Hydrea Exclusive Hospitality

The hotel is in a fantastic location right near the port and some great swimming spots. The rooms and lovely. However, the service was poor. A few examples include: Every day when we left our room they would come into our room and turn the aircon off. As it was 37 degrees during the day, we wanted to come back to a cool room after being out for lunch etc. Each day we asked them to stop doing this and each day they continued. On one occasion I had a 7.30am work call and asked to order a coffee to have while I did this call. They said they were unable to make coffee before 8am - crazy in a luxury hotel at these prices. Every day the barista got my coffee order wrong despite ordering the same thing every day for the duration of our stay. The girl on the front desk was quite rude and unhelpful. She claimed a few times it was just that she didn’t speak English well (which seems concerning given most of the guests staying speak English) however at other times it seemed to be clear she just wanted us to get out of the hotel each day and not ask for assistance for things like reservations for restaurants. In the end we organised things ourselves. On one day the tour guide we had organised for 7pm had called the hotel to cancel and they had not bothered to notify us - we got to reception at 6.45 only then to find our tour was cancelled It’s a shame as the hotel itself is lovely (however I would not recommend it for older guests or those not strong and fit to do lots of stairs - the main staircase is very steep and long - I’m in my mid 30s and found it hard to do each day in the heat. There’s no alternate access). I do hope they improve the service in future if the expect to charge the prices they do for this hotel.

The manager on site (Mike) was extremely friendly and helpful. We had the corner suite with the balcony overlooking the port, and almost wanted to stay out their the entire time, but were very glad we ventured out and took Mike's recommendations for dinner and daily walks. Amazing location, very comfortable, and did I mention the balcony? Feels like we know one of the best rooms in all of Greece. The whole hotel has a unique beauty and charm, and the smell of fresh-baking bread in the mornings... I miss it already.

We originally booked the Hydrea pre-pandemic and had to re-schedule three times before we finally got to visit last month. Before I actually mention our visit I would like to say how helpful Adriadne was with all the re-booking, emails back and forth, the booking of COVID tests and much more. When we actually got to travel the wait was most definitely worth it and we would quite happily wait what was nearly two years to visit again. Firstly Hydra port is beautiful and we arrived after sunset to be assisted with our bags to the Hotel. The hotel was once a splendid private house and sits raised up on one side of the port entrance. The hotel itself is a sunning venue with a lovely terrace where we would breakfast everyday watching the world below. There is no restaurant or designated place to breakfast. You just make yourself comfortable and the staff come and find you. On the subject of the staff Ariadne and her team adopt a discreet role but will be their to assist with your needs at any time. Its like you are staying in a ultra luxury home but with people to take care of your. My wife and I loved the hotel, its style and the way it is run. The views are amazing and we could have spent all seven days of our holiday relaxing around the terrace, bar and other shared spaces. But we couldn't because Hydra itself is a paradise with seemingly endless places to jump into the sea, relax on secluded beaches or sit in Tavernas serving up great views, great food, great service and great life. Well done Ariadne and her team, well done to the management for the style of hotel you have produced and well done to Hyrda for being as close to paradise as we have experienced for many a year.

After a weekend in Athens we took the Flying Cat from Piraeus to Hydra. A short stroll round the harbour brought us to the Hydrea, where we have spent a wonderful 5 days (so far). The terrace has a wonderful view across the town, but our private terrace has been the perfect location to watch the comings and goings of the buzzy town - just far enough away to be out of the hubbub, close enough to be wherever you want to be in a few minutes. The building is lovely, decorated in a soft palette throughout and beautifully furnished. Like the place, service is relaxed but on point. Breakfasts, ordered in advance but available at any time from 8.30 - 11.00, are delicious. No, there isn’t a pool, there’s limited facilities and reception isn’t available 24 hours, but who cares. This is a place for just stopping and chilling out. Be aware that access from street level is up 35 or so fairly steep stone steps and there is stone flooring in public areas. There is a stair lift available.