Braja House
Location: Lagjja: "Dunavat II" Rruga: "Mufit Reso" Gjirokastër 12 Jace Braja, Gjirokastër, al
Star Rating: 9.8 Stars
Property Type: Guest houses
About this Property
Luxurious Accommodation with Modern Amenities
Convenient Location and Nearby Attractions
Exceptional Service and Hospitality
Experience a luxurious stay at Braja House in Gjirokastër, just 44 km from Zaravina lake. Enjoy air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and parking. Unwind in the cozy seating area by the fireplace while watching your favorite shows on the flat-screen TV. With a 24-hour front desk and room service, your comfort is our top priority. Explore the nearby attractions or simply relax in the comfort of your room with plush towels and bed linen. Whether you're here for business or leisure, our exceptional service and hospitality will make your stay memorable. Book now and indulge in a truly relaxing getaway.
Important Information
Managed by a private host
Policies
Check-in: N/A - Anytime
Check-out: N/A
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Room service
- Pets allowed
- Board games/puzzles
- Fruits
- Cooking class
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Free wired internet
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Wine release events
- Covered parking
- Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
Rooms Available
-
Standard Double Room
Guests will have a special experience as this double room offers a fireplace. This air-conditioned double room features a desk, an outdoor dining area, garden views and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
- Minibar
- Shower
- TV
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Fireplace
- Dining area
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor dining area
- Entire unit located on ground floor
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Wine or champagne
- Bottle of water
- Fruits
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Window
Guest Reviews
- Kfir (10/5): Exceptional -
- Michael (10/5): Nice view with nice family at the top of the hill - Beautiful room with a nice view. The whole family was incredibly warm and gracious.
- Raymond (9/5): A beautiful stay in a traditional Gjirokaster home. - Modern accommodation options are mushrooming up in Albania all the time, so Braja House offers a rare chance to experience a beautiful historic home. The breakfast/family room is like a living museum and a wonder to behold.
The room itself looks a little like an extension that was added to what is like a rambling home. It's comfortable and beautifully decorated with a private bathroom. There are also very atmospheric views of the city from there.
The hospitality is doled out by the woman of the house and her husband. There will be a quick shot of gliko and Raki on arrival with great fanfare. They have no English, but the warmth of the welcome doesn't diminish as they make themselves understood. Their fluent grandson Bjant helps coordinate the visit remotely via phone, and his mother also has good English.
Breakfast is in the dream setting of their family room and is a generous mix of savory and sweet. Gjirokaster was a fortress town and wasn't built with cars in mind. Access to the house is a bit tricky given Google maps is utterly baffled by the city. Parking can be a bit tricky, so some patience and perseverance is required. The easiest way to access the house is via the new road that can be accessed from the roundabout on the SH4 road in the new town. Follow Rruga Gjin Zenebisi uphill, to find the new bypass road. Stay on this, and ignore all the stone bridege to the right until it brings you right around the castle to R.Arjiro.
Turn left onto R. Evila celebi, and then at the Y fork, take the steep Jace Braja to the right. There is then shortly a VERY sharp and steep right turn onto Mufi Reso. This stretch is very tight and there a a couple of pass/yield point to be wary of. Once you cross the bridge, Braja will be on the right with a single space to park on the right. When leaving, it is easier to go a small bit beyond the house where there is more space to turn. Do not turn left uphill here because the road is closed. Bhant will send pictures and advice to orientate you, so always keep in contact
- Alissa (10/5): Warm and cozy guest house right in the historical Center with a lovely hostess! - Amazing hospitality and self made breakfast! The location is amazing, right in the old town and the owner is super lovely and sweet! The room is an experience and super cozy.
- Ina (9/5): Superb -
- Sharon (10/5): The Braja family were wonderful hosts. They made us feel so welcomed into their home and yet were unobtrusive. We were - It was a tradition house.
- Alessandro (10/5): Exceptional - The building dated back to 1831 and the room for guests has been renovated according to tradition and history.
The owners hosted us as we were part of the family. They are very kind and helpful and it was a pleasure spending some time together.
- Jessica (10/5): Exceptional - Lovely family! Special house.
- Lauren (10/5): A lovely room and unique experience - We enjoyed our one night stay to end our trip in Albania! The Braja family were very welcoming and we enjoyed our welcome drinks and snacks. We were gutted we hadn’t booked longer to stay.
- Deniz (10/5): Everyone visiting Argirocastro should choose this - Everything was excellent, the welcome was by far one the greatest i’ve ever received
- Florian (10/5): Exceptional - Thank you for everything. It was perfect!
- Anna (10/5): A must experience for travellers to Gjirocaster. - Authentic ottoman style house with great views of the town. Nothing I didn’t like.
