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"Argenti" the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra / Still today after 3 decades offers quality and relaxation

2025-02-21 19:48:00, Qyteti im CNA

"Argenti" the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra / Still

Hotel "Argenti" is the first private accommodation structure in Shkodër. Three decades ago, the Behri family decided to open the business, which has managed to survive over the years, becoming an important hospitality center in the north. Ardit Behri talks about the launch of "Argenti" in 1995.

"Argenti" the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra / Still

"Hotel "Argenti" in Shkodra started in 1995. The first idea for our hotel was my father's. Hotel "Argenti" is the first private accommodation structure in the northern area of ??Albania, as far as a proper hotel is concerned, since 1995 when it opened its doors for the first time. As my father explained to me, for the launch of Hotel "Argenti", seeing the need for people who in those years needed to be accommodated in Shkodra, seeing this great interest that started, the first steps were taken and this hotel was built that is still there today. The name has a meaning because it is the union of some letters of my name and my brother's name, an idea of ??my father and it has remained like that ever since. The idea was accidental. My father was staying with some of his friends because he was not at all in this field and his friends suggested it to him, saying that such a thing was necessary, and he said 'I'll give it a try' and I believe it worked out for him. "Good luck," says Arditi.

"Argenti" the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra / Still

What did your father do before?

In the early 1990s, before he had the hotel, he was in the fuel business. Before the 1990s, he was a teacher and school principal, so he was involved in education, and then in 1991 and later, he entered business, continuing to this day.

"Argenti" the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra / Still

In three decades, Hotel "Argenti" has welcomed numerous local and foreign clients. As well as important personalities. Among them, Arditi singles out Azem Hajdari's attitude as soon as the business opened, where for the staff, his political enthusiasm was an inspiration.

"Argenti" the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra / Still

"As my father explained to me, the first visitors were initially Albanians from other cities, but soon many foreigners came who wanted to discover Shkodra in those years, a persecuted city and, like the whole of Albania, just emerging from the communist regime. Many important figures at the time also came, foreign ambassadors who were in Albania or various other diplomats, because it was the only private accommodation structure in the whole of the north. There was also that fear in those years, but when they came to Shkodra they found comfort, they found security. Security was very important for foreigners at that time because they still did not know Albania or Shkodra, because it was a country that had just emerged from communism. However, from what they told me, despite those years, the visitors who came to our hotel at that time felt good because we offered them security first and foremost, then the accommodation was very good because everything was new and a modern structure for that time, and I believe they felt at home. "them," says Arditi.

"Argenti" the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra / Still

"There are two figures that remain in my mind. The late Azem Hajdari, who stayed in Shkodra for many days at that time for a pair of elections that were taking place at the time and was accommodated at the "Argenti" hotel. My father also explained to me Azem Hajdari's great desire to change Albania and make it a better and more developed country. I believe it was 1995, when Azem Hajdari was still in his early days and a young man. The second case that I can highlight is the American ambassador at that time, who was also accommodated at the "Argenti" hotel and was very pleased with what we offered him. He was also pleased with Shkodra in general, seeing that we were coming after almost 50 years of communist isolation," says Arditi.

"Argenti" the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra / Still

Hotel "Argenti" has maintained the structure of 40 rooms since its creation, but today it comes with a wide range of services, starting with the little ones who have the opportunity to have fun with the playground, the older ones to relax while enjoying the coffee or the bar of the bar, for others who enjoy a lunch with traditional or Italian food, not forgetting the comfort of the room or the organization of the wedding of their dreams.

"Argenti" the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra / Still

"As a structure, since the beginning there were 40 rooms and they continue to be the same number, although normally over the years the facilities along with the rooms have developed. We have added new facilities, seeing the needs of the market and we have tried to adapt to what the market requires, to what tourism and the accommodation unit require. We have a conference room, we have a tourist agency, an event hall, a bar and restaurant, children's facilities to adapt to all tourists and everyone who comes to our hotel", explains Arditi.

In recent years, the number of tourists has increased significantly in Shkodra and they come from all over the world. In Shkodra there is what a tourist does and also, in the “Argenti” hotel there are tourists from all over the world who come and stay in our hotel. They naturally like the beauties of the city of Shkodra. Then, as for the hotel, it is the proximity it has both to the city center, but also to the rest of the area, which is Lake Shkodra, the Buna and Drin rivers, or the “Rozafa” castle, which are some of the main and most frequented points by them.

We offer very good accommodation, very good food for tourists, or local visitors. Then we have other facilities such as conference rooms or others, without forgetting tourist guides and everything that a tourist feels fulfilled when coming to Shkodra. So we connect our hotel's offer with the tourist spots of the city, making it as pleasant as possible for tourists.

Managing the family business was no coincidence for Arditi, as he grew up with a sense of hospitality and the further development of the hotel industry. For him, quality service is the focus.

"Argenti" the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra / Still

"In fact, I grew up in a very small business environment and I know a lot about how it works. So as you can see, it's a family business because it's run by me, my brother, my father, and others from our family. With the steps we started learning when we were little, it came naturally and now it's time to make our contribution."

It is very important because what we try to do is to make the tourist come back again or at least suggest it to others in the respective countries where they live. We value every detail so that our customers, locals and foreign tourists, are satisfied with what they pay and what we offer.

We do not have a daily restaurant and operate with a kitchen that is only offered to groups of tourists who want to have lunch or dinner, because breakfast is always included in the price for those who sleep at the "Argenti" hotel.

Usually what we offer, but also what they demand, is Italian cuisine and definitely traditional Albanian cuisine. We have chosen not to be too open as a kitchen, so that what we offer is as professional and enjoyable as possible.

There is definitely interest in traditional Albanian cuisine, because we are known for it and it is in high demand, so we have focused a lot on it. In addition to food, they often ask for local drinks, such as Albanian beer or raki. We try to offer them the best possible comfort, accommodation, and quality cuisine so that they don't just come once, but also come back.

"Argenti" the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra / Still

Tourism has changed in recent years. Arditi also has a message for his colleagues, to not only think about tomorrow, but to develop accommodation units with a long-term perspective, where hospitality and tourist retention are at the center.

"It is definitely a total change. We have now expanded and have an accommodation structure on Velipoja beach. Mainly in recent years, Albania has grown a lot in tourism and we have wide recognition from many different countries of the world. Tourism has increased and for me it is very important that we know how to maintain this tourist boom. I call on my colleagues and other accommodation structures not to think today about tomorrow. It is very important that we maintain this good that we have in our hands together and increase it as much as possible"

Hotel "Argenti" remains open not only as the first private accommodation unit in Shkodra, but also as a home that creates comfort and convenience for anyone who wants beauty and enjoyment of every moment in the northern metropolis...