AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL, IN RETHYMNO

This five star hotel is near the centre, in a place where parking was a bit complicated… although, I was lucky and parked the car just outside the hotel. It has the reputation of being one of the most luxurious and modern hotels in Rethymno. I will not enter into that, but what I can say is that I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed my stay there.

Reception staff was really nice, especially Eva, who gave us all the help we needed, as well as told us all what we could get in the hotel. We were upgraded, although I would have appreciated if we would have been advised that the room was a smoking room, but I decided to keep it because it was a really nice room, with direct view to the beach, on the main road. If I complained and requested another room, I would probably get an interior room, with view to the swimming pool, which, of course, is not the same.

The room was up to what you could expect from a five star hotel: complementary house wine, water and fruit, sleepers, full set of toiletries, bath gown …

It had a private beach, with deck chairs and towels available, as well as shower. Of course, I had to use it. You only needed to cross the street, and there you were, in the sandy beach with clear water...

Back in the hotel, a gym is available for those in need to do some sport, as well as a spa, with Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna and steam room. Massage parlour is chargeable.

As I had waken up early, done some exercise and enjoyed a nice walk in the city, I was tired, so I went early to bed. The bar, belonging to the same hotel, was just under my room and it was rather loud. However, music stopped within a reasonable time before midnight.

Buffet breakfast was very good. I loved the freshly squeezed orange machine. You did it yourself... how fresher you can get it? Fruit was available as well as cereals, cold meat and cheese, jams, breads... One thing is for sure. You didn't leave the restaurant needing food.

It was a pity to leave... but we had to continue our schedule... Checking out was also fast.

AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL
Sikelianou & Venizelou 52A,
74100 Rethymno, Crete,
Greece
Tel.: +30 28310 50432 / 52182 / 51980
Fax: + 30 28310 27825

ODYSSEON HOTEL IN KALAMBAKA

This was a little bit like the hotel from hell. It says it was renovated in 2004. God! How must have it been then! You visit the web, everything seems new. When you get there, the story begins to tell the truth.

We arrived early, and as I suspected, our room was not ready, so we headed into town to have early lunch. On our return, we were given our room and I was rather disappointed.

The room was extremely hot, insects inside. Towels were hidden in the wardrobe, the bed sheets were... clean but looked worn out. It looked really old. TV set was minuscule and signal poor. Choice of channels limited. The bed was comfortable and quiet at night.

The shower was a joke that could not cope with the water that was gathered in the curtain (too short) so it flooded the bathroom that had a whole on the floor to cater for the excess of water. The toilet and sink were extremely close to the shower. The bathroom was minute and certainly, not renovated. The flush was rather unusual for today. And as in other areas in Greece, no toilet paper in the toilet...

The curtain in the main window, was not wide enough, so had light in the morning, that woke me up early. No problem... because I needed to get out early, as I was heading to Athens.

Internet was free... but in the lobby area. It was good for visiting the different Meteora monasteries, but the photocopy they gave you with timetables and routes to get there, was outdated. Parking is not a problem. Since the hotel is not in the centre of Kalabaka, there is plenty of space. Shops and restaurants are only 5 minutes walk away.

Breakfast was very weak. It is supposed to be a 3 star hotel, but I think some stars should fall. I could not see the time for getting out of there.

ODYSSEION HOTEL

Patriarchou Dimitriou 50,
Kalambaka 42200,
Greece
Tel: +30 24320 22320,
Fax: +30 24320 75307

ASTORIA CAPSIS HOTEL IN HERAKLION

The hotel is centrally located, at short distance from the port which I believe it will be the main reason to stay over in the city of Heraklion, in Crete, as well as to visit the well known Cnossos Palace.

The reception staff is very pleasant and helpful. Check-in, with our voucher was fast, although I had to fill in a form with all the data. I was given a map and indications of what to see and do in the city. The porter insisted in taking my luggage to my room.

The room was fairly modern and right size, on the 4th floor, overlooking the main square, where the evening teenage rendez-vous are, but no noise came in the room.

Bed was comfortable. The air conditioned needed to stay on, because the moment you switched it off, you started to sweat. If you opened the balcony, it automatically disconnected, a measure to save electricity, so you needed to make sure you had it on when you closed it again.

