Exarchion Hotel: Your Dream Greek Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Exarchion Hotel, that promised "Dream Greek Getaway." And let me tell you, after spending a week there…well, let's just say my expectations were maybe slightly different than the reality. But hey, that's life, right? And in the spirit of honesty, lemme spill the beans on my experience with the following categories, as well as adding a personal anecdote to each:
Accessibility:
Okay, first things first. On paper, the Exarchion claims to be accessible. They boast "Facilities for disabled guests" and an elevator. But here's the thing: Greece, bless its heart, isn't exactly known for its smooth accessibility. The hotel does have an elevator, which is a win, but navigating the cobblestone streets outside the hotel? Forget about it if you're in a wheelchair. I saw a few people struggling, and it looked like a proper nightmare. Anecdote: I saw a woman using a walker nearly take a tumble trying to get from the lobby to the pool. The staff was AMAZING, though, immediately rushing over with help, but it made me realize I should have checked on this a little bit more.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: [This deserves a deeper dive, as my own experience was a mixed bag. It helps if you can tailor this section to an individual restaurant or lounge on site.]
Wheelchair accessible: As I stated before, the hotel itself is somewhat accessible, but the surrounding area is a challenge. Inside the hotel and the restaurant were reasonably accommodating, but this is Greece.
Internet Access:
Ah, the internet. Crucial in our always connected world. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they scream. And technically, they're right. You can connect. But let me tell you, the connection speed was… well, let's just say I've gotten faster downloads on a dial-up modem. Anecdote: I was trying to upload a photo to Instagram (very important, people!) and it took literally twenty minutes to load. I nearly threw my phone out the window! Luckily the hotel staff was actually responsive to this. They said it can be that way sometimes and there are people on it all day to resolve it. Thankfully, I was able to get it working. I would highly suggest, if you need internet, you specifically confirm that the internet works, as this is a critical need for many people.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax:
Oh, the things to do! This is where the Exarchion shines. They've got the works: Pool with a view (stunning – more on that later!), spa, gym/fitness – the whole shebang. Anecdote: I spent hours in their sauna. Pure bliss. The only downside? It was so relaxing, I almost missed my dinner reservation. Almost.
- Body Scrub & Body Wrap: The spa services were fantastic, I heard. However, if you are thinking about booking, ensure you book ahead, and specifically book with a person with good ratings.
- Fitness Center: More than adequate, though the equipment was a little dated. The view from the gym, though, was incredible and well worth the visit.
- Foot bath: Nice option for relaxation.
- Gym/fitness: As mentioned, adequate.
- Massage: Good reviews.
- Pool with view: The jewel in the crown. Seriously, the infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea? Drop-dead gorgeous. I spent afternoons floating around, pretending to be a Greek goddess. And yes, there's a poolside bar, which is essential. Make sure you reserve a spot!
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: All fantastic.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Well-maintained and a total pleasure.
Cleanliness and Safety:
COVID-19 era, right? The Exarchion seemed to be taking things seriously. They touted "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer" everywhere, and "Staff trained in safety protocol." Anecdote: I felt pretty safe, although I did see a couple of staff members wearing their masks a little… shall we say, casually? But hey, nobody's perfect. I especially liked the "Room sanitization opt-out available" option.
- Additional Safety Measures: They had "Cashless payment service, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Sterilizing equipment, and Sterilizing equipment." - All good things!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
Food! The Exarchion has a bunch of options here, with "A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant." - As you read my anecdotal experience, it is highly likely you'll find the food is a mixed bag.
- Anecdote: Oh man, the food. Breakfast buffet was…meh. The pastries were dry, the coffee was lukewarm, and the "Asian Breakfast" was a bit of a joke – basically, some sad-looking noodles. Lunch at the poolside bar, however, was a delight. That was the sweet spot – fresh salads, grilled fish, and delicious cocktails. Room service? Surprisingly good, especially the late-night gyros. Overall, the dining experience could be better. But hey, you're in Greece! Go explore the local tavernas – you won't regret it.
- Restaurants: The main restaurant offered a diverse menu. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was charming. However, some dishes were better than other.
- Poolside bar: Perfect for light snacks and cocktails.
- Room service [24-hour]: If you want a late night snack from your room, this is a great option.
- Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were excellent, if I may say so myself.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Adequate.
Services and Conveniences:
A LOT of services and convenices. I mean seriously, look at all of this: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
- Anecdote: The "Cash withdrawal" was useful, but the ATM in the lobby charged a hefty fee! Learn from my mistake – get cash beforehand, or be prepared to pay through the nose. The concierge was super helpful, though, making restaurant reservations and arranging excursions. The daily housekeeping was reliable. The "Daily housekeeping" did a good job, even though I think they maybe went a little overboard - I don't need my bed made when I'm still sleeping, okay?
For the Kids:
This is what the Exarchion Hotel has for the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Anecdote: I don't have any kids and did not use any of these features.
Access, Security, and Other Things:
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
- Anecdote: The "Security [24-hour]" made me feel safe, especially since I was traveling solo. And the "Non-smoking rooms" were a godsend.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
- Anecdote: I used the taxi service. They were prompt and efficient, even if a tad pricey. The free car parking was a bonus.
Available in All Rooms:
Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer
Indonesian Paradise: Stunning Ocean View 1BR Jineng Gem! (LR24)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is EXARCHION, baby. And let me tell you, Greece is about to get REAL.
The Messy, Glorious Exarchion Odyssey: A Trip Report for the Totally Unprepared (and Probably Slightly Hungover)
Day 1: Arrival & Total Sensory Overload (Plus, Did I Leave My Passport on the Plane?)
Time: Early, before the sun even thinks about fully showing itself.
Event: Arrive at Athens International Airport. Pray to Zeus (or whoever's listening) that my luggage made it. Honestly, I'm pretty sure I left my passport on the plane. Fingers crossed.
Transportation: Taxi – probably ripped off, let's be honest. But hey, the driver blasted some Greek folk music, so… immersion begins!
Hotel: Exarchion Hotel – Okay, first impressions? Charming chaos. It's got that lived-in, slightly-faded-glory kind of vibe. My room? Cozy as hell, with a balcony promising sunset views. Or at least I hope.
- Rambling Thought: Honestly, this feels like a place where secrets are kept, and good stories are told. I just hope I can remember mine later.
Lunch: Found some local tavern. The food? Chef's kiss. Literally the BEST Greek salad I've ever had. The feta was so good, it made me emotional. Yes, really.
- Quirky Observation: The guy running the place had a permanent tan line from what looked like years of sunbathing. I'm already jealous.
Afternoon: Wander through the streets of Exarchia. Graffiti art everywhere. Incredible. Almost feels like being in a giant, pulsating art gallery. Found a little shop selling handmade jewelry.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling overwhelmed with the beauty and vibrancy of everything. So intense.
Evening: Tried to find a decent dinner. Ended up in a place that smelled suspiciously of cigarettes. Ordered something, no idea what it was.
- Honest Mistake: Pretty sure I mispronounced the name of the dish. The server just shrugged. "You'll get it down eventually, my friend."
- Opinionated Thought: The food was good, but the smoke was a bit much. Greece, you're testing me.
Day 2: Ancient Wonders & Existential Crisis (Plus, Another Bloody Headache)
- Morning: Woke up with a splitting headache and a slight regret about all that ouzo from last night. Ugh.
- Activity: Acropolis exploration. Holy. Freaking. Moly. The scale and the history hit you like a ton of bricks.
- Quirky Observation: The pigeons are ruthless. They have no fear.
- Emotional Reaction: Absolutely breathtaking. I actually cried a little. This is history. This is human achievement. It gave me the chills.
- Opinionated Language: The Parthenon is stunning. Just… wow.
- Lunch: Grabbed a gyro from a street vendor. I need to learn Greek, because the vendor just kept looking at me very confused.
- Honest Mistake: Forgot to ask for a side of tzatziki. Major rookie mistake.
- Afternoon: Acropolis Museum. So much information, so many artifacts. It was a bit of a blur.
- Messy Structure: I'm getting museum fatigue, I think. Trying to take it all in is like trying to drink from a fire hose.
- Late Afternoon: Wandered through the Ancient Agora. So much to see.
- Opinionated Thought: Feeling a bit overexposed and over-stimulated, I just needed a quiet moment.
