Accommodation Tips
High and Low Season
Most hotels in the Greek Islands will have at least two sets of rates, one for the high season (around June to September) and one for the low season (October to May). The exception will be the Christmas, New Year and Easter holiday periods, when prices rise accordingly.
Package Holidays
The Greek Islands are a popular package-holiday destination. Normally including flights, accommodation, transfers to and from the airport and sometimes car hire and child care, a package can be less expensive and is a convenient way to arrange a holiday, especially for families.
Reservations
The easiest way to reserve accommodation is via the Internet. Almost all accommodation providers can be contacted via e-mail and there are many booking websites. Due to Greece’s debt crisis, many hotels are offering good-value deals. Prices change frequently and may differ from the price bands quoted in this guide.
Booking Before You Go
While there are many hotels, resorts and villas of all star ratings on the islands, they can get booked well in advance by the big tour operators. It is therefore wise to book ahead in high season, or if you wish to stay at a particular location or have specific requirements.
Booking When You Get There
Some visitors might prefer the spontaneity of island hopping and selecting accommodation on arrival. Airports and ports generally have tourist information offices where local hotels, resorts, villas and camp sites can assist you in your search for a suitable place to stay. On some islands, proprietors still meet ferries.
Tipping
It is generally unnecessary to tip if a hotel employee has shown you to your room, although if the person has been particularly helpful or you are staying in a five-star hotel with porters, then you might like to tip a few euros. Chamber staff would also appreciate a few euros for their services.
Hotel Grading
Greek Island hotels and tourist accommodation is monitored by the Greek National Tourist Organization. It regularly monitors establishments to ensure its strict guidelines for facilities and services are met, and implements a grading system. Grades range from A for the best to E, plus an L grade for luxury hotels.
Apartments
Apartments designated for tourists come under the same Greek National Tourist Organization’s classification system as hotels, irrespective of whether they are private or in a resort-style complex. Grades, and in turn prices, are dependent on the facilities offered, such as a communal swimming pool, a maid service and the number of bedrooms.
Villas
A villa holiday can be a good option for visitors keen on flexibility. Ranging from two-bedroom villas to large, luxurious residences. Always check if they come fully equipped. Most will include the use of a swimming pool with sun loungers. Like apartments, villas are graded and can be located in town centres or the countryside.
Rural Properties
A great way to sample local life is to stay in a private rural villa or in a villager’s own home. Villas, which come under the grading system if designed for tourists, are often advertised privately or are available through a specialist company, while rooms can be found simply by asking at the local coffee shop.