We stayed at Hotel Saranda in Albania for 9 nights and had a mixed experience.
The positives were the excellent location, with a supermarket nearby and the port area just a 15–20 minute walk away, offering plenty of bars and restaurants. Our room was small but nicely decorated and kept spotlessly clean throughout our stay. The lady working in the breakfast area was lovely, friendly, and welcoming. There were also plenty of sunbeds available around both the pool and beach areas.
Unfortunately, the reception service let the hotel down. The young receptionist was often abrupt and unwelcoming. Reception was frequently unattended, so if you needed assistance with a taxi, room query, or other request, you had to search for her. We often found her in the pool bar area, drinking & chatting with colleagues!
Check-in was not a good experience. We were immediately given a list of rules, including only being allowed to change pool towels every other day and a €20 charge for losing the cardboard room key card. Utterly ridiculous!
The sunbeds were old and worn, and the ashtrays around the beach beds were not emptied during our entire stay. As a non-smoker, it was unpleasant seeing overflowing cigarette butts every day.
Breakfast was also disappointing & depressing, with very limited choice and little variety.
Overall, the hotel has a great location and very clean rooms, but the reception service, breakfast, and beach facilities need improvement.