Uncover Hidden Gem: Areopoli's Areos Polis Boutique Hotel!
Uncover Hidden Gem: Areopoli's Areos Polis Boutique Hotel!
Okay, Buckle Up Buttercups: A Review of Areos Polis Boutique Hotel (Because Honestly, I Need a Vacation)
Alright, alright, let's be real. I'm fresh off a brutal week, fueled by lukewarm coffee and the soul-crushing hum of fluorescent lights. So, when I saw "Areos Polis Boutique Hotel" pop up, promising a slice of Grecian paradise, my inner travel goblin did a happy dance. And now, after my own personal recon mission (aka a stay there), I'm here to spill the beans. Prepare for a review that's less "sterile travel blog" and more "friend-who-just-got-back-from-a-trip-and-can't-stop-talking-about-it."
The Good Stuff (and the REALLY Good Stuff - SEO Time!)
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me (and should be for everyone!). While I didn't specifically test every nook and cranny for wheelchair accessibility myself (I’m thankfully mobile!), the information on the hotel’s website and from other reviews indicates that Facilities for disabled guests are considered. They DO have an Elevator, which is a massive win, and details of specific accessible room features should be checked with the hotel directly, to be sure it completely matches your needs. Accessibility is a must in this day and age - I strongly support this hotel for trying this one out!
Next! Internet, Internet, Internet! (and Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Hallelujah!) Yes, I need to be connected. Sadly, I'm addicted, and let's be real, who isn't? Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN are available in the rooms. They even have Wi-Fi in public areas. Thank GOD. They also have Wi-Fi for special events. These days, these necessities are vital!
Cleanliness & Safety – Because Germs Are NOT Invited to My Vacation
Okay, so this is where my inner hypochondriac perked up. And Areos Polis delivers. They are doing everything right. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment. Plus, the room was REALLY clean. Like, “I'm-willing-to-eat-off-the-floor-clean” clean. (I didn't, but you get the idea.) They also have Cashless payment service, which is a lifesaver in these times. And they have First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call, and Safety/security feature in the rooms, so I felt secure. Security is 24-hour! Also, they use Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment. Also, the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me peace of mind.
Rooms: My Little Oasis
Let's get specific, shall we? I had a Non-smoking room (praise be!), and it. Was. Glorious. The air conditioning worked like a dream (crucial in Greece!), and the blackout curtains were an absolute lifesaver for sleeping in. The bed was heavenly, with Extra long bed so even a giant like me could stretch out. I had a desk, a safe box, a refrigerator, a coffee/tea maker, and a mini bar. And the slippers! Oh, the slippers. Pure bliss after a day of exploring. Now, a few little things, the towels were fluffy, and the bathrobes were luxurious. The private bathroom was sparkling clean and felt modern. They also provided complimentary tea with my coffee maker! All of the important aspects of my room were met!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food, Glorious Food
Okay, this is where things get exciting. Let’s talk food, and more specifically, breakfast. They had Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast! And you could even get Breakfast takeaway service! It was incredible. Fresh pastries, local cheeses, and coffee that actually tasted like coffee (not that brown water stuff). They have A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, 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. I also had the chance to spend time in the Poolside bar.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Where Do I Even Begin?
Let's just say, this hotel knows how to handle "relaxation." I, dear reader, am not a spa person. I'm more of a "scrolling through TikTok in a robe" kind of relaxer. BUT, even I was tempted. And I ended up at the sauna, and the steamroom, and the pool with view! The Swimming pool was divine, and the Swimming pool [outdoor] was even better with a view! They offer a Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. They also have Couples room and offer a Proposal spot!
Services & Conveniences: Because Sometimes You Need a Little Extra Help
They have basically every service under the sun, but what really impressed me was the staff. They were genuinely friendly and helpful, not just "professionally" friendly. Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The Concierge was a lifesaver for booking tours, and the doorman greeted me with a smile every time. They have 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.
For the Kids:
Okay, I don't have kids, but I noticed they seemed to have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
The Nitty-Gritty: Getting Around
They offer Airport transfer, which is a godsend. They have Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Everything you need!
The "Meh" (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Honestly, the only real "meh" moment was the slightly confusing layout of the spa. Nothing terrible, just a little head-scratching at first. And maybe the coffee shop could be open a little later. But seriously, those are just nitpicks.
