Hotel Livia

The hotel's most distinctive feature is its unparalleled proximity to the Butrint archaeological site, offering guests the unique advantage of being able to explore the ancient ruins as soon as they open, away from the crowds. This makes it an ideal choice for history enthusiasts and sightseers eager to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the area. Beyond its prime location, guests frequently commend the friendly and helpful staff, who contribute significantly to a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel is also noted for its peaceful, natural setting, providing a tranquil escape from busier areas, appealing to nature lovers and those seeking quiet relaxation. While the food quality receives mixed reviews, the breakfast is consistently highlighted as a positive. The hotel's spacious rooms and comfortable accommodations are also appreciated. For families, the large rooms and convenient access to the park make it a practical base. To enhance your stay, it is highly recommended to bring insect repellent due to the prevalence of mosquitoes in the area, and be prepared for cash payments as card facilities can be unreliable.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's spacious parking to be a significant convenience, offering easy and ample space for vehicles, which is particularly beneficial given the hotel's somewhat isolated location. The availability of Wi-Fi is generally appreciated, allowing guests to stay connected, though some have noted that the signal can be weak in certain areas. The hotel boasts beautiful gardens, a charming courtyard, and various terraces that provide pleasant outdoor spaces for relaxation and dining, allowing guests to enjoy the natural surroundings. However, some in-room amenities are noted as lacking; for instance, there is no kettle or cups for hot beverages, and some rooms have an unplugged fridge. While the hotel provides mosquito screens on windows, which are essential given the local environment, the absence of certain basic comforts like a working fridge or hot drink facilities in the room is a recurring point of feedback.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel rooms are generally described as spacious and comfortable, with many guests appreciating the generous size of the accommodations. The beds are frequently noted as comfortable and relatively new, contributing to a restful night's sleep. While overall cleanliness is often praised, some guests have reported minor issues such as dirty floors or the presence of cobwebs. A significant area of concern, however, is the bathroom. Many reviews highlight that bathrooms are tiny, often lack proper shower curtains or glass enclosures, leading to flooding of the entire space. Issues with unstable fixtures, rust, and a generally dated appearance are also common. Some guests experienced a lack of hot water or noisy ventilation. Regarding noise, while the hotel is generally quiet, some rooms may experience soundproofing issues, and noise from staff or the forest side has been mentioned, though closing balcony doors can mitigate this.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as very good, delicious, and fresh, with a varied choice of options including individually prepared dishes and good coffee. Guests often highlight it as a positive start to their day. Feedback on the restaurant for dinner is more mixed. Many guests have enjoyed excellent and very tasty meals, particularly praising the fish and risotto, and noting good portion sizes. However, a notable number of reviews describe the dinner offerings as poor, overpriced, or underwhelming, with some mentioning issues like tough chicken, bony fish, or cold side dishes. Service in the restaurant can also be inconsistent, with reports of slow service, lack of professionalism, and staff appearing overworked. The dining atmosphere is generally pleasant, especially in the garden setting, though it can become very busy during the day with bus tours.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location right next to the Butrint archaeological site is its most significant advantage, allowing guests immediate and convenient access to the ruins, often before the main crowds arrive. This proximity is consistently highlighted as the primary reason for choosing the hotel. While ideal for visiting the park, the hotel is noted for being somewhat isolated, with limited other attractions or dining options in the immediate vicinity. Guests should be aware that it is a considerable distance from the beaches and city centers of Saranda and Ksamil. However, accessibility is facilitated by a regular bus service that stops directly outside the hotel, providing convenient transportation to these towns. Parking is readily available and described as spacious and easy, accommodating guests arriving by car.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, with many guests describing them as amazing, caring, and polite. They are often commended for providing a warm welcome and going out of their way to assist guests, including carrying bags and organizing local activities like boat trips. The check-in process is generally reported as easy and quick. However, there are some instances of mixed feedback regarding service. A few guests have noted staff appearing uninterested or lacking professionalism, particularly in the restaurant, where slow service and a perceived lack of attention have been mentioned. Despite these isolated concerns, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff's dedication to providing a positive experience is a significant asset, contributing greatly to the hotel's charm and appeal.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few important details to enhance their stay. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, with many reviews mentioning the presence of friendly cats and dogs roaming the premises, which some guests find charming. A recurring theme is the issue with payment options; while accommodation may accept cards, the restaurant often operates on a cash-only basis due to weak connections, and card terminals for the hotel itself can be unreliable, sometimes requiring alternative payment methods like PayPal. A critical piece of advice for all visitors is to bring ample insect repellent, as mosquitoes are a significant and frequently mentioned nuisance in the area, especially in the evenings. The hotel's general ambiance is described as having an "old school" charm, though some areas may appear dated.