The Greek TV channels signal was not that good, but funnily, the Spanish TVE 24 hours was available and with good one. Bathroom had all toiletries and towels were big. The hotel has a nice open swimming pool on the top floor, with deck chairs and towels available. Wireless internet connection is available and free of charge.

Buffet breakfast was wide, although I must say that there was little choice of fruit and lots of bread. Nevertheless, it was good.

Checking out was also fast.

CAPSIS ASTORIA HERAKLION
11 Eleftherias sq. ,
T.K. 712 01 ,
Heraklion (Crete) Greece
e-mail info@astoriacapsis.gr
Tel.: +30 2810 343080
Fax: +30 2810 229078

ACROPOLE HOTEL IN DELFOS

The hotel was in one of the lower streets in the town centre of Delfos, 400 mts on foot from the main archaeological area. The problem was parking, which, according to the hotel information is available, but don’t get that fool you. There are a couple of spaces in front of the hotel, but once occupied, you need to look for a place to leave the car. The place is small, so it may not be that far, but considering the steps or the uphill of the road... it may not be that easy.

Checking in staff were helpful, but all the information they had from the town was in French, funnily enough. The room was rather small, and so was the bath/shower. And it was waiting for us at 33 degrees. Of course, the Aircon was switched on... and didn’t get off until we left.

The towels were rather small too, and only two supposed to be bath towels, spread on the bedspread, one of the dirtiest parts in a room... I was not impressed and requested at least, another towel for the hands. I got two.

The bathroom was small, and the bath was extremely small and on top of that, got a step bath... so the place to have the shower was... minimal. We did get recommended a restaurant, Epikouros, belonging to the same owner, it seems... and I have to say that the recommendation was really good; big quantities, good food and normal price. On top of that, 10% discount for staying in the hotel.

It was comfortable and quiet to sleep in, which, at the end of the day, is what you need. Nevertheless, a very spartan 3 star hotel.

Breakfast was basic. Yogurt was good but weak on the fruit and bakery side.

ACROPOLE HOTEL,
13 Filellinon Str,
Delfos 33054,
Greece

OLYMIPION ASTY HOTEL, IN OLYMPIA

Certainly a nice hotel on top of the hill. Olympia is not a big town, although it has many visitors due to the old ruins, which are well worth a visit. It was a bit of a pity I didn't get there earlier, as I would have loved a swim in the lovely swimming pool.

The reception was in the main building and the rooms are in nearby pavilions. If you are with luggage, please note that depending which pavilion you are allocated in, you may have a few stairs.

The room was big and comfortable. It even had a living room area. The bathrooms also had all the toiletries available. Free wireless internet is always a positive point.

As the place didn’t seem to have much to do at night and was dark, we decided to stay over in the hotel for dinner. It was good, I will still remember those olives and melitsano salata I had. And it was not that expensive either. We had dinner in the garden, with the sky above us and the lovely swimming pool at the side. The place was quiet and the bed comfortable... What else can you ask for when you need some rest?

Breakfast was good, although it had room for improvement, especially in the juice area and bakery. But in essence, it was not a bad one.

Checking out was fast too.

OLYMIPION ASTY HOTEL

Drouvas Hill 27065
Ancient Olympia, Ilia,
Greece
Tel.: +30 26240 23665
Fax: +30 26240 23123

E-mail: olasty@otenet.gr

THE DIOSCOURI HOTEL IN SPARTA

It is rare that you end up in Sparta anyway, but if you are like me, who didn’t know the area, you may fall in this hotel, especially, with the good rating it has in Tripadvisor. If you can prevent it, please look elsewhere, as you are likely going to be better off. IT is well located, near the town centre, the Museum and on the way to one of the area attractions: The old city of Mistra.

The outside was rather strange. It looked as if the hotel, when built, it was not finished. You can look at the balconies, and you will see that the cement is there. Same happens inside the rooms in the ceiling. Style or intention? I will leave that up to you. It is a poor 3 star hotel.

