Buff Hostel Tirana

Very Good
Traveller Type:
  : The staff were super friendly and check in was easy peasy! Great location close to main attractions but enough out of the way so that it wasnt super loud at night. Kitchen facilities were everything you need in a hostel and the wifi worked great.
  : It was a little difficult to find at first. Theres a sign outside the door but we didnt notice it! Ive attached a picture below to help future travellers - just knock on the door and someone will come out to help you :)

Good
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler
  : The hostel is run by a group of Latin American volunteers who are very friendly. They keep checking the place, so it's spotless clean. However, I think this place is ok for 1-2 nights max for two reasons. There is no heating (no heating included in winter! If you want it you have to pay extra). The common room is very small, can get a bit claustrophobic.
  : They charge you extra if you pay in lek. That's very naughty. Should be the other way around: fixed price in the local currency, and if you want to pay in Euro you have the extra charges for the currency conversion.

Very Poor
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler
  : Staff is friendly.
  : It is a horrible place. The walls are damaged by humidity. The floor is very cold and there is no carpet to cover it. Everything comes with extra fees; to open the air conditioner, I have to pay an extra 2 Euros; to have one towel, I have to pay 1 Euro. Also, they don't manage the place ethically. They offer a price on Booking mentioning all amenities, and say that booking is not refundable. After making the reservation, you receive an email says that so and so comes with extra fees; then if you reject, your booking is unrefundable, and if you accept you will find yourself pay more than expected. In short, it is scamming. Moreover, many mentioned amenities are not available. They say there is a coffee machine, but this is not true. They don't have even a kettle for tea.

Very Good
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler
  : The staff at the time of stay were fantastic. I say time of stay as there were some shorter term volunteers. The standard of cleaning and continual cleanliness checks were of the highest standard. In fact, I would have extended my stay due to this but the negatives made my decision to go to a different hostel.
  : The policy of charging extra for heating when every other city public space and accommodation provider had switched the heating on. Some guests joked about visiting the shopping mall to warm up!I was told I could share the extra charge with others in the dorm. I didn't know the others. Am I going to spend my time negotiating heating bills with strangers in my dorm? I imagine the hostel owner had heating on in his home when temperatures fell to 0 Celsius and we shivered under our blankets.I left on principle and paid more at another hostel which was heated, simply because I didn't appreciate this owner's attitude regarding heating.A real shame as the staff were great and the hostel nice enough.

Wonderful
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler
  : Excellent location. Helpful friendly staffPlenty of very hot water!
  : Extra cost for heating- not just air conditioning as statedCreaky wooden flooring