Greece: Athens & the Peloponnese Guidebook
Best and worst accommodations:
Worst: Niki Hotel..
Why: It was centrally located which made up for it's lack of charm. The bed was hard. The breakfast was meager and the staff were unfriendly. Luckily we only stayed for three nights.
Cheryl Weir in Vancouver, WA USA 08/19/2011
Best: Kalimitsi Hotel
Why: That beach was heaven. Nice people. Wonderful breakfast.
Jan Grantham in Redding, CA USA 07/26/2011
Best: KARDAMYLI: 1) page 348 – Hotel Liakoto:
Why: 1) Our studio w/kitchenette overlooked the sea w/2 firmly cushioned chairs & a table for the balcony, where we spent most of our time when in the studio. Each floor has covered areas w/tables, chairs, & full bookshelves of diverse offerings. The pool is clean & large enuff to accommodate the guests w/lounge chairs & umbrellas. The Free Wi-Fi & 3 computers for guest use in lobby is amazingly generous. In winter, only the Liakoto is open, so rates for the Liakoto were lowered to Anniska's. A welcome gift of freshly baked cookies, milk, & 2 bottles of water from the extremely friendly owners, & we had multiple conversations that covered Greece, politics, economics, etc plus they resolved questions or issues quickly. Daily maid service. The studio was well lit by natural light & plenty of bright lamps inside, 2 firm mattress twin beds, supported by wooden slats, were pushed together w/a queen-sized pillow top cushion, very comfortable sleeping. The kitchenette area seated 4 around the table, had an electric water pot, tea/coffee supplies, 2 stove top burners, small fridge w/freezer, coffee maker, plate ware/utensils for 6, fry pan & 2 pots, large sink, & cabinet space for food; perfect for staying a couple weeks and cooking in. They also supplied us w/2 nice bathrobes & 2 pool towels. Door opened w/key card that supplied the electricity, inconvenient when leaving since there was no electricity. Bathroom had towel sets for 2, good sized corner shower w/a folding curtain, a little corner shelf for soap, etc, & the shower head could be hand-held or hung above, not enuff towel racks tho. The complimentary toiletries included lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, & sewing kit.
Worst: Hotel Leto - pg221, Hotel Pelops pg332
Why: 4) The large hotel lobby had a bar area & multiple sofas & chairs; but was occupied by the staff on smoking breaks. The smoke leaked under our hotel room door, even tho we were down the hall, around the corner, the bed was firm, but had an unfitted too small bottom sheet, & all furniture veneer was stained & peeling. Room lighting was poor. The shower had a leaky glass barrier only on one side, so that towels on the rack were sprayed. Towel rack had 3 bars, but only held 1 towel, b/c it wasn't fixed into the wall correctly. Overall, it was fine, but of the 4 we stayed in that were in your book, this one was our least favorite, altho the Hotel Pelops in Olympia had 2 twin beds w/worn-out spring mattresses supported by wooden slats. The springs could be felt thru the mattresses & made sleeping quite uncomfortable & a small corner shower (larger people will have problems), a shower head that could be hand held or put in a rack above, 1 towel rack & 2 hooks by the toilet. The shower doors didn't close completely, & water pressure & temp fluctuated as others guests showered.
Kip Freytag in Shingle Springs, CA USA 06/06/2011
Best: Gorgones in Kardamyli
Why: The rooms were clean, cheap (40 euro), and offered a fantastic view. The owner (I forget her name) was extraordinarily friendly, and she even gave us a bottle of ouzo when we were leaving. We only ate breakfasts in her restaurant, but they were good.
Dave Kendle in Lincoln, NE USA 04/14/2011
Best: Hotel Ippoliti in Napflio
Why: Comfortable, beautiful, good location and well-appointed.
Joan Barnes in Portland, OR USA 04/01/2011
Best: Hotel Tempi
Why: It's location to the Monastiraki train station was super close, as was all the action! We walked up a bunch of flights, but that's no big deal for us. Our luggage and the skinny halls though were a challenge. We requested a room with a view of the Acropolis and got it. It was beautiful at night and we enjoyed a bottle of wine on that balcony watching the action below and staring in awe at the Acropolis.
