Kerculla Resort

Oh what a find! We were slightly nervous about our Albania trip and we really did not need to be. It was an hour’s drive from Sarande in to the mountains to Gjirokaster via some stunning scenery but there was not much habitation in between. We were apprehensive about what we would find on our arrival in Gjirokaster. The village itself is absolutely stunning with loads of culture and history and authentic food and the people are just lovely. To get to the hotel you have to drive to the top of the hill and just when you wonder what you have booked you sweep down a long drive way to this absolute gem of a hotel. The views are breath taking of the mountains, valley and Gjirokaster and the castle below. I cannot express how beautiful it is. Our room was stunning. An authentic Ottoman style room with carved ceilings and wooden four poster bed. Our children were on single beds in the living area of the suite. The bedroom opens on to a balcony with the stunning, sweeping views of the mountainside and pool area. The most prefect spot for an evening glass of champagne watching the wildlife and the sun set on the valley below. We could not believe how perfect it was. The room is well appointed and spacious and clean. The pool area is exceptional with three pools with panoramic views of the mountains and town and infinity pool on the top deck. They are peaceful and relaxing with lovely sunbeds and the décor around the pool has been incredibly well curated. Stunning! We booked dinner in the restaurant for the first night and again we were apprehensive. The restaurant has a mind blowing view and one of the waiters suggested a bottle of white Albanian wine. It is honestly the best wine we have tasted in a long time, a bit like a really good Chablis and we are very much in to our food and drink with my husband sourcing wine from all over the world. The food was fabulous and we had such a wonderful dinner. Service was superb. My only niggle is that the mains came out before the starters were finished and they forgot to order the kids mains which meant we were finished our mains by the time theirs arrived and they are slow eaters. Please give customers a break between the starters and the mains. The service in the restaurant was excellent otherwise and we felt very well looked after. You will need to get a taxi down to the bazaar but is only 5 euros and the hotel recommended a taxi service. The Manager very kindly came out to help us with one of our taxis which was very much appreciated and he seemed super keen to ensure everything was ok for our stay and that the taxi driver was looking after us and not ripping us off. Thank you. Breakfast was buffet style. It was ok but I’m not a buffet fan as I hate eating food that’s been sitting out. Some a la carte options would improve the breakfast offering . This hotel really is wonderful and we wished we had booked a longer stay. We have recommended the hotel to friends and family and i

Such a beautiful hotel in an amazing location. The rooms are spacious, modern and comfortable, and each room has an amazing view. The pools are beautiful, and it’s a stunning location to have breakfast and dinner. It’s a fair stroll downhill into town, but a taxi back is no problem.

Loud remixed 90's hits during dinner, making it impossible to hear the swallows chirping around in the sunset. Asked for them to turn down the music when I was seated right in front of the speakers blasting music, but were told that it wasn't possible. Didn't feel like appropriate type of music for the situation either way, felt like I was at a fast food joint. Felt like it was maybe more for the entertainment of the overworked staff than for the guests. The food was alright for the most part (breakfast was amazing however), but the loud party music really brought down the experience. Thought a secluded 4-star hotel in the mountains would give the ultimate peaceful experience but was wrong about that. Which is such a shame because the view from the restaurant's terrace really is stunning, but I didn't feel like I could enjoy it. Service was kind of uneven, some people were really friendly and helpful, and others a quite aloof. One was glued to his phone the whole time during service, or on youtube putting on aforementioned music and loudly singing or clapping along. I've worked as a server myself at far less exclusive establishments and that behavior would not have been acceptable there. Would be fine at cheaper places but the price tag sets certain expectations. Service by the pool area also seemed really random, you mostly had to go up to the restaurant for yourself to make the order. But not allowed to walk around in your bathing suit outside of the pool area so it became quite impractical and a bit of a hassle just to order drinks there. Quality of the drinks was also quite low, at least the smoothie and the iced coffees I tried. The room was beautiful but like with service and the atmosphere you definitely see a lack of attention to detail. A loose cable was curled up in a corner of the bathroom, a couple of screws just laying around in the wardrobe drawers. The towel didn't have a loop in order to be properly hung, and the only hook available was located directly over the toilet brush. The "mountain view" from the room did include some parts of a mountain view but mainly a gravel parking space of some sort, a shed and some construction material. At least some cute donkeys walked around there from time to time. All in all a hotel with a spectacular view, nice pool area and rooms, but I regret choosing this hotel for our stay since I don't feel like I could enjoy its biggest draw.