Reception was rather old fashioned. You are given a key by the receptionist (probably the owner, who loiters around with the rest of the family watching Greek Soap Operas in the lobby TV) with a huge key ring, as in the old times. The lift looks from other times too. Buttons that don’t operate until the door is close (no memory).

The room was … basic, to put it nice. The Air conditioned was not on, so, it was the first thing I did, and stayed on throughout our stay. In summertime, and with the sun falling in our window, the room was really hot. The Décor was simple… specially the ceilings, that also showed the cement, as I said, as if it had not been finished. Internet was wireless… and free of charge.

The nearby (opposite) church played the bells throughout the night on the hour, until it got to 7am (I think it was) that a serenade of bells started to play… God! I was on holidays… Do I need to be woken up by the Church bells?

Breakfast was … I don’t know how to describe it. It was a bit of a disgrace. Yogurt was good, but that was about everything. The rest was… disgusting. All the things were out of a packet or a tin. Nothing fresh.

As I had my travel agent voucher, I didn’t need to do much at checking out.

THE DIOSCOURI HOTEL
Lycourgou 182 & Atridon Street,
Sparta 23100
Greece

THE AETOMA TRADITIONAL IN NAFPLION

The Aetoma Traditional is a very familiar hotel in the Middle of the old town in Nafplion, first capital of Greece. It is how old things used to be. It is meant to be a 18th Century mansion, therefore, you will see that it has a rather old fashioned structure, specially when it comes to staris. No lift, which, if you have low mobility or children in push chairs, you will have a bit of a hard time climbing the stairs. But that is as far as the negative things go with this hotel.

Parking is an issue, but it seems the hotel has a very good management of spaces in the street and you can park the car outside, in the little square. It worked for me. Staff is very nice… extremely nice, giving you all sort of indications to visit the city it the touristic way or doing it yourself. Restaurants, better views, what to do, what to visit in the surrounding areas… everything.

The room we got (only 5 in the hotel) was decorated in a classical style, but comfortable. In fact it was the KIONOKRANO ROOM. It clashes with the modern bathroom, with a nice hydromassage shower, that without wanting, keeps you longer inside.

Even though the hotel is within the pedestrian streets, it is pretty quiet. By the way, wireless Internet connection is free of charge, with a password given by the reception.

The best thing came in the morning, when breakfast was served in the balcony. It was a first for me to have breakfast in the room. The choice is there, whether to have it in the hall or in the balcony. Given the choice, the balcony was the obvious, although, it was pretty hot, even at that time of the day... but nothing to do with the hotel. Still, it was a very good choice of breakfast, which I could not finish. (The picture below only shows what I could manage to put in the little table... but inside the room, there was plenty more).

Both checking in and out was pretty easy. The hotel is one to recommend anyone visiting the area.

AETOMA TRADITIONAL HOTEL
2 Saint Spyridon Square,
Nafplion,
Peloponnese,
Greece

TELEPHONE: +30-27520-27373
FAX: +30-27520-27009

EMAIL: sales@nafplionhotel.com

AC ATOCHA IN MADRID

Having my usual hotel in Madrid closed for renovation, I had to look for a new one. The option was wide but I was looking for something in particular. The fact that it is close to the railway station (200 mts away). Atocha, is near the centre, well connected with the main commercial area by underground. And so is the AC Atocha Hotel. Within 5 minutes from the train platform, it is really convenient.

The hotel is surrounded by restaurants that will probably be of your liking, if you don’t want to eat in.
Reception is, as it normally is in this type of hotels, fast, friendly and efficient. You are handed the key and told how to get to your room. If you get it in the other module, it is a bit of a nuisance, having to get the lift to go one flight down, get across the corridor, go out to the back patio and get in the module, and then it is like a normal hotel. It is a bit of a walk... not that much of a problem unless you are a winger...

The hotel is nice... but not my taste. I don't quite like the "cold" feeling you get among those black walls, from the corridors and rooms. The hotel is very impersonal. Empty rooms, no background music... you... and yourself, which in some cases can be good... but, it may not be in others.

When you enter your room, everything is modern. Bed is comfortable. The wardrobe is unusual... Neither doors nor covers. It is a metal structure where the hangers are hanging.

