Neos Omalos

We had a lovely balcony looking out at the mountains, and the rooms were bright and airy. It's a basic place, but a real gem for hiking the Samaria Gorge. They run a minibus to the trail start, and you can get off right outside on the way back. The moussaka was especially good, the breakfast was plentiful and just right before hiking, and the service was friendly and great.

We had a quiet, relaxing couple of nights, with birds flitting through the trees and lovely mountain views from our first-floor room at the back. The location in Omalos is peaceful, and we also walked across the plateau to the lake. The hotel offers a free morning shuttle to the start of Samaria gorge. Dinner was excellent and breakfast was nice. A few room details could use replacing, including our shower curtain, which was an actual curtain, but it didn't affect our stay. The staff and owner were friendly and helpful.

The restaurant dinner was excellent, and breakfast was okay, though there weren't many gluten-free choices. We loved staying here on the Omalos plateau. The mountain setting felt romantic, and it stays cool up there even in summer. The rooms are rustic and a bit dated, but charming. There's also a free shuttle to Xyloskalos, just 6 minutes away, for Samaria Gorge hikers.

I spent five August nights at this peaceful hotel and loved taking easy walks around Omalos Plateau, with sheep bells in the background and Mount Gingilos in view. Vultures were soaring over the southern hills whenever I passed. The quiet country roads have little traffic, and there are lots of hiking trails, but they're full of loose rocks and pebbles, so bring sturdy shoes. The staff were kind and the food was excellent. Some things in the room needed maintenance, and I wished there were hooks for hanging clothes. Those were very small inconveniences compared with everything else. If you're going to Samaria Gorge, Neos Omalos Hotel and the plateau are well worth staying an extra night or two. I can't wait to come back.