My wife and I will be in Mani early october, trying to decide which of these to use as a base for a one week stay in Mani peninsula. would appreciate suggestions! Thanks

Are they equally convenient for the places you want to visit while in the area?

yes!

I'm also going to the Peloponnese in early October.

I"ll be staying in Gythio in the Mani then off to Petilidi in the Messenia area.

I looked at Kardamyli but felt it was too far north to be able to get to other parts of the Mani easily. Areopoli looked great but couldn't find any accommodations that fit my needs or budget.

I found a great place in Gythio on Airbnb and it seems to be perfectly located to explore the Mani. Looks lovely and nice waterfront.

Petilidi is a working town, not as touristy as Koroni, Methoni or Pylos and less expensive. Good location to explore the Messenia area.

I highly recommend Cadogan's Peloponnese Guide as it's filled with info you won't in many other Guide books. The latest publication is 2008 but it's still relevant as most things don't really change that much in the Peloponnese.

Thanks, very helpful suggestions. I'll check out the Cadogan guide, which I've considered. Bradt isn't bad, either. Although the author's eating and sleeping recommendations are a bit upscale.

I have the Bradt Guide. It's good and more up-to-date but Cadogan's is far better. Much more info in detail, out of the way areas, in-depth history of towns/areas, archeological/historic sites you may never heard of, traditional villages off the radar and a lot more.

Cardogan's recommendations for sleeping/eating will have alternative selections that may be more traditional places and will have cost ratings which helps.

FWIW, I'm not convinced that any guidebook is good for lodging or eating -- that kind of information is all too readily outdated. I find guidebooks useful for entirely different reasons, use booking.com for lodging, and various resources for dining.

Kardamyli is in the Messenian Mani, while Areopolis in the Laconian Mani.
Although I love both, I would choose Areopolis which is a bigger and a better base for exploring the rest of the Mani.

I’ve stayed in Petalidi when friends lived there, and had lots of fun during the local panegyri which is held every September. Our friends took us to Koroni, Methoni, and Pylos, which weren’t busy in September, any of which would be good choices for October. Ancient Messene is near Kalamata, and if you are in that area be sure to visit that magnificent site. You will have it practically all to yourselves in October, a pleasant change from the better known archeological sites.

Both of these last two posts have helpful recommendations, thanks!

Soi3, if you go to Ancient Messene there is a small monastery nearby with friendly monks. Well worth a short stop if you can find it.

Check drive times carefully. We were not coming and going a lot at that point in the trip, so we chose Kardamyli for accommodation and hiking -- but it's a slow drive in and out.