Padam Boutique Hotel

Sensational property, just renovated and very stylish, in the best possible location in the restaurant/bar district.

Look, the twin room was comfortable but small. And the staff were professional but not overly warm.

We loved the style and quality of the room, it was very comfortable, and the room as well as the hotel overall is very tastefully decorated and finished. While it's not loud styling, it is not simply the utilitarian feel of lost anonymous hotels, Padam has personality and style. The bathroom was clean, well laid out, plenty of towels and lovely toiletries. The TV was great, really good size and local channels too. We appreciated the TV wasn't just a streaming service set up, as I've seen in quite a few hotels recently. Maybe it's just me, but I like to watch live local telly when travelling! The bed was incredibly comfortable, good lighting, a fridge, safe, everything you could need without having to specifically ask for something (as you do some places where you have to ask for a hairdryer). Bottled water was provided for free everyday for free. The AC unit, although not integrated, worked really well. It's an older building converted to a small number of rooms (maybe 7?) so there was a "free standing" AC unit / whatever AC unit term is correct for when it sits on the floor like a radiator - I was a little worried it wouldn't work so well, but it did work perfectly to cool the room during the hot weather. There was also plenty of wardrobe and general storage space too, and the room in general was spacious and comfortable like being at home. Bedding was cosy, and we appreciated the number of towels as well as the robes and slippers too. The staff were helpful and friendly, including being responsive over WhatsApp during our stay, arranging a taxi for us etc, which made travelling onwards very simple to sort out. The staff at breakfast were friendly and accommodating, and swift with the coffee and uncooked items. Breakfast is not a buffet, you order from a menu but you can order as much as you like.

These are all minor points rather than big issues: - Upon arrival, we felt the staff seemed a little disinterested, we weren't given the usual read out of the breakfast times, where to find WiFi, what time check out is, any other rules like that. But, the staff carried our heavy bags up the stairs, and all the information was available in the room so it wasn't an issue. - If you were in a rush in the morning, breakfast could take a bit of time as it's prepared for you once you order, rather than being left on a hotplate buffet for 2 hours in the morning when you get there. That being said, I'm sure you could order ahead for a certain time if you wanted to and this would easily address this issue. - The room description was a little off and I suspect it was written by AI (or perhaps a slightly wonky translation). The bathtub in the Lumiere room wasn't wooden (not that this matters in the slightest!), and the balcony did not look over the garden as described but just the alleyway next to the hotel. Maybe the rear or front rooms have more of a view. - Opening the door to the balcony was very difficult and required hotel staff to help the first time we opened it. The door just needs a small bit of maintenance to work smoothly. - Not a criticism of the hotel, but the adjacent cafe bar didn't stock any local beers which was a bit of a shame. - Pillows could've been a little firmer but that's just my taste. The mattress was on the firmer side, which is perfect for me but might not be for everyone. - Not uncommon but there was no full length mirror anywhere in the room. - Access to the rooms is via stairs only, which light be worth knowing for future guests - although staff were happy to help with luggage. - While we could see efforts have been made to soundproof the room, you're still on a main road and some traffic sound can be heard inside. But Tirana's loud traffic does seem to reduce after 22;00-23:00.

The Padam was quite exceptional, a beautiful unique property with fabulous rooms and the staff were really helpful and professional The Restaurant was unique with delicious food and exceptional service.

Great location and gorgeous villa.

Cleaner never serviced either of our rooms and staff were friendly but did not deliver exceptional service.