Arion Hotel

Perched on a hill overlooking the charming village of Kokkari and the sparkling Aegean Sea, this hotel offers a memorable escape, distinguished by its stunning panoramic views. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, the attentive service from its dedicated staff, and the excellent food variety available. It is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a tranquil retreat, families looking for a comfortable base, sightseers eager to explore the island, and hikers who appreciate natural surroundings. Many guests are loyal clientele, returning year after year, often older visitors from various European countries. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a bungalow for potentially quieter accommodations, and be aware that while the walk to town is picturesque, a rental car offers greater flexibility for exploring the island's diverse attractions.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed for guest comfort and enjoyment. The spacious swimming pool is a major draw, noted for its warmth and impressive depth, complemented by ample loungers for relaxation. A convenient pool bar serves refreshing cocktails and light snacks. Guests benefit from free Wi-Fi that is generally reliable across the hotel, though some report weaker signals in individual rooms. A significant advantage is the complimentary shuttle service, which runs multiple times daily to Kokkari village and popular nearby beaches like Lemonakia and Tsamadou. For those with vehicles, ample parking is readily available on-site. In-room conveniences include an electric kettle with complimentary tea and instant coffee, and a refrigerator, though some guests note the latter can be noisy.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's impeccable cleanliness, noting that rooms and public areas are meticulously maintained with thorough daily cleaning. While the room condition is often described as having an older, 1990s style, they are well-kept, and all features are reported to be fully functional. Many rooms boast awesome sea views or beautiful views of the village from their balconies. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed; some guests find the beds comfortable, while others describe them as hard or uncomfortable, occasionally requiring extra blankets for cushioning. Noise levels also vary, with some areas being very quiet, but others experiencing issues with sound isolation, such as door slamming or collateral noise from the air conditioning system. The bathroom facilities are generally spacious but are sometimes noted as being worn or outdated, with some featuring a shower in bath and an older shower curtain.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives high praise, particularly the breakfast buffet, which is described as enormous, excellent, and offering a vast array of options. Guests appreciate the wide choice of both warm and cold items, including eggs and bacon cooked to order, various breads, meats, cheeses, fruits, and an abundance of sweets. The dinner buffet is also highly regarded for its good quality and variety, often featuring fish dishes and a selection of cakes, providing a comforting, home-cooked feel. The restaurant itself offers a spectacular view from its veranda, enhancing the dining atmosphere. While most staff are efficient, some guests have noted feeling rushed during meals, with plates being cleared quickly, and food service starting to be removed earlier than the stated closing time. The pool bar also offers a selection of snacks and cocktails.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's stunning location on a hill provides breathtaking panoramic views of Kokkari village and the sea, making it a picturesque retreat. It is conveniently situated within a short walk to Kokkari center, typically taking 10-15 minutes, and is also very near to some of the island's most beautiful beaches, including Lemonakia Beach and Tsamadou Beach. However, guests should be aware that the walk to town and beaches involves a steep path and uneven terrain, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues or during hot weather. Despite this, the hotel's complimentary shuttle service offers a convenient alternative for accessing these areas. For guests with rental cars, ample parking is available on-site, and the hotel is also located close to a bus station for broader island exploration.

Staff & Service
The hotel is widely commended for its friendly staff, who are consistently described as helpful, attentive, and professional. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome and problem-solving assistance provided by the reception staff. The housekeeping team receives particular praise for their fabulous and thorough daily cleaning, ensuring rooms are spotless. The pool bar staff are also noted for being nice and helpful. While the majority of interactions are positive, some guests have reported mixed experiences with certain restaurant staff, perceiving them as less friendly or overly eager to clear tables, which can make dining feel rushed. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel attracts a loyal clientele, with many guests returning annually, particularly older guests from countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. The hotel offers both half board and all-inclusive meal plans, with the latter including additional lunch and local drinks. Guests should note that a safety deposit box incurs a daily charge, and outside towels can be rented for a fee with a deposit. While the hotel offers a laundry service, some guests have reported issues with clothes being damaged, though compensation for the service was provided. The pool closing time in summer is considered early by some. Additionally, the dinner hours are perceived as somewhat early, and tap water is not served for free at dinner. The hotel does not offer animations, which some guests appreciate for maintaining a tranquil atmosphere.