judyrose

Does anyone have any information about Hotel Samos? I read somewhere that they renovated the rooms. We are contemplating staying there because it is close to the ferry for day trips,but could change our mind and stay farther out if it would be nicer. We are staying for 4 days,plan to rent a car to drive around and also go to Turkey.

brotherleelove2005

The Samos hotel is facing a very busy noisy road next to the port. Places such as Kokkari and Pythagorio are a bit more relaxing and attractive albeit touristy. Would not waste your money on an overpriced day trip to Turkey, spend the time on Samos it's worth it.

Patrick

Yea, avoid a day trip to Turkey. Millions of tourists are crazy for going to that place called Ephesus -- you know most of it is ruins anyway! Huh?

brotherleelove2004

I loved everything about Turkey, and Ephesus is NOT a waste of money, it's one of the most fantastic and important archaeological sites in all of the Mediterranean area.

judyrose

OK.. are there 2 brotherleeloves? 2004 and 2005? I am confused now. I never heard of anyone NOT suggesting Ephesus. What's up here? I just thought that staying in Samos town would be closer to restaurants etc. than staying farther out. But if it's a noisy ugly place maybe we will stay in Kokkari.

Patrick

We stayed close to the harbor right in Samos town. I didn't like the more touristy towns better, in fact I preferred the feel of the main town. We hiked (and took a bus or two) all over the island. If I were going back tomorrow, I'd stay right in the town again. We loved it. Ugly? No! Not as picturesque as some of the "idyllic" Greek towns, but pleasant. We enjoyed Samos -- although not in the same way as Mykonos, Rhodes, Symi, Santorini, Kos, or Crete. They are all different!

brotherleelove2004

Yes, apparently there are two of us. I'm the one who so vigorously recommends Santorini. I DO NOT have a split personality!

judyrose

Thanks Patrick. That helps me make my decision. We'll stay in town and probably rent a car for a day or two and go to the other towns and beaches. Oh.... and go to Ephesus.

Patrick

By the way we stayed at the nice but rather simple Hotel Aeolis. It had the most charming extended family running it. As we returned one afternoon, the lady of the house was excited because "Grandpa" had just brought in the first of the season's strawberries. She sat us down and forced us (not that that was hard to do) a great big bowl of them.

mzani

Try the Arion Hotel in Kokkari.
www.arion-hotel.com