Escape to Paradise: HOTEL ERANDI, Lush Albania Awaits!
My Rambling, Honest, and Absolutely Unfiltered Review of Escape to Paradise: HOTEL ERANDI, Lush Albania Awaits! (Prepare for Albania-Sized Rambling!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from… well, let’s just say my soul needed a major reboot. And Hotel Erandi in Albania? Hoo boy, did that get it done. I'm talking a serious escape to paradise – with a few Albanian quirks thrown in for good measure. This isn't your sterilized, perfectly-curated Insta-feed review, folks. This is the real deal, the raw emotion, the slightly-too-much-raki-fueled honesty. So grab a strong coffee (or maybe a shot of something stronger), and let's dive in!
First things first: The Location, Oh, the Location! Lush Albania? Absolutely. Imagine rolling hills, turquoise waters (the Ionian Sea is just WOW), and a vibe that's both wild and welcoming. The hotel itself is perched… well, it's perched somewhere beautiful. I’m lousy with directions, but trust me, getting lost is half the fun. It’s like the Albanian equivalent of "it's on the road to somewhere amazing." And, let's be honest, the views from pretty much everywhere are Instagrammable (even I managed to take a decent shot or two, and I'm more of a "point and click and hope for the best" kind of photographer).
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Sunny!)
Okay, here's the reality check. Accessibility isn't perfect everywhere in Albania, and Hotel Erandi is no exception. While there are Facilities for disabled guests, it's not a fully universally accessible wonderland. The elevator, thankfully, is a lifesaver. I did notice some access limitations in the pathways, and I didn’t get a chance to check the on-site accessible restaurants / lounges, which I regret. I’m not an expert on wheelchair accessibility, but for someone who needs it, it’s crucial to call ahead and ask specific questions, especially about the access from the parking to the main entrance.
Internet: Connecting to Reality (and Sometimes Disconnecting!)
Listen, I’m a digital nomad… or at least, I like to think I am. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a total godsend. My inner millennial thrives on that essential connection. Internet access – LAN as well and Internet services are available as well, but, let’s face it, I’m using the free WIFI, so no one cares. The speed? Predictable. Sometimes lightning-fast, other times I’d be there watching the little spinny thing for a while, but that's just part of the charm. And, let’s be real, part of the Albanian experience. Embrace the slowness! It forces you to actually look up and breathe. And the Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty reliable, which was a massive bonus for when I’d work on the terrace, enjoying the sunshine and the view and wondering how I got here.
The Room: My Little Albanian Sanctuary… With a Few Quirks!
My Air conditioning was absolutely essential (more on that later). The Air conditioning was an absolute lifesaver!. And the blackout curtains? Needed for some serious sleep after my afternoon nap. The extra long bed was a dream. I’m a tall gal, and I could stretch out without my feet dangling off the end! The mini bar was stocked, and I may or may not have indulged in a few… well, several bottles of the local wine. I also loved the complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker. The bathrobes were fluffy and everything a woman needed to be relaxed. The shower was divine. Hot water, great water pressure, perfect for washing away the travel grime. My room also had a window that opens, which was a huge plus. The in-room safe box was good for the vital documents, and the desk was perfect for that quick email session before the next adventure. There was even a seating area with a perfect view to contemplate my life. Oh.. and there was no additional toilet! The slippers were super comfy and were a nice touch. But, here’s the thing. This is Albania. My Satellite/cable channels selection wasn’t the best, but who cares? I wasn't there to watch TV! The slippers were divine, but I was also aware that there was some kind of party going on that night, so the soundproofing wasn't perfect, so I had to move some furniture so I could finally sleep. The room also had a phone and a mirror. Everything I needed and more.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Albanian Adventure!
Okay, let's talk food. I’m not a chef, but I consider myself a serious eater. And… the food at Hotel Erandi? Chef’s kiss. The Breakfast [buffet] was a magnificent sight. I'm a fan of a massive breakfast and the options were fantastic. You could have delicious cheese pies (byrek), fresh fruit, pastries, and local yogurt with honey. It was a carb-lover’s dream! The Breakfast [buffet] always had a great selections. The buffet restaurant was massive with so much to eat and try.
And while I’m not a huge fan of Asian cuisine, there was an Asian cuisine in restaurant that was an interesting experience. Also, the Vegetarian restaurant had some incredible options!
I may or may not have spent a LOT of time at the Poolside bar, sipping cocktails while watching the sun dip below the sea. Happy hour? Definitely a favorite. I ordered a lot of Bottle of water. The poolside bar was perfect for people-watching.. And the snack bar had everything I needed.
