GREEK HOTELS

Read more of my travel features on Greece on this blog and many more published on SMR Culture Plus

Athens Center Square Hotel

  

Everything but "square"!  

by Nancy Snipper  

It’s a breath of fresh air the minute you step into the spacious bright lobby of Athens Center Square Hotel. Of course having the large colourful paintings of Corinna O’Brien on the walls (and in the rooms) adds to the happy feeling.  

This recently renovated hotel, owned by Dorina and George Stathopoulou conveys a sparkling family ambiance. Ilias and Olga at the front desk, and Irini – who bartends on the sensational rooftop terrace are pure fun. Their impeccable service adds to guest-gusto satisfaction. This superbly located hotel offers casual trendiness with oodles of class. I loved the neon glass exterior that grabs your eye with its various colours, and the doors of the hotel are completely camouflaged in painted fruit images. The fun is instantaneous – the minute you step on the welcome mat and the “doors of fruit’ open up to reveal the interior lovely lobby. 

 

 

 
 

 

 

Eight floors each sporting their own interior brightly coloured rooms that reiterate the colours of fruit – found in the fruit market just outside the hotel along with the artist’s paintings are oh so comfort and über-clean.   

 

 Wood and spanking new grey bathrooms in that new kind of dark textured tile with huge glass shower doorsare such a welcome luxury after a long plane ride or roughing it in the islands.

 

Some rooms have acropolis views, but no worries if yours doesn’t for on the rooftop terrace you get an outstanding 360 degree view of Athens! That’s where you can sit on top of the world while ordering your drinks at the cozy bar.

 

The location, as mentioned is unbeatable. It's set on a square off bustling Athinas Street (there’s a fruit market facing the hotel and antique shop with tons of wares displayed right on the square's sidewalk).

 

This colourful street takes you right into Monasteraki – Athens labyrinth flea market where everything is sold. The acropolis and fancy, pedestrian-only Ermou Street is just 10 minutes away on foot which connects to Athens heartbeat hub – Syntagma Square. You can catch the airport bus there or go to Monasteraki to take the train there.

I can’t think of anything wrong with this hotel other than making you fat with its sensational breakfasts (included in the room price). 

 

Webpage:

www.athenscentersquarehotel.gr 

 

Hermes Hotel and Plaka Hotel – also owned by the Stathopoulous are nearby too, so if Athens Center Square Hotel is fully booked, reserve at one of them. Read my article, “Athens Hotel Hotties” to find out about these great hotels.

 

                                 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thursday, 19 September 2013

Vagia Hotel, Aegina Island

                                                            by Panayiotis Chaldaios

In the heart of the picturesque fishing village of Vagia, a 30 minute  walk from the Aphaia ancient temple and a 5 minute  walk from the sandy beach, we created a traditional hotel to act as a base for those who want to discover the beautiful island of Aegina.

Built in traditional Aeginian architecture Vagia hotel’s rooms and gardens are stone paved with Karystos stones. Our rooms with stone build beds are overlooking the Ancient Temple of Afaia and the blue waters of the Saronic Gulf. TVs and refrigerators with mini bars can be found in all the rooms while Wi-Fi is free.  

Our guests can enjoy home baked pies, different cakes and delicacies such our own organic marmalades as breakfast, a breakfast that changes almost daily! You can also enjoy finger food and Grappa, Ouzo or wine from Aegina vineyards!  

 

Hotel Vagia features a large stoned terrace, shadowed from a pergola holding harbour trees that produce grapes in the summer. Picturesque spots can be found throughout the hotel such as pergolas overgrown by bougainvilleas, as the hotel is surrounded by lush gardens. The terrace can be rented for special occasions such as weddings and we take care of the catering!  

 

Reviews about our hotel can be found on TripAdvisor, where we are rated as one of the finest hotels on Aegina!  

Our family hotel is situated 12km from Aegina, 3km from Agia Marina and 2km from Souvala.  You can also rent bikes and cars directly from our hotel. 

Do not hesitate! Give us the pleasure of having you as our guests!  

