Heliotrope The Studios

We used this as a base while exploring biblical Mytilene and following the Apostle Paul around the Mediterranean world. The room was nicely equipped and service was good. Ours was up some steep steps, so it wouldn’t suit everyone, though rooms on the lower floors are served by a lift.

Maria helped us so much, especially when we weren’t sure where to go. Just ask her for advice. The place was clean and comfortable, and the location in Mytillini is great. The island is wonderful too, with calm, honest people. It’s a big island, so allow at least four days if you want to see most of it.

The staff were kind and accommodating throughout, and when my flight arrived late they let me check in late without charging extra. The room was very clean. The location worked well for getting around: Saphous square is about a five-minute walk away, by the bus stop and taxis, with plenty of shops and restaurants. Still, my week here was only okay, and the helpful staff are the reason I wouldn’t rate it lower. The apartments aren’t soundproof, and everything felt dated, from the appliances to the furniture. My first-floor street-facing apartment was noisy all night with barking dogs, then early in the morning I could hear people opening and closing the main door, the cleaning staff, and pretty much everything. I asked to move on day two and went one floor up, above the same apartment. It was quieter with the current tenants, but the dogs still barked all night. Worse, the AC smelled awful, like a dirty bathroom. I couldn’t bear it, so I turned it off and opened the windows late at night, putting up with the outside noise instead. The staff were kind and apologetic the next morning and moved me across the hall to their superior suite. It was nice and clean, but switching rooms twice took up a considerable part of my day, and unpacking and repacking was frustrating. On the third night, the AC had the exact same horrible smell. I was fed up, so I left it off and slept without AC for the last four days. If you can put up with all that, the location is good. I met plenty of people in Lesvos who had much nicer places for less money and without these problems.

Right in the town centre, this is a beautiful place to stay. It was comfortable and quiet, with everything we needed, and the reception staff were lovely and helpful with everything.