The Verdict: Absolutely, Without a Doubt, Go!
Areos Polis Boutique Hotel is a gem. It's clean, comfortable, and the staff is amazing. The location is perfect for exploring the area. And the overall vibe is just…relaxing. It's the kind of place where you can actually, genuinely, unwind.
My Offer to You: Book Your Escape!
Okay, here's the deal. I'm not affiliated with the hotel, but after my experience, I'm basically an unofficial ambassador. To make your trip planning easier here is how you can find a deal:
- Check online travel agencies: Look for any discount, offer or deals for package options.
- Book Direct: Be aware of any limited time offers for the hotel alone!
Why Act Now? Because life is short, and you DESERVE a vacation. So, book that trip! Go on, you won't regret it!
P.S. Tell them the overly-enthusiastic reviewer sent you. Maybe they'll give you a free pastry. 😉
Tarragona's Stunning La Nau Apartment: TH152 Awaits!
Areopoli: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Cobblestones (and the occasional existential crisis)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Olive Oil Hunt of 2024
- 10:00 AM: Okay, landed. Athens airport. Holy. Smokes. The heat. It hits you like a warm, slightly judgmental hug. Customs? Surprisingly chill. Though I did almost set off the metal detector with my ridiculously oversized belt buckle (I blame the pre-trip anxiety eating).
- 12:00 PM: Rental car! A slightly battered Fiat Panda, which I’ve christened “Pericles.” Pericles and I are going to rule this peninsula, or at least, survive the drive to Areopoli. GPS is… well, let’s just say it’s a suggestion. We got lost. Twice. Ended up in a village filled with more donkeys than people. Admirable.
- 4:00 PM: FINALLY! Areos Polis Boutique Hotel. That name alone – “Boutique.” Makes me feel… fancier than I am. The hotel? Stunning. Like, seriously jaw-dropping. Wisteria cascading over the walls, a tiny pool shimmering invitingly… I seriously considered just cancelling the rest of the trip and living here, forever.
- 4:30 PM: Check-in. The owner, a woman named Eleni with eyes that could see your soul (and probably judge your questionable packing choices) greeted me with a smile. She gave me a mini crash course in the local olive oil. She loves her food, and I love people who love their food. She then suggested I try to find the best olive oil. I felt like a modern-day treasure hunter. It was on.
- 5:00 PM: Room! Oh, the room. Whitewashed walls, a balcony overlooking the village, and a bed so comfortable it threatens to swallow me whole. I immediately unpacked my entire wardrobe… which, let’s be honest, is mostly t-shirts and questionable gym shorts.
- 6:00 PM: Olive Oil Hunt Begins! Eleni steered me toward a local shop. The proprietor, a man named Dimitri, had a mustache that could rival a small forest. He poured me samples. Oh, the flavor! Fruity, peppery, grassy… I felt a pang of sadness for every bottle of supermarket olive oil I’d consumed in my life. Bought two bottles (and may have snuck a third into my bag… shh.)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. A taverna called "O Maniatis." Simple, rustic, perfect. I ordered the moussaka, which was layers of deliciousness. The local wine was a revelation. And I met some locals, who were very enthusiastic and friendly. They helped me choose local dishes. One of them also made me laugh so hard I nearly choked on my feta.
- 9:00 PM: Strolled around the village. Areopoli is charming. Cobblestone streets, the scent of jasmine in the air, the sound of laughter echoing from the open tavernas… It’s like stepping back in time, in the best possible way. Decided that the lack of Starbucks was, in fact, a good thing.
Day 2: Mani Peninsula & the Existential Question of Goat
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Freshly baked bread, homemade jams, the kind of coffee that makes you want to write poetry (or at least send a very dramatic text to your ex). Fuelled up for a day exploring the Mani Peninsula. Driving through the mountains, it was stunning.
- 10:00 AM: Driving, which is an adventure in itself. The roads… well, they’re “spirited.” Pericles and I narrowly avoided a head-on collision with a grumpy-looking goat. I think I saw him smile.
- 11:00 AM: Visited Areopoli's main church. Beautiful frescoes, and a feeling of peace that I desperately needed. I'm not a church-goer, but there's something about the atmosphere that just… soothes the soul.
