Makarios Hotel

The hotel is highly regarded for its welcoming and helpful staff, who consistently receive high praise, significantly enhancing the guest experience. Its cleanliness is a standout feature, and the lovely pool area serves as a central hub for relaxation and enjoyment. The hotel offers excellent value for money, making it a popular choice for budget travelers and families seeking a comfortable and friendly base. Couples also find it suitable for a relaxed getaway. Due to its proximity to the airport, guests will notice planes flying overhead; while some find this noisy, many view it as an interesting and unique characteristic. To enhance your stay, consider renting a scooter or quad bike directly from the hotel for easier island exploration, and if sensitive to noise, inquire about room placement away from the main road or airport flight path.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a large and clean swimming pool that is a major highlight for many guests, often described as a pleasant area for relaxation with ample sunbeds and a convenient pool bar. While the pool water can be cool, it is generally well-maintained. Some guests noted that the jacuzzi was not always as clean as the main pool. For recreation, the hotel offers table tennis and a tennis court, which are appreciated bonuses. Free Wi-Fi is available, though its reliability can vary, particularly in some guest rooms during peak times. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities, adding to guest convenience. The hotel also provides an on-site service for scooter, quad bike, and car rentals, simplifying island exploration for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the spotless cleanliness of the rooms, with daily housekeeping ensuring fresh towels and tidied spaces. The beds are frequently described as very comfortable, contributing to a restful sleep. Rooms are generally perceived as spacious and well-appointed, often featuring a balcony for added comfort. However, some guests found the rooms to be on the smaller side, and the bathrooms received mixed feedback; while modern, the shower design often leads to the bathroom floor getting wet due to a lack of full enclosure, and some found the toilet seat to be poorly positioned or too small. Noise levels are a recurring theme, with airport noise from low-flying planes and occasional road noise affecting some rooms, though many guests reported getting used to it or finding their rooms surprisingly quiet. Air conditioning is generally effective.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast offered receives mixed reviews. Many guests find it plentiful and sufficient to start the day, with a variety of continental options, including some Greek specialties, fresh vegetables, and fruits. However, a significant number of guests describe the breakfast as repetitive, with limited choices that remain the same daily. Specific criticisms include watery scrambled eggs, tinned fruit instead of fresh, and juice that tastes like squash. The coffee is generally considered decent, but some guests were disappointed when the coffee machine was shut off promptly at the official closing time. The pool bar offers snacks, but the main kitchen closes in the afternoon, limiting food options on-site later in the day, and some found the bar service to be inconsistent or only accepting cash.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, particularly for those arriving by air, as it is only a short drive from the airport. While this proximity means guests will experience airplane noise from low-flying aircraft, many find it manageable or even interesting. The hotel is within walking distance of Kamari beach, typically a 5 to 15-minute stroll, where guests can find numerous restaurants and shops. A significant advantage is the bus stop located directly in front of the hotel, providing easy and affordable access to Fira and other parts of the island. For guests with vehicles, parking is readily available, including private and public options. The area around the hotel is described as relatively quiet and less crowded than other parts of Santorini.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the receptionists for providing excellent advice on island tours, transportation, and local attractions, often going above and beyond to assist with arrangements like airport transfers. The cleaning staff are noted for their thoroughness and pleasant demeanor, ensuring rooms are tidied daily. The pool bar manager and other kitchen staff are also often commended for their polite and caring service. While most interactions are positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of less helpful or rude behavior from certain staff members, particularly concerning specific requests or issues. Overall, the commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment is a strong theme.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few specific operational details. The hotel's key system is linked to the room's electricity, meaning devices cannot be charged when guests are out, as the key must be removed. This requires planning for overnight charging. A refundable deposit is required for pool towels, which some guests found inconvenient. While the hotel does not offer an on-site laundry service, guests staying for extended periods noted the high cost and inconvenience of external laundromats, suggesting a need for a small, accessible laundry space. Some guests mentioned a local tax payable upon arrival. Despite these points, the hotel offers the convenience of allowing guests to use hotel amenities like the pool and restrooms even after checking out, which is highly appreciated by those with late flights.