
- Theth National Park
- Lake Komani
- Valbona Valley National Park
- Peak of the Balkans for the experienced Trekker
🧳 What to Pack: What to Pack for Albania
🎥 Watch our Albania Series on YouTube
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Those are the best hotels in Shkoder. If you found this article useful, come say hello in the comments 👋.
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