Hotel Ansel

After five well-spent days in Albania’s capital, Tirana, we traded city streets for countryside views, hiring a driver for the scenic two-hour journey south to Berat. Hotel Ansel revealed itself quietly, and check-in was marked not by formality but by scent — warm petulla, the beloved Albanian fried dough, fresh from the kitchen and served the traditional way with local cheese and honey.

Mornings unfolded slowly and beautifully. From our room, the Osum River stretched below as Ottoman-era houses spilled down the hillside, a living postcard of a city where history remains ever-present. Crossing the iconic Gorica Bridge each day became a ritual, often accompanied by friendly local farmers offering fresh grapes and white figs straight from their baskets.

Hotel Ansel feels less like a hotel and more like a private home, an impression reinforced by its intimate scale and heartfelt hospitality. Outdoor terraces and nooks invite you to sip a drink or nibble a snack while soaking in sweeping views, while the indoor restaurant offers a cozy alternative, or you can simply enjoy the comforts of your room. The interiors strike a graceful balance between rustic charm and modern ease — stone walls, wooden beams, and traditional Albanian rugs and textiles create a sense of place, softened by warm lighting and thoughtful amenities. Select rooms offer panoramic views of the old town, where mornings unfold to the gentle rhythm of Berat awakening.

Nestled within walking distance of Mangalem Quarter, Gorica Bridge, and Berat Castle, Hotel Ansel is the perfect base for exploring the city on foot. It’s a space that encourages slowing down, lingering over small moments, and experiencing Berat not as a visitor, but as a welcomed guest.