If you’re thinking about visiting northern Albania or wondering about where to stay at Koman Lake, this article is for you. 5 Stinet Hotel is a destination accommodation set at one of the most picturesque places (near Koman, Albania) with fun adventure opportunities.
As I was reminiscing after my latest trip to Koman Lake and 5 Stinet, I wrote these words in my journal.
“During the last light on Koman Lake, it feels like escaping, no routines, no stress. The brilliant stars and the silence at night remind you what it means to be human again.”
Some people have tight Albania itineraries, so even if you can’t make it for an overnight stay, make sure to do the kayaking day trip on Koman Lake – you won’t regret it.
Disclaimer: My stay at 5 Stinet Hotel was gifted, but all of the opinions and advice are 100% my own. This site also contains affiliate links that will cost you nothing extra but offer me a little commission for any purchases made. These commissions do help me continue to offer helpful tips.
Luxury In The Middle Of Nowhere?!
I’ll include photos throughout the article, so you can see for yourself how dreamy 5 Stinet – definitely one of the top accommodations in northern Albania. Being right on the lake and waking up to these views is priceless, seriously. I had to pinch myself a little bit and my friend had to drag me to the boat when it was time to leave.. not really, but you get the point.
There are some nice touches, like the embroidered towels and bathrobes, which are super cozy.
Of course, breakfast is also included, even though I was so full from dinner, I still managed. My Albanian friend said this,
“Best hotel breakfast I’ve had in all of Albania”
Some high praise right there!
It’s fair to mention, there is no road access to 5 Stinet. Everything comes in and out by boat, and also a 2-hour road journey from Koman to Shkoder (or longer to Tirana). This means you’re getting a great family-run accommodation in a remote region, so it’s not like you can compare it to hotels in major cities.
Organic, Traditional Mountain Cuisine
One of the best rules to follow in Albania – leaving the city means you will find the best traditional Albanian food. Deep in the Albanian Alps, you will find some of the best cheese (and other dairy products), honey, grilled meats and fish, etc.
I was really impressed with the food served at 5 Stinet. I have eaten at other guest houses on Lake Koman, so I do have some authority to say it’s the best I’ve tried, especially with reasonable prices. The guest houses in Shala River charge way more for low-quality / small portions.
Here are a few suggestions for your order:
- House wine – If you drink alcohol, try 5 Stinet’s home-made wine, it is very good.
- Grilled pork – We had a mix meat platter, and they were all good, but this was my favorite by far.
- Salce Kosi – A traditional strained yogurt sauce, it’s a dip that goes with everything. The one at 5 Stinet is one of my favorites I’ve ever tried.
- 5 Stinet Salad – With this house salad, you’re getting a colorful mix of greens, different cheeses, and fruits.
Underrated For Summer
If you’re like me, you hate extreme heat, and Albania always gets hit with a heat wave in the summer. At 5 Stinet, it was perfect because the mountains make it a bit cooler, just enough to be able to enjoy being outside still.
Plus, the hotel is located right on the water, so at any time you can go for a swim, go kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. While everyone heads to crowded beaches, it’s easy to find peace on Koman Lake.
Mix Of Tradition, Beauty, Adventure
Tradition – Northern Albania has its own distinct cultural markers, one of the most obvious being the Gheg dialect of the Albanian language being spoken. The mountains where 5 Stinet resides are also known for having the last tribal system in Europe, strongly survived into the 20th century. The whole region is steeped in history and can be really interesting to learn about. You can read more about these accounts in Robert Elsie’s The Tribes of Albania – History, Society and Culture.
Though you might not see obvious signs of the tribes, trust me, it remains. One example is that most businesses in Albania are family-run. 5 Stinet is no different. All of the employees are uncles, cousins, etc. so don’t be surprised if you meet many people with the same last name. In a world of globalization, this is so rare. Also, when I was there, it was obvious that the staff work very hard all day to make it a nice experience for you, so make sure to be kind.
Beauty – A great part of staying at 5 Stinet is that you can still fit a trip into the famous Lumi i Shales (Shala River). I’ve visited a few times and it is worth the hype – such a unique place that you can’t miss.
Unfortunately, it’s not so peaceful since many guesthouses/restaurants play loud party music. Instead of staying there overnight, I’d suggest staying at 5 Stinet and then taking the daily 10 AM boat that goes to Shala River. After a few hours, you can return to the hotel or to the Koman ferry terminal.
Adventure – One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Koman Lake is by kayaking. 5 Stinet has kayaks for rent for guests (10 euro), which I would highly recommend taking advantage of.
“As a beginner, I was apprehensive about being on the water. Then, after learning the paddle functions, I became more confident. Being in the middle of Koman Lake, with the sun and calmness of the water, it turned out to be such an adventure. Soon we wanted to upgrade to stand-up paddle boarding, which was even easier (if you sit or are on your knees)!”- Adelina
Since this was her first time swimming in a lake and trying kayaking, getting to share this time with my best friend was priceless.
First Impressions (Literally)
Do you ever just have those moments that stop you dead in your tracks, and you think:
“so this is what it means to be human”
“this is what it means to be alive”
… suddenly all the hardships that have come before don’t seem so bothersome because now you’re in this exact moment. Now it has all been worth it.
Whatever sparks this in you is the key to life – keep that protected and tucked away for a rainy day.
Back in 2019, I had one of these moments during my biggest solo trip to date in Europe. I spent one month traveling alone for the first time, in many countries that people warned me to avoid. Thankfully, the cheesy Facebook videos about Albania’s culture left me undeterred from these negative Nancys.
Deep in the north of Albania, I decided to take the ferry. This was before Albania was a trending destination, so I felt brave and adventurous as I sat at the front of the ferry watching the insane lake views. I remember looking to my right and seeing these little cabins perched on a hillside and thinking, “how epic would it be to stay there”.
Oh, how funny the universe is, because six years later, I would have a website specifically dedicated to northern Albania, and that same hotel would ask me to stay with them! Talk about coming full circle..
Anyway, I hope this gives you an idea of the impact this beautiful place has had on me. I can’t promise that you’ll have the same spiritual experience, but it can’t hurt to try.
Final Thoughts – 5 Stinet
For travelers looking to experience Koman Lake beyond just a ferry ride, 5 Stinet is worth the extra effort to reach. With no road access, everything arrives by boat, but that remoteness is exactly what makes it stand out. From its lakeside setting, you can spend your days kayaking, swimming, or taking the daily boat to explore the Shala River, before coming back to a proper meal and a quiet evening under the stars.
The food is some of the best I’ve had in the region, and the cooler mountain air makes summer far more enjoyable than Albania’s crowded beaches. 5 Stinet is easily one of the best places to experience the magic of Koman Lake. I hope you love it as much as I did.
My Trip Recommendations
- Rent a car in Tirana – It’s the best way to see Albania, especially if you’re short on time
- Compare hotels and apartment prices all in one place on Trivago – the most convenient way to get a good deal
- Prefer hostels? Find the best ones on Hostelworld – especially with the new Linkups
- Find discounted flight deals with Skyscanner if you’re flying to Albania
- Get a quote for affordable & flexible insurance travel insurance coverage
- Budget option – free accommodation through volunteering with Worldpackers – get $10 off