The Restaurants were all really good - and that A la carte in restaurant was a great option. Oh, and the Desserts in restaurant were heavenly. I’m still dreaming about that baklava…
The Poolside bar was the best place to relax. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was an excellent option.
And the Room service [24-hour]? That was essential, especially after one particularly long day of exploring.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: From Spa Days to Sunset Views!
Alright, this is where Hotel Erandi really shines. This is Albania, after all. I tried to visit the spa (it was gorgeous), but I was too busy exploring.
Spa: I didn't fully experience the spa. And I can't report how the other services are either.
Swimming pool [outdoor]: The Pool with view was just exquisite. I spent hours in the pool, watching the sparkling water, the sun… it was magical.
Fitness center: Didn't use this. Too busy eating baklava.
Sauna: I didn't make it to the sauna either.
Massage: I loved my massage! It was just what I needed.
Foot bath: Never got to the foot bath either.
Body scrub: Didn't make it.
Body wrap: I also missed this.
Steamroom: You guessed it. Missed it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (Mostly!)
I felt safe at Hotel Erandi. The Staff trained in safety protocol, and there was Security [24-hour]. They did a great job keeping the place clean to the best they can. Everything I needed. I also noticed the Hand sanitizer, was easily available. And the First aid kit was very useful as well. The Daily disinfection in common areas, and especially the rooms sanitized between stays were a must.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easy (or at Least Easier!)
The Concierge was incredibly helpful with tips and recommendations. The Daily housekeeping was a godsend. It was brilliant. Always. The Luggage storage was essential. The Doorman was really helpful. The Air conditioning in public area was absolutely vital. Cash withdrawal was important as well. The Dry cleaning and Laundry service were a plus. The Elevator was a godsend as well. The Safety deposit boxes. I was always carrying important documents, so it was perfect. My room had Ironing facilities
For the Kids: A Family-Friendly Option?
I'm not a parent, but I did see a few families there. I did not try the Babysitting service. I also did not try the Kids meal.
Getting Around: Navigating Albania (and the Hotel!)
They offer Taxi service and Car park [free of charge]! I tried to used the Airport transfer.
My Hotel Erandi Experience: The Verdict (and a Few More Confessions!)
Listen, Hotel Erandi isn't perfect. There might be a few hiccups here and there. Things aren’t
Uncover Paradise: Asia Novo Boutique Hotel Awaits in Midsayap, Philippines
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this is NOT your sanitized, perfectly curated travel itinerary. We're going to Albania (HOTEL ERANDI, Larushk to be exact) and it's going to be… well, it's going to be ME. Prepare for the unfiltered.
The "Albanian Adventure: Where My Sanity Goes to Die (and Maybe Reborn… or Just Get Tanned)" - A Messy Itinerary
Pre-Trip Chaos (Because Let's Be Real, That's Part of the Fun)
- Weeks Leading Up: Okay, so I said I'd book flights. I didn't. Panic set in. Spent three hours on Skyscanner, feeling like I needed a PhD in Flight Pricing. Found decent flights. "Decent" being code for "won't bankrupt me OR involve a layover in a country I can't pronounce." Packing? Still haven't. My suitcase is currently a black hole of "stuff I might need." Including, inexplicably, three pairs of boots. Albania, you are not ready for my boot game.
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret (Just Kidding… Mostly)
- Morning: Ugh. The airport. The smell of stale coffee and desperation. Found my flight alright, but the airport experience was a reminder that I'm not made for early mornings. Smuggled a half-eaten croissant from my bag (shh!). Flight was… bumpy. I clutched a stranger's hand for a solid 20 minutes. Awkward.
- Afternoon: Landed in Tirana! The air smells different… earthy, maybe a hint of exhaust fumes. The drive to Larushk… let's just say my driver resembled a Formula 1 racer on a particularly caffeine-fueled day. We got to the hotel, Hotel Erandi. It's… charming. In a slightly crumbling, but charming, sort of way. The view from my balcony? Spectacular. Seriously, the mountains are gorgeous. But also a bit daunting. Like, "I should probably do some actual hiking" daunting. The room? Small. But clean. And the bed? It calls to me. Must resist nap.
- Evening: Errands. I went to a local market, where I attempted to barter for some olive oil with my questionable Albanian skills (which amount to "hello," "thank you," and "beer"). The vendor laughed at me. I probably deserved it. Tried the local beer (Korca I. P.) Great, and went to sleep. Exhausted, but happy.
