Best Western Premier Ark Hotel — Hotel in Kruje

As requested by receptionists I post the review- unfortunately it cannot be positive. We arrived on Thursday afternoon (SEP 8 2022). First of all we were disappointed by impolite service in the restaurant that we used twice- for the lunch and for the dinner. During the lunch we were served by the waitress (black pony-tailed hair) that was impolite, impatient and angry. She was confusing the price of house wine several times- once she was saying the price of 800 LEK, shortly after 8000 LEK, then 800 LEK again and suddenly she showed her disapproval that we dare to ask of the price of house wine as "it is so cheap as 80 EUR". Seriously? This is a price for house wine? During the evening we were lucky not to be served by her. Restaurant manager came, took the order and professionally delivered pastas and drinks we ordered. Then nightmare started and angry, stressed and tired (the same) waitress came and stated that "she does not know if / and what/ kind of dessert is left and we can go to the other bar and ask them". Seriously? You have desserts in the card and when I ordered panna cotta and tiramissu and I must go to different place to ask it it is still available? This is not a treatment I would expect in a cheap meat shop, not in aspiring 4 star hotel. This situation forced me to write the review. Hotel itself is pathetic with desperate need of maintanence- in our room nr 101 shower hand holder was falling apart whenever I was trying to move it, fridge did not produce any cold, water did not drain from the bidet and shower gel was so small that was not enogh to take even one shower, for one person. There is plenty cheaper hotels literally a few steps away where price- quality ratio will be much more honest. Probably the staff will not treat us and intruder who dare to ask for the price of "house wine that is that...

I stayed here 1 night in a Standard Double Room. The room was clean and with all necessities. It had even a Smart TV (Android) and I was able to use Netflix. Watter kettle and gratuity coffee and tea packs and one bottle of watter per person invluded and the fridge was packed with variety of drink. Service was friendly and always helpful. I have 5 stars for the location, but this is because it is 5min walk from Tirana Int'l Airport. I highly recommend it for this who arrived late or depart very early from this airport. Still, Tirana and Durrës are 25 and 35 min drive away (but I dont recommend driving at night. I dont judge your driving skills, only others driving bihind pr in front of you.

Bathroom was spacious, long sing with two faucets/taps, my room had shower, but larger version and more expensive had battubs, too. Normal toiletries included (two toothbrushes in boxes with one time use toothpaste tube, shampoo and lotion, sponnge with oil to clean the shoes, vanity kit, sewing kit, etc. Breakfast was included and hald the usual necessities (coffee was filtered) eggs, sausage, fresh bread, cheese and ham, yoghurt (both fruity and plain). There is an a la carte restaurant and ptices where cheap (normal local prices and not exagerated (my piglet steak cost as much as two sanduiches inside the airport!!!) The place seemed spec clean, but bear in mind that airport is being extended and there is a large construction going on 24/7 right in from of the hotel. Outside is noise and dusty (muddy of it is rainy). However, the noise is not heard that much indoors (It was no problem for...

spent two nights here, not consecutively, so I had the chance to experience two different rooms. The first room had a strong smell of cigarette smoke, not fresh, but it was clear that the room had been previously used by smokers. The second room was fine with no such issues. Both rooms showed signs of wear and age, suggesting the hotel was built around the early 2000s and could use a renovation.

The breakfast was sufficient, and the staff in the breakfast area was friendly and helpful. The reception staff was a bit disorganized, but it didn’t affect my stay negatively or in any critical way.

The surrounding area isn’t particularly impressive. There’s construction happening both at the hotel and nearby, which means a lot of dust and noise. This could be disruptive if you’re looking for a peaceful environment.

I didn’t visit the fitness center this time, but I hope to next time. The location of the hotel is ideal, especially for early morning departures or late-night arrivals. Additionally, if you have a rental car and don’t need it on the same day, you can save by picking it up the next day.

Overall, I would recommend this hotel for a short stay if you need easy access to the airport. For a longer stay or if you’re looking for more luxurious surroundings, there might be better options in other parts...