Hotel Lydia

It’s easy to find the hotel when you get to the island, since it’s right across the intersection from the ferry landing. We only stayed one night while passing through, but I’d stay again if I needed a room. Our room was spacious and clean, with a roomy bathroom and a shower. There was a Keurig coffee maker and plenty of outlets. Breakfast was basic, with things like juice, bagels, yogurt, cereal, and coffee, but there were lots of tables. The staff were very friendly. One thing to know: the property has two buildings, one with two floors and one with three. The elevator is in the three-story building, so that could matter if mobility is an issue.

We were welcomed warmly at the entrance and had a peaceful two-night stay. They upgraded us for free to the new building when we arrived, and gave us drink vouchers at check-in. There are good places to eat nearby, and the beach is about a 30-minute walk away. Breakfast was the usual American continental spread, with a nice range of cereals, fruit cups, drinks, and baked goods. No waffle makers, but they had kolaches instead, which was a nice change. We had a great experience and would come back.

We didn’t get the experience we expected. Our accessible room wasn’t ready when we arrived, and even though we had late checkout until 12:00 PM, housekeeping knocked at 11:00 AM and the front desk called soon after. From the bed, it was hard to reach the A/C controls because of the room layout. There wasn’t a hot breakfast, and the pool still wasn’t ready to use during summer.

I booked through booking.com as I usually do, paying $230 upfront for a 3 night summer stay six months ahead. Everything showed as confirmed, including a message from the property. A week before we were due to arrive, I called to ask about upgrading to a suite and was told booking.com had cancelled our reservation. I called booking.com in a panic. They said it was still confirmed on their end and contacted the hotel. At first, the sales department also said it was booked and confirmed, and that they’d send the upgrade price. Then the person helping me got another call saying the HOTEL CANCELED IT. No one could give a real reason. I checked both the hotel website and booking.com, and rooms were still available for our dates. But rebooking would cost over $200 more. Don’t book months ahead here, they might cancel and then tell you to pay more.