Hotel Cristina Maris

Separated from the beach by a narrow though well-travelled paved road, this colorful hotel offers a four suites and 26 rooms.

I visited this hotel shortly after their opening. Not only were the sheets a luxurious high-count percale, I don't believe anyone had ever slept on them before. It was heavenly.

Unusual for many Greek hotels, I always saw two people on duty at the desk. What questions I had were answered efficiently and accurately, and they assisted me in making an unusual excursion over to Cenchreae.

The breakfast room is upstairs, with an extensive buffet of items. I was delighted to find olives, which are usually omitted from the spread for tourits. Yes, eat them for breakfast. They're a great source of energy and, if it's hot, the salt helps keeps you hydrated.

Loutraki, a city of ancient springs, is very water-conscious. Though the sea is only feet away, a large pool in the rear provides a place for swimmers to get serious.

At my stay, there were three full sets of shampoo and conditioner provided for my single room. A sniff of the -um- unusual scent told me why - no one steals these.

The Hotel Cristina Maris offers a good location, a warm and intimate feeling, and helpful staff. In short, it's an easy, problem-free choice to use as a base to explore this section of the Pelopponese.