- Lucas (9/5): A cozy room in a historic building overlooking Gjirokastra - This was a lovely room in an old building perched atop Gjirokastra. The host was very helpful with directions to find the place, and welcomed us with a delicious dessert prepared by his mother. He also gave us suggestions for restaurants. We found the main town center to be quite loud late into the night, but the property here was very quiet and tranquil. You can walk to the castle and town center in 15-20 minutes, but be prepared for a steep climb on your return. The internet was a bit spotty
- Aleksandra (10/5): Our best stay in the entire Albania! - Everything was just perfect! The owner of the place was extremely helpful and we experienced the warmest welcoming ever, even though we'd arrived late at night.
The house is traditional and you can feel the history there. Our room was extraordinary and the bed was more than comfortable. Please keep in mind that it might cause some problems to get to the house by car if your car is big because streets are narrow and the entire road is rocky. Just be careful and you'll make it :)
- Kallie (10/5): Exceptional - The Braja House is a beautiful home that has been kept in the owners family for about 200 years, very clean, and very special. The family that owns this home is exceptional and truly made this experience in this astounding town absolutely amazing. We were welcomed with amazing hospitality, given a cozy bed, and delicious home cooked breakfast. One of the best bookings I’ve had in all Albania ❤️
- Laura (10/5): Exceptional - This was a fantastic experience! Braja house is a real traditional Albanian house with a great view on the town. All Gjirokaster attractions are in a walking distance from the house. Plus, it is a true homestay. Bjant's grandma welcomed us in her living room with traditional coffee, raki and sweets. On the next morning, she prepared us a huge, excellent Albanian breakfast. All the family is friendly and lovely. Highly recommended! The house is a bit difficult to find because there is no sign and the street is narrow if you come by car, but we could park in front of the entrance.
- Kök (10/5): Exceptional - perfect place for couples
- Angela (9/5): A true gem if you like to stay in a traditional house - Very friendly hosts and wonderful views over the old town. The old building has a lot of charm and the breakfast was out of this world Nothing to be mentioned
- Samuel (10/5): Great stay - Friendly host, great view from the balcony, really nice breakfast.
- Emily (6/5): Pleasant - The host was lovely and welcoming. The photos were a touch deceiving in that it was a basic room on the bottom floor of a house. Would not recommend the breakfast (didn't feel it was value for money). Communication got confused at the end of stay where I communicated with the son over whatsapp that we would leave the cash downstairs and he confirmed this was fine, but the grandfather appeared distressed when we were leaving and it took some time to figure out that he thought we were leaving without paying. Wasn't a nice way to end our stay.
- Jesko (10/5): Great stay - We had an incredible stay at the braja house. We felt really taken care of, had great conversation and had the most special stay of our trip to Albania here. We would encourage everyone to book your stay here if you're going to gjirokastra, as it was truly an amazing experience. Highly recommended!
- Craig (10/5): Exceptional - Antella welcomed us into her home and made our stay feel authentic right from the beginning. The room was immaculate and breakfast was fantastic. Antella gave us recommendations for where to eat and things to do in Gjirokaster. We would definitely recommend this place. If anything, it's too cheap! Grab a bargain. Absolutely nothing.
- Elsio (10/5): Exceptional -
- Klajdi (10/5): Excellent - A great place and excellent staff
- Mischa (10/5): Exceptional - Best breakfast in Albania, super nice family
- Yash (10/5): Beautiful Home, Amazing Homestay. The host and his family made us feel at home. Highly Recommend - Beautiful traditional property located in the unesco world heritage site of Gjirokaster. The whole family was very welcoming and we really enjoyed speaking with you all.
- Anonymous (10/5): Exceptional -
- Joshua (9/5): Superb - The house is as amazing as it appears in the photos. On arrival I enjoyed a wonderful chat with the hostess who offered me raki and gliko. The room was gorgeous. And the next morning I was very happy I had ordered the breakfast. The location gives a great view of the town. Be warned that, although google maps accurately shows the location of the house, its suggested route is impassable by car. It would be wise to confirm the route with host ahead of time.
- Lisette (10/5): The best - The best place to stay in Gjirokastra. The hosting family is great, you feel at home. The breakfast is amazing. If you are planning to stay in Gjirokastra, this is definitely the best option. All perfect
- Robert (9/5): Fantastic - Character house Hard to find
- Piotr (10/5): Best place in magical Gjirokastra - Very friendly and kind owner - this was the best albanian greeting we could hope for.
Nice and cosy room, comfortable bed
Perfect location
Delicious breakfast - I recommend Everything was perfect
- Anonymous (10/5): Beautiful and historic. - Location was ideal. Offered a parking spot for the car. Along with all amenities needed for a very comfortable stay. Our host was so kind and generous. We loved the traditional breakfast. The variety was amazing and very fresh. We felt at home. We would absolutely stay again. The hospitality is great! Thank you for allowing us to stay in your beautiful home. Nothing. All was wonderful.
- Fernando (10/5): Amazing experience - Everything was perfect. Entella is the perfect host with her warm welcome drinking tea, incredible breakfast and continuos caring that you are enjoying the experience and feel confortable.
Room is cozy and clean.
