Hotel Reviews
Sheraton Tirana
Sheski Italia, Tirana, Albania
+44 (0)800 325 3535
www.sheraton.com
Located in the centre of Tirana close to the University, financial and banking district and 30 minutes from the airport. The Sheraton is a city landmark in itself, black glass, cement exterior with large entrance canopy. The grounds are not particularly attractive and the exterior could do with a clean and some minor repairs but it's still the smartest building in town.
The lobby is large, airy and modern with three small reception desks with guest chairs for a more personalised reception. There is a large comfortable lounge in the lobby area leading out onto a spacious terrace.
The dining room, the Metropolitan, has a glitzy art deco style providing international and local cuisine but regular guests say it is overpriced and not to the standard of good local restaurants. There is also a small food court in an integral shopping mall offering Mexican, Italian and Asian dishes along with three bars offering snack food.
A smart and very comfortable lobby bar is complimented with the three more informal food court bars downstairs. The mall has a very large screen TV for sports and special events.
There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre with modern equipment, sauna and relaxation area. The shopping mall, the Sheraton Plaza, has a good range of shops including pharmacy, hairdresser, florist, shoes, lingerie, jeweller, bank (with ATM), travel services and a souvenir shop. There is ample parking space and taxis are always available.
Sheraton Tirana is a well-managed property in a class of its own for Albania so the absence of competition makes it a little complacent. The only competitor is The Rogner, which used to be considered the best hotel in Tirana. However, it looks tired beside the Sheraton although it is a very acceptable alternative and is still popular with local people for special functions.