My husband and I are going to Naxos in May and we are down to these two hotels (Hotel Grotta and Chateau Zevgoli). We do not need to be near the beach or nightlife, and walking uphill does not bother us. We would like someplace with a balcony/view that is comfortable and cute. Can anyone advise on either of these hotels? Looked at tripadvisor and still not sure which is better...
Thanks in advance!

I've to admit that I stayed at neither, but had considered both before my trip last autumn. Stayed in the Anixis instead (close to the Zevgoli), which was fine but nothing special at all.

However some details that might help you along: a) the Grotta neighbourhood 'feels' quite far away from the city (though it's just a couple of minutes walk), I would prefer staying closer to the Kastro area. b) we had to pass by the Zevgoli several times, and from the outside it looked very crammy and I remember hardly any of the rooms actually had balconies, so I would point this out in case I intended booking with them.

Note that most houses in this area are facing north, balcony/terrace might be much less splendid than you think. Zevgoli offers a small number of studios/appartments as well, which are supposed to be much nicer than the hotel, yet prices for these are rather above average compared to Greek standards, maybe you could try haggling a bit.

I have stayed at Grotta, and also have put some travel companions in Chateau Zevgoli -- and now have issues with them both.

I do not think you should consider the Chateau at all. It has been promoted very successfully but I"ve never been impressed. Few of the rooms even have a port view. The breakfast area is in a dark front room, old-style furnishings, feels very closed-in. Definitely not cute.

Grotta has nice owners & a sumptuous breakfast buffet, but food isn't everything.THe outdoor terrace has a good view of the harbor and the Portara arch -- but they charge MORE for any rooms that have the sea view vs. the land-side view.

Nautiker is right, it's quite isolated uphill through a boring neighborhood. If you are adamant about staying in that area,yet want to have breakfast served to you, you COULD ask Grotta folk to book you into Iliada Studios next door... and specify a unit that has a direct FRONT sea view & patio. Or if you want to fix your own breakfast these units have kitchen facilities. NOTE: some of the beds are HARD.

After staying various places in & around Naxos town in my 7 visits, I now prefer St. George Beach area. NOT because I want to plunge from my window into the waters.. but because of the nice views combined with the ease of walking in 5 minutes to the attractions of the harborside and Old Town. Yes, it is an area with many hotels, but mostly small family-run 2-story places... and in May, very serene, and quiet at night. And ALL rooms seem to have balcony or patio.

Hotel Glaros has great sea views but (due alas to much praise from some of us) its prices are up and is probably fully booked for may; ditto for Hotel Galini/Sophia L. Try both & specify u need a nice balcony view.

If your budget runs to a bit more, Hotel Nissaki Beach is terrific, with fine views. check out this hotel list -- click on each to see rooms and location vis a vi the sand.
http://www.naxos-island-greece.com/n...os-hotels.html

here's another list to consider -- look at St. George Hotel on this list; it's quite attractive from outside, and its upper floor rooms have wonderful views.

http://www.thegreektravel.com/stgeorge-hotel/index.html

I have to say, It's VERY enjoyable to linger over dinner at harborside or up at "To Kastro" restaurant (DON'T miss this place!), hve coffee & dessert at "Rendezvous" and then stroll back to a St. George hotel in the moonlight.

Whatever you choose, enjoy.

thank you both SO much, this is VERY helpful! hotel glaros is the other we are considering...we will also check out st george hotel.
thanks again!!!

Is Hotel Glaros a good one? They do have availability, and a double room on the 2nd floor with a balcony. Is this the best choice? Nissaki looks beautiful but is MUCH more $$! someday...
Thanks again!

Of course it's the best choice! Grab it! Glaros' biggest fan is "Stanbr" on this forum -- the only gripe he ever voices is that their breakfast features a kind of "Tang" instead of real orange juice (boo hoo get over it). But you can have breakfast on your balcony, what could be better??

I just looked up Glaros on trip adviser. The reviews were pretty much unanimous, everyone has had a very good experience at Glaros and virtually everybody grouches about the tang. Breakfast is served on a tray with a soft boiled egg, toast, coffee some cake and a cookie and is served on the patio overlooking the ocean. What a way to start the day.
The hotel is small and quite modest but has an excellent location and is not too expensive. Alex speaks good English and is very helpful. I can excuse the tang.
Glaros was recommended in the Michelin guide a few years ago and since then has had an occupancy rate of over 90% in the shoulder seasons so if you found a room, get it now or it will not be there for long.

Great! I emailed Alexander and told him to save us that room!!
We are so excited, thank you for your help!

We have some pictures of Naxos that may be of interest.

http://travel.webshots.com/album/552001505EYxVYT