Hotel Kalemi

Set into the historic centre of Gjirokastër, within reach of the castle, Bizant House occupies a restored house whose stone walls and old proportions still shape the building. It is a small, boutique-style stay. Rooms come in three types: a single with a bed, television and desk for solo travellers; a double sized for couples or friends; and a triple with three beds for groups travelling together. Guests take breakfast on site, and the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and free parking, along with a private entrance and non-smoking rooms throughout. Check-in runs from 2pm to 11pm, checkout from 8am to 10.30am. From above the building, guests can look out over the surrounding rooftops toward the old quarter, a view several past guests have singled out. The restoration keeps the house's original character rather than smoothing it into something generic, and the result reads as considered rather than staged. Location is the plain draw here: the castle and historic centre sit within walking distance, making the hotel a practical base for exploring Gjirokastër on foot. It suits travellers who want a compact, well-kept house in the old town rather than a large hotel on its edge, with breakfast and comfort handled simply and without fuss.