Panayiotis, Maria and Stelios

Hotel recommended by Nancy Snipper  -- here's why:
 

Surrounded in floral splendour, this is the place to stay on Aegina Island, especially if you want to be away from the hustle of the main port. Peaceful and inviting, this lovely hotel is sweetened not just by birdsong, and the scent of jasmine, but also by the wonderful personality of your hosts, Notis and his mom Maria. She makes the best chocolate cake on the island. It is only a short stroll from beautiful Vagia Beach and is close to other island attractions: Mesagros, Aegina Marina and Souvala.

Temple Aphea tops the mountain and I hiked up there from the hotel.

My room was spacious and comfortable. The balconies are really cozy and the views stupendous.

Trip Advisor

Tel: 6951708121, 6955413993, 2297071179 

Email: mr_chaldaios@yahoo.com  

Skype: chaldaios 

Website: http://vagiahotel.gr/   
 72 Vagia Avenue | Aegina Island Greece, Vagia 18010, Greece

Facebook: Vagia Hotel, Aegina Island  

 

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Rastoni Hotel, Greece

  

by Nancy Snipper

 

Aegina’s beautiful respite 

 

 

Rastoni in ancient Greek means ‘relaxing’, and this paradise nook, near the port of Aegina Island (a one-hour ferry-ride from Athens) is a short easy walk up from the buzz below. Yet the serenity is sublime. My room at Rastoni – a boutique hotel – overlooks a courtyard spilling over in floral growth; and at every turn along the stone pathways, vistas of trees, the still blue waters of the Aegean Sea and the gentle peaks of the Peloponnese greet the eye.   The scent of jasmine wafts up; my senses are steeped in an oasis of tranquility.
 

 Japanese-style room 

View from Japanese-style room

 All this appears from my room; Japanese-style door shutters fronted with glass doors open up to a stunning balcony.  I am staring out to the ancient site of Kolona Hill, topped by a single sixth-century partial column of the Temple of Apollo.  This inspiring panoramic view is enriched by the fact that the hotel used to be a property for farming the pistachio – a nut for which Aegina is renowned. 

 There is a pastoral pleasantness here, and fact that Rastoni has selected a style of design that is Japanese/Thai makes the entire premise Zen in feel. Here the oriental fuses with the Greek; the lobby has preserved an ancient Greek wall found during the archeological excavation of the site.

Lobby with preserved ruins

 

Twelve enormous rooms remarkably harmonize in colour and décor with the setting.  Built in 2004, Rastoni offers 12 rooms - each impeccably furnished in varying styles with fitting monikers: country, rama (tropical in flavor with its own loft), Barbados (still sporting Oriental touches but influenced by the Caribbean) and Japanese – which is my room (#6 ).   

My bed, topped by a ceiling fan, has a thin cotton canopy overhead. It drapes diaphanously to the floor and is tied to the bed posts with tassels. The head rest is simple in line and curve. Wood carved with oriental floral reliefs enriches the wood and cane furnishings that are most pleasing.
               

 Of course Rastoni comes with all those modern amenities (air conditioning, TV, Internet), but they don’t take away from the idyllic ambiance that wraps each guest in a cocoon of calm.
 

 I want to stay here for a very long time!  

Rastoni‘s website is: www.rastoni.gr   

For reservations, email:  info@rastoni.gr  

Telephone: +30 22970-27039

 

 

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FREE PUPPIES by Christina Thomas and Samantha Wishman ****

 AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENTARY FILM  

Rescuing dogs is an act of love with hand-on hardships.

In several Southern US states, there are no rules for saying or neutering dogs. States including Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas and Wyoming the absence of law has created an extreme overpopulation of dogs. Rescue Centres are few and given no funding. The poorer the state, the more the problem proliferates.

Warrior women form a dedicated team to find strays, owners that can’t care for their dogs and abusers.

The film gives great insight into the plight of rescuing dogs and finding homes for them. These women don’t stop. Tirelessly giving all the time they have to the rescue cause. some even cut the chain a dog is tied to in order to give him a new free start in life.

