N'Sokak Boutique Hotel

On a cobbled street in the Old Town of Gjirokaster, Albania, N’SOKAK Boutique Hotel transformed a 19th-century family home into an intimate four-room stay. Its restoration preserves the building’s original exposed brick walls and timber beams, combining them with dark wood furnishings and neutral tones that give the historic structure a contemporary feel.

The sense of place continues inside: the ground-floor bar and sitting area display sculptures by Gjirokaster artist Arben Bajo and paintings by his daughter Era alongside books by celebrated Albanian novelist and poet Ismail Kadare, whose former home is nearby. All four rooms face the mountains, while the two top-floor accommodations have private balconies. Breakfast emphasizes local flavors and produce, including byrek, a savory filo pastry filled with area cheeses.