- 12:00 PM: Pyrgos Dirou Caves. A boat tour through the underwater caves. Amazing. Eerie. The silence, punctuated only by the gentle lapping of water against the limestone… it was like being transported to another world. Felt very small and insignificant. (Which, let's be honest, is probably a good thing.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in the caves. I was really enjoying myself, I might add.
- 2:00 PM: More driving along the coast. The road was more winding, and the sea was more blue, the road was more steep, and the views were more impressive.
- 3:00 PM: Trying (and failing) to take good pictures of the sea. The camera just doesn't do it justice. The reality is far better.
- 4:00 PM: Another taverna. I was ready to eat, and I was ready to be done with all the driving for the day. I ordered some meat.
- 5:00 PM: More olives, more wine, and more local conversations.
- 6:00 PM: I'm thinking I should have gotten a drink.
- 7:00 PM: Back to Areopoli. Dinner at a restaurant with a view. I was so full from the day's food I could hardly eat.
- 9:00 PM: Contemplating the meaning of life while staring at the stars from my balcony. Decided that, for the moment, the meaning of life is probably a good bottle of wine and a comfortable bed. The goats are also nice.
Day 3: The Great Olive Oil Hunt - Part Deux & the Realities of Souvenir Shopping
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. More of that amazing bread. Eleni told me the secret is… fresh yeast. I need to learn to make bread. I need a new life.
- 9:30 AM: The Great Olive Oil Hunt Continues! Determined to find the perfect olive oil, I ventured into another shop. This one, run by a woman with a piercing gaze and a severe bun, was surprisingly welcoming. Sampled more olive oils. This time, the flavor I picked was sweeter, more delicate. It was like a sunrise, a gentle kiss on the palate, blah blah blah… I bought a bottle.
- 11:00 AM: More exploring of Areopoli. Realized I had been neglecting shopping for my family and friends back home. Found a shop. The shopkeeper just looked me up and down. And was just waiting for my decisions.
- 12:00 PM: Bought more olive oil. This time, a flavored variety. It felt a little excessive, even to me.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Met some nice people. I started talking with the owner, and had a great time hearing about his life.
- 2:00 PM: Tried a new restaurant, this one at the bottom of the village. The meal was ok. The atmosphere was not. There were no locals.
- 3:00 PM: Bummed after the lunch. Went back to the hotel, and took a nap.
- 5:00 PM: Decided to just relax and unwind. The pool was finally empty.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. This time I gave in, and went to the restaurant. I regretted it.
- 9:00 PM: Went back to the balcony and took a breath of fresh air, which really helped me forget about the dinner.
Day 4: Departure & The Deep Breath
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. Sigh. Said goodbye to Eleni. Promised to return. Not sure when, but I promised, so now I have to.
- 10:00 AM: Packed Pericles. The car feels a little heavier… courtesy of the olive oil, I suspect.
- 11:00 AM: The drive is more relaxed. I'm saying goodbye, really saying goodbye, which is hard.
- 12:00 PM: Airport. The Athens airport is still warm.
- 4:00 PM: Back home. I immediately miss the heat, the cobblestones, the chaotic driving, the friendly goats, and the slightly judgmental glances from Eleni. I’m already planning my return. I need more olive oil, you see. And maybe a life.
Areos Polis Boutique Hotel: The REALLY Unofficial FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, Nobody's Perfect)
Okay, spill the beans. Is Areos Polis Hotel *really* as magical as those Instagram photos suggest?
Right, so… the Instagram photos? They’re… well, they’re Instagram photos. They’re designed to make you want to book a flight. And yeah, the hotel *is* lovely. The views from the balconies? Stunning. The breakfasts? Delicious, assuming you’re okay with being slightly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options. But let's be honest, it's not *pure* magic. Think of it like this: it’s a really GOOD magic trick, not the freaking Holy Grail or anything. My partner and I went last month, and the bathroom had a slight plumbing incident (nothing major, just a minor, *ahem*, overflow situation). But the staff? They completely saved the day. They were mortified, cleaned everything up, and *then* comped us for a bottle of local wine. So, yeah, it's got imperfections. It's a place where real people work and things happen. But the service, the feeling... it's pretty darn close to magical. Just pack your plunger, just in case.
What's the room situation? Are all the rooms worth the price? Be honest.
