Kalaja e Lëkurësit — Attraction in Bashkia Sarandë

This will be a long story, but with all the nuances that future visitors should pay attention to: My family of 5 (3 adults and 2 children) arrived early an hour and a half! before the kitchen opened at this establishment to take the outermost table to better enjoy the beautiful view and beautiful sunset. After we arrived, I approached various waiters and asked, "Do I need to make a table reservation? Can I make a table reservation? And how can I make it?" To which 3!!!! waiters told me that reservations were not possible, we could take any table on a first-come, first-served basis, but in an hour. To which we agreed and went for a walk around the castle. After half an hour we saw that visitors started to approach the tables. We too approached the tables, which miraculously had reserve signs on them (which couldn't have been done just half an hour ago! If they had said everything was taken and reserved, we wouldn't have said anything! But it was made clear to us that there was no reservation by several waiters)! Reservations were on all but 3 tables: table for 4, table for 3, and table for 2. We asked if we could sit at the table for 4 and put a 5th chair up there? We didn't care that someone is sitting on the corner, we don't interfere with other tables, we don't block the aisle. The waiter replied that it was impossible because we would be in the way. To whom we would interfere, we still did not understand. Then we decided to take 2 tables: 2 adults at one table (for 2), 1 adult and 2 children at another table (for 4, because the table for 3 took a couple of 2 people). To which we were told: 1 family cannot take 2 tables, many guests want to see the sunset and because of you they will leave and in general it is difficult for him to do 1 check for 2 tables. We said we could pay everything in 2 checks with tip for 2 checks and that he didn't have to do 1 check if it was difficult. To which we were already told that wasn't the problem, but that other people wouldn't be able to sit near the sunset because of us (to give you a better understanding of the situation, it was empty and there were no people around to claim one of the tables. After a long persuasion to put us 5 chair to sit at 1 table and free 2, the waiter replied: I do not want to argue with you, you will see for yourself that the 5 chair will interfere. Did we argue with him? No, we calmly offered options. But the only thing he suggested was to sit at any table without a view, but we drove so long just for the view! We arrived early when there were no people! We wouldn't have been in anyone's way! Did our 5th chair get in anyone's way? Not either, because there was plenty of room to get through! Next we were served by another waiter, the one we assume didn't want to work with us. We weren't rude or swearing though. The 2nd waiter and his assistants were not bad. The food wasn't bad: not super tasty for its price, but decent. The price may have been inflated due to high demand and beautiful view (as in any similar places) After an hour of arrival in this restaurant, 1 waiter, who forbade us literally everything, already with a smile slid the tables next to us with a view of the sunset, for young girls and put extra chairs for men without problems. Why they are allowed and we are not, remains a mystery to our entire family. It seemed like the bad situation was over but it didn't end there, after we ate we wanted to ask for the bill but first we couldn't find our waiter and then after 2 attempts to ask for the bill from other people, we did manage to pay the bill. Which was brought to us by that first waiter. We left a small tip because there were a couple good moments, but the bad feeling remained. I wish we hadn't left it, because the first waiter said, "Hey girl, there are other people waiting for this table," and asked me and my family to get up and make room! Was there a reservation for these people? No. Was there a restriction to sit at the tables? No! We were about to leave ourselves, but such rudeness was clearly...

Disappointing Experience at Lekuresi Castle: Rude Staff and Poor Service

Our visit to Lekuresi Castle, which we had eagerly anticipated for its reputation and scenic views, turned out to be an incredibly disappointing experience marred by poor service, unprofessional staff, and a shocking lack of accommodation for dietary needs.

From the moment we arrived, things started to go downhill. We were seated promptly, and the atmosphere seemed inviting. However, this initial impression quickly faded as we began to inquire about the food preparation. One of our party has specific dietary requirements, so we asked basic questions about the ingredients and cooking methods used in their dishes. To our astonishment, the waitstaff were either unable or unwilling to provide clear and definitive answers. This lack of transparency is unacceptable, especially for a restaurant that is supposedly of high caliber.

After much confusion and unhelpful responses, we managed to order only one main course for one person, as this was the only dish that the staff could vaguely assure us might meet our dietary needs. For a group of three, this was highly unsatisfactory and disappointing. We were left in an uncomfortable position, unsure whether the restaurant was simply ignorant of dietary concerns or indifferent to customer needs.

The situation took an even worse turn when the manager approached our table. Instead of addressing our concerns or attempting to rectify the situation, he brusquely asked us to move. His demeanor was rude and dismissive, and when we asked for clarification, he stated bluntly that they would not serve us any food and that all three of us needed to leave immediately. This unprovoked demand was shocking and entirely unwarranted. We had not caused any disturbance; we were merely seeking assurance that the food we would consume met our dietary requirements.

The manager's aggressive attitude led to a heated argument. His refusal to serve us based on our legitimate inquiries about the food preparation was both baffling and infuriating. We were treated not as customers with valid concerns but as inconveniences to be swiftly removed. This lack of professionalism and basic customer service was appalling.

Feeling deeply frustrated and insulted, we decided to leave. Our entire experience at Lekuresi Castle was ruined. A restaurant of this standing should be prepared to answer questions about their food, especially when it comes to dietary restrictions and allergies. Moreover, treating customers with respect and understanding should be a fundamental aspect of their service.

In summary, our visit to Lekuresi Castle was an utter disappointment. The staff’s inability to address dietary concerns, combined with the manager's rude and dismissive attitude, made for an unpleasant experience that we will not forget. We left hungry, disheartened, and determined never to return. If you have any dietary requirements or simply value respectful customer service, I strongly advise you to look elsewhere. There are many restaurants that are more than willing to accommodate their guests and treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Avoid Lekuresi Castle if you expect any semblance of customer service or basic professionalism. Our experience was a stark reminder that a beautiful location cannot make up for poor service and...

Nice views of the sunset but definitely NOT worth visiting, spend your time and money elsewhere as there are lots and lots of other places with stunning views and vibes in Sarandë. The service and treatment you receive is absolutely shocking. Never been to a place like this.

We were seated in the middle balcony and the bar area had not opened. So I went up the steps where the bar was open. Apparently all the reasonably priced bottles of wine were “not available” so I bought a pretty expensive one. After getting back to our table and having not even poured a glass, I was approached by a waiter. He said I couldn’t drink that bottle here as it was purchased from the bar a few steps up (it does not state this anywhere and nobody tells you until after you’ve purchased a bottle) I said okay I won’t drink it and will wait for them to open their bar. Then he became rude and basically said “take your wine and leave”. So 2 of us went up and drank the wine.

Meanwhile he started being rude to the 2 people that stayed at that table and after opening the bar and taking their order, he just ignored them. So we then spent the next hour and a half enjoying the views but this guy ensured nobody served us any food or drink. No idea what this guy was getting out of this and never seen this sort of behaviour before, anywhere.

For your reference he was a skinny guy with a beard and a real attitude problem.

After sunset we left and enjoyed a nice evening drinking cocktails and eating better quality food by the beach.

Leaving there is a nightmare, winding narrow roads with vehicles travelling both ways with a lot of waiting and not much light.

Also for reference the taxi price is set at 2000 Lek, even if you are only 5-10 minutes away. Really wish I had...