I have been absolutely delighted by the kindness and warm welcome offered me by the Albanian people. Particularly the people of the city of Schkoder. I arrived in Schkoder on Saturday morning, 3rd of June 2023. I caught the bus from Tirana, and was in Schkoder in approximately two hours. Price of ticket, 5 euro. I met my contact Mrs Suada Proda, and was taken to the house that I had rented a room in for one week. The house Vila Koltrina, is situated in the centre of Schkoder, the ideal location to explore this amazing city.
The house has a large bedroom on the first floor, with double bed, and set of bunk beds. The bathroom on the same floor is more than ample, with a nice sized shower. There is a very large kitchen -diner-relaxation lounge. Fully equipped with all modern appliances, huge fridge, Television, cooker, microwave. Also two coaches( 2 seater) and a 3 seater coach. Loads of room for a good sized family.
On the ground floor is another bedroom with 4 bunk beds, also a bathroom with large shower. Washing machine and tumble dryer are also situated on that floor. Leaving the house and exiting through the small courtyard, one enters the street, which has a lovely coffee shop - bar directly opposite the house. There are also numerous shops, ( pharmacy, barbers, money changing, and more coffee shops) . Schkoder is well positioned to take excursions further into this amazing country. But best of all are the people of Schkoder . Albanians are rightly lauded for their welcoming nature and kindness, but I would say, as do many others, that Schkoder, has,( in a country of warm, welcoming people), surely the the most welcoming of all Albania. You will see bicycles everywhere, and to me the most thing about the cyclists, is that the motorists in the card and motor bikes, always gave way to the cyclists. Nobody rushes here. You want, as a pedestrian, to cross the street, you'd don't have to review your life insurance policy first, unlike so many other cities in the world. Also its one of the safest cities I've ever stayed in. I never once experienced bad manners, or any threatening behaviour. ( and this is from a man that was constantly looking the wrong way before crossing the road. There are so many wonderful places in Schkoder, and on the outskirts to visit, its best if you Google Schkoder, otherwise I'll never finish this review. And last but not least, I have to tell you of Suada, and her husband Joti. In all my travels, and all the wonderful people I've met, these two would definitely be in the top 5. ( Suada is a physics teacher, with very good English ( her daughter who is studying to be a vet is fluent in English) Joti her husband owns a fabulous sports shop not far from the Vila Koltrina, and is, like Suada, fluent in Italian. They simply can't do enough for their guests, they are the kindest people I've met in a long, long time. To conclude, there are many fine hotels in Schkoder, but if you are backpacking around Albania, staying for few days in schkoder, before moving on, or staying longer, I highly recommend this house. There are more grand places, but this is a clean, functional house, with all that you need. And of course, you get the attention and help of Suada and her amazing family. In my other reviews, I've often said, that location, or grand , fancy hotels are not the important factor in making ones holiday-visit exceptional. It's the people. Be they the staff in hotels, shops or the locals in the street. Its the kindness and welcome they offer you that makes for a truly memorable experience. And in that respect, Schkoder ticks all the boxes.
Suada Proda can be contacted on 0675390552. She's also on WhatsApp.