This part of our guide to holidays in Greece sees us covering the types of accommodation there and how / when to book it...
Most Greek hotels are basic and unpretentious and the rooms are usually small. However, most rooms include balconies and air-conditioning and are well cleaned and maintained, even in the simpler hotels. The biggest problem can often be noise from local roads, bars and eateries. While the cities and the more popular islands do offer more upmarket accommodation, the choices are limited and generally are not good value for money.
In addition to hotels, almost every popular Greek destination offers self-catering accommodation, called studios or apartments (the terms are pretty much used interchangeably). Though not listed very often in travel guides, they're a viable option, especially for budget conscious travelers. They are similar to hotel rooms in almost every aspect, with the only real difference being that they also have basic 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.
You will probably be able to make your bookings online. Most hotels, studios and villas, even the smaller ones, have web sites nowadays. Most will accept email bookings, but in individual cases, faxes can still sometimes be a more reliable form of communication. Otherwise, you can use a Greek or international hotel booking service to make your accommodation arrangements.
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.
Most Greek hotels are basic and unpretentious and the rooms are usually small. However, most rooms include balconies and air-conditioning and are well cleaned and maintained, even in the simpler hotels. The biggest problem can often be noise from local roads, bars and eateries. While the cities and the more popular islands do offer more upmarket accommodation, the choices are limited and generally are not good value for money.
In addition to hotels, almost every popular Greek destination offers self-catering accommodation, called studios or apartments (the terms are pretty much used interchangeably). Though not listed very often in travel guides, they're a viable option, especially for budget conscious travelers. They are similar to hotel rooms in almost every aspect, with the only real difference being that they also have basic 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.
You will probably be able to make your bookings online. Most hotels, studios and villas, even the smaller ones, have web sites nowadays. Most will accept email bookings, but in individual cases, faxes can still sometimes be a more reliable form of communication. Otherwise, you can use a Greek or international hotel booking service to make your accommodation arrangements.
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.
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