Holidays In Greece : What Types Of Accommodation Are On Offer?
July 8, 2009 by David Green
Filed under Destinations
In this installment of our guide to holidays in Greece we look at the accommodation on offer there…
Hotels in Greece tend to be simple establishments. Rooms are typically small, with a balcony and have air conditioning. Standards of cleanliness are usually good, even in the simpler places, but you may encounter problems with noise from nearby roads, restaurants and bars. More luxurious accommodation can be found in cities and on the more popular islands but it’s not that common and often doesn’t represent good value for money.
As an alternative to hotels, most popular Greek destinations also have studios or apartments – interchangeable terms for small self-catering accommodation. These are rarely listed in travel guides, but they present a reasonable option that can offer value for money. The only real difference between self-catering accommodation and hotel rooms is that studios and apartments have simple cooking facilities.
Renting a villa can be a good option for larger groups or travelers with bigger budgets. Villas are usually on the seaside and can have great views. Most villas can accommodate about eight people, making this a value-for-money alternative for groups.
Whether you choose a hotel, studio or villa, you will be able to book it online. Nowadays, even the smaller accommodation providers have web sites. You should be able to organise bookings by email, but faxing can sometimes be a more reliable option. In addition, many hotel booking services – both Greek and international – will make online, fax or phone bookings.
Alternatively, you can usually find a place on a walk-in basis without too much trouble on all but the most crowded islands, where rooms can be difficult to find at the peak of the season, and on major holidays. If you do get stuck for a room, try a local travel agency (preferably one endorsed by a reputable guidebook) or alternatively, ask at a cafe whether the owner knows of any rooms for rent; often they do.