Marillia Village

We've recently come back from a 7 day holiday to Marillia. We went to celebrate our anniversary so happened to be child-free. I contacted the hotel prior to our visit to inform them that we would have a late check-in. The hotel got back to us right away to inform us that there would be instructions on the window about check-in and finding our room. When we arrived, the instructions were on the window as mentioned and finding our room was very easy. They even left us a welcome drink in the fridge. We were initially in a comfort room for the first 2 nights. The room was clean and comfortable and steps away from the pool and bar. We did not experience any noise at night. The air conditioning works very well. Our safe was acting up but George came out right away and sorted this with new batteries. Breakfast was lovely and fresh and there was always a variety. Tolis was always there in the morning making sure the guests were fed and his food was gorgeous! You cant drink the tap water, so you will need to get bottles of water from the bar. Brisilda will be waiting there for you with a beautiful smile to help you. Good cocktail menu. Try the Yellow Donkey beer or Blue Money-brewed in Santori! The pool is clean and loungers comfy-no need to reserve, always one available. During our first day it felt like we had gate-crashed someone's family barbeque as it seemed that a majority of the guests new each other and we were the unwelcome relatives (not a reflection on the hotel at all). When I enquired about this, we were told there was a wedding party. At this point, we asked whether a private pool room was available and Vasilis was so friendly and willing to help, we were offered an upgrade with a discount as they had a room available for the remaining 5 days of our stay. Nothing was too much trouble and Vasilis made sure we knew when our room was ready, showed us personally to the room to make sure everything was ok. In the new room, we had some little homemade biscuits waiting for us. I have to say, the room upgrade was totally worth it! The location was private and quiet, the pool was amazing. Big enough for both my husband and I to have an inflatable lounger and not feel cramped. There is also a lovely shaded double sunbed next to the pool. Housekeeping was stealthy. Management would communicate with them when your room was empty so they would go in and clean. There was a security camera right outside our room, (and dotted all over the hotel), so felt secure, but not that our privacy was compromised. We were so relaxed that for the most part we did not feel the need to venture out much. Which is unusual, as we normally like to go out and explore. We did arrange for a sunset cruise with Caldera Yachting and George took care of the reservations. We also went to Fira for a day. The bus was easy to catch down by the beach (only 15 minutes late) but we had seats and it was air conditioned. You pay on the bus-cheap! 2.50 euro each. It was a local bus so took about 50 mins to Fira. It was a nice way to see some of the island. Ate lunch in Fira at a lovely restaurant called To Briki with a great view of the caldera and very fresh salads. We visited the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. It was just big enough to spend about 1-1.5 hours in nice air-conditioning and see some of the artifacts that have been collected. The frescoes are fab! Caught the bus back around 3. On time, express bus, had us back at the hotel in 20 mins! We ate many of our lunches or dinners from the hotel. Tolis made everything fresh. Best Greek salads! He put marinated caper leaves in the salad, it was delicious! Brisilda was there with some great conversation and Vasilis ensured everything was running smoothly. In the evening Nikos took over the bar and was friendly and there was another chef that took over (and Im sorry I didnt catch his name). We ate out one night at a restaurant called The Nets and the meal was lovely and fresh. The beach bars seemed a bit empty. I enquired about the price of sunbeds at several bars and felt it was a bit of a rip off. At some of them there was even a minimum spend along with the price of the sunbed. I didnt find one that was free as long as you order drinks or food. If you want to eat out the hotel is very convenient to walk down into town and find a restaurant. We were quite happy to eat in as the prices were good and I knew the food was fresh. The whole team worked so well together, I felt like we were on holiday with old friends. The staff work so hard and do it with smiles and a warm friendliness that made our holiday (and anniversary!) so special. If you want a relaxing holiday in a part of the island that isn't as crowded as Fira or Oia and have the option to have a day trip out, this is the hotel to be at. The staff make the hotel special. Thank you George, Vasilis, Tolis, Brisilda, Nikos, and other chef that I didnt catch his name! (oh and watch out, the Ouzo is a little bit strong)