Arka Art Hotel

This is a very interesting hotel but there were a couple of things that made our stay unpleasant. The main one was that in mid October the temperature was still in the 80’s and they switched the air conditioning off in the rooms and only had heat! Our room was stuffy and HOT! No fans were available to help with the oppressive heat. The crazy thing was that the hallways and common spaces all seemed to still be air conditioned! The windows opened but the lights outside were so bright we could not sleep unless the curtain was closed. We booked the room through ******* with free breakfast and the front desk person kept insisting to me that we did not get breakfast for free and would need to pay $30 for 2! I had to email him my receipt from ******* before he would believe me! The breakfast was fine for free but was a very mediocre buffet and we had to ask for bowls, cups, etc because they were not out! The pool was also closed down and it would have been nice to be able to swim with the temperatures so high. The view from the rooftop is the best part of this hotel. We only stayed here because our daughter lives in the neighborhood but otherwise it far from all the attractions of Tirana.

View and experience of swimming with the view is priceless. It’s worth to stay in this hotel just for that. Staff is nice and helpful. We like a lot of things about hotel and it’s unique experience which shows Albanian heritage. The hotel is beautiful idea. However to get better some changes need to happen. The hotel design has these grande ideas but finish is not great - was opening rushed? Also some things already needs maintenance small pool mosaic tiles are missing or falling off, swimming pool decking needs repainting etc. staff needs training so everyone gives you the same answer, some staff did not say good morning etc when you pass by and we said it first. It was enough staff to provide service but service was slow - two factors to blame was not adequate training and too complex systems of ordering/charges… Our booking never stated that there is a separate charge for swimming pool - €45 a day! Why don’t you simply make the room more expensive? I don’t mind paying but it’s daily annoyance of - if you have pinapple, strawberry, apple or peach juice for breakfast is free but orange juice you need to pay extra, small little charges are annoying me… like water… like cappuccino. Just increase price per room, make very easy pricing system… people don’t like to hear about charges whilst already on holiday. Then silly rules-not allowed to bring your own drink to room, if you want certain table you need to order min value etc…