Looking for volunteers at a guest house in Shkoder, Albania

Albania

Favourited 674 times

Host rating
Feedback
59
Last activity
18/11/2022
Nº of Facebook friends
1036
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Availability

2022

Min stay requested: at least 1 month

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Description
Hello everybody!
My name is Mikel. I need your help to help me run a small guest house in the beatiful city of Shkodra, Albania.
We do have a big garden with a lot of fruit trees. The guesthouse if located not far away from the center, so it is in a quite neighbourhood. Shkodra our city is the city that everybody loves when passes by. We do have the biggest lake in the Balcans. A 2400 years old castle. 2 rivers in both sides of the city, third river north. The sea just 30 Km away, and Albanian alps, 70 km away.
The work of volunteers consist in daily routine stuff like: smiling, enjoying the beatiful days, cleaning, and small daily tasks that need to be done around the place different from day to day. Last thing, is to enjoy this place and have fun.
I have a small garden with vegetables, and we grow our own tomatoes, zuchini, pepper, eggplants, cucumbers.
In the garden there are a lot of fruit trees. We have fruits in the garden from end of May till end of January.
I do have a really lovely dog named Tia. She is the living legend, mascot and White queen of our Hostel. And a young prince Sirius, a beautiful black cat.

I can guarantee that you will have a great time over here.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help
The help consist in the daily routine of the guesthouse.

helping with tourists, maintenance, gardening etc
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Accommodation
One bed in dorm rooms and a breakfast
What else ...
This is the best place for free time, if you like swimming and cycling.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
20 hours max

Photos

Feedback left by and about host (59)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)

03/08/2022

Left by Workawayer (Kezia) for host

I had a wonderful stay at Mikel and Irena's guesthouse in Shköder:) I definitely recommend this place to backpackers and workawayers passing through! The guesthouse is a peaceful place with a big garden and lovely guests. The work was always light and fair, and Mikel and Irena are such generous hosts. It was lovely meeting some of the extended… read more

(Excellent )

22/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host

Mikhel was a fantastic host! Such a fun loving easy going guy. His hostel is beautiful and the garden is even better. Thank you for the opportunity and even more so for allowing us to take care of the puppy “low battery” we wish you, your family, Tia and the new kitties all the love!

(Excellent )

29/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Agnieszka) for host

Great place - I loved exploring the area on a bike, that Mikel let me borrow. I loved the job, the other Volunteers (Volha and Dorotya - best regards:)). Mikel was an easy-going and very friendly host. I honestly don't remember when I was so relaxed while having a part time job at the same time:) Great garden, great area, great people.

It's with… read more

(Excellent )

05/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Robin) for host

Sorry this took so long!

I had a great time at the hostel. Whilst we did have some guests I was there before the beginning of the season so our job was mostly to prepare the hostel. We had a good variety of work from chopping palm leaves to adding new features to the dorm rooms. We had access to some bikes and Shkoder is an incredible place to… read more

(Excellent )

11/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Robin)

Gjigand

Amazing guy. Always smiling. Never said no to any tasks. Even if he didn't know how to do stuff, had the good will to learn and give his 110%. Is that kind of person you have the feeling you know him in ages.
Definitely the guy you want as a volunteer. Highly recommended.

(Excellent )

11/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Heyner Jhohans & Katherine )

Cool couple, very hardworking, easygoing, just give them a task and they will give their 200%
It was a lot of fun during all the time they where around. A lot of laughs are made, good memories.
Wish you all the best guys, and see you in December.

(Excellent )

13/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Heyner Jhohans & Katherine ) for host

Our stay with Mikel was extremely fun and relaxing, definitely we wanna come back in December when he's not there (loool). The work was pretty easy to do, and Mikel made us feel like in home with his friends and his mom (you will love her!) We clean the hostel and help some days with the guests breakfast (no big deal). Also Mikel took us few times… read more

(Excellent )

24/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Justine & Martin) for host

Mikel is a really generous, fun-loving Workaway host! This was my first Workaway and I had a great time, leaving me with an awesome impression of Albania, the Balkans and life in Shkodër. Mikel and his mother take wonderful care of their volunteers, we were taken out to the rivers, the lake, out to lunch etc with guests and friends of Mikel’s. The… read more

(Excellent )

11/05/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Kara & Jon)

Kara and Jon showed up in the really last minute when i was in real need of volunteers. They stayed just 5 - 6 days becouse theit travel plans changed in the last minute for personal reasons. It was such a blessing to host them because they are so hard-working, understood my needs and gave their 120% to help me out. They can be your friend, cook,… read more

(Excellent )

