Hilton Garden Inn Tirana

Hilton Garden Inn Tirana is the value pick among the city’s international hotels, and the brand’s first hotel in Albania. It sits at 146 Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta, a wide avenue along the south-western side of the centre, about two kilometres from Skanderbeg Square, the National Gallery of Arts and the Resurrection Cathedral. The rooms are what you expect from the brand: clean, comfortable and practical, with plenty of family rooms and one-bedroom suites that come with balconies. The Olive Tree Restaurant serves the breakfast buffet and meals through the day, and the lobby bar lounge is a relaxed spot for a drink. There is a fitness centre, free WiFi and, unusually for Tirana, free covered and secured on-site parking, which makes it a smart choice if you are renting a car for day trips to Berat, Kruja or Durrës. Expedia lists it as a five-star-class property rated 9.4 out of 10 from nearly 400 reviews, often at prices close to the city’s mid-range hotels.

Location and getting around: Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta is outside the tourist core, so most visitors take a short taxi into the centre or walk about twenty-five minutes. The upside is easy road access out of the city for day trips. The airport is about 17 kilometres away; the hotel does not run a shuttle, so book a taxi or transfer.

The rooms: King Family Deluxe and Queen Family rooms with balconies suit families, and one-bedroom suites give space for longer stays. Rooms are modern and quiet.

Who it suits: families, drivers and budget-minded travellers who want an international standard and free parking without paying central five-star prices. It is also good for Hilton Honors members.

Good to know: breakfast is a buffet in the Olive Tree Restaurant, and pets are allowed for a non-refundable fee. There is no pool. If you want to walk everywhere, the Maritim or the Rogner are better placed, but you will pay more.