Thessaloniki is Greece’s second largest city behind Athens. Despite being an old fogey I certainly pick up a very youthful and hip vibe in Thessaloniki. And that has been constant in the last decade. The cafes and bars are packed and it is a love affair with the cocktail and coffee. I prefer Thessaloniki to Athens. Athens this September had more Americans in it than Greeks! Thessaloniki is more of a Euro insider secret.
My savvy wife booked Daios Luxury Living choosing a Junior Suite with an ocean view. The entrance to the hotel is on a tree lined side street with a Manhattan feel. Check in was, shall we say, indifferent. After 3 flights in 5 days one can become dazed all of which crumbled with an exceptional room and not only a fantastic sea view but a huge wrap around private balcony one side facing the ocean and the other side the side street where the hotel’s entrance is. Why on earth go out for tea or a glass of wine with a huge balcony facing the sea. This for me was luxury. Hundreds of interesting people on the promenade below and stunning views. We did also eat in a couple of nights watching the sunset . Certainly there are times you don’t want to eat out and with this wonderful balcony the omnivore was out searching for a feast.
Note as a real winner there is a mini fridge with beer, Coca-Cola (the neat old bottles), water and juice which is replenished daily. That is a real nice touch very much appreciated by a jet lag pummelled traveller. The room exceeded expectations with a wood accented bathroom stocked with Greek Zealot toiletries. Linen and toiletries are first rate. By objective standards the suite is not huge but its design makes it feel much larger and comfortable.
Breakfast was impeccable with everything you could possibly need. A very professional vibe in the dining room. I enjoyed the Norwegian smoked salmon draped over a “Greek bagel” which I call a koolirakia. Want a custom egg dish just ask the staff. The freshly squeezed orange juice was a good way to start the day. Based on past experience “luxury hotels” often make available lose leaf teas. Not the case here. Is it my fault I can’t start the day without two mega cups of various green teas!
Cleaning staff were efficient and meticulous.
Location is superb.
While the hotel represents “nouvel luxe” with an 80’s boutique hotel vibe the room layout and the balcony made this a deluxe experience.
So 5 stars means a lot of dough? Not really in fact you might want to say my savvy wife snagged a great deal. For me paying more for a balcony was a stellar investment.
Daios Luxury Living is located a 59 Nikis Avenue. Their website is https://www.daioshotels.com/
RKS Hotel Rating 92/100.
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