- Evening: Wandered back to the hotel, slightly defeated by the day.
- Emotional Reaction: Just feeling exhausted. Needed a nap but the hotel was making noise.
- Honest Mistake: Missed the sunset. Damn, should have gotten an earlier start.
Day 3: Dodging the Tourists & Falling in Love with the Simple Things
- Morning: Decided to ditch the big-name sites for the day. Wandered through the Plaka district. It's touristy, for sure, but still charming.
- Quirky Observation: So many shops selling the same tourist junk.
- Activity: Found a tiny cafe off the beaten path. Tried Greek coffee. Strong like a shot of espresso.
- Quirky Observation: Met a local guy. He was a bit of a grumpy old dude. Shared a coffee with me.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling calm and content. I wasn't dealing with tons of tourists.
- Lunch: This Cafe. Amazing, really. It felt like a slice of real life, and I found myself just soaking up the atmosphere. The food was amazing.
- Doubling down on experience: Found myself people-watching, watching the locals go about their day. It's the small things that make a place special. That coffee. That conversation. That moment of peace.
- Rambling Thought: I realized how much I needed this, to just slow down and breathe. The chaos of the first few days had been a bit much.
- Afternoon: Started finding my way back to the hotel until I found a shop!
- Honest Mistake: I looked at the item for an hour, then I put it back without buying it.
- Evening: Dinner in a local restaurant. Best meal of the trip so far. Real Greek charm.
- Emotionally charged ending: Falling more and more in love with Greece.
- Going into the evening: Drinking a lovely glass of wine and enjoying the evening.
Day 4: A Dive into the Soul of Greece (Plus, the Mystery of the Missing Socks)
- Morning: Woke up thinking where did my socks go?
- Event: Exarchia - a hidden gem. Went to the Exarchia Square. This historic, vibrant neighborhood had some amazing graffiti!
- Afternoon: Went shopping. This was where the real magic happened. Found a small shop with some amazing food!
- Evening: Wandered to a theater and took a seat.
- Messy Structure: Seeing a play and enjoying myself immensely.
- Emotional Reaction: It was a play that hit me so hard, because it portrayed the emotion of the Greeks.
- Opinionated Language: The food was AMAZING, and everyone was so kind.
- Late Evening: Went back to the hotel!
- Emotional Reaction: Tired and content.
- Honest Mistake: Still no socks.
Day 5: Departure (and a Promise to Return)
- Morning: Packing. Still no sign of the missing socks. I suspect a mischievous cleaning lady.
- Event: Breakfast at the hotel. A last chance to savor the flavors of Greece.
- Quirky Observation: I'm going to miss the feta cheese.
- Emotional Reaction: A pang of sadness. It's always hard to leave a place that's captured your heart.
- Transportation: Taxi to the airport. Saying goodbye to the Exarchion Hotel.
- Opinionated Thought: I love this hotel. Simple, charming, and a little bit rough around the edges.
- Departure: Boarding the plane.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling grateful for the experience.
- Honest Mistake: I did not get a passport.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
Greece is a whirlwind of emotions. It's beautiful, chaotic, and exhausting. It's a place that challenges you, frustrates you, and then, in the next breath, takes your breath away. Would I go back? Absolutely. And next time, I'm bringing a spare pair of socks!
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Awaits (Luxury 1BR Suite #V344)
Exarchion Hotel: Your Dream Greek Getaway - Seriously, Is It? (A Messy FAQ)
Okay, let's be honest. Is the Exarchion Hotel *really* as amazing as the website makes it out to be?
Alright, buck up! I'm not gonna give you some PR-speak fluff. The website? Pretty. The reality? Well... it's complicated. It depends on what you're after. If you're after pure, unadulterated Instagram perfection, maybe. But real life? Let's break it down. I went. I stayed. I sweated (a lot – that Greek sun!). And yeah, there are moments… MAGIC. I'm talking sunsets that make you weep (in a good way), the scent of bougainvillea, and the feeling that you’ve *finally* escaped the grind. But trust me, it's not all sunsets and bougainvillea. Oh no, not at all.
Think of it like this: It’s a lovingly chaotic, charming, slightly worn-around-the-edges experience. Expect some imperfections. Embrace them. That chipped tile in the bathroom? It’s part of the character! (Probably.)
