Xheko Imperial Hotel

The hotel is celebrated for its luxurious spa facilities and a stunning rooftop terrace that offers breathtaking views, providing a memorable experience for guests. It is consistently praised for its central location, making it an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore the city's attractions on foot, as well as couples seeking a romantic and pampering getaway. Business travelers also find it suitable due to its convenient location and comprehensive amenities, while families appreciate the large rooms and the hotel's overall welcoming atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's commitment to spotless cleanliness and the spaciousness of its rooms. For an enhanced stay, guests are advised to fully utilize the exceptional spa services, including massages and the pool, and to consider requesting a room on a higher floor for better views, though some rooms may experience noise from evening events.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests are highly impressed by the hotel's spa facilities, describing them as exquisite and a true highlight. The spa features a large pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a hot tub, all noted for their elegance and relaxing atmosphere, providing a perfect retreat after a day of exploring. While some guests found the pool area occasionally crowded with children, the overall consensus is that it is well-maintained and a significant asset. The fitness center is described as small but adequately equipped with cable machines, chest press, and dumbbells, though some cardio machines may appear dated. The hotel's Wi-Fi is generally functional, allowing guests to stay connected, though some reported occasional instability. The lobby and reception areas are consistently lauded for their beautiful, luxurious, and impressive design, contributing to a grand first impression.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's impeccable cleanliness, noting that rooms and common areas are spotlessly maintained with excellent daily service. The rooms are frequently described as spacious and significantly larger than those in comparable hotels, offering a luxurious feel. Most guests find the beds exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, often highlighted by high-quality linens. The bathrooms are also noted for their generous size, featuring soaking tubs and separate showers, with some even boasting unique designs like glass walls or ancient-style bubble baths. While the hotel generally offers a quiet ambiance, some guests reported noise issues from loud music emanating from downstairs events or the rooftop restaurant, particularly in rooms on lower floors or facing the restaurant. A few isolated comments mentioned minor issues such as a sewage smell in some bathrooms or a lack of hooks.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast receives mixed but generally positive feedback, with many guests praising its delicious and varied selection, including a buffet with an omelette station and specialty coffees. Some, however, found it merely adequate or noted issues like cold bacon or limited bread choices. The rooftop restaurant is a significant draw, celebrated for its spectacular views, elegant ambiance, and a menu that includes sushi and other dishes. While many guests enjoyed the food and cocktails, some experienced slow service, high prices, or found the food quality inconsistent. The hotel also offers room service, which is generally described as efficient. Overall, the dining experience is seen as a convenient and often enjoyable aspect of the stay, with the rooftop being a popular spot for both meals and drinks.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it incredibly convenient for guests to explore the city. It is situated within easy walking distance of major attractions, including the main square and various museums, as well as numerous bars and restaurants in a vibrant neighborhood. This prime position allows guests to immerse themselves in the city's offerings without needing extensive transportation. For those arriving by car, valet parking is available, with the hotel managing offsite parking for a daily fee, which most guests found convenient, though some felt it should be complimentary given the hotel's standard. The ease of access to the city's highlights and the availability of parking contribute significantly to a hassle-free and enjoyable stay for visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, providing excellent customer service and making interactions feel personal and welcoming. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient. Specific mentions include helpful housekeeping staff and efficient valet service. However, a minority of guests reported less positive experiences with some reception staff, describing them as occasionally unhelpful or slow, and some noted issues with taxi transfers arranged through the hotel. Despite these isolated concerns, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff's dedication to service significantly enhances the guest experience, contributing to a comfortable and pleasant stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has a policy regarding outside food and drinks, with some guests being stopped from bringing items into the premises. While the hotel offers a luxurious experience, some older in-room amenities like telephones and televisions have been noted as outdated, with TV channels primarily in Albanian. A unique and concerning detail mentioned by a few guests is the presence of live birds in small cages in the lobby, which some found to be an "outdated practice" and a "tragedy," casting a shadow on the hotel's elegance. Furthermore, the hotel frequently hosts parties or music nights in its downstairs areas, which can result in loud music being audible in guest rooms, even on higher floors, potentially disturbing sleep for some visitors.