Hydra's Hidden Gem: Hydroussa Hotel - Your Dream Greek Escape!
Hydra's Hidden Gem: Hydroussa Hotel - Your Dream Greek Escape! - A Review That's Real, Really Real. (SEO'd Up Too!)
Okay, so I'm back from Hydra, Greece. Sunburnt. Possibly craving feta. And absolutely obsessed with the Hydroussa Hotel. Forget the postcard-perfect travel blog perfection, let's get messy, shall we? This is not a sterile, corporate review, it’s me, spilling the (Greek) beans. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride…and maybe book a flight while you're at it.
First Impressions and the "Accessibility" Realism (and the Elevator’s Love/Hate Relationship):
Hydra is stunning. Like, jaw-droppingly, postcard-worthy stunning. But let's be brutally honest: Hydra is also… challenging. Think cobbled streets that'll test your ankles. And… hills. Lots. Of. Hills. So when they say "accessible," you immediately wonder, right?
The Hydroussa? Well, the elevator is a blessing, let me tell you. Especially after you’ve spent a day exploring the town. But, because this is real life, the elevator isn’t the size of a football field. It's cozy. You might need to make friends. On a good day, you'd have space for a small wheelchair. It really depends the room and which floor your staying on. Accessibility details
- Elevator: Yes, there’s an elevator! (Huge win for those of us who like to, you know, breathe up the hills. it is the best way to get to the rooms.
- Facilities for disabled guests: The hotel does offers facilities for disabled guests, but because of the nature of Hydra, it is not as easy as most hotels.
- Wheelchair accessible: While an elevator is a big plus, Hydra's terrain is tricky. Might need to do some planning.
- Air Conditioning: I had no problem with the air conditioning.
Rooms: Your Personal Paradise (with AMAZING Wi-Fi – Praise Be!)
- Wi-Fi [Free] in all rooms! Oh, sweet, sweet Wi-Fi. This is a game-changer. You're on a gorgeous island, yes, but you also need to post those Instagram stories, right? And the Hydroussa DELIVERS. No patchy, slow connection here. Pure, unadulterated internet bliss.
- Internet access – wireless: No problem with signal in the rooms.
- Internet access – LAN: I didn't try.
- Air Conditioning: Needed it everyday.
- Blackout curtains: Needed for sleep.
- All the things: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, desk, extra long bed (hallelujah!), free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service… you get the idea. It's all there.
- My favorite: The room decorations in my room were perfect, this hotel is a couples hotel so this is a perfect plus.
- My imperfect experience: The shower pressure wasn’t as strong as I’d like, but I’m splitting hairs.
The Spa, The Pool, The Bliss (and My Personal Journey to Relaxation)
Okay, let's be honest. I’m not exactly a spa person. I'm more of a "flop on a sun lounger with a book" kind of gal. BUT. The Hydroussa? They sucked me in.
- Pool with view: Okay, the pool is an absolute showstopper. It's an outdoor pool. The view? Insane. Cliffs, the Aegean Sea… Pure, unadulterated “I’m on vacation and I deserve this” vibes. I’m talking pool with gorgeous view.
- Spa/sauna: I didn't get the sauna.
- Massage: I got a massage, and it was… well, it was the best massage I've ever had. I'm not exaggerating. Let me tell you, the masseuse, was a miracle worker. They found knots I didn't know I had. Suddenly, all my stresses melted away.
- Body scrub/Body wrap: I didn't try them, and regretting it.
- Gym/fitness: I didn't use the gym.
- Steamroom: I didn't get to relax.
- Foot bath: Didn't try.
- Ways to relax: They have it all, Pool, Massage, the whole nine yards.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Carb-Loading in Paradise (and the BEST Breakfast Ever)
- Breakfast [Buffet]: This is where the Hydroussa really shines. A breakfast buffet is the way to go, and their buffet offered everything! Fresh fruit, pastries, Greek yogurt, eggs cooked every way imaginable… I gained, let’s just say, a happy three pounds during my stay. It was worth every single bite.
- Restaurants/Poolside bar: I ate at the pool side bar.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: They've got all the caffeine you need.
- A la carte in restaurant/Buffet in restaurant: The restaurant served all meals.
- Snack bar: They had a snack bar.
- Room service [24-hour]: Available, but I didn't use it.
- Desserts in restaurant/Salad in restaurant/Soup in restaurant: Delicious.
- Asian breakfast/Asian cuisine in restaurant: I didn't see one.
