"Pros: Location of hotel was fantastic. Situated on a main road but traffic noise was not an issue due to efficient double glazing. There is car parking space at the back of the hotel which was a bonus as everywhere in Albania has parking issues! Rooms were of an adequate size and very clean. Lovely large bathroom with efficient shower and plenty of hot water. Beds, pillows and duvet were all super comfy and spotlessly clean. Breakfast was good, served in a separate room off the main bar area. Freshly made omellettes cooked to order, a tray of mixed ham, cheese, tomatoes, sausage and salami. Fresh orange juise, bread and mini donuts with dips. Sadly no coffee offered. All staff were very efficient, helpful and friendly. We didn't feel like strangers. There is a great bar on the first floor, always busy with locals but no problem finding seats. The bar serves all types of drinks, cocktails, coffees and lovely tasty snacks. Again staff were very efficient. Never had to wait long to be served and very helpful. Would happily return here as we all loved it so much and we would have no hesitation in recommending it to others. Cons: Loved almost everything. Only downside for us was the lack of coffee at breakfast. Any coffee you wanted had to be paid for by the cup. Not something we experienced in any of the other hotels we stayed in. Just a shame they didn't have an evening menu for food so we had to travel outside. Also the bar was full of smokers which seems to be the norm in Albania, even though we were told by our Albanian friend that smoking indoors was not allowed. It didn't upset us too much though as the turnover of customers was pretty constant." ~Freda

"Pros: Hoteli sh I mire, pozicioni ne qender, pastertia, mobilimi dhe akomodimi ne Nivel te larte. Mikpritja e popullit gjirokastrit shume e perzemert. Gjirokastra ka shume vende per tu vizituar sidomos nese do te qendroni tek The First." ~Tabaku

"Pros: Beautiful view, spacious and clean Cons: No coffee pods despite there being a coffee machine. No little comfort kitchen items. Security cameras felt like spying on us in the hallway." ~Marissa