Day 2: Hiking and Hysteria (Or, "When I Realized I'm Not a Mountain Goat")
- Morning: Okay, the mountains beckoned. I'm a nature person! I love hiking! (Disclaimer: I'm more of a "Netflix-and-chill" person, but whatever). I decide… I would start with a trek. I saw a trail near the hotel. It looked short and easy. Famous last words. This wasn’t a stroll; it was a vertical ascent. My lungs burned. My legs screamed. At one point, I swear I saw a squirrel judging me. I was on my way back to the hotel.
- Afternoon: Back at the hotel, nursing my wounds (mostly metaphorical, thankfully, although I now have a blister that's the size of a small continent). Sat on the balcony and just… stared. The silence was incredible. Except for the occasional rooster crowing, which, I’ll admit, started to grate on my nerves after about the tenth time.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food… Wow. The Albanian cuisine. I had no idea. Simple, fresh ingredients, seasoned with magic. I tried a traditional lamb dish, and I am in love. The wine was equally as delicious. The staff was warm, welcoming, and patient with my attempts to speak Albanian. I'd feel like I was home!
Day 3: The Beach and a Lesson in Sardinian Patience (or, "Me vs. The Albanian Sun")
- Morning: A trip to the beach! Finally! A little seaside town. The drive was beautiful. The beach? Turquoise water, white sand, the whole shebang!
- Afternoon: Sunbathing. I'm usually a lobster-red kinda gal, but I was determined to embrace the sun. Applied copious amounts of sunscreen. And… somehow… got slightly burned. Don't ask me how. I think it's because I spent 10 minutes staring at the water, in a daze. The only thing that made sense was the water. So clear.
- Evening: More of the awesome food (really, it's incredible). I walked along the beach as the sun set, and it was beautiful. Just, beautiful. Did I catch a glimpse of myself and smiled at what I'd become?
Day 4: A Day Trip that went Wrong (But Was Awesome)
- Morning: Decided to visit the surrounding region. A bus trip to a nearby village. The bus was very Albanian. Crammed, loud, and smelled faintly of goat, somehow, but it was alright. The village itself was picturesque, a real throwback. I went to a local cafe and had coffee.
- Afternoon: Got lost. Miserably lost. Wandered down a dirt track, following a particularly insistent donkey. Ended up at a goat farm. The farmer (a weathered man with a twinkle in his eye) tried to communicate with me in Albanian. I responded with hand gestures. He gave me a piece of fresh bread with a dollop of goat cheese. The best thing I've eaten in days.
- Evening: Back at the hotel (eventually). Exhausted but happy. The farmer's friendliness made me think. The only thing that mattered was taking it easy.
Day 5: More Adventure (or, "I'm Getting Used to this Chaos")
- Morning: Another hike in the mountains. Not as steep this time (learning!). Found a hidden waterfall. Sat and watched it. The water felt amazing on my burning legs.
- Afternoon: Lounged by the pool. Did some writing. Tried to journal. Ended up just staring into space again. The mountains were stunning.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Almost cried. The waiter brought out a special dessert. This was actually home.
Day 6: Departure and a (Slightly) Better Person?
- Morning: Last breakfast. Packed. Looked at my shoes again. Still three pairs. The drive back to Tirana felt different. I felt sad to leave.
- Afternoon: Airport again. The same smell of stale coffee. The same feeling of dread. But this time, something was different. I… I hadn't completely melted down. Flight home.
- Evening: Home. Jet lag. A mountain of laundry. But also a feeling. A hint of peace, a sense of accomplishment, and a deep desire to return to Albania.
Post-Trip Ramblings and Regrets (Because We Can't Forget Those)
- I probably should have learned more Albanian.
- I missed a key landmark.
- I packed way too many boots.
- But, overall: A total success. I got a little lost, a little sunburned, and a lot inspired. Albania, you magnificent, chaotic, beautiful beast. I'll be back. And next time, I'll bring better hiking shoes. And maybe a phrase book. And definitely fewer boots. Maybe.
Escape to Paradise: HOTEL ERANDI – Albania! (Okay, Here We Go...)
Okay, so, Albania. Is it actually… paradise? Like, full-blown, angels-on-chariots paradise?
Alright, let's be real. "Paradise" is a big word. And frankly, I was skeptical as hell. You know? Albania. It always felt...unexplored. And I pictured, like, dusty roads and questionable plumbing.
But Erandi? Erandi changed my world. The view from my balcony? Jaw-dropping. Think electric blue water, the kind you see in those perfectly filtered Instagram posts. And the mountains? Majestic AF. Did it feel like heaven? Parts of it, yeah. Especially after that second (or third…) cocktail by the pool.
