1. How do the princes and princesses get to the castle?
2. Where do the princes and princesses sleep?
3. What do the princes and princesses eat?
4. How do the princes and princesses enjoy themselves?
5. What do our little princes say about the castle?
6. How do you make a reservation at the castle?

How do the princes and princesses get to the castle?

The spectacular hotel is perched on a hill, 1 km away from the city center, in a pine forest (exact location here). It’s an oasis of peace and relaxation. The road to the hotel is paved, but it’s a bit narrow.

From the very first moment, we were impressed by its imposing walls and gates, reminiscent of a true castle. Stepping into the courtyard, we were greeted by two massive dogs, as a castle couldn’t remain unguarded. Despite their size, these gentle giants were incredibly friendly and eager to play. Only Mihai was a bit reluctant. Though he adores animals, they were as big as he was, which made him a tad cautious. 🙂

The castle’s courtyard is big enough to accommodate all the carriages (to be read cars) of the guests and you don’t have to worry about their safety, because there are video cameras and the gates close at night.

Where do the princes and princesses sleep?

Castle Park Hotel was established in 2002 by Alma and Zamo Spathara, two Albanians who have a deep love for their country and its nature. They aimed to provide tourists with a taste of the hospitality, culture, gastronomy and natural beauty that Albania takes pride in. After years of hard work, they succeeded in creating a marvelous place that you should not miss if you visit Berat.

If you decide to stay here, which I highly recommend for a complete experience, you’ll have several options for accommodation. You can choose from various rooms and apartments available within the castle itself, or you can opt for two smaller, separate castles, each with two rooms. During our stay, we slept in the main building, specifically in the family suite with two royal bedrooms. Even the bathroom had a royal touch! We were amazed by all the intricate details, from the beautifully crafted beds and windows to the elegant chandeliers and paintings, all meant to transport you into a fairytale-like experience.

At the castle, you can also find rooms designed for two people, ideal for a romantic getaway. Additionally, they offer rooms for three or four people, as well as apartments suitable for families. This diverse range of accommodations ensures that all types of guests can find a perfect stay at the castle, catering to both intimate escapes and family vacations.

What do the princes and princesses eat?

On the ground floor of the castle, there is a restaurant worthy of royal guests. The tables, chairs and every little detail seem to transport you to the medieval era, making you anticipate knights to walk in at any moment and request a hot boar on the stove and three goblets of wine. However, the knights don’t appear, but the waiters do, serving you the most delicious Albanian dishes. A must-have for every meal are olives in olive oil with spices (I have never tasted such good olives) and cheese.

In addition to the restaurant, there are also two outdoor terraces, one open and one enclosed, where weddings, baptisms, parties, or conferences are organized. We even stumbled upon a party and had the chance to listen to Albanian music as well 🙂

It’s worth mentioning that you can enjoy the exquisite dishes from the restaurant even if you are not a guest staying at the castle. The restaurant is open to everyone.

How do the princes and princesses enjoy themselves?

Castle Park provides a wide array of complimentary activities for its visitors, whether they choose to stay in the castle or not. Alma and Zamo are committed to offering a unique experience to all who come through their doors, and as a result, they organize a plethora of exciting activities. These include Albanian food cooking classes, thrilling rafting adventures through the scenic Osumi and Vjosa canyons, exhilarating jeep safaris up the holy Albanian mountain, Tomorri, and the opportunity for kayaking and SUP on the picturesque lakes nestled in the Tomorri mountains. Additionally, guests can enjoy donkey rides, invigorating hikes up the mountain or through the canyons, snowshoeing and a range of activities that cater to anyone eager to explore the authentic beauty of Albania.

All these fantastic activities are expertly organized and managed by their agency, the Albania Rafting Group, which boasts the finest guides in the country. You can rest assured that your family is in capable hands when you entrust your adventures to them. The best part is that their activities are thoughtfully tailored to cater to both adults and children, making it the perfect opportunity for families to bond and create cherished memories together. This family-friendly approach was one of the key factors that drew us to them, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to embark on such an enriching experience.

We had the chance to try out just two of these activities – the traditional Albanian food cooking class and the awesome rafting experience through the Osumi canyon. I’ve shared our experiences in a separate article, here.

Moreover, beyond these activities, the city and its surroundings offer a wide array of captivating places to explore, and I’ll be covering them in another article soon! 🙂

What do our little princes say about the castle?

Because the children’s opinions hold great significance for us, below are their impressions of the experience at this enchanting castle straight out of fairytales:

Alex (10 years old): “Rafting was absolutely amazing! The rapids were so much fun, and the cathedral in the canyon was awe-inspiring. The cooking class was awesome, and the food at the hotel felt like a fancy restaurant treat we don’t have often. Playing with cars in the yard and the castle bathroom were also highlights for me.”

Mihai (7 years old): “I loved the delicious food, especially the homemade olives with eggs, butter and bread. The castle looked so cool and I enjoyed cutting the vegetables, stuffing the peppers, and kneading the bread during the cooking class. Oh, and there was something else I liked… I can’t quite put my finger on it!” (that’s just Mihai’s adorable way of saying it 😂)

How do you make a reservation at the castle?

Have I managed to spark your interest in considering a visit to Castle Park Hotel? Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a memorable family vacation or a successful business trip, this place offers impeccable service, modern amenities and a committed staff. How could you resist such an extraordinary experience? If you have any questions or wish to make reservations, here are the contact details to get in touch with them. Alternatively, you can find the hotel on Booking if that’s your preferred booking option. 👍

*This article was created in collaboration with Hotel Castle Park Berat and Albania Rafting Group*

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Happy exploring!