Up against politically indifferent politicians, they don’t give up. Heart- breaking yet inspiring, “Free Puppies” is a must-see documentary. 

THE COMPUTER ACCENT (MEMORY) Directed and Produced by: Riel Roch-Decter & Sebastian Pardo

In my opinion, the band Yacht brings its own brilliant branding and computer wizardry to the world's musically maverick geniuses. It may not be your  musical genre, but so what?  Made by the band's own computer wizards for musical wizards, the 3-hour film explores the intricate pathways of making electronic music that combines sounds of the 70's. Using a multitude of strange things, the computer is the star here as it showcases artificial intelligence - all explained and demonstrated by Yacht. Many clips are integrated into this film that historically enlighten us.

I could not understand the amazing explanations for producing such sounds, but Yacht is the pioneer of synthesizer type music while integrating novel instruments, such as the theremin in a piece for weird effect. Yacht is more or less equivalent to The Grateful Dead when it comes to legends.

Inventively scored, but chaotically challenging to follow any melody (if there is one in their compositions), I enjoyed this documentary that insightfully educates those who are not familiar with this atonal music.

 

 

THE BOWRAVILLE MURDERS, directed by Alan Clarke *****

Three  aboriginal children go missing after a party held in the community hall, called Mission, tucked away in a small rural town in New South Wale, Australia in 1991. Each one is killed within a five-month period in 1991. Their names are Colleen, Clinton and Evelyne. Because of this documentary their names won’t be forgotten.

Parents, relatives and friends are outraged by the complete non-action of the police. The awful resounding roar of racism is a complicit culprit with the authorities who botch their lousy "investigation". 

 Over a 30-year-battle the courageous parents move from a local court, to another court all the way to the High Court. No matter, the presiding judge at the High Court deemed there was no fresh and compelling evidence to merit further investigation.  

A valiant cop and supporters show a collectively fierce determination through this film to fight for justice. It took three years to make this film, but 30 years of living every day in horror knowing their children will never have justice, is heart wrenching. This systemic racism continues as a massive world pandemic.

 The editing is brilliant; the truth terrifying! Despair and anger are all that's left.

FRONTENAC PROVINCIAL PARK

                                  Diversity in Rugged Nature Promises a Remarkable Experience

Imagine exploring a meticulously maintained age-old park that encompasses 5,360 hectares (3,200 acres)  of unspoiled terrain and shimmering lakes. Established in 1974, Frontenac Provincial Park is one of the most exciting topographical areas of the historic Frontenac Arch. 

A southerly extension of the Canadian Shield joining the Adirondack Mountains in the south and the Canadian Shield in the north, this area is an ecological transition zone where you can find an intermixing of both northern and southern species.

Ben Chabot, Frontenac Park Superintendent, and Ecologist Erica Kendrick, had much to say  about this highly special Ontario park.  Ben, who has been working at Frontenac since 2015 readily admitted Frontenac was his favorite for many reasons.  

Getting information from Ben and Erica

                                               

Standing proudly 

                 The Many faces of Frontenac

" It’s unique. We have 22 lakes of which 17 are inside the park’s boundaries. Several lakes interconnect taking you to others if you are willing to portage.  For example, Little Clear Lake demands portaging 923 metres over two small hills to reach Big Salmon Lake, the park’s largest lake; it’s five kilometres long and free of motorboats.  You can fish too - even in winter. There’s brook trout, bass and perch which make for great fishing.”

Ben could not stress enough the unique widespread variety of plants -- 789 species. “Given there are 120 kilometers of interconnecting trails and lakes, the choices are  great for the outdoor enthusiast. Each has its own unique features. No matter where you look, there are always surprises.”

Erica expressed her fascination for the rich diversity of flora and fauna. “The park is so unique in its landscape range. Integral to the diversity are four wetland types - marshes, swamps, bogs and fens. 

 They're a source for many water-loving flora and fauna.  They love the acidic, sour soil in these areas.” 

 I didn’t have to look hard to pass by rock barrens of huge boulders – all part of the Frontenac Arch.