The bathroom is no different. What strikes is the clear glass shower. You can see who is taking a shower from the bed... Normally, you are going to travel with someone you know... but... not that good for just friends... unless, of course, you want to take the chance to move further... Toilet is separate and... Closed to the rest of the room. Soaps and other toiletries are available too.

Breakfast is on the main module. It is a buffet with fruit, biscuits, cold meat and cheese, yogurt, bakery...

What really irritates me from this hotel is the fact that Wi-Fi is free of charge in the lobby but available for a fee in the room. I think it is mean.

AC ATOCHA
Calle Delicias, 42
28045 MADRID
Spain
T. 91 506 22 21
F. 91 506 22 22
acatocha@ac-hotels.com

SCANDIC GARDERMOEN OSLO AIRPORT

Unlike most Scandic Hotels I have visited, that were basic hotels, the Scandic Gardermoen Oslo Airport, is a completely new hotel, recently opened. It has a modern look, quite spacious reception and a lot of design.

It is on the other side of the runway from the Terminal. There is a shuttle bus that takes you to the hotel every 20 minutes, for a mere 60 kroner (7.5 Euro approximately) each way, on a trip that takes barely 5 minutes. Something to bear in mind if you compare prices with Radisson Blu, which is situated just across the street from the Terminal building.

Checking in, doesn’t take long, if you are quick to get off the bus and try to be first at the counter. After all, it has 243 rooms. Otherwise, you will need to wait until the staff finish with previous guests. I feel they were a bit “cold”. Not unpleasant, but distant. They did their job.

Reaching the room was somehow long. The corridors are long and my room was a bit far away. And rather dark. I don’t know… it must be the latest fashion, to have light that doesn’t give light.

The room was “tight”. Modern in look, but not much space. I asked for a big bed… All sold out… (As if!!!). I got two twins. Next to it, a small table with hardly space to move around.

The hotel is nice… but there isn’t anything around, so you need to make sure you reach there late, unless, of course, you want to use the gym. TV stations are very limited, and you have to depend on a TV channel that offers some film or series in English… If there isn’t and you don’t know Norwegian, you will have a rather boring evening.

Internet is free of charge, as in the rest of the Scandic, so that is a positive point.

Despite what you get from its website, Sauna is still not opened. I normally don't use them, but on this ocasion, I had been working long throught the day and needed to relax. The only option was a warm shower...

Breakfast was good and lots of choice; very well presented buffet.

It is a hotel that seems to give you a better image of what it is. It is not bad, but there are certain points that will make me reconsider whether I would like to return to it. Probably, if the price difference is not much, I would go to the Radisson Blu.

SCANDIC GARDERMOEN OSLO AIRPORT

Ravinevegen 15 2060
Gardermoen
Norway
Phone: +47 23 15 59 00
Fax: +47 23 15 59 11
E-mail: osloairport@scandichotels.com

SCANDIC HØVIK

The Scandic Høvik is really a Motel. At 15 minutes bus ride from Oslo Centre, situated in a Service Station, is that… a Motel. Getting there is not complicated, if you are choosing to use public transport. Taxis are out of the question due to the distance and the high fares you will be charged. It’s Norway after all, and nothing is cheap there.

The hotel rooms are basic. Scandic hotels tend to be that… In my case, I got a ground floor room, with basic bed (actually, two twins) and basic bathroom. Do you need more? Not really. Unlike what I thought initially, the rooms were quite silent. You could not hear the cars passing by or the train, which was a positive point.

Staff was helpful and gave me indications on how to get into Oslo Central the fastest way. That is, by bus, route 151 to be precise. Although, bus stop is 5 minutes away, and the route to it is a bit… tricky, as you have to cross the entrance to the services from the highway. There is a train station, but I got told it was a bit more complicated.

Breakfast was basic. Not bad but had had much better ones. Nothing compared with other Scandic Hotel ones. In my opinion, if you can get a closer hotel to the centre and need to head that way, it is better you use another hotel.

SCANDIC HØVIK

Drammensveien 507

1363 Oslo

Norway

Phone: +47 23 15 53 00

Fax: +47 23 15 53 11

E-mail:

hovik@scandichotels.com

Reservation & Customer service:

+46 8 517 517 20