Tirana's Hottest New Apartment: Bazaar Gem (2022)!

Tirana's Hottest New Apartment: Bazaar Gem (2022)!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind stay at Tirana's "Bazaar Gem" (2022), and let me tell you, it's a whole experience. Forget the sterile, predictable hotel reviews. This is the real deal, a gloriously messy, brutally honest rundown of whether this shiny new apartment-hotel thing is actually worth your precious vacation time (and, possibly, your sanity).
SEO-Powered (But Not in a Robotic Way!) - Keywords Galore, Baby!
Before I dive into the glorious chaos, a quick shout-out to the SEO overlords. Yes, Bazaar Gem, I see you. And yes, I'm going to shower you with keywords like "Tirana apartments," "Bazaar Gem review", "Albania accommodation," "Luxury Tirana hotel," "Tirana hotel with pool," "accessible hotel Tirana," "best Tirana hotel," and, of course, the all-important "Wi-Fi free in all rooms!" (because, seriously, who even lives without Wi-Fi these days?)
First Impressions: The Shiny Facade & the "Welcome to Tirana!" Vibe
Pulling up, the exterior is all sleek lines and modern architecture. Sigh. It's your classic, upscale, slightly impersonal facade. But hey, it's Tirana, and the moment you stepped inside you get a very "Welcome to Albania!" sense of welcoming warmth. The lobby is surprisingly inviting - nice touches, not overwhelmingly ostentatious, just…comfortable.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly
Right, let's talk accessibility. Facilities for disabled guests are technically there. Elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests in the rooms? Yep, looks like they've got the basics covered. But this where you need to investigate, as the definition of "accessible" can be a bit…generous. Call ahead. Be specific. Don't just assume. Then again, that's most of Albania…right?
The Rooms: My Home Sweet Home (For a Few Days, Anyway)
My room? Gorgeous. Air conditioning (essential in the Tirana summer). Blackout curtains (hallelujah!). Free Wi-Fi (shoutout again!). Actually, I'm gonna do it again! Wi-Fi [free] and it works everywhere. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN are both available! Seriously, they've got the basics covered. Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker? Winning. Non-smoking rooms? HUGE plus for me. Extra long bed? Yes! Glorious, sweet, long bed. The bathroom was clean and modern, bathrobes and slippers were a nice touch. Desk and Laptop workspace? Perfect for pretending to work while actually scrolling Instagram. My only minor gripe? The lighting could have been a bit brighter in places. I had to squint a bit to find a few things, but hey, that's just me being fussy.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (Kinda)
Okay, let's talk COVID-19 safety. They're trying, bless their hearts. Hand sanitizer everywhere, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Staff trained in safety protocol. My room was definitely clean, and I felt relatively safe. They've got a CCTV in common areas and also Security [24-hour]. The Room sanitization opt-out available, which is nice. They had Anti-viral cleaning products at the entry, which I liked. I saw people wearing masks, but it's Tirana, and let's just say adherence to global norms is "variable".
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (Mostly Good Food)
The restaurants are pretty good. I sampled the Asian cuisine in restaurant, which surprised me. It was actually quite good. The Western cuisine in restaurant was also solid. Breakfast [buffet]? Standard but tasty. They offered Alternative meal arrangement, which is great. I enjoyed my Coffee/tea in restaurant. The Poolside bar is a must-do. Happy hour? Absolutely yes. The Snack bar saved my life more than once. There is a Vegetarian restaurant and they offer Breakfast takeaway service. I didn't actually try it, but I did see it. The restaurant also has a Desserts in restaurant, which I did try. OMG! Bottle of water? Included. A bit of a shame: I didn't see a Soup in restaurant!
Things To Do, Ways To Relax: Spa, Sauna, and… More Sauna?
Okay, this is where things get interesting. They've got a Pool with view, which is seriously Instagram-worthy. And the Spa is, well, it's there. Spa/sauna and a Sauna? Yeah, triple check! I did get a foot bath which was a nice experience. I even did a Body wrap (which, let's be honest, I only booked because I was feeling adventurous). There's a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness. I didn't go near either, but I appreciate the effort. The Massage? Ooh, that was glorious. I'm one of those people who can drift off to sleep, and I did.