What's the location actually *like*? Because "picturesque" is so vague.
Oh, "picturesque." Right. Look, it *is* beautiful. It's nestled into a cliffside. You get views. Glorious, soul-cleansing views. The sea? That’s right there. Like, *right there*. You can practically taste the salt in the air (which, spoiler alert, you probably *will*). But… and there's always a but, isn't there?
First: It's a *climb*. And I mean, a *climb*. If you have dodgy knees, pack a cane. Or maybe just pre-book the donkey service (kidding… mostly). My luggage? Hooo boy. By the time I wrestled that suitcase up to my room, I was fairly certain I'd aged approximately ten years. It's gorgeous, yes, but you *earn* those views. Secondly, it's close to the village. And I got lost. More than once. (Blame the ouzo. Just kidding... kinda).
The Rooms… Are They Luxurious? Or Just… Adequate?
Luxurious? Well, that depends on your definition of luxurious. My room? Okay, real talk: It wasn't the Ritz. It wasn't even a particularly *modern* Ritz. It was… charmingly rustic. Which, in hotel speak, sometimes translates to “a bit dated.” But, the bed was comfy! The balcony? Spectacular. I spent HOURS there, nursing glasses of wine and watching the world go by. The air conditioning? Thank GOD for the air conditioning. Seriously, I think I would have melted without it.
Look, they're clean. They're comfortable. You're not roughing it. They have character. They certainly aren't the sterile, cookie-cutter rooms you find in some chain hotels. And that, for me, is a HUGE plus. Plus the shower had the best water pressure I’ve ever known. Almost knocked my socks off.
What about the food? I've read conflicting reviews.
The food… ah, the food. Oh, it's good. Really good. Especially the breakfast. I'm not exaggerating: The breakfast was *life-changing*. I'm talking fresh-squeezed orange juice, crusty bread, local honey that tasted like sunshine, and… and the feta. Oh. My. Goodness, the feta. I’d go back JUST for the breakfast. I’m genuinely salivating just thinking about it. Honestly, I think I gained five pounds just from breakfast alone, and I have zero regrets.
Dinner? Again, good. Sometimes *amazing*. Other times, well… let's just say the consistency wasn't always perfect. One night, the moussaka was divine. The next, it was a bit… heavy on the eggplant. But even the less-than-perfect meals were still infinitely better than anything I could cook myself. And the setting of the restaurant, by starlight… pure magic. Don’t get so hammered that you stumble on the stairs, though.
Is the staff friendly? I'm a worrier and I want to know if I'll feel comfortable.
Friendly? Yes. Generally. (And again, I'm being brutally honest here!) Most of the staff are lovely. Seriously. They try REALLY hard. There's this one woman, Katerina, who works at the breakfast buffet. She remembers everyone’s coffee order. After day two, she knew I needed two espressos *stat*. She is a saint, truly. And the reception staff are usually helpful (though sometimes a little… laid-back, shall we say?).
Look, they are *Greek*. Things move a little slower. Don’t expect super-fast service. But embrace it. Chill out. Settle into the pace of life. Try to learn “Efharisto” (thank you) and “Parakalo” (you're welcome) – it does wonders. If you're a demanding, impatient traveler, you might find it frustrating. If you embrace the slower rhythm, you'll be fine. And maybe, just maybe, you'll feel that little bit of Greek sun that gives you… a better mood.
Were there any major downsides or real disappointments? Spill the tea!
Alright, okay, here we go. Full disclosure: Yes. There were moments. Remember that climb to the room I mentioned? Yeah. That never got easier. My legs were screaming for mercy by day three. The Wi-Fi? Spotty sometimes. Which, in this hyper-connected world, is a little annoying. And I swear the ice machine broke down at least twice. (Serious first-world problems, I know.)
BUT, the biggest "downside?" The fact that I had to leave. Seriously. I didn't want to go. Those sunsets? The breakfast? The feeling of pure, unadulterated *relaxation*? I miss it all. Even the steep climb. Even the wonky Wi-Fi. Because despite the occasional hiccup, the Exarchion Hotel? It's special. It's got soul. And it’s left its mark on me. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. I'm already planning my return.
