Gloria Palace & SPA

The hotel is marketed as a five-star resort, but in my opinion it does not live up to that standard. At first glance, the property looks modern, stylish, and well maintained. However, once you look more closely, it becomes clear that many things feel unfinished and fall short of what you would expect from a true five-star experience. The basic level of cleanliness was acceptable, but there were several details that were disappointing. The beach was littered with cigarets, some of the hotel towels had stains that clearly could not be removed in washing, and a few towels were even torn. There were also other small maintenance and cleanliness issues that became noticeable over the course of our stay. The all-inclusive offering was particularly underwhelming. Wine was only available from a tap and served at room temperature. The cocktail selection was extremely limited, mostly consisting of soft drinks mixed with the liquor of your choice. The food quality was also below expectations. Most dishes were quite bland, and for example the chicken was consistently overcooked and dry. There was a decent selection of desserts and side dishes, but even those did not feel worthy of a five-star resort. The hotel grounds themselves are pleasant and attractive, but the surrounding area is still very much under development. Just outside the property, the scenery is quite rough, with overflowing garbage bins and large numbers of wasps around them. There is a lot of construction taking place, and for now the location feels isolated and far from everything. Overall, the hotel was not a complete disappointment, and we still had somewhat of an enjoyable stay. However, I left feeling let down because the reality did not match the image and level of luxury the hotel promotes. With more attention to detail, service quality, food, and maintenance, it could become the five-star experience it claims to be.

I'll post here what I wrote on google. Stayed for a week. Never going back. I don't want to be unfair. Rooms good, hotel new, clean and shiny, room service friendly and prompt. No doubt the beach was good, but behind the glittering facade I found much to be desired. Food was a disappointment. Basic, mediocre fare that often left me wondering. No omelette station. Seen better in far less fancier outfits. Five stars and they didn't even try. Be advised that the location is bit sketchy too, being on the very southern tip of a long beach. The area is underdeveloped and the resort area is very much separated from the bigger, more lively areas in the north. The connections are bad. There are no proper sidewalks. You'll be marooned here unless you have a car. The desk service was the worst I've ever had in over 30 countries. Made Egypt look like Singapore. The ladies behind the white marble desk will check you in or out but all else will go over their heads. Whether I enjoyed my stay or not was like a nickels worth of nothing to them. Intelligence, initiative and basic goodwill were unknown qualities. Is there post office nearby? No idea. (computer right there - didn't google it) Can they send cards like many hotels do? No. Is the bus connection to airport? No. Do they have a map of nearby area? Baffled look - no. The only thing they knew was the checkout time. Figures. It was as if I was speaking Hebrew. Why should they care? Why can't I just shut up and go to the beach? Sheesh. The last day was the grand finale. In my innocence, I asked for a taxi. 50€, the lady said. (it's 1h to airport) The going rate is 3500 lek, which is 38€. As I pointed this out, the lady began to babble something of 'an agency' and how 'customers usually order these the day before.' A mere taxi call - and they acted as if I had asked to meet the Pope. I asked how was I supposed to know such 'rules'. 'You could have asked.' the lady haughtily replied, marched behind her white marble desk and ignored my existence. Her coworkers stared into their screens and helped her ignore me. Whether I got to the airport or not was my problem. So I googled duress taxi, called them and after 25 mins had a car. 3500 lek. Just normal taxi company - no agency, no yesterday, (do they have a 'special deal' or what?) no bull. The ladies continued to ignore me. At the airport I gave the driver 50€ and said keep it. Arrogant, apathetic, indifferent, the whole package. Granted, I've been treated like muck in hotels before but rarely in 5 star ones. So much for the 'famous Albanian hospitality'. If beach and sun are all you ask for, then this ought to be the place for you. You'll get to enjoy nice balmy weather, lots of eggs and sausages, and the worst desk service known to man.

Gloria Palace is a good hotel with nice facilities, and the restaurant service was excellent – the staff were attentive and helped ease our stay. However, the hotel was not kid‑friendly. Our children were constantly watched for every small action, which made the atmosphere uncomfortable and stressful for us as a family. Because of this, we feel that two stars best reflect our experience: a good hotel with great restaurant service, but lacking in family‑friendly hospitality.

Location - it depends on what you need. There are no huge disco clubs etc, however, in a near surrounding you can find a bunch of restaurants, coffee's etc, markets etc. The only thing missing in markets were sim cards (if you need to buy f.eg. for your personal Internet, but it's not the hotel fault ;) - it's a general rule that markets can't trade it). For reaching a "special events" you need to move to Durres, but if not - it's a perfect "base" for taking a rest and arranging some trips through the Albania Atmosphere - extremely relaxing. It's calm, but not like in a "dead place". It's just a normal "noise" of a smaller town. Regarding the hotel - it's perfect. Plus music during the day from the speakers in hotel and on the beach. Not too loud and the playlist is also relaxing - nice music to calm you down (not only a chilling/trance chilling one, there are normal sound tracks also ;) but the selection and proportion are appropriate) Room - you've got all you need. Space is enough, balcony is nice, including a table and chairs, where you can take a rest in the evening while watching the seaside. Air condition is quiet and working well. Toilet is also very nice. TV set is large enough for a comfortable tv watching Cleanliness - perfect. Rooms are cleaned day by day, towells are changed. Amenities - strong wifi, also in a room and in some areas on the beach. SPA pool, gym and sauna available. Pool outside is nice. Beach - large and nice, sandy, with a bunch of sun umbrellas. Each room has a "voucher" for booking an umbrella with 2 places. There is no need to "fight" for a free place at 5 a.m. ;) Food - tasty. There's a great variety of different products to choose.

The experience was really good The rooms were clean and the staff was really helpful The reception team was welcoming and helpful We recommend this hotel for your holiday