- Western breakfast/Western cuisine in restaurant: I liked this more.
- Bar: Amazing!
- Bottle of water/Essential condiments: Yes, they provided them.
- Happy hour: Yes!
- Alternative meal arrangement/Vegetarian restaurant: Didn't use them.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the "We're Looking Out For You" Vibe (and my slight paranoia)
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Absolutely.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: I certainly hoped so.
- First aid kit: Present and accounted for.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Thank goodness.
- Anti-viral cleaning products/Professional-grade sanitizing services: They’re on it. I was definitely conscious of cleanliness.
- Safe dining setup/Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: I felt very safe and confident in the cleanliness of the place.
- Staff trained in safety protocol/Hygiene certification: Everyone wears a mask and is conscious of the situation.
- CCTV in common areas/CCTV outside property/Security [24-hour]: I felt very safe at all times.
- Fire extinguisher/Smoke alarms: Safety is key!.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Yes.
Getting Around, Services, and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (Because Vacation Should Be)
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent service.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: All available. Very useful.
- Cash withdrawal/Currency exchange/Invoice provided: No problem.
- Luggage storage: Easy.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes.
- Car park [free of charge]/Car park [on-site]/Car power charging station/Airport transfer/Taxi service/Valet parking: Not available.
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential.
- Convenience store/Gift/souvenir shop: They have it.
- Doorman: Usually.
For the Kids, Honeymooners, and Social Butterflies:
- Babysitting service/Family/child friendly/Kids meal: Hydroussa is pretty romantic. I would say that is not for kids.
- Proposal spot: Probably.
- Couple's room: Romantic.
- Pets allowed unavailable : No pets.
- Meeting/banquet facilities/Meetings/Meeting stationery/On-site event hosting/Outdoor venue for special events/Seminars: Yes.
Things to Do (Beyond Lazing Around the Pool):
- Hydra is a walker's paradise. Walk around the port.
- Things to do: Explore the charming streets, hike to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias for epic views (it's a hike, FYI!), and take a boat trip to hidden coves.
Overall Vibe: Seriously, Book It!
Unlock Brook Ville India: Your Dream Home Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sterile, perfectly curated travel brochure. This is me, wrestling with the Greek sun, the ferry fumes, and the existential dread that comes with choosing the wrong feta cheese. Here's my attempt at a Hydroussa Hotel, Hydra itinerary – complete with the delightful chaos of a real human being:
Hydra, Greece: Operation "Don't Get Sunburnt (Again)" - Let's Do This (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & The (Almost) Disaster of the Ferry
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up in Athens. Or, rather, attempt to wake up in Athens. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. That tiny, insistent alarm clock that sounds like a dying mosquito? My mortal enemy. Managed to drag myself, half-zombie, to the airport. Breakfast? A sad, pre-packaged croissant. Still, I was already looking forward to the Hydroussa.
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Ferry time! Glorious, allegedly scenic ferry time. Except… it was a process. The tickets felt like they were printed in hieroglyphics, and the queue? A swirling pit of caffeine-deprived tourists and luggage-laden locals. I’d paid for the “high-speed” option, thinking I was being fancy. I should have known better. Let’s just say certain members of the crew didn’t seem to be enjoying their jobs at all. Okay, there was some swearing involved.
Midday (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrival in Hydra! The port. The sheer, unadulterated beauty of Hydra. Boats bobbing, the white washed buildings that made the whole place look like what it was: paradise. (Except for the fact that my sunscreen didn't seem to protect me). Okay, so maybe I should have packed MORE than one small bottle, instead of thinking "Yeah, it'll be fine".
Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Check-in to Hydroussa. The hotel reception… was charming. Let's be real, it was all a little chaotic, but in that endearing, Greek way. The woman at the desk was a hurricane of efficiency, simultaneously juggling check-ins, phone calls, and a surprisingly effective attempt to herd stray cats. My room? Gorgeous! I had a balcony with a view that could make a cynic weep. I promptly, and I mean immediately, dropped my bags and collapsed on the bed.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): This is where things get complicated. I had ambitious plans: explore the harbor, find a taverna, soak in the Hydra vibe. Instead? Nap. An epic nap. Like, a sleep that wiped away the weariness of a thousand ferry crossings. I woke up feeling like a rejuvenated god. And the view… oh, the view was still there. The colours were even brighter. I did get up (eventually), and had a cold shower to shake off the lingering remnants of nap-time brain fog.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Explore time (Round 2!). Walked the harbor, got ridiculously excited about a tiny bakery with pastries that looked like works of art, and decided to buy one (or two). The tiny shops selling sandals and handmade jewelry were very tempting. Resist the urge to buy everything, I told myself. But I did end up buying a hideous, yet strangely comforting, straw hat. It's already my favorite.
Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at a taverna with the name "Xerxes". I asked for a traditional Greek salad, which ended up being more feta than tomato. And the olives? Oh, the olives. They were, as they should, bursting with flavour. The wine? A delightful, not-too-strong, local white. And the sunset? Perfect. Utterly, ridiculously, postcard-worthy perfect. I felt smug.
Evening (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Wandered. Drank in the atmosphere. Hydra at night is pure magic. Okay, I accidentally tripped over a very photogenic, but nonetheless inconvenient, cobblestone. (No one saw, right? Right?). Back to the hotel. Planning day two, and hoping the sunscreen gods are on my side.
Day 2: The Donkey Dilemma & The Beach of my Dreams (Maybe)
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. Standard fare: bread, orange juice, and… well, let's just say I went back for thirds of the omelette. (No judgement). Decided to be adventurous and try the local honey. It was so good, it made me want to learn beekeeping.
Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Hydra is famous for its donkeys. And they are everywhere. I mean, everywhere. They're carrying supplies, ferrying people, and generally looking incredibly nonchalant. The smell? Let's just say you get used to it. Approached a donkey for an impromptu photo. Nearly got kicked. (Note to self: don't bother the donkeys).
Midday (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The beach! I had heard so much about the beach. Supposedly, a must-see. I decided to give myself a walk there. It involved a rather steep hike (don't judge the cardio-levels), but I was ready for it!
Midday (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Beach of My Dreams (Kinda). Arrived at the beach and thought "This is it". Then got into the sea that was cool, refreshing and, most importantly, didn't have any sharks in it.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the hotel for a nap. (Are you sensing a theme?). I swear, the Hydroussa bed is like a cloud. I can't resist.
Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at a different taverna, a place called "The Mamma Mia". I ordered all the seafood. The octopus, the clams, the grilled fish… It was a feast fit for a king (or, you know, a very hungry travel writer).
Evening (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Wandered around, got lost, found my way back. Admired the reflections of the lights in the water. Hydra is a place you could lose yourself in and I was just fine with that.
Day 3: Departure & The Sadness of Leaving
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Final breakfast. Squeezed in as many eggs and slices of the local bread as humanly possible. Said a tearful goodbye to the balcony view. Considered stowing away on another ferry, just to stay longer.
Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last-minute souvenir shopping. Bought more postcards, a small ceramic piece, and a bag of… I'm not entirely sure what it was, but it smelled amazing, so I bought it anyway.
Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Ferry back to Athens. The reverse of the first ferry. The queues, the fumes, the slightly-bored-looking crew. (Though I was much better prepared this time, thanks to experience, which I had in spades)
Midday (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Arrival in Athens. The chaos of the city felt (surprisingly) less overwhelming. The memories of Hydra, though? They were still fresh. The sun. The donkeys. The food. The sheer beauty of the place. I left feeling happy and sad. This was how a holiday should feel.
Afternoon (4:00 PM onwards): Back to the airport. Planning my next trip back to Hydra before I've actually left Greece. Because that place… it stole a little piece of my heart. And I'm not entirely sure I want it back.
Hydroussa Hotel on Hydra: Dream Greek Escape? Let's Be Real...
Okay, Spill the Beans: Is Hydroussa Hotel Actually as Gorgeous as the Brochure Makes it Look?
Alright, let's get this out of the way: yes. Basically, yeah. The brochure doesn't *lie*. Those photos? Pretty accurate. Think whitewashed walls glistening in the Hydra sun, bougainvillea cascading everywhere like a purple waterfall, and that impossibly blue Aegean sea peeking over the rooftops. It's postcard-perfect. I actually gasped the first time I saw it. I mean, literally, a tiny, embarassed "Ooooh," like a cartoon character. Felt a bit silly, but the view just… *struck*. That moment you're thinking, "Yup, I made the right life choice." But... (and there's always a "but," isn't there?) the *real* beauty is in the details you only get once you're actually *there*. It's the way the light catches the little ceramic pots on the balcony, the smell of the citrus trees...it's not just pretty; it feels *alive*. Now, did I get a room *exactly* like the one I saw online? Nope. My bathroom door stuck a little. Small imperfections, but hey, that's life, right? It's not a sterile magazine cover; it's a *living, breathing* place. And that's where the magic lies!
Seriously, How's the Location? Is it a Pain to Get Around?
Okay, so Hydra is… unique. No cars. Just donkeys, water taxis, and your own two feet. Hydroussa? Perfectly positioned. It's not *right* in the craziness of the harbor, which is a blessing. You’ll catch the bustle of the day but get a much needed escape at night. You're close enough to walk to everything – the restaurants, the shops, the ferry port. But far enough to be, y'know, *peaceful*. I was worried at first. I pictured myself lugging my giant suitcase up a mountain. (I'm *not* in great shape, let's be honest.) But the walk? Surprisingly manageable. Sure, there are a few steps, but it's nothing brutal. And the view from the hotel makes it totally worth it.
The Rooms: Cozy or Cramped? What's the Deal?
Right, the rooms. Let’s be clear, these aren't massive penthouse suites. You're in Hydra, not Dubai! Expect charming, Greek-style rooms. Think whitewashed walls, simple furniture, and maybe a balcony with a view… *if* you request one and are lucky. My room was… cozy. Let’s call it that. It wasn’t enormous, but it was comfortable. And the balcony! Oh, the balcony. That's where I spent most of my waking hours, honestly. Sipping coffee in the morning, reading a book (one I *actually* finished!), and just… *breathing*. One tiny observation, the shower in my room was a bit… intimate. Not as in romantic, as in *small*. I'm not the tallest person, but I suspect a basketball player might struggle! But hey, you're in Greece! Who cares about a tiny shower when you have sunshine and the sea?
Tell Me About the Breakfast! Is it Worth Waking Up For?
Oh, god, YES. The breakfast. Wake. Up. Early. Seriously, *do not skip breakfast*! It's a feast. Think fresh, crusty bread, local cheeses, olives (the *olives*!), yogurt with honey, fresh fruit, and strong Greek coffee that'll jolt you awake. Honestly, the breakfast spread was one of the highlights of my trip. I swear, I gained five pounds just from the feta...but I regret nothing. It was also a great place to eavesdrop (I'm terrible, I know!) and get tips on where to go and what to do for the day. Don’t expect a massive continental selection, but the quality of the Greek food is excellent, and you can try a new thing every day! Pure bliss.
What's the Vibe? Relaxed or Rowdy? Should I bring my party hat?
Relaxed. *Very* relaxed. Hydra, in general, is chill. Hydroussa doubles down on that. Think quiet mornings, conversations in hushed tones on the balconies, and a general sense of serenity. If you're looking for a raging party scene, you're in the wrong place, but, you won't want to anyway! It's perfect for couples, solo travelers, and anyone who just wants to escape the madness of everyday life. I felt like a sigh of relief the moment I arrived. The hotel staff all seem to know the value of calm. The atmosphere is low-key elegant, the perfect spot for a getaway. Bring your sunglasses, your favorite book, and your chill-out face. You’ll fit right in.
The Staff – Are They Friendly and Helpful?
Honestly? Amazing. The staff are wonderful. Seriously. They were friendly, helpful, and always available to answer questions or offer recommendations. They had this calm, easygoing way about them. Made me feel like I was visiting a friend's house, rather than just another hotel guest. I had a bit of a travel disaster (lost luggage, ugh!) and the woman at the front desk was an absolute angel. She helped me call the airline, tracked down my bag, and generally kept me from having a total meltdown. I can't even begin to express how grateful I was. They really made the experience special, every one of them. They’re the secret weapon of the Hydroussa!
Any Negatives? Anything I Should Be Aware Of?
Okay, let's be real. Nothing's *perfect*. The wifi was a bit spotty in my room. Not a deal-breaker, if you're looking to "unplug." Also, (and this is just nitpicky, really) the soundproofing isn't the best. You can hear the occasional donkey braying in the distance, and when someone decided to have a loud phone call outside my room at 6am, I had a moment of near-hysterical rage. But it's part of the charm, right? You're on a freaking *island*! Embrace the chaos. The only serious issue is – book in advance! Hydroussa is popular, and for good reason. I’m talking, *months* in advance during peak season. Learn from my mistake, and plan ahead!
The Pool - Worth it?
Okay, the pool. Now, this is where I had a slight… *moment*. Because, you see, the pool is *lovely*. It’s small, but perfectly formed. Clean, with a fantastic view. But! It’s really deepBest Rest Finder
