Villa Vravrona Tower & Suites — Hotel in Municipality of Markopoulo Mesogaias

We stayed at Villa Vravrona Tower & Suites for one night after having disembarked in Piraeus Port at the end of a three week cruise. Our flight back to Manchester from Athens International Airport was not until the next day, but it was an early morning departure, requiring a 5:30 check-in, so we wanted to stay somewhere close to the airport.

Villa Vravrona is situated in the countryside about a mile from the edge of the airport. It is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves with almost no other buildings in sight. So it is very peaceful, with just the occasional sound of an aircraft taking off or landing. To get to or from the airport requires a taxi, which takes about 10 minutes because the country roads do not run directly to the airport entry. Villa Vravrona has a partnership with a local taxi business and you can book a taxi to meet you upon arrival at the airport. The driver will even carry your luggage and show you to your room if you arrive after midnight when the reception is not open.

The guest rooms and suites are situated in the gardens behind the main building which is occupied by the owner and her family. It is a sloping site with two levels, each having its own swimming pool and sitting area. We stayed in apartment number 1 which is a duplex having a double bed on the ground floor and two single beds on the floor above, reached by a private internal staircase. The apartment includes a good sized shower room with wash basin and toilet on the ground floor. There is also a small open plan kitchenette, with a large fridge and facilities for cooking or serving breakfast and a coffee maker. Generous breakfast produce was supplied in the fridge, including eggs, milk, cheese, ham, bread and pastries as well as tea and coffee.

Our room also had its own patio with a table and chairs as well as a sun lounger with thick cushion and large pool towels. The patio overlooks a garden area, partially shaded by trees, and a swimming pool. Beyond the pool was a large conservatory building called the Glass House Bistro, which serves meals and drinks in the evening. Tables for dining are available both inside the Glass House and in the garden. There is a small bar.

The owner of Villa Vravrona has obviously put a lot of thought and care into the design and facilities of the guest accommodation. This is not a full service hotel and there is only a small staff, so everything is designed to be efficient. Things that guests might request have mostly been provided in the rooms.

We enjoyed our short stay at Villa Vravrona. The location suited us well and the atmosphere was very peaceful and relaxing. Being set in the gardens and on the ground floor meant that we could sit outside on our own patio and enjoy the sunshine for a few hours. We would have no hesitation in booking again if we were flying into or out of Athens Airport. Maybe even spend a few days there before or after...

We arrived at night to the achingly romantic setting of a floodlit pathway & illuminated pool. In the Villa no extravagance is overlooked. Each room is lavishly furnished & the facilities are top of the range. Water coolers are inside the villa & outside by the pool. I connected my iPod to the stereo player outside & played some of my favourite albums whilst swimming. Blissful! The pool is as spacious & inviting as the pictures suggest. Each morning we were overwhelmed with the breathtaking views of valleys, mountains & the mystical Tower. There is so much to enjoy in the vicinity. We chose not to drive & were concerned that this may restrict us but the villa is so well located close to the airport, Athens & the surrounding beaches that everything was within easy reach by taxi & the cost is relatively inexpensive. The noise from planes is infrequent & minimal so does not disrupt the tranquillity whatsoever. Markopoulo is nearby for shopping trips, as are the gorgeous beaches & romantic tavernas in Porto Rafti to enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine outside right by the sea. Fiki Fiki & Kalos Gialos are favourites. Koropi metro station is a short taxi ride away & the brief train journey to Athens costs merely a few Euros. Alternatively it is not overly expensive to take a taxi directly to Athens for a more relaxed journey. Don’t to miss the museum when you visit the Acropolis & experience the Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hadrian’s Library. The traditional shops & tavernas in the Plaka are enchanting. The Old Tavern of Psaras is recommended. However, the most memorable adventure was the drive to the enthralling Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, an ancient white marble monument that stands against the magnificent backdrop of the sea and hills. Most important of all were our sincere, witty, intelligent and welcoming hosts, who had the perfect balance of always being at our beck & call whilst respecting our privacy. Maria was so generous with her time & offered invaluable advice on what to visit & how to travel. Nothing was too much trouble. We were treated to an authentic Greek experience for a glorious day in the company of her family. We have genuinely made true friends. Maria, Dino, Harry, Johnny & of course Zeus the dog we hope to see you all again more than you could ever know! Thank you for such a memorable & outstanding...

Villa Vravrona is a beautiful villa and cannot fault it. The gardens are beautiful. Our room was in the basement but was lovely. The taxi service was excellent. What let it down was a lack of information and the abrupt attitude of Maria. We arrived at 11pm and was not given any information at all. We asked for breakfast on day 1 which was cold. We spent a lovely few hours by the pool but there was nobody around to ask for a snack or indeed if any food was available in the day. We saw Maria and asked if it was possible to have a few beers. She obliged and we could put them in fridge to stay cold. She said that we could pay later. We booked a meal in the bistro. She suggested the Moussaka. My husband opted for a platter which was lovely. I took her recommendation of Moussaka but I found it tasteless. A young woman had asked for the sliding window to be opened as it was very hot. The server obliged. Maria came in and closed it but her attitude was poor. I don’t know what the problem was with having the window open. We had a lovely breeze on a hot day. I asked for our bill in the restaurant and was asked to pay for our room bill too. I said of course would you like me to settle our full bill which included the drinks in the afternoon and breakfast the following morning. The server said no and I could settle the rest at breakfast before departure. Within 5 minutes the server came out with a phone in hand, gave it to me and it was Maria telling me to pay for beers NOW! I was a little bit shocked and embarrassed as at every opportunity I offered to pay for breakfasts, meals, drinks. I felt like she was accusing me of not paying for drinks. I told her there was a misunderstanding and no problem in paying at that moment but her abrupt manner completely embarrassed me as there were other diners present. It was such a shame as it is a lovely place to stay but because of her attitude I wouldn’t stay...