- Safouen (10/5): Exceptional - Very kind family, comfortable room
- Venugopal (10/5): Just simple and Authentic - The location was a bit of a challenge to drive up to but the experience and the results are going to be the most memorable. Loved the house, history and hospitality. Gratitude to Bjant and his Family. None <3
- Tomwjsimpson (10/5): Amazing stay with friendly family 10/15mins from centre of town, 100% recommend! - Fantastic traditional property with views over Gjirokaster. Very much felt like you were staying in the family home, they were so warm and welcoming and couldn't have done anything more to make the stay better. They go over and above to make sure you are happy and enjoy your time in Gjirokaster. Nothing!
- Rachel (10/5): Exceptional - Amazing property with incredible hosts! Nothing!
- Danilo (10/5): Exceptional - Bjant is very gentle and gives many interesting informations about city and the history of the house. His grandmother makes a delicious breakfast. Room is fantastic.
- Ermir (10/5): Exceptional - Warm welcoming, very kind and care owners.
- Laura (10/5): Wonderful stay ! - We had a very pleasant stay at Braja House.
We loved the authenticity of our experience here. Bjant and his family are truly warm and generous hosts. Travelers are treated with the utmost care and we wee delighted to spent some time at their place. We really felt at home.
The room is super charming, spacious and clean. The breakfast is prepared with love by Bjant's grandma.
Braja house is located in the heights of the village, in a quiet location, which we appreciated, while remaining close to the restaurants (the nicest and most authentic in the village, in our opinion) and main activities (castle, old bazar, etc).
We definitely recommend a stay there, and would come back with pleasure with we come back in the village one day ! Nothing to report !
- Simon (10/5): Amazing stay and very welcoming host! - Beautiful house
- Marko (10/5): Exceptional - Everything was excellent!
- Shruti (10/5): Exception stay in a historical home among locals. BEAUTIFUL hosts, fantastic food! - We have no words to describe the magical experience we had at Braja House. The location is amazing, because it is within a typical Gjirokaster residential neighborhood with local bars and restaurants and people going about their own lives. So if you want the true local experience, this is it!
Secondly, the property is over 200 years old! It is absolutely stunning, and so beautifully maintained by the host family. It is a true piece of history.
The host family - they are some of the best hosts I have ever stayed with. They are warm, kind, and so loving! Their hospitality is beyond anything we have experienced and they make you feel so at home.
The room is pristine, so beautifully furnished and homely. Everything was unbelievably clean and comfortable.
Most important - the FOOD! We were kindly invited to try Bjant's wonderful grandmother's delicious Byrek - the best I've had in Albania, hot from the oven! Do NOT miss the breakfast spread! It is out of this world!
We left with our hearts and bellies full.
We WHOLEHEARTEDLY recommend Braja House and we would so love to come back and see our wonderful friends someday! We didn't want to leave!!!
- Jan-philipp (10/5): Just Wonderfull 10/10. - A really beautiful 2000 years old building. But still a very good standard. Fullfilled our expectations 10/10
The host even gave us super nice information (history, restaurants and sight seeing) about the town 👌 Cars are difficult to navigate in Girokastre in gerneral. But the the Host helped perfectly and even navigated us with whatsapp videocall
- Benjamin (10/5): Wonderful restored historic villa with perfect views of Gjirokaster; very warm welcome by the family - This is a restored 19th-century manor house on the hill overlooking the castle, and it's clear that the family's restoration is a labor of love. Extremely evocative traditional house, inside and out, including the Ottoman-era reception room. The owner greeted me with homemade treats and a tour of the garden. Very warm-hearted people, and we chatted about the house, their family, etc., even though my Albanian is not very good. (The son, who handles the bookings, is also very attentive and speaks English.) Room is charming and super comfortable. Everything far above what you'd expect for the price in other places. Everything was great. Not specific to this guesthouse, but do be aware driving in this town is tricky.
- Marco (10/5): A gem in beautiful Gjirokastra, we loved it! - This place really is something special! We stayed for two nights and were treated like family members. We never experienced such warm-hearted, welcoming and helpful hosts before (we had problems with our rental car and they did everything to help us out when we arrived at 10pm). We absolutely enjoyed our time here, had so much fun with the whole family and the beautiful town of Gjirokastra. Plus you‘ve got a beautiful view from your room over the city!
- Ian (10/5): wonderful stay in beautiful Gjirokaster - My wife and I had an amazing stay. The location was wonderful; just a short walk from many Gjirokaster attractions, dinner, and lunch locations in old town. If this isn’t enough, the real reason in my opinion to stay is the inviting room and the amazing hosts! From the moment we walked in the door we felt like family.
The room was large and very comfortable. The bed had my wife and I wanted to sleep in just a little longer, and the downstairs seclusion enabled us to utilize the space for work and privacy if needed.
During our stay we enjoyed the morning breakfasts which were plentiful, and our conversations over coffee with the family that left us with memories that we won’t forget.
Having been on the road for close to a year we have experienced a lot in short term accommodations! Braja House while not having a lot of reviews currently, may have some overlooking the property. That would be a mistake. Like most of our experience in Albania so far; it’s a gem waiting to be found! We were glad that we found it and look forward to returning!
Photos