Kerculla Resort

Loud remixed 90's hits during dinner, making it impossible to hear the swallows chirping around in the sunset. Asked for them to turn down the music when I was seated right in front of the speakers blasting music, but were told that it wasn't possible. Didn't feel like appropriate type of music for the situation either way, felt like I was at a fast food joint. Felt like it was maybe more for the entertainment of the overworked staff than for the guests. The food was alright for the most part (breakfast was amazing however), but the loud party music really brought down the experience. Thought a secluded 4-star hotel in the mountains would give the ultimate peaceful experience but was wrong about that. Which is such a shame because the view from the restaurant's terrace really is stunning, but I didn't feel like I could enjoy it. Service was kind of uneven, some people were really friendly and helpful, and others a quite aloof. One was glued to his phone the whole time during service, or on youtube putting on aforementioned music and loudly singing or clapping along. I've worked as a server myself at far less exclusive establishments and that behavior would not have been acceptable there. Would be fine at cheaper places but the price tag sets certain expectations. Service by the pool area also seemed really random, you mostly had to go up to the restaurant for yourself to make the order. But not allowed to walk around in your bathing suit outside of the pool area so it became quite impractical and a bit of a hassle just to order drinks there. Quality of the drinks was also quite low, at least the smoothie and the iced coffees I tried. The room was beautiful but like with service and the atmosphere you definitely see a lack of attention to detail. A loose cable was curled up in a corner of the bathroom, a couple of screws just laying around in the wardrobe drawers. The towel didn't have a loop in order to be properly hung, and the only hook available was located directly over the toilet brush. The "mountain view" from the room did include some parts of a mountain view but mainly a gravel parking space of some sort, a shed and some construction material. At least some cute donkeys walked around there from time to time. All in all a hotel with a spectacular view, nice pool area and rooms, but I regret choosing this hotel for our stay since I don't feel like I could enjoy its biggest draw.

This place is absolutely amazing! It is at the tip top of the mountain above Gjirokaster. We walked down to town, but when it’s hot, they recommend you not walk back up. We call a local taxi and he drove us back up. The room is great, ours came with a little balcony. Comfortable, quiet. There’s a restaurant on site. We had great food all over Albania, but the food here was really special. They have a traditional Albanian sheep’s milk, dessert that was really wonderful. We ate dinner here every night. There are two pools and a great view of the castle. It was just stunning. It was just unbelievably stunning! Highly recommend.

An unexpected world class gem of a hotel in this beautiful part of Albania. Located on the top of a steep hill with sensational views over the town, the old castle and the mountain range. Magnificent. The hotel is currently in two buildings close together. The rooms are large and beautifully furnished with stone floors & timber ceiling. Some have balconies. There is a comfortable queen size bed. The bathroom is also a good size with a shower. There did not seem to be any English TV channels available. But it was a big size smart TV which had YouTube, Spotify & other apps available. The hotel wifi was amazingly fast enabling streaming on own devices. There is a beautiful outdoor pool and spa & veranda with sun lounged. The dining room overlooks the valley and the mountains. There is also a nice bar area. Breakfast was included served at the table which was extensive & delicious. The hotel staff do everything they can to give good service & are very helpful & friendly. Great place to stay although a tough walk to the old town due to the steep hills. Suggest you need transport to get down to the old town and back. Would stay here again in a heartbeat & for more than one night.

For a holiday, a short trip, a meal or just a coffee - Kerculla is the absolute recommendation for Gjirokaster. Best hotel in town! The location and the view are unique. Anyone who comes to Gjirokaster must have seen this. The hotel lovingly combines the historical elements of the typical architectural style of Gjirokaster with a modern ambience. The food is first class. The pool with jacuzzi and infinity pool is currently being completed and is unique. If you want to stay in a beautiful hotel high above Gjirokaster and be pampered, you have to come here.

Our favourite place we stayed in Albania! Pictures can't do the view from the hotel justice, but having dinner out on the terrace looking over Gjirokaster at sunset was out of this world. The food was amazing (both dinner and the incredible breakfast spread), all of the staff were so friendly and the rooms are a great size, clean and comfortable. A must stay in Albania!

You should come to Albania just to stay at this hotel. Seriously magical place. The view and rooms were amazing. The staff was spectacular. It's a bummer to get up that hill so let someone else drive it but once you get to the top it will all be worth it. The towel warmer in the bath area was a nice perk. Spend the money (this place is far too low priced for what you get) and get the room with a view. The bfast was lovely. We were there too early and they still went over the top. The main restaurant for dinner was alright. I'd rather go to the old town. Service was amazing however. Cannot recommend enough for this area