I traveled through Tirana en route to Southern Albania alone last month, and Stephen Center was recommended to me by a British missionary as "clean, safe, and cheap". Since I do not speak Albanian and my flight got in at midnight, I was grateful for the extra service they offer: picking up at the airport.

The rooms are homey and comfortable, have great baths and hair-dryer (particularly appreciated after spending a week at a campground!) :) The Center itself was actually started by a man from my hometown of Worcester, MA. The staff speaks English very well, and are very happy to help you with things like getting a taxi, telling you where to change money, and so forth. The Stephen Center features a very good and inexpensive restaurant (with wireless connection, so I could check e-mail all afternoon), and is located on a round-about in the center of Tirana next to a market and several souvenier shops. All in all, it is a GREAT value and the people are lovely. Not very many rooms, so a reservation through their website is a good idea. I will definitely be back next time I have the pleasure of visiting Albania.

Stephen Center is known primarily for its good American food at its cafe. Next door, they have eight rooms which are furnished with a small table, TV, wardrobe, two twin beds (mattress only - no box springs), and bathroom with shower.

At only 30 euros for a single/40 euros for a double room, it's a bargain. Breakfast is included. Daily laundry service is also available for a reasonable price - I think it was 10 euros for a 6-night stay, and we used the laundry service on four days. While I am used to business hotels such as the Sheraton, I wouldn't pay 180 euros for the Tirana Sheraton. Furthermore, the Stephen Center is in a convenient location to the main roundabout where the Tirana International Hotel is located.

This is not a full-service hotel by any means. But, if you just want a safe and clean place to stay and be near other Americans who hang out at the Stephen Center cafe, this is a good option. If you want full-service, look elsewhere.

My one wish about this place is that at least one of the rooms should be furnished with a queen-size bed for couples who are staying here.

After four trips to Tirana, I keep coming back to the Stephen Center and will on future trips, as well.

This is a great value and a good place to start a trip in Albania. The staff is very nice. The breakfast is excellent.There's free Wi-fi. Bathrooms are fine. Rooms clean. The staff speaks English. What more could you ask for? Ignore outdated LP advice. The restaurant now has beer and wine. You don't have to be "Christian'' to stay here. The subject never came up. I'd definitely stay here again.

We stayed in this Qendra Stefan in August 2007 as part of an often rough all-round Balkans trip. This B&B was the nicest surprise during the trip, central, clean and homely. The place is run by Christian missionaries, but they luckily don't try to ram their religion down your throat. The staff is friendly, rooms are new and air-conditioned. The cafe downstairs serves really good American breakfast (you can see all the expats eating here as well) and has free wi-fi. Prices were reasonable too.