Evon's Rooms — Hotel in Icaria Municipality

Evon has been around the Ikaria hospitality scene for quite a time - he's also a dab hand at ecology by being very active in cleaning up some of Ikaria's awful dumped eyesores - but maybe getting a shade tired in catering for Ikaria's alternate tourists/travellers.

The location at Faros is very l a i d b a c k ... Slow, slow is the buzzword for Faros/Fanari at the eastern tip of Ikaria and just under the lip of the runway of the island's rustic (rusting perhaps) airport: don't be scared of the arriving planes as they buzz your head over your morning frappé and fried eggs ...

Evon's Rooms are as half-decent as they get in Faros - if you like 90s or 00s décor and facilities. Greece has moved on, yet Evon's has stayed resolutely fixed in time. Rooms are clean, promptly serviced and 90/00s chic, but probably won't appeal to folk in their 40s+ or even 40s - looking for a spot of classy modernity... The room reviewed here was one where you would need traffic lights to get from one side to the other, if you are a couple. If you are over a certain size, you will not fit in the minuscule shower. Caveat emptor.

A preponderance of signs with instructions on what to do and what not to do is irksome to this once professional travel reviewer. Less is best. Relatively high charges for amenities such as table soccer, billiards, or air hockey surely make visitors go "ouch"!

Internet is good with wi-fi networks covering all the building at a workable speed. Mobile phone coverage is generally good, but can fluctuate from E to 4G at will. On-site guest computers reflect the trends of the aforesaid 90s/00s and are probably less of an attraction to travellers that they were some years ago. They could do with a serious update too.

Evon does the odd food special like honey puffs once a week and is an affable host though, being an Ikarian, holds a distinctly quirky approach to people relations and time.

Come to Faros and Evon if you are looking for a left-of-centre retro gig and if you like to sleep in l o n g.

Take note: Evon refuses to accept credit cards (cash deals only - so seek a legally issued receipt). Watch what you consume because you will be charged for every single item you receive - even down to the biscuits...

Staying at Evon’s Rooms while attending a group herbalism retreat was sheer perfection. A true gentleman, Evon was the perfect host for our diverse group. Rooms were clean and well appointed with laundry services and gorgeous landscapes gardens. Evon put out a big breakfast every morning that included local baked goods, cheeses, preserves, honey etc. The cafe offers delectable savory pies and other greek dishes in a casual atmosphere. The on site massage was a special treat and the massage therapists were very sweet and knowledgeable. Evon was happy to help arrange everything from rental cars to beach accessories for kayaking and snorkeling. He even arranged for local goods to be stocked in the adjacent market so we could buy local soaps, honeys, dried herbs and other special things. Just a minute walk from the beach, Evon’s rooms will always be a place to return to. Warm, welcoming and inclusive to all types of travelers I had a blast getting to know Evon...

We stayed 8 nights in Evon's Rooms. It is very pleasant, friendly, welcoming, green place. Rooms are very clean and the daily houskeeping service is extraordinary. The rooms are well equipped. The staff is always easily reachable if you need any information or assistance. Has parking place for guests. Wi-Fi is working well. The grocery shop is just by side, and Evon's Cafe perfect for breakfast with super nice, welcoming table service. The beach is close with tradicional Greek cousine restaurants we really enjoyed...