Hotel Castelli

The staff were incredibly sweet and always smiling, and we really enjoyed our stay. This is a small family hotel right in the centre, with a wonderful view. It’s clearly been cared for and is clean and pleasant, though it still looks much as it did when it was built in the early 80s. Nothing feels modern. Breakfast was basic, the sort I remember from hotels when I was young: cookies, shortbread, light bread, jam, cheese, sausage, hard-boiled eggs, melon, coffee, tea, water, and orange juice that was a little sad.

The room was quite good, with a sea view, and the air conditioning worked well. The Wi-Fi was strong, and there’s private parking for a car or motorbike. We had breakfast included but didn’t try it. The shower has no curtain. Getting there was easier than Google Maps suggests: take the little street by Pantelis Restaurant, turn right in front of Hotel Rodon, and follow the road. That route is shorter and much better. I felt uncomfortable being asked to leave the key at reception each time we went out. I don’t understand why that was required.

We arranged a reservation by phone instead of through booking.com. We agreed on 70 euros a night rather than 85, but when the owner realized there were two of us instead of one, he charged 90 euros a night. It was a bad experience with him. Breakfast was mediocre, and the hotel needs renovation.

Lovely views, and the rooms were clean and quiet. The staff were friendly, too.