Irene Studios & Apartments

The bed was super comfortable, and the apartment’s two-room layout worked well for friends or family, with two single beds in one room and a double with en-suite in the main room. As someone who’s 6ft 9 (206cm), I usually struggle with low showers in Greece, but the spacious bathroom here had a high, powerful shower and plenty of hot water. My balcony looked over the restaurant and Popeye’s restaurant. The hotel is central, just up a small slope behind Premium Steak House, yet it was peaceful and quiet, so my worries about noise came to nothing. I’ve been visiting Tsilivi for over 10 years, both for work in the resort and on holiday, and Irene Hotel is by far the nicest place I’ve stayed. Breakfast ran from 8:00-10:30am and went beyond a standard continental spread. There was cereal, toast, cheese, ham, jams, honey, butter, scrambled and boiled eggs, sliced tomatoes and peaches, plus coffee, tea and orange juice. Plenty to keep everyone happy. The pool is small, but the beach with its crystal-clear water is only a short walk away, so that wasn’t an issue. Piscina pool bar is another nearby option, with a €15 minimum spend. The food and drinks are fantastic, and you can easily cover that while enjoying a beautiful setting. My only minor downside was that soap, hand wash, shower gel and shampoo weren’t provided, as they usually are at hotels. I’d packed my own, and hand wash is available at the Spar for just €1.50. A special mention for Popeye’s restaurant, just across the road. My friend Dennis has owned it for over 30 years, and it’s an absolute gem. Their lunch baguettes are incredible, easily one of Tsilivi’s best quick bites and a must-try if you’re staying at Irene. Irene Hotel exceeded my expectations. I’ll definitely be back next year.