Originally Created For: Unorthodox Travel
Author: Mariam Amini
Original Article Link: Savour a taste of Ottoman tradition at this stunning boutique stay – Unorthodox Travel
Recently, I spent a few nights in the ancient stone city of Gjirokaster. A charming hilltop hideaway in the south of Albania, the town is tucked within a vibrant mountain valley.
The richness of colour here immediately stuck out first. Whether it was the vivid green and pink of beautifully bloomed trees, or the misty grey stone walkways of the old streets.
Winding cobbled paths stretch in all manner of angles. Follow the steep trails up and you will eventually reach the wonderfully-preserved fortress.
As one of the biggest medieval castles in all the Balkans, the site was impressive in its vastness and offered incredible views.
However, it isn’t the beauty of the rock-hewn palace that stands out most when looking back now.
Nor is it the eerie Cold War bunker tunnels that could take hours to roam and explore.
Rather, it’s the laidlack culture and the way people embrace their connections with the past. It’s locals playing board games on stools in the street.
It’s children running around happy and carefree, within this maze of history expertly constructed by their ancestors before them.
This appreciation of tradition was epitomised even further by our particular choice of stay.
Officially opened in 2018, the Boutique Hotel Musee takes the form of a 17th-century Ottoman house, exquisitely reimagined as an enchanting guest abode.
The two-floor property consists of eight ensuite rooms, with plans to add a ninth guest room currently in the works.
From radiantly-stitched textiles and furnishings to the handcrafted wooden ceilings, no two quarters are the same, and each room comes with its own distinct allure.
Hundred-year old antiques line the hallways. Every single detail has been thoughtfully envisioned to match the authentic character of the place.
Of special note is the Deluxe Suite. Complete with a traditional seating area and hand-painted chimney feature, this stunning two-storey chamber can sleep up to four.
Easily the most lavish of all the interior spaces, we had the pleasure of spending our final night here, and safe to say it did not disappoint.
Bookings come with breakfast, served on the private terrace amid a leafy ceiling, floral displays and dazzling mountain views.
As far as hosts go, you won’t find better. The local family running the estate put the same spirit into service as they have in design and decor.
I had a chance to discuss the building’s history with the owners firsthand, and during the entire conversation their pride and commitment brightly shone through.
Having bought the property when it was in really bad condition, the hotel is the result of over five years of renovations.
“We made this out of love and passion for tourism and our tradition, but it’s also helped us appreciate our culture more,” said the owner’s daughter.
Her final message to any travellers looking to come to the city is this: “There’s lots of interesting stuff to do. Even the roads are interesting in themselves.”
“Nothing is dull or boring. Everything has its own little story.” Indeed, this is the same sentiment I myself left Gjirokaster with.
From the welcoming hospitality of the locals, to the richness of heritage embedded into each street, this is an old town with an even older story that’s truly hard to forget.