But it's *real* too. The imperfections? They make it charming. Like, one morning, the water pressure was…optimistic. But hey, adventures, right? And the staff? So incredibly kind. They're not trying to be perfect, they're just…real. And that's a slice of paradise in itself, I reckon.
What's the deal with the hotel itself? Is it, like, luxurious? Or more…rustic-chic? (And how's the Wi-Fi, seriously?)
Okay, here’s the honest truth about Erandi's vibe: It's *refined* rustic-chic. Imagine a slightly overgrown garden (in the best way possible!), and rooms that are clean, comfortable, and *tastefully* decorated. Not blingy, not overly fussy. Just…well put together. The balconies are a total win. Like, you MUST get a room with one. Seriously. Do not pass go; do not collect $200. Get. The. Balcony. The view... well, I'll say it again: jaw-dropping.
The Wi-Fi? Look, it's not the speed of light. But it works. Mostly. You won't be able to livestream the entire series of "Ted Lasso" (which, let's be honest, you *shouldn't* be doing on vacation anyway!), but you can check emails, post some envy-inducing pics (guilty as charged!), and stay connected enough. Embrace a little digital detox. You'll be better for it. Trust me, you'll be too busy drinking cocktails and soaking up the views.
The food! Tell me about the food! Is it all just…gyros? (Please say no to endless gyros!).
No gyros, my friend! (Unless you *want* gyros. I mean, sometimes…a gyro is exactly what the doctor ordered.) But Erandi's food is SO MUCH MORE. It's Albanian, and it's fresh. I mean, beyond fresh. The tomatoes? They taste like…well, like tomatoes should. The seafood is off-the-charts good, fished right out of the sea that morning. (I actually witnessed fishermen bringing in the catch one morning… talk about *fresh*.)
The breakfasts are the best. A buffet of local cheeses, fresh bread, eggs cooked to order... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! And the dinners? Oh, those dinners. Try the grilled octopus. Seriously. Order it. Right now. Okay, wait until you book your trip… then order it. And the wine… Albanian wine is a revelation. I've always been a little *meh* about wine...but the Albanian stuff? Some serious magic.
What are the best things to do *besides* just lounging by the pool (which, let's be real, is a huge draw)? Should I rent a car?
Okay, okay, I get it. The pool is calling your name. And it's a very good call to answer. But Albania is a land of adventures. Listen, rent a car. Seriously. *Rent. A. Car*. It's relatively cheap. It gives you freedom.
Here's what to do: Drive the Albanian Riviera. It's like the Amalfi Coast...but maybe even more beautiful. Hit up the beaches. The water is crystal clear. Visit the ancient ruins of Butrint (amazing!). Venture inland to explore the mountains. Drive! Drive, drive everywhere! Stop at random little cafes. Talk to the locals (they're super friendly). Get lost. (Well, maybe not *too* lost, keep Google Maps handy, just in case).
One minor setback, on my trip, was a tiny dent on the car due to a narrow street but it wasn't a big deal, and the lovely hotel staff helped me sort it out. It's all part of the adventure.
Any tips for preparing for the trip? Weather? Money situation? What to pack?
Alright, let's tick off some practicalities.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast. It can change quickly. Bring layers, especially if you're visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). Summer? Expect sunshine and heat. Pack your sunscreen! Like, A LOT of sunscreen.
- Money: The currency is the Albanian Lek (ALL). Cash is king outside of the big hotels and restaurants. There are ATMs in the bigger towns, but withdrawing from them can be tricky. Exchange some money when you arrive in Tirana or at the airport.
- What to pack: Swimsuits. Lots of them. Sunscreen (I can't say it enough!). A hat. Sunglasses. Comfortable shoes for exploring. A nice outfit or two for dinner (but don't overpack...the hotel is relaxed). A phrasebook or a translation app – learning a few basic Albanian phrases is a lovely gesture. A portable charger – because you'll be taking a *million* photos!
- Overall Vibe: Relax and be ready to slow down. Albanian life is much more laid-back than many other countries. Embrace it!
Okay, I'm sold. But...is it *safe*? Like, really?
Yes, absolutely! I never felt unsafe. Albania is a very safe country for tourists. People were incredibly welcoming and friendly. I walked around alone at night, and never felt threatened. Of course, use common sense, like you would anywhere. Keep an eye on your belongings. Be aware of your surroundings overall. But honestly, I felt safer in Albania than in many other places I've traveled. Just relax and enjoy.
Any other random tips or things I should know? Any downsides (because, let's be real, nothing's perfect)?
Okay, here's the good, the bad, and the slightly messy.
The Downsides:
Staynado
