When mapping out your vacation, the decision on where to stay plays a pivotal role. The chosen accommodation not only shapes the overall tone of the trip but becomes a lasting memory in tandem with local attractions. In Greece, a plethora of holiday options awaits, from hotel rooms to private villas. In this article, we'll delve into the considerations to help you make the best choice.
Hotels
A hotel room is among the simplest choices when it comes to finding accommodation. Thanks to numerous search aggregators, the process can be completed in a matter of minutes. Greece boasts an extensive array of hotels spanning various price ranges, with many providing dining options and a range of services. Your stay can be complemented with spa visits, access to gyms, and the allure of swimming pools. Moreover, many five-star hotels lay along the picturesque coastline.
The key benefits of a hotel stay include:
- Plenty of options. Hotels can be found both in popular resorts and in small mountain villages.
- Simplicity and accessibility. Choosing a hotel is the most straightforward option for overnight stays, especially if spontaneous plans to explore a nearby city arise. You can find a room just by walking down the street and look into the hotel you like.
- Service. Hotels typically maintain staff available 24 hours a day, offering assistance whenever needed. Regular room cleaning services allow guests to fully focus on relaxation without the hassle of tidying up.
- All-Inclusive Options. Many hotels provide an All-Inclusive service, sparing guests the need to worry about creating menus. Additionally, evenings often feature entertainment programs for both children and adults.
At the same time, it is also worth knowing about the pitfalls.
Hotels are made for many different people, potentially diminishing personal space and raising the likelihood of encountering noisy neighbors. Restaurants or beach bars with loud music can also be a disturbing factor.
Hotel rooms typically lack household appliances, with kitchens being a rarity. Guests requiring laundry services may need to seek out the nearest facility or arrange assistance through the hotel reception. Additionally, limited space may result in a lack of storage options.
From a price point of view, hotels may not be profitable for a family or group of friends, since you will need to pay for several rooms at once. Due to high workload, it may happen that family members live on different floors or even in different buildings.
While booking, you might not always see actual photos of the room but just a generic example. This is more common in big hotels with lots of similar rooms that have subtle differences. So, your room might not look the way you expected, and the view from the window might not match what you had in mind.
Villa Rentals
Another excellent accommodation choice for a Greek holiday is renting a villa. Here, the focus is not just on the distinctiveness of the journey but also on personal comfort. Similar to hotels, villas come in a range of choices based on price, size, and location. This option is known for providing a high level of relaxation, privacy, and fitting into an appropriate price range. There are numerous villas with captivating designs, lush gardens, and inviting swimming pools. However, you can also find comfortable villas that might be financially more profitable than a hotel room.
Let's look at the main advantages of renting a holiday villa:
- Attention to Detail. Villas often stand out for their interior decoration and design. Some of them even become iconic symbols of their locations, such as the snow-white villas of Santorini gracing the volcanic coast.
- Peace and Quiet. In contrast to hotels, villas provide a greater sense of peace and privacy. There's no concern about noisy neighbors or disturbances in communal areas like hotel lobbies. You can relax without worrying about your personal space being invaded.
- Independence. With no strangers around, guests can truly feel like the masters of the villa. From choosing meals to planning leisure activities, guests have complete control. Villas come equipped like fully-fledged private homes, featuring necessary household and kitchen appliances, decent storage space, and the convenience of washing clothes without hunting for a laundromat. A private villa opens up a plethora of possibilities, allowing guests to decide how to make the most of their stay.
- A place for the whole family. Villas can accommodate everyone comfortably. Unlike the limited spaces of a bedroom and bathroom, villas offer numerous areas for shared leisure and relaxation. Typically, alongside private bedrooms, villas feature spacious living rooms with sofas, kitchens, dining areas, and balconies. Many Greek villas also boast terraces with outdoor furniture, perfect for enjoying warm evenings or family breakfasts.
- Tailored service. Villas tailor their offerings to match the essence of your vacation. Whether it's a romantic getaway with a private pool and jacuzzi or a family trip with a barbecue area, a small sports ground, and amenities for children, thoughtful services enhance your stay. Cots, high chairs, and tables are often provided for the little travelers.
- Ideal for extended stays. A villa often comes with the perk of discounts, especially for rentals spanning three weeks or more. If you seek a tranquil and comfortable vacation with an extended duration, this option can provide a more cost-effective solution compared to many hotels.
- Accessible luxury. When planning a getaway with family or friends, a villa may offer a more budget-friendly alternative to renting multiple rooms for each couple or group, allowing you to indulge in affordable luxury.
Certainly, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when opting for a villa rental. Ensuring the reliability of the company assisting you in choosing a villa is crucial. With reputable specialists, the photos align precisely with the description, and the staff is prompt in offering assistance when needed.
When selecting a villa, it's essential to take note of its location. Perhaps, you will need to rent a car to go shopping, or visit local attractions comfortably.
Additionally, planning ahead for aspects of independent living in the villa is wise. Consider whether you prefer ordering food, dining out at cafes, or cooking on your own. Cleaning arrangements should also be contemplated, and if you'd rather not handle it yourself, this service can often be negotiated during the rental process.
In conclusion
Creating unforgettable memories on your vacation is possible, whether you choose a hotel room or a private villa. The key lies in considering your company, individual preferences, and expectations. Assess the purpose of your trip, the composition of your travel group, and the services everyone requires.
Regardless of your choice between a hotel room or a villa rental, it's crucial to make your reservation in advance, especially during Greece's bustling summer months. Many options vanish before the season begins. We at Aktis Villas have been working in the tourism industry for over 20 years, we know most of the options personally, all the real pros and cons of each villa. Contact us on the website to get a selection of the best options!
Remember, a truly enjoyable holiday is crafted from numerous small details, and a comfortable stay is just as crucial as immersing yourself in local beauty and exploring tourist spots.
