Hotel Kontes — Hotel in Paros Municipality

HOTEL KONTES, july 3 2024||They almost ruined our sought-after vacation in Paros||Please, go else-where, …if you can!||For details, keep on reading.||Thank you for your interest.||Expectations…||We had built great expectations on Hotel Kontes by reading some reviews and lookig at the photos of the hotel, and by some very nice e-mail exchanges…but we were immediately disapointed upon arrival.||My wife and I arrived in Paros early in the morning, after a night flight from Barcelona, getting a connection flight in Athens and picking-up a rented car at Paros airport.||The island greeted us with a warm, sunny, brilliant morning! All was running perfectly well!||… and Disapointment||And then, we dropped our luggage at the corner next to the hotel, and we immediately realised the Hotel Kontes we were standing in front of was, and was not, the one we had seen online and had booked for our vacation in Paros.||We were exhausted from the night long travels and could not believe what we saw. The hotel was not really first line in front of the harbour, but hidden beside a corner, the sea could only be seen from the alley to the enttance…||The reception was unwelcoming. There was a stange perfume floating on the air. Our room was not ready yet (we had asked for an early check-in, which could not be guaranteed due to the hotel being fully booked).||We could not stay at the reception to rest. There is not a nice hall a to relax…||Worst of all, the much-desired breakfast existed only in photos. ||Breakfast||The hotel has no restaurant nor a coffee-shop, and the breakfast the hotel includes in their offer is a totally unappetizing pre-set continental breakfast, with filtered coffe.||That breakfast is offered at the terrace of the neighbouring restaurant, and there is no possibility to change the set menu, exclude it from the booking or get a refund.||Yes, the terrace you see on the hotel website does not belong to the hotel…||Since that breakfast upon arrival was not paid for in the reservation, we went for a proper breakfast at the hotel Oasis, right in the corner overlooking the harbour and the opposing Krios beach.||Luck||The Oasis Hotel staff, led by Maria, was so welcoming and simpathetic that we even checked if they would have a room for us.||We were lucky, for they had a vacancy, and we could start in a standard room and then move to a room with a sea-view!!!||Is there a way out?||After finnishing breakfast, we returned to Hotel Kontes to check for the possibility to cancel our reservation, and ready to accept a penalisation.||It was June 28th, a Friday early in the morning, and demand was high, so we expected the hotel would not be much damaged||No-way!!!||We would have to pay for the whole booking of four nights. The receptionist claimed not to be entitled to return the money (that, by the way, had not been charged yet against the credit card…)||After trying to negotiate a way-out, we surrendered and asked to file a complaint, but we were indicated to reach out for the office (in Athens), which would not open until 10 am, two hours later… So the receptionist (Gillian) offered to send a message to the officer in charge to get in touch with us…later.||Sea-view?||When we had tried to book through Booking, some weeks in advance, we could not find a room with sea-view for our dates, and checked with the hotel for availability. They could not guarantee the sea-view for there was a booking overlap, but maybe… and we finnally booked direct.||Some days passed away, there was no indication that we would get a room with the sea-view and we finnally settled for a “deluxe room, flexible rate, breakfast/breakfast”||No need to look for the sea-view rooms… there are only two of them in the hotel (so they said), probably always booked.||What you see…is what you get!||Compliments for the photographer: he or she made a great job making the hotel look just in front of the harbour, by the sea…which it is, but hidden behind a corner…And making Hotel Kontes looking more appealing and warm by far that it is actually.||The photo of a nice breakfast table set in front of the harbour…is virtualiy impossible with the current terrace. By the way, the restaurant does not belong to the hotel, nor the breakfast in the photo is what you get included in the price.||Ending||We finnally stood in the Hotel Kontes, to avoid paying twice the hotel.||The room is correct, the bed is not very comfortable (according to my wife).||The aiconditioning is noisy, but neccessary. It provided fresh air at night, and also a disturbing light.||Since we had already paid for it, we went to try the breakfast…and let it there and went somewhere else, and paid teice for breakfast every morning.||We reminded Gillian our wish to get in touch with management, every morning, and she promised to send another message every time. We are about to land back in Barcelona, and we are still waiting for a reply from the office…located in Athens.||Paros has been a great experience, much enjoyed, in spite of our poor...

HOTEL KONTES, july 3 2024

They almost ruined our sought-after vacation in Paros

Please, go else-where, …if you can!

For details, keep on reading.

Thank you for your interest.

Expectations…

We had built great expectations on Hotel Kontes by reading some reviews and lookig at the photos of the hotel, and by some very nice e-mail exchanges…but we were immediately disapointed upon arrival.

My wife and I arrived in Paros early in the morning, after a night flight from Barcelona, getting a connection flight in Athens and picking-up a rented car at Paros airport.

