Fortunately, in this case, the family that runs the hotel is so warm, helpful, and knowledgeable that I can't justify keeping this one quiet. Besides, I don't go through Piraeus that often....
Facade Hides a Treasure
From the outside, the Hotel Ionion, like much of Piraeus itself, doesn't look that promising. The facade is pleasant, but the sidestreet it's located on has the typical cracked and bumpy sidewalks of the area surrounding the ferry docks. On my first approach, it reminded me of a truly abysmal hotel I'd stayed in recently for a pre-flight night in Naples, and my jet-lagged heart sank down to my knees.But I was in no position to complain; I had just arrived in Athens, during the Olympics, having had not one but three lodging plans fall apart in the last hours before I got on the plane, and I considered myself lucky to get anything.
Classically Courteous Staff
I started up the steps. Behind the counter, the proprietor, Takis Saxionis, welcomed me. Yes, the last-minute arrangement was all prepared. My room was ready. But would I like to see it first?I was shown with great ceremony to the only available room, with three single beds. With a smile, it was pointed out I could sleep in any of the three beds I pleased. The new air conditioning was humming along, banishing the humidity of August in Athens. It was furnished plainly but pleasantly with solid-wood furniture, scrupulously clean, and the art by turn-of-the-century Greek painters was far better than the usual run of "hotel art".
Indulgent Breakfast
In the morning I wandered to the pretty breakfast room, where an exceptionally good breakfast buffet, enhanced for the Olympics, awaited me. Maria, the proprietoress, and Mariana, the lovely daughter of the house, introduced me to each item individually. There were sandwiches, slices of cheese, smoked turkey ("Especially good! You must try."), two types of croissants ("Some with chocolate inside!") honey-soaked, perfect loukorides (if you've never had these, think of a doughnut that will never let you enjoy ordinary doughnuts again), feta-cheese stuffed soft sesame sticks, cheese biscuits topped with ham and a thin slice of bell pepper, big brown hard-boiled eggs, ("And I will bring you honey and yogurt if you wish"), and, unexpectedly, a 3-inch-thick, delicious-looking apple pie that I resisted that morning and have regretted ever since. Later mornings offered a chocolate and orange cake, spanakopita, and other delights, often still warm from the oven.During breakfast, Takis stopped by to kiss my hand in greeting and ask if everything was satisfactory. They had no idea that I was a writer or that I wrote on Greek travel; this was their typical care and concern, which I continually saw repeated for others. It's hard for me to imagine what more they can do if they really want to roll out the red carpet for a special guest.
Special Assistance
Later during my stay, I had a problem with some other arrangements and asked if Takis might make a phone call for me as my tourist Greek was far from up to the task. "You no longer have a problem," he told me. "I have your problem. It is gone from you now. Do not worry, I will solve it." And though it took many calls and more of his time than I had any right to hope for, he did.As I mentioned, I don't go through Piraeus that often. But this hotel is such a haven, I may change that.
Note: There are a number of hotels in Greece called "Ionion". This is the one in Piraeus, the port town of Athens. Also, Ionion is often spelled "Ionian" and is also the name of many hotels; be sure you connect with the right place.
Convenient Location
The Ionion Hotel is conveniently located a true two minute's walk from the Metro Station, and is also within five minutes' walk of the airport bus stop and the train station. The ferry docks to various Greek islands are also within easy walking distance. And if you need other transportation, Takis is happy to summon a taxi for you. He also has a photographic memory for bus, train, and trolley connections and will tell you and/or give you written notes on how to get to wherever you need to go. If you're a new or solo traveler who is nervous about being on your own, this hotel may be the perfect launching spot for your travels in Greece.
Hotel Ionion
10 Kapodistriou St.
Piraeus, Athens
Greece
Tel: +30 210 41 77 537
+30 210 41 10 820
Fax: +30 210 41 10 613
eMail: info@ionionhotel.com
Low-season rates start at about 25 Euro per night, including breakfast.
Website: http://www.ionionhotel.com
Compare airfares to Greece here: Find Greek Airfares