Services & Conveniences: Your Every Need Met (Almost)
Daily housekeeping? Thank you, sweet angels. Air conditioning in public area? Crucial. Laundry service? Essential. Concierge? Super helpful with recommendations. They even had a Cash withdrawal machine. The Cashless payment service was also very handy. Taxi service available.
For The Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes
I don't have kids, but based on what I saw, they're trying. Family/child friendly. Babysitting service? Present. Kids meal on offer? Sure.
Downsides: The Imperfections That Make it Real
Okay, let's be honest for a moment. This place isn't perfect. The service can be a little slow at times (it's Albania, after all). And finding my way to the Fitness center was a mission (hint: it's tucked away!). The rooms aren't huge. Also, I'm not sure what to make of that Shrine. Did I mention the construction noise from next door at 7 am? Not ideal. But honestly, these are minor quibbles. This is Tirana, not the Ritz-Carlton. Embrace the chaos.
The Offer: Your Tirana Escape Awaits!
Are you ready to experience the vibrant heart of Tirana?
Bazaar Gem (2022) is offering a special deal that won't last! Book now and receive:
- 15% off your stay: Use code "TIRANA2023" at checkout.
- Complimentary breakfast: Fuel your adventures with a delicious buffet breakfast.
- Free airport transfer: Arrive stress-free.
- Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
- Complimentary Mini-bar in your room
- Free city tours or sightseeing tours (subject to availability)
So, is Bazaar Gem the perfect hotel? Nope. Is it memorable? Absolutely. Is it worth it? For the price, the location, and the overall vibe? Hell yes. Book it. You won't regret it!
Khon Kaen's FUN-D City View: Thailand's Hidden Gem REVEALED!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my itinerary, and it's probably going to be a glorious, chaotic mess. Welcome to New Bazaar Apt. 2022 Tirana Albania - where things might fall apart, and that's perfectly okay. Let's jump in!
The Tirana Tango - A Week of Wonder (and Possibly Wine-Induced Woes)
Day 1: Arrival & Albania's Antics (aka "How to Survive the Tirana Airport")
- Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Land at Tirana International Airport. Okay, first impressions: small. Real small. And the wait. Oh, the waiting. It's like they're deliberately cultivating a sense of "patience is a virtue" before you even get to Albania. I'm already sweating – partially from the heat, partially from the sheer anticipation.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Immigration. More waiting. Finally, the glorious passport stamp! Freedom! And…a baggage claim that looks like it was designed by a committee of stressed-out gnomes. Where is my bag?!
- Morning (10:30 AM): Find my taxi. Negotiate like my life depends on it (it probably does, considering the drivers). Apparently, "American tourist" translates to "extra shekels." Success! In we go to New Bazaar.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:30 AM): Arrive at New Bazaar Apt. 2022. Holy smokes. This is…charming. A little rough around the edges, a little too close to the bustling streets. But it’s mine for a week. Discover the charming, albeit slightly wonky, key situation. The landlord is super sweet lady, who explains the rules with a lot of gesticulations and some Albanian I can only barely understand. Hope I didn't miss anything important.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Luggage unpacked (yay!). Decide to conquer the supermarket. First impressions: the bread! Oh, the bread. Crusty, fluffy, and calling my name. Buy way too much, along with some delicious-looking yogurt and (of course) a bottle of Albanian red wine. This is where the real vacation starts.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): First attempt at the local coffee. Oh dear god, it's strong. I'm pretty sure I can now see sound. Wander around New Bazaar itself. Seriously, the energy here is intense. The bartering, the vendors bellowing, chickens pecking around… It's sensory overload in the best way possible.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at a tiny, packed taverna. Ordered something that sounded good. It may or may not have involved eyeballs. I'm still not totally sure what it was, but every bite had me experiencing new and thrilling flavors. The waiter, a chain-smoking, charismatic man with a twinkle in his eye, kept winking at me. Consider this the first night of my love affair with Albanian food.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Back at the apartment, wine and bread feast. I'm already planning my next adventure: a deep dive into the local wine scene. This is going to be a good week.