The island greeted us with a warm, sunny, brilliant morning! All was running perfectly well!

… and Disapointment

And then, we dropped our luggage at the corner next to the hotel, and we immediately realised the Hotel Kontes we were standing in front of was, and was not, the one we had seen online and had booked for our vacation in Paros.

We were exhausted from the night long travels and could not believe what we saw. The hotel was not really first line in front of the harbour, but hidden beside a corner, the sea could only be seen from the alley to the enttance…

The reception was unwelcoming. There was a stange perfume floating on the air. Our room was not ready yet (we had asked for an early check-in, which could not be guaranteed due to the hotel being fully booked).

We could not stay at the reception to rest. There is not a nice hall a to relax…

Worst of all, the much-desired breakfast existed only in photos.

Breakfast

The hotel has no restaurant nor a coffee-shop, and the breakfast the hotel includes in their offer is a totally unappetizing pre-set continental breakfast, with filtered coffe.

That breakfast is offered at the terrace of the neighbouring restaurant, and there is no possibility to change the set menu, exclude it from the booking or get a refund.

Yes, the terrace you see on the hotel website does not belong to the hotel…

Since that breakfast upon arrival was not paid for in the reservation, we went for a proper breakfast at the hotel Oasis, right in the corner overlooking the harbour and the opposing Krios beach.

Luck

The Oasis Hotel staff, led by Maria, was so welcoming and simpathetic that we even checked if they would have a room for us.

We were lucky, for they had a vacancy, and we could start in a standard room and then move to a room with a sea-view!!!

Is there a way out?

After finnishing breakfast, we returned to Hotel Kontes to check for the possibility to cancel our reservation, and ready to accept a penalisation.

It was June 28th, a Friday early in the morning, and demand was high, so we expected the hotel would not be much damaged

No-way!!!

We would have to pay for the whole booking of four nights. The receptionist claimed not to be entitled to return the money (that, by the way, had not been charged yet against the credit card…)

After trying to negotiate a way-out, we surrendered and asked to file a complaint, but we were indicated to reach out for the office (in Athens), which would not open until 10 am, two hours later… So the receptionist (Gillian) offered to send a message to the officer in charge to get in touch with us…later.

Sea-view?

When we had tried to book through Booking, some weeks in advance, we could not find a room with sea-view for our dates, and checked with the hotel for availability. They could not guarantee the sea-view for there was a booking overlap, but maybe… and we finnally booked direct.

Some days passed away, there was no indication that we would get a room with the sea-view and we finnally settled for a “deluxe room, flexible rate, breakfast/breakfast”

No need to look for the sea-view rooms… there are only two of them in the hotel (so they said), probably always booked.

What you see…is what you get!

Compliments for the photographer: he or she made a great job making the hotel look just in front of the harbour, by the sea…which it is, but hidden behind a corner…And making Hotel Kontes looking more appealing and warm by far that it is actually.

MORE REVIEW...

Se cercate un soggiorno che unisca comfort, posizione strategica e un’accoglienza calorosa, l’Hotel Kontes è la scelta perfetta. |Situato di fronte al porto di Parikia, è l’ideale per chi arriva in traghetto e vuole immergersi subito nell’atmosfera dell’isola senza stress.|L’hotel si trova nel pieno centro della movida di Paros, circondato da una miriade di bar, ristoranti e locali tipici/ taverne greche. |Di giorno è perfetto per esplorare le bellezze dell’isola o per andare alle spiaggia vicine, di sera diventa il punto di partenza ideale per vivere la vivace vita notturna (il lungomare è quasi di fronte) o per spostarsi nella vicina Naussa. |Nonostante la centralità, le camere sono ben isolate e garantiscono un sonno tranquillo.|Le stanze sono pulite, e comunque è sempre possibile farle pulire di mattina magari mentre si fa colazione, arredate e dotate di tutto il necessario per un soggiorno piacevole. |Letti comodi, aria condizionata, Wi-Fi stabile e una cura nei dettagli che fa la differenza. |Ottimo il rapporto qualità-prezzo: difficile trovare di meglio in questa zona!|Un plauso speciale va alle eccezionali operatrici della reception: Marcella, Eri e Stella. Sempre sorridenti, disponibili e pronte ad aiutarci con qualsiasi richiesta. |Che si trattasse di consigli su spiagge, ristoranti o noleggi, ci hanno seguiti con una gentilezza rara e una professionalità impeccabile. |Il loro contributo ha reso il nostro soggiorno ancora più piacevole.|DAVVERO COMPLIMENTI E GRAZIE !|L’Hotel Kontes è davvero un buon punto di riferimento/ partenza per chi vuole vivere Paros al meglio. Ottima posizione, camