Xheko Imperial – A Royal Stay in Tirana (Review)
We spent two nights in Tirana as part of our Albania road trip and decided to stay at the Xheko Imperial Hotel – and honestly, it was one of the most memorable hotels of the trip.
As soon as I stepped into the lobby, I was genuinely impressed by the elegant atmosphere and classic design. It felt luxurious without being over the top.
And our room? It looked like something straight out of Bridgerton – classic decor, warm colors, and just the right amount of old-world charm.
If you’re after a stay that feels a little extra (in the best way), this place might be just what you’re looking for.
So, let’s take a closer look at what makes Xheko Imperial Hotel so special!
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
Disclosure: This post isn’t affiliated with Xheko Imperial in any way. We paid the regular price for our stay and this is simply my honest review.
Location in The Heart of Tirana
Beyond the stunning photos and incredible reviews we found on booking.com, one of the key reasons we chose Xheko Imperial was its fantastic location.
The hotel is just a 15-minute walk from Skanderbeg Square, where you’ll find landmarks like the National History Museum and Et’hem Bey Mosque. During our entire stay (except for our day trip to Kruja), we didn’t need our car at all and explored everything on foot.
Tirana’s Grand Park is also just a short walk away, perfect if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Parking was a bit tricky, as the hotel doesn’t have its own parking lot. There are a few spaces across the street designated for hotel guests, but when we arrived, they were all taken.
After driving around the area for a bit, looking for a place to park, we quickly stopped on the side of the road in front of the hotel, making sure cars could still pass. My boyfriend went to the reception for help while I stayed in the car.
Luckily, the concierge was super helpful – he asked a delivery car to move, parked the car for us, and even carried our luggage to the reception.
We left the car there until our trip to Kruja, and when we returned, we faced the same parking issue. But again, it was quickly sorted out by someone from the hotel, who made sure there was always a spot available for guests!
A Room Fit For Royalty
The Xheko Imperial Hotel has a total of 102 rooms, each beautifully decorated with vintage wooden furnishings inspired by Renaissance art.
We originally booked a Deluxe Room, but were offered a great deal on an upgrade to the Luigi XIV Suite, which we accepted after a quick moment of consideration. Well, it turned out to be a pretty good decision!
The Luigi XIV Suite spans 50 square meters, and the highlight is definitely the huge four-poster bed, which made the room feel extra special.
The suite also features a cozy sitting area by the fireplace and a small balcony overlooking the peaceful inner courtyard.
The bathroom features a built-in whirlpool bathtub and a hydro shower, adding a nice spa-like touch to the stay.
Bath amenities, including shower gel, body lotion, and shampoo, are from the French luxury brand L’Occitane.
Overall, the room is decorated in blue and yellow tones with golden accents here and there, along with beautiful paintings on the walls.
If you’d like to stay in the same room we did, just look for the Luigi XIV Suite when booking!
The Spa – No Less Opulence
The royal feeling at Xheko Imperial doesn’t end with the rooms – the spa area continues the luxurious vibe with elegant statues and lots of greenery.
There’s a heated indoor swimming pool, a whirlpool, a hammam, a steam room, and a sauna where you keep your bathing clothes on.
Men and women have separate changing rooms, and if you’re in the mood to treat yourself even more, you can also book a variety of massages.
I actually ended up choosing not just one, but two, because they were so good and I enjoyed the experience a lot.
The only downside during our visit was the atmosphere: some guests brought children, which felt a bit unusual for a spa, and others were shouting and behaving loudly, even though the spa rules clearly ask for quiet.
It was actually the loudest spa experience I’ve ever had – and I’ve been to quite a few spas and wellness hotels over the years.
Maybe some people simply don’t realize that others visit a spa to unwind and enjoy a calm, peaceful atmosphere, and not to splash, jump in the pool, and scream around.
Rooftop Bar & More
If you feel like having a drink with a view, the hotel’s rooftop bar Eden Garden is a nice place to check out. It has a casual lounge vibe, serves cocktails and small bites, and offers a good view over the city.
In the lobby, there’s also a restaurant and a bar if you prefer staying indoors. Breakfast is served on the upper level, and looking down into the beautiful lobby is a lovely way to start the day.
If you’re up for a workout or just want to treat yourself, you’ll also find a gym and a beauty salon in the hotel.
Final Words
Apart from the small hiccup at the spa, our stay at Xheko Imperial was honestly flawless.
The design, the location, the friendly service, and all the thoughtful details made us feel comfortable from the start.
Our room was spacious and elegant without being over the top, and we loved that we could explore the city on foot without needing a car.
Breakfast, the rooftop bar, the wellness area – everything was well thought out and added to the overall experience. Sure, not everything was perfect, but it came pretty close.
So, if you’re looking for a hotel in Tirana that’s comfortable, stylish, and a bit unique, I can truly recommend Xheko Imperial!
Check out:
Top 10 Best Things to do in Tirana For First-Timers
Visiting Kruja as a Day Trip From Tirana
Explore Gjirokaster – Things to See & Do in One Day
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