Shannon Fonferko in Schaumburg, IL USA 03/20/2011
Worst: Hotel Tempi
Why: This hotel has a mold problem, from the smell of it. (It's clean on the surface...but I think there's mold underneath the tiles). I was in (for one night--I left and went to Hotel Cecil the next morning) the most depressing room I've ever been in anywhere (room 5). The next morning, Yiannis, who is nice, tried to move me to another room...bigger, brighter, and on the street as I'd asked for (per Rick's advice)...but still...that mold smell in the bathroom. I had to leave. I don't think this hotel belongs in Rick's book, especially at 50 euros/night (and no breakfast). In the end, Yiannis took 5 euros off without my asking. I went to the Hotel Cecil for 55 euros including breakfast...much nicer.
Stacy Ferratti in Richmond, CA USA 11/19/2010
Best: Hotel Leto and Attalos Hotel
Why: Both were excellent.
James Baudhuin in New Berlin, WI USA 10/14/2010
Worst: Hotel Pelops, Olympia
Why: Had to talk hotel into turning on A/C even though it was 90 degrees and we had a sunny room. We rejected their suggestion that we open our windows and leave our door into the hall open. Also had off and on again hot water -- mainly off. No hot water either afternoon we were there and one of our two mornings. Shower doors gapped, soaking the floor. Breakfast was ho-hum at best.
William T. Smith in Scottsdale, AZ USA 10/12/2010
Best: Pension Marianna, Nafplio
Why: Friendly owners, absolutely lovely rooms and views, spotlessly clean. It's the nicest hotel in Greece (and we've been to a lot of hotels in Greece).
Worst: Pension Erofili, Hydra
Why: Smoking is permitted, if not encouraged. There's an ashtray on every flat surface. Smoke came through the bathroom ventilation system, windows, and doors. We woke up with headaches every morning. Although this experience was typical of Greek hotels in the past, most decent hotels manage to control smoking now. The owners were friendly, but never there. This is the first time I've been disappointed with a RS-recommended hotel.
Bronwyn in Seattle, WA USA 09/03/2010
Best: Hotel Hera
Why: Convenient, elegant, well-appointed. I would recommend for any hotel, take one of their business cards, so if you need to take a taxi back to your hotel, you can show it to the driver, as many don't speak any english.
Penny Nuse in Concord, MA USA 07/07/2010
Best: hotel Sophia
Why: Wonderful rooms, Great value for price, best breakfast, best location on the island. The owners are an absolute joy, gave us lots of background on the island and greek economic problems. We stayed 4 nights, and it was too little. Will definitely return.
ernie ooms in calgary, al canada 06/16/2010
Best: Rigas Pension in Nafplio
Why: Very cute and clean
Mark in Bloomington, MN USA 05/07/2010
Best: Hotel Tony
Why: We liked the location (2 blocks from the metro, walkable to Acropolis, in a quiet neigborhood. The room had just been remodeled and opened to guests. There is a refrigerator in the room and he put a kitchen/bar area just off the lobby, in case people wanted to cook in for a change. The room had a VERY contemporary modern feel. He even put a flat screen TV on the wall (which we only watched once and found that Dancing with the Stars is even a European phenomenon! - too funny!). Tony is very accommodating. His rates are very reasonable (60 Euro). Tony can tell you where to get the BEST desserts and they are only a block and a half away. He has internet and a computer in the lobby, someone was at the desk when we had a late check in. Tony takes personal pride in his hotel. He is very proud of his work - and should be. This hotel seemed like it would fit Rick Steves travelers well - and it did!
Cynthia Monge-Eaton in Olympia, WA USA 04/23/2010
Best: Marble House
Why: Thoroughly enjoyed our stay; good, quiet location in a family-oriented neighbourhood; several small eateries in the area.
Worst: Tempi Hotel
Why: Lacked ambience; was very noisy all hours of the night; rooms very small; over-priced; owners are very friendly, however. I felt like I was sleeping in a hostel - which was not what I was looking to do.
Caroline Young in Vancouver, BC Canada 11/19/2009
Best: Hotel Pelops (Olympia)
Why: Large rooms, great views friendly staff
Davy Davis in Denver, CO USA 10/28/2009
Best: Pythos Rooms in Delphi; Pension Marianna in Nafplio
Why: George & Vicky provide incredible service, friendliness and value in Delphi. Likewise the Zotos brothers in Naflpio were marvelous hosts and also provide great value. Loved sitting on our terrace enjoying the view.
Jim Reiners in Austin, TX USA 10/01/2009