Okay, the rooms. They’re all *nice*. But, and this is a BIG but, the sea view rooms? Worth. Every. Penny. Seriously. I mean, you're in Areopoli. You're there for THAT view. We splurged and got the "Deluxe Suite with a Balcony Panorama," and honestly, I think I spent more time staring at the Maniot landscape than I did actually *sleeping*. One morning, I woke up, and the sun hit the white-washed buildings just right – it was like a painting. *Beautiful*. The standard rooms? Probably fine. They look nice in the photos, and I am sure they are. Not worth it if you're on a budget? It's up to you, there's a lot of exploring to do outside of your room! But, if you can… splurge. Don’t regret it. You're in Greece, dammit! Live a little! Oh, and the Wi-Fi sometimes gives up the ghost. Consider it a digital detox. Or maybe just pack a strong portable Wi-Fi device
Breakfast: tell me *everything*. I'm a breakfast person.
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. Okay, close your eyes. Imagine: a table overflowing with local cheeses, fresh bread (crusty, perfect), homemade jams that taste like sunshine, and… *the cakes*. I swear, they had a different cake every single day. One day it was this almond-flavored thing that I'm pretty sure I could have eaten my weight in. The problem? There's *too much*. You'll want to try everything, and you’ll end up waddling out of the breakfast room feeling like a stuffed turkey. I'm not kidding. I actually had to skip lunch one day because I was still digesting breakfast. The breakfast bar is chaotic, and yes, it gets crowded. But the chaos? It’s part of the charm. Embrace the scrum. Grab a coffee, a pastry, and prepare to be delighted. This breakfast deserves an Oscar, a Michelin Star, and a Nobel Peace Prize all at once.
What's the deal with the location? Is it easy to get around?
Perfect, almost. Areopoli is a gem of a town, cobblestone streets, shops open late and so much to see. It’s a lovely starting point for exploring Mani. The Hotel is… pretty much in the center. You can walk everywhere. Which is good, because the roads are narrow and parking can be a nightmare. We ended up parking a little further out and walking, like common peasants, to get to our hotel. It's fine, it's picturesque, and it gives you time to soak in the atmosphere. Downside? Those charming cobblestone streets? Not so charming when you’re dragging a suitcase. Pack light or be prepared for a serious workout. Trust me on this one - *light luggage, people!* Consider parking a little bit away but not a deal-breaker for a great hotel. The location is PERFECT for a lovely stay!
The staff. They seem… nice. Are they *actually* nice? What are your interactions?
The staff? Oh, God, yes. Absolutely, unequivocally NICE. They’re not just superficially “nice,” either. They’re genuine, helpful, and they clearly *care* about your stay. They’re friendly without being cloying, they remember your name, and they offer genuine recommendations. I remember one day, my phone charger decided to give up the ghost. I was in a panic (because, you know, the modern world). They not only found me a replacement, but they refused to let me pay for it! Then the next morning, they kept offering me extra pastries at breakfast; I was already full, but they kept pushing. It was like a Greek mother doting on her child but in the best way possible. One staff member even helped us book a last-minute tour to the Diros Caves. They really went above and beyond. And their English is excellent, which is a huge relief if your Greek is…non-existent, like mine. Honestly, the staff makes the place. They're the reason you'll want to come back.
Is there a pool? Because, let’s face it, sometimes you just *need* a pool.
Nope. No pool. Now, if you’re a pool person, this is a *potential* deal-breaker. I’m not a huge pool person myself, so I didn’t mind, but I can see how it could be an issue for some. They do, however, have a small courtyard where you can relax. But yeah, no pool. You're in Mani. You're surrounded by beaches and stunning turquoise waters. Go swim in the *sea*! That’s way better than a pool, anyway. Just my opinion. If you *must* have a pool, this isn’t the place for you. But as a person who needs the sea, this felt like the perfect selection.
Anything *really* bad? Don't sugarcoat it.
Okay, be prepared to hear the truth. The Wi-Fi is spotty at times. The parking is tricky, especially if you're in a large car. The air conditioning in our room was a *little* temperamental; it worked, but occasionally it sounded like a small jet engine taking off. And… yeah, the cobblestones. They’re gorgeous, but they’re not ideal for rolling your suitcase across. Oh, and the stairs. There are stairs. Lots of them. It's not a hotel designed for people with mobility issues. But these are minor quibbles. Nothing that would stop me from going back in a heartbeat. Honestly, those minor imperfections are part of the charm.
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