Day 2: Skanderbeg Square & the Bunk'Art Blitz (aka "History, Heavy Metal, and a Really Good Gelato")
- Morning (9:00 AM): Head to Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana. Okay, I've found the monument! It's…massive. Like, "heroic equestrian statue" massive. Attempt to take some photos, but the sheer heat is making me melt into a puddle.
- Morning (10:30 AM): The Et'hem Bey Mosque and the Clock tower. They are beautiful and the peacefulness is a welcome change.
- Late Morning (11:30 AM): Bunk'Art 1. Deep breath. This is going to be heavy. Seriously. It's a nuclear bunker turned into an art and history museum. It's…intense. The propaganda exhibits are chilling, but also horribly fascinating. Seeing the weight of the past, of Enver Hoxha's paranoid reign, is enough to make you want to run off and find that gelato.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM): Okay, gelato time! Found a place nearby that was absolutely divine. Two scoops. No shame. It's hot and I deserve it.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Bunk'Art 2. A smaller bunker, but still filled with an absolutely stunning art & photography exhibit.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Coffee break with a local. I was wandering around and I met an incredible man who made me an espresso and regaled me with stories of Albania’s past and future. He gave me the best tips for the trip. I’m beginning to fall for the Albanian people.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at more local restaurant, again. Exploring what they have to offer.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Home sweet home! A glass of wine + exploring more of the local treats I've found.
Day 3: Dajti Ekspres and a Mountain of Misadventures (aka "Altitude Sickness and the World's Worst Picnic")
- Morning (9:00 AM): Cable car to Dajti Mountain! The views! Absolutely breathtaking. The city sprawled below me. Pure magic. Or so I thought before the altitude started messing with my head.
- Morning (10:30 AM): Trying to explore the area. Realize I'm feeling a bit nauseous, and my head is throbbing. Dizziness. Oh joy!
- Late Morning (11:30 AM): Find a shady spot. Sit. Drink water. Try to breathe. The picnic lunch is a bust. I can barely look at the salami I bought. It made me even more nauseous.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Back to the city. Lie down in apartment . Feel like death warmed over.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Slowly, very slowly, recover. Drink more water. Eat dry crackers.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at a good restaurant. Needed to replenish.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Watching the sunset. Trying to relax and forget the pain of the morning.
Day 4: The Lake Side (aka "Lost in the Lake" and "The Unexpected Charm of Small Towns")
- Morning (9:00 AM): Drive to lake Shkodër! Another adventure!
- Morning (11:00 AM): Lake Shkodër: Absolutely stunning. The water is so clear, so deep, so…tempting.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch in Shkodër. Trying everything on the menu!
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Explore the town.
- Evening (5:00 PM): Back to Tirana.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Exploring more of the city!
Day 5: Museums and Memories (aka "A Day of Reflection and Realizations")
- Morning (10:00 AM): National Historical Museum. Diving deep into Albania's history. So much to learn!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Exploring the Blloku district.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): The House of Leaves. This one really got to me. The stories of those who were spied on, the atmosphere of paranoia…it's a powerful, sobering experience.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner, just thinking about all I've seen and all I've learned.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Stargazing!
Day 6: Shopping, Relaxing, and Realizations (aka "Letting go of my Expectations")
- Morning (10:00 AM) Explore the local market. Buying everything I can and drinking as much coffee as possible!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM) Shopping and relaxing
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner with some friends.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Relaxing, and thinking about the trip.
Day 7: Departure and a Longing Glance (aka "Goodbye, Albania – Until Next Time!")
- Morning (7:00 AM): Last breakfast. Trying to take it all in one last time.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Taxi to the airport. Say goodbye to the lovely lady.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Airport.

Bazaar Gem (2022): The Tirana Apartment That Almost Broke Me (But Also Kinda Didn't) - FAQs (Ish)
Okay, so seriously, is Bazaar Gem really worth the hype? I've seen the Instagram…
What's the *actual* location like? Is it noisy at night?
The design… it looks amazing in the photos. Is it as stylish in person?
What are the practical things? Like, the kitchen. Is it usable?
Okay, you mentioned the washing machine… tell me more!
Is it Family-Friendly?
What about the Wi-Fi? Good?
Would you recommend it? Honestly?


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