Where to Stay in Vlore: Best Areas & Hotels
Vlore isn’t a huge city, but where you stay really matters. I’ve stayed in both the centre and the beach promenade area on separate trips. They offer completely different experiences.
First off, the Lungomare beach promenade is better. This really is where you want to stay in Vlore. And I’m speaking from personal experience. But, I’m going to map out Vlore for you, and tell you about the different areas and hotels so you can decide for yourself.
My first time in Vlore I rented an Airbnb in the more industrial and commercial part of the centre for a month. I didn’t enjoy the city at all (especially after just spending a month in Saranda), and couldn’t understand its popularity.
But I kept hearing Albanians rave about Vlore, so I decided to go back and give it another chance. This time I stayed by the Lungomare beach promenade and enjoyed Vlore so much more.
Now that I’ve been back to Vlore a second time, and explored the city top to bottom, I’ve got the best areas of Vlore to stay in figured out.
In a rush? Here’s a quick list of my favourite hotels in Vlore:
Luxury hotel: Abi’s Hotel & Spa
Mid-priced hotel: Hotel Brooklyn Vlore
Budget hotel: Ulcas Guest Huse
Where to Stay in Vlore: Best Areas & Hotels
Here’s a breakdown of the areas to stay in, and my recommended hotels in Vlore. I recommend you stay by the Lungomare beach promenade, or the bottom half of the centre near Boulevard Ismail Qemali.
Lungomare (Beach Promenade)
This is the most popular area of Vlore. It’s a very long and wide promenade on Plazhi i Ri (New Beach). The promenade is lively – on one side is the sea and parks, on the other it’s all hotels, condo buildings, restaurants and cafes.
The top part of Lungomare (near the centre) is the busiest. There’s amusement park rides and it can be noisy with loud music at night. I heard the kids screaming on the rides and music until about 9 pm.
As you go further down the promenade it’s quieter, though still pretty lively. The beach is also nicer the further down you go.
My top pick for hotels for Lungomare, Vlore are:
- Abi’s Hotel & Spa: Luxury 4 star hotel located toward the quieter end of Lungomare. The hotel is on the promenade and has private beach access. Some rooms have balconies with sea views. Doubles start at $130 USD, including breakfast, parking and beach sunbeds. Very large guest rooms – the biggest I’ve seen on the Albanian Riviera.
- Hotel Brooklyn Vlore: Very nice, small hotel on the promenade. It was fully renovated 3 years ago and rooms are bright with bleached wood and stone accents. There’s no elevator, guests have to go up one flight of stairs. Doubles from $75 USD, including breakfast and parking. Excellent location close to everything, but might be a little noisy at night.
- Hotel Charm: Small hotel on the promenade with private beach access. All rooms have balconies, some with sea views. Rooms from $65 USD, including breakfast in the room (there’s no restaurant in the hotel) and beach sun beds. Great value on the promenade.
- Ulcas Guest Huse: Lovely and family run guest house in a large villa just behind the promenade. Fabulous location, close to everything. Guests can enjoy breakfast made by the owner and her mother on the rooftop terrace. Book well in advance – this place is usually full. Rooms with sea or mountain views from $40 USD, including breakfast and parking. My favourite guest house in Vlore.
- Dia Mare Deluxe: Very small hotel behind the promenade and close to the centre. The location is great, but it might be noisy at night with the rides and music from the street. Doubles from $40 USD include breakfast and parking. Great choice for a budget hotel this close to the promenade.
- Santa5 Hostel: New hostel on a quiet street behind the promenade. It’s more modern and cleaner than Vlora Backpacker Hostel across the street, but lacks the garden and bar. Beds from $25 USD. Brand new hostel close to the beach.
Vlore Centre
If you choose to stay in the centre, stay close to the main shopping street, Boulevard Ismail Qemali, and not as far up as Vlore Old Town. The bottom half of the centre is the nicest part, and you’ll still be close to the Lungomare promenade and sea.
My first time in Vlore I rented an Airbnb in the centre, but off the other main street, Rruga Gjergj Kastrioti. It was not as convenient or a very nice area. Perfectly safe, but not very pleasant for walking and too far from the sea.
My favourite hotels in the centre of Vlore:
- Sasso Hotel: I really like this new hotel. The location is great, within walking distance of Vlore Old Town, the Lungomare promenade, and all the cafes and restaurants along Boulevard Ismail Qemali. Spacious and bright rooms start at $65 USD, including breakfast. Nice rooftop terrace for breakfast with mountain views.
- Beliz Boutique Hotel: Newer family run hotel on the main commercial street Rruga Gjergj Kastrioti. Comfortable rooms with big bathrooms start at $55 USD, including breakfast and parking. I usually don’t recommend staying as far over as this street, but guests love this hotel, and Anton (the owner) is very friendly and takes a lot of pride in the hotel. It’s across the street from the Hermes airport shuttle bus. Great location if you’re headed to the airport.
Old Town Vlore
This is a charming small neighbourhood with restored homes and a few restaurants. Although the area is quaint, I don’t recommend staying here. It’s at the far end of the centre, 2.5 km from the sea and not near most of the restaurants and cafes.
My favourite place to stay in Vlore Old Town:
- The Cosy Inn Vlore: Cosy guest house right on the main square in Vlore Old Town with views of the clock tower. Rooms are simple, but updated and clean. Doubles from $26 USD, no breakfast or parking, but there’s several nearby cafes for coffee and breakfast. Convenient location if taking the bus to or from Vlore.
Plazhi i Vjeter (Old Beach)
This area is much quieter and less developed than the centre and Lungomare. There’s not much out here except for a few restaurants along the beach. Don’t stay here unless you have a car.
The best hotel in Plazhi i Vjeter, Vlore:
- Hotel Beke: Great budget choice if you have a car. It’s a newer hotel, across the road from Vjeter Beach. All rooms have a patio ro balcony. Doubles from $50 USD, including breakfast and parking. Peaceful location away from the promenade.
Radhime Beach
Radhime Beach is 17 km south of Vlore, and a good option if you want a strictly beach holiday. This is the beach Vlore locals like, it’s cleaner and nicer than the beaches in Vlore. It has that brilliant blue colour you’ll see along the Riviera.
This stretch of the coast is mostly hotels and resorts which are either on the main road, are down a lane toward the water.
Best beachfront hotels on Radhime Beach near Vlore:
- Hotel Cekodhima: Simple but comfortable hotel right on the beach. Guests can enjoy breakfast on the outdoor terrace overlooking the sea. Rooms from $70 USD, including breakfast, parking and beach access. Beachfront hotel.
- Hotel Viroi: Newer family run hotel with amazing views of the Karaburun Peninsula. Rooms are spacious, with balconies overlooking the mountains or sea. Great outdoor dining room with ocean views. Doubles from $65 USD, including breakfast, parking and beach loungers. Beautiful views.
Last Words on Where to Stay in Vlore: Best Areas & Hotels
I’m glad I gave Vlore another chance and stayed on Lungomare. Basing myself there instead of the commercial area I stayed at during my first visit completely changed the way I felt about the city. In my opinion, having the sea views and beach promenade at your doorstep is the best!
