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From family home to symbol of hospitality/ The history of Hotel Mariss

2026-02-08 12:32:00, Qyteti im CNA

In one of the darkest periods for the entire world, as the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way of life, restricted movement and hit the tourism sector hard, many businesses were forced to close their doors. Travel came to a halt, borders were closed and uncertainty became a daily reality for thousands of families.

In this difficult reality, Albania, like many other countries, faced a significant decline in tourism, while host cities remained empty. But it was precisely in this challenging time, when everything seemed uncertain, that the idea of ??not giving up was born.

With the borders closed and Albanians starting to travel within the country, Korça became one of the most sought-after destinations. A city with history, culture, and tradition, which continues to attract visitors in every season of the year.

In this context, a family home became a symbol of hospitality. From a private environment, to an open door to all those seeking the peace, comfort, and warmth of a home.

From family home to symbol of hospitality/ The history of Hotel Mariss

Thus was born Hotel Mariss, a welcoming structure that was built on family values, trust and dedication, challenging the fear and uncertainty of the times.

Hotel Mariss is not just a hotel, but a story of courage and effort, proving that even in the most difficult times, initiatives can arise that today become models of success and hospitality.

The hotel manager, Eljana Malo, tells Cna TV that the idea to open the hotel was born right then, transforming their family home into a welcoming villa for all those who wanted to visit Korça.

"Our hotel opened in one of the most difficult periods for Albania and the whole world, during the pandemic, where moving abroad was very difficult for everyone. At this time, Albanians began to move to cities within the country and that's when we thought that our house, because it was actually our home, should be transformed into a welcoming villa for anyone who might want to come."

Hotel Mariss is a family hotel with 8 rooms in total, designed to meet different needs. One family room for large families or social groups, four standard double rooms, two triple rooms and one suite, the special feature of which is the characteristic fireplace. All rooms have a balcony and offer spacious spaces, standing out from other hotel structures in the city.

"Our hotel is a family hotel, it has 8 rooms in total, one of which is a family room, for large families of 4-5 people and for social groups why not. We have four standard double rooms, two triple rooms with double beds and three single beds, which I heard was lacking in the city of Korça and there are not many family rooms like that. We also have a suite, its special feature is that it has a fantastic fireplace. All rooms have a balcony, while the rooms in our hotel are very spacious compared to other hotels I have seen."

The beginnings were not easy, but today, according to the manager, the hotel has managed to fulfill its purpose. The motto of Hotel Mariss is “Come as a guest and leave as a friend”, a philosophy that, according to her, is reflected in the loyalty of customers, who have returned or recommended the hotel to their friends and family.

"The beginning was certainly a challenge for us, we didn't know how it would go, but so far we are satisfied. Our motto has been "Come as a guest and leave as a friend". I believe we have achieved this because every person who has come has returned or suggested us to their friends and family."

From family home to symbol of hospitality/ The history of Hotel Mariss

The hotel's first clients were from France, a special moment that the manager remembers with emotion, as their wishes for good luck seem to have accompanied the hotel over the years. In addition to foreign tourists, the Mariss Hotel has also welcomed many Albanian vacationers, mainly from Tirana, Vlora and Ksamil, who have expressed their satisfaction and appreciated the service and hospitality.

"I remember that our first clients were from France and when I told them that they were our first clients, it was a great pleasure for them and they wished us luck. And in fact, their congratulations followed us. Of course, we also have Albanian clients, mainly from Tirana, we have had many from Ksamil, from Vlora. Their impressions have been very good, they have exceeded their expectations and when they go to another hotel they don't know if they will reach these expectations in another hotel. This is a great pleasure for us. We feel fulfilled, accomplished and I think the goal has been achieved."

One of the hotel's strongest points is the breakfast included in the price of the stay. A rich and traditional Korçë breakfast, with pancakes, homemade jam, village eggs, trahana, petka and freshly squeezed fruit juices, which has left a special impression on visitors.

"Breakfast is included in the price of the night's stay and we have thought of a breakfast as abundant as possible because with such a breakfast, the day starts more beautifully and better. Breakfast is mainly traditional Korça, with ordinary pancakes, fried pancakes, accompanied by homemade jam because we try to make things as organic as possible, village eggs, trahana which is characteristic of Korça, petka, squeezed fruit juices, etc. Everyone was so satisfied with the breakfast that they said they had no room to eat lunch."

From family home to symbol of hospitality/ The history of Hotel Mariss

Another service that distinguishes Hotel Mariss is the free tourist guide to tourist villages such as Dardha and Voskopoja, destinations that many visitors discover for the first time. Also, the culinary experience with lakror in saç remains one of the most sought-after and most appreciated moments by tourists. According to Eljana, Korça and the surrounding villages have a lot to offer, while Hotel Mariss aims to be a reference point for all those looking for hospitality, tradition and the feeling of being at home.

"I think the free guide is a huge plus for our clients because there are many who have not been to Korça's tourist villages like Dardha and Voskopoja, and we do this for free. They are very satisfied and come back again because Korça, along with the villages, has a lot to offer. Lakror in the village has a part that they want because it is characteristic and we do it and they are left speechless."

From family home to symbol of hospitality/ The history of Hotel Mariss

Today, Hotel Mariss represents more than just an accommodation facility. It is an example of how family hospitality, dedication and preservation of tradition can be transformed into tangible values ??for visitors. From the warm service, to the comfortable surroundings, the traditional breakfast and free guides to tourist villages, every detail aims to offer customers a complete and authentic Korça experience.

From family home to symbol of hospitality/ The history of Hotel Mariss

With returning clients, increasing recommendations, and exceeding expectations, Hotel Mariss continues to build a lasting name in local tourism. A story that began in challenging times and that today proves that when hospitality is done with heart, every guest leaves as a friend, while Korça gains another benchmark for family tourism.