 

 Frontenac Arch runs through the park
curtesy of  Frontenac Arch .ca

She explained that the Frontenac Arch is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It runs from the north of the Canadian Shield to the Adirondacks in the United Sates. “I’ve been working here for a several years, and each time I go on the trails, I notice something new. The changing seasons offer their own magic. The fall season brings a spectacular array of fungi. In the spring, the park is nestled in a carpet of trilliums."

                                                         A Dynamic Dizzying Mix

I was about to witness just how special the flora was within the 1.2-billion-year-old, granite Frontenac Arch. An astounding cornucopia of hardwood and soft wood forests comprise all kinds of ferns, wildflowers, and trees which play an invaluable role to the park’s expansive eco system. 

White pine, shagbark hickory, oak and maple tower over the lush vegetation and wild flowers below. Wood peckers, owls, eagles, even raptors are present.

 The first trail I walked was called Doe Lake Loop. Its 3 kilometer-walk was lovely. Lots of boardwalks for safe footing.

 

Doe Lake Views

  I found a spot to sit and ponder  Doe Lake's peaceful waters.

 Behind me was an old mining shaft -- a testament to the hardy settlers who homesteaded here at the beginning of the 19^th century.

                                             

            Gorgeous Arab Lake Gorge

Branching off Doe Lake Loop is the awesome Arab Lake Gorge Trail. Wow! Everywhere I looked, clusters of strange looking plants appeared among a tangle of branches. Different species seemed to mix into others creating a kaleidoscope of colours and contrasting heights.

  I got a glimpse of those boulders too. One even looked like a gigantic smiling face.

Here we were surprised by the appearance of two deer at the swamp area. They stared at me and then ran across the to the other side. I came upon them again as my walk progressed.

More surprises

Cerulean Warbler

curtesy of Ontario Parks

Near the very end, a small ascent proved challenging as there were no rails or steps. Be aware of this if any mobility issue affects you. The trail is visually dramatic; the forest scents were hypnotic.

           The Serenity of South Otter Lake

Pristine shimmering waters for swimming, canoeing and kayaking are a water-lover's dream. Right from the office lay the languid waters  South Otter Lake. I set out on a gorgeously comfy kayak, which Frontenac Outfitters Canoe and Kayak Centre lent me for the day. You can rent all kinds of equipment from them. They’re in Sydenham - only a stone’s throw away from the park.  My kayak had the most comfortable back rest possible. The kayak glided so smoothly, and was very sturdy. Getting out mid-way, I was overcome with rapture. 

 Silence!

                                                     

The lake is gentle and the water was warm. In the distance, I spotted a lone island. I made my way towards it and kayaked around it.  I didn't see or hear another human being.

Two hawks flew overhead. Were they warning me to stay away from their territory?

                                                                       Island Views

 

 

                  

  




           A lush green-lined shore 

                  

Nearing the dock

    This park is about getting close to the many gifts of nature on terra firma and on watery wonders.

Frontenac Provincial Park with its own gentle soul leaves its inspirational imprint on you. 

Thank you Ben and Erica, and to Zack at Frontenac Outfitters

Frontenac Provincial Park offers 17 wilderness survival skills courses.  In fact, a new  1000-square-foot outdoor classroom is being built for this purpose.  All ages are welcome.

There are 51 campsites – all alongside a lake nestled in the back country. Each has its own firepit and plenty of space separates each campsite, but if you’re the hermit type, there are three campsites for those seeking solitude.

In winter, you can go cross-country skiing and rent snow shoes here. The literature given to you on everything this park offers is exceptionally helpful.

Visit the website: Ontarioparks.com/park/Frontenac or call 613 376-3489.

The address is 6700 Salmon Lake Road, Sydenham, Ontario K0H 2T0.

Make your campsite reservation online, or call 1-888-688-7275.

To get answers to all your questions, call the park office at 613 376-3489. 

For rentals, visit frontenacoutfitters.com or call 613 376 6220.

The address is 6674 Bedford Road, Sydenham K0H 2T0.

photo credit: Yagnesh Mangukiya

NS took photos from her kayak of South  Otter Lake