10/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Kara & Jon) for host

My partner, myself and our friend all stayed with Mikel while he was making some new, exciting changes around his hostel. We were there for 5 days and enjoyed our time even while we were working! Mikel is super chill and his place has a huge yard, lots of flowers, a really nice place to relax and unwind-something we did a lot of! Mikel was nice… read more

(Excellent )

20/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (JESUS ARTURO & Consuelo de Maria) for host

We had a very nice time at the hostel with mikel, and another volunteer (Leonie-very good friend now); On the side of work, this was distributed among all, which made him relaxed, besides that the activities were simple things, like making beds, cleaning the hostel, laundry, gardening, helping Mikel sometimes with breakfast, help the guests with… read more

(Excellent )

20/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (JESUS ARTURO & Consuelo de Maria)

Jesus and Connie helped me 1 month here. I had such a great c time with them. They are humble, simple, funny, hard-working couple. They understand your needs and give their best to help you out. Definitely I would recommend them.
Guys wish you all the best and hope you make it up to India

(Excellent )

06/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Volha) for host

I'm really happy that I spent 3 weeks with Mikel and his family. This was my first volunteer experience and I really like it. During that days we (me and 2 other volunteers) swept, washed the floor, cleaned the bathrooms, changed bed linen and so on. It took no more than 2 hours. Sometimes we helped Mikel's mother to cook traditional peppers....… read more

(Excellent )

05/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Dorottya) for host

I spent 2 (officially 3) weeks in August at Mikel's. I've just got back to the university and to the office and I'm always thinking about returning to Shkoder to chill in a hammock with Tia, hang around the city or the guests.
The real task, the cleaning, took only 1.5 hours daily when 3 volunteers were working together. I also enjoyed the other… read more

(Excellent )

09/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Aleksandra) for host

The best first workaway experience I could hope for. The work was easy, the hostel quiet and all the other workawayers very friendly. Mikel knows all the best places in and outside of the city (so much better than the TripAdvisor ;) ) and is always willing to help. He also knows the best (and the worst) riddles, good luck solving them. Tia and… read more

(Excellent )

07/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Anniina) for host

I was volunteering here in june for 3 weeks, I still really miss this place !!! job was cleaning, painting, chillin, swimming, building... we did many fun things and Mikel always said "I want you have stories to tell" .. well now I have :D I really recommend this place and I would like to go volunteering to Mikel again, shkoder is so amazing… read more

(Excellent )

07/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Richard) for host

Working and Staying at the hostel was a great experience, Mikel was very welcoming and knew all the best places in the area to see and eat. Myself and my 2 friends ended up staying there for 1 month to help get the hostel set up for the summer.

We never got bored with the jobs as there was always something new to do, All in all this was a perfect… read more

(Excellent )

11/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Richard)

Very hard working guy. It was such a pleasure and blessing to have him and his friends to help me around the hostel to get ready for the new season. Highly recommended.

(Excellent )

06/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Sofia)

Sophie and her friend Marta best combination what you can ask from volunteers. Hard working girls, coffee lovers, good cookers, beer companion, amazing artist. They came like 2 unknown girls and left like family. They are perfect for hostels, family, whatever.
Chicas wish you all the best and till next time, make it simple as that.

(Excellent )

28/07/2017

Left by Workawayer (Sofia) for host

No words to describe this hostel, and it's fabulous leader querido mikel. Planning to stay two weeks, that easily transformed into one month. The atmosphere was amazing. The people we met there, we'll always be in our hearts. Mikel, now a friend. Hope seeing you in sudacalandia. Todo lo mejor para green garden, un paraiso en shkodër!
Te lumshim… read more

(Excellent )

06/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Marta)

Marta is such a sweetheart. Hard-working young woman. She understand your needs and gives her 110% to help you out. A lot of meals cooked, laughs told, beer drinked. Definitely highly recommended, she and her friend she travels with. I can say proudly one of the best volunteers I ever had.

(Excellent )

28/07/2017

Left by Workawayer (Marta) for host

Mikel sos lo todo! I already miss you, Tia, Kito and all the hostel! One month in the Hostel can be resume SIMPLE AS THAT: one new addition (coffee), two new tattoos, two murals done, uncountable number of beautiful memories, moments and places, a lot of melons and watermelons eaten, I learned that beer o'clock is happen every hour and something… read more

(Excellent )

11/07/2017

Left by Workawayer (Adele) for host

That was my first Workaway and I really loved it. The place is really great, and the garden is so peacefull. I was there in June and, as we didn't have so many guests, the work was mostly gardening, preparing dorms, welcoming people, cleaning.. We had a lot of free time to explore around Shkoder. All the areas are so beautiful !
Moreover, Mikel… read more

(Very good )

08/07/2017

Left by Workawayer (Monica) for host

The hostel was awesome! This was my first workaway experience and this place was perfect to start working. The work wasn't heavy mostly cleaning, making rooms ready for customers, garden work, painting and building things (that was so funny)!!
I was in June here. There weren't many customers.. We had a lot of free time!

Mikel is a great host!… read more

(Excellent )

06/07/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Claire)

Claire is a hard-working young lady. It was a pleasure to have her around. Team player she is a great asset.

(Very good )

20/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Claire) for host

It was a great first workaway experience. The hostel is really nice. The tasks are cleaning, getting ready the dorms, welcoming guests, painting, gardenning... Besides, Shkoder is a beautiful city. So many wonderful spots to see. The lake and the river are perfect places to go swimming. Great experience.

(Very good )

04/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host

Mikel was great to work for - I helped mostly with getting the hostel ready for the start of the season, with a bit of help for guests who came while I was there. Lots of tidying, clearing, cleaning and planting. Hard work was rewarded with relaxing in the garden, hanging out with the dog (also called Tia!), and getting time to explore Shkoder.… read more

(Excellent )

03/06/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)

It was such a nice time with Tia around. She is very hard-working and takes seriously every tasks you give her. She was good with guests and with her tasks.
Definitely she is a great asset to help you around.
Thanks a lot Tia

(Very good )

17/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Anthony)

Anthony with his 2 friends, Robin and Richard helped me for 1 month at the hostel making it ready for the new season. It was such a pleasure to have them around. Hard working guys. They will become your good friends. Used to work many different things with them, from cleaning, gardening, painting and much more. A lot of laughs while eating and… read more

(Excellent )

12/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Tove) for host

I was here in April, for two weeks during low season. The house was under construction so the job was mostly about getting it ready for the season, my job was cleaning, washing and I was also consulted by Mikel about decorative things like what fabric or colour of tiles to get in the shops! Mikel is a friendly host that will help you out wth any… read more

(Good )

28/04/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Tove)

Tove is ok. A very good asset to the team. Very friendly. She really enjoys doing the little projects.

(Excellent )

07/12/2016

Left by Workawayer (Irina) for host

Sorry for late! :)
I am glad to visit Mikel’s hostel! I had a great time in that place. It was a very good experience. The work wasn't too hard, but everyday something new happened, arrived new intresting people. The atmosphere was so cool! And the main - there is a cute friendly dog :)
Mikel, thank you for everything!

(Very good )

14/08/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Irina)

Irina is hardworking girl, helping in every task given to her. It was a big help when it was peak of season.

(Very good )

26/09/2016

Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host

Stayed in green garden for 3 weeks in august. Work was mostly cleaning and socializing with the guests, very chilled out and the other volunteers were awesome. Beautiful surrounding areas and loads of time to explore it. Last but not least home grown fruit and veggies in the garden were so good. Tia and Mikel were great hosts :-)

(Very good )

07/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)

My youngest volunteer ever. She is very hardworking for her age. Doesn't know many things but has the good will to ask how to do them. Never complains, will be always there when you ask her. A good asset of your team.

(Very good )

07/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Kate & Olivia)

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Negative )

18/08/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Micaela)

Micky is a sweetheart, always smiling. She will be there whenever and for whatever you need her. Hardworking young girl. Highly recommended. Wish you all the best

(Very good )

17/08/2016

Left by Workawayer (Micaela) for host

Had a good experience at the Hostel, its a beautiful place! Work isnt to hard just cleaning the hostel and sometimes looking for backpackers who need accommodation. Mikel was fun, he will take you to great places to eat and drink and you can join tours with guests to see Shkodra. Its a nice place i do recomend it. Only heads up is the hostel is a… read more

(Good )

30/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Rachel) for host

Great first workaway experience!! Mikel always went above and beyond to show guests and workawayers around, so they could experience local spots and food. I did a lot of different types of work (interacting with guests, keeping the hostel orderly, painting, helping in the garden, etc) none of which was very strenuous, and the work schedule is very… read more

(Excellent )

21/06/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel)

Rachel is amazing. She is young, but very hardworking. Never said NO for whatever asked her. She is a big help when around.
Highly recommend her.

(Excellent )

23/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Alexandra)

Alex is hardworking, the most organized volunteer i ever had. Whenever she saw something not in order, she would put everything in their own place without the need to ask. The place is different, after her touch. Friendly to guests, never said no for a task given to her.

(Excellent )

12/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Flavia & Diego) for host

Great host and great hostel! Shkoder is THE place to be and Mikel makes it accesible to everyone. The work is really easy and the people that comes to the hostel are great.
Our first experience in a hostel and really loved it!
TIA the dog, is the best dog ever!
Don´t miss the chance and get to know this wonderful hostel and host.

(Excellent )

12/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Flavia & Diego)

Flavia and Diego are such a nice couple. Always smiling, they create a nice feeling around them. Hardworking guys both of them. Know how to deal with guests. Highly recommended.

(Excellent )

27/06/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Annika)

Annika and Danny where both hardworking. They knew what to do in a hostel, how to deal with other guests. They made a nice atmosphere all around. The low rating is just for the fact that they where supposed to stay around 5-6 weeks. They left 1 week later without notice. They left me in a very difficult situation. Except this i do highly recommend… read more

(Neutral )

21/06/2016

Left by Workawayer (Kylie) for host

Mikel really allows you to witness the life of a local. He will go out of his way to make sure you and even his guests are looked after and having a great time 100% of the time. The hostel is surrounded by fruit trees, which need to be picked and eaten ; )
I had to help out Mikel whenever needed. He really looks out for you and ensures that you… read more

(Very good )

05/06/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Emilija)

Emilija is that volunteer that every hosts would like to have: hardworking, never step back, never said no for any task. Helped me in the kitchen cooking, working in the garden, cleaning inside. She is always smiling. She will understand your needs and will try all her best to help you. Definitely highly recommend her.

(Excellent )

29/05/2016

Left by Workawayer (Aran) for host

I had an awesome time working at the hostel, really enjoyed myself and had great fun - definitely workaway spirit. Mikel is a really jolly and warm-hearted Albanian guy, always ready to help you in any way he can. You'll always see him smiling, taking it easy but often involved in new ideas and projects.
I got to experience the country, its food… read more

(Excellent )

19/05/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Aran)

Aran is tough hardworking young woman. For sure she does not step back for any task. Had such an amazing time with her. She loves icecreams so you will always have them around.
Aran dear, you are welcome at any time.

(Excellent )

28/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Mike & Manus) for host

We stayed at this hostel for 10 days to help Mikel out with some building work. Mikel and his dog Tia are fantastic. He showed us all around Shkoder and thought us a lot about Albania. He showed us some of the best places to eat and tried some amazing food. Get the hot pot! Great places to drink also of course. Mikel even managed to sort out a gig… read more

(Excellent )

28/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Mike & Manus)

Mike and Manus. Cool guys. When they will come you will feel like you know them since forever. Friendly, lovely, always smiling. Best volunteers ever: hardworking guys, they helped in construction, cleaning, played music. And they are good in whatever they do. Wish you all the very best guys and hope to see you again.

(Excellent )

25/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host

Mikel has a really nice setup in Shkodra (Shkodër) which will become your new favourite city in Albania. He was very accomodating and lenient as it was off season. We did some work in the garden and I helped with some English translation. The hostel is located a little bit outside the city centre but with a bike it is no distance at all and Mikels… read more

(Excellent )

22/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas)

Thomas is very easygoing. If you need something to be done he will be there to help you. He is perfect for hostel life.

(Very good )

05/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Katharina) for host

Mikel is a great host! He’s eager to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Whenever he got the time he shows you around and tells you the best places for what you are looking for. He took me on bike trips and evenings out with his friends when I wanted to, so I met nice people over there :)
Shkodra is a relaxed town with beautiful nature… read more

(Excellent )

02/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Katharina)

She was very helpful here at the hostel will every tasks i had for her. She has a really good communication with other guests, which made my job very easy. I can complain only for the fact that she stayed only for 10 days.

(Excellent )

02/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Maurice)

Maurice is a good guy. Very quite, easygoing, he is there for whatever you may need him. He is excited about learning new things, especially about gardening. To me he is was a big help around the hostel.

(Excellent )

06/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Maurice) for host

I volunteered here in February/March 2016.

Albania is a very unique country in Europe, as it still has its own touch which isn't influenced that much by Western society.
You will see people riding horses on the streets next to cars, people selling their organic fruits and vegetables mostly everywhere and very helpful and friendly people. And… read more

(Excellent )

06/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Corinne)

Amazing person, you will feel the sun more shiny when she is around,always smiling, always ready when nedeed. She was very helpfull at the hostel in different tasks. But i used to make always jokes with, as the best chopper in the world, if you need some help in kitchen,

(Excellent )

13/10/2015

Left by Workawayer (Gosia) for host

If you want to know Albania from inside, see beautiful places, both turistic and not turistic, or just have good time - it's a perfect place for you. Hostel is nice, work is ok there and interesting people from all over the world are included. You will have a lot of opportunities to see Shkodra, nice places in the neighbourhood and live a local… read more

(Excellent )

04/09/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Gosia)

Amazing person. Very helpful around the hostel. My first experience with a volunteer, and it was a really good couse to her. Always ready when you ask her something. You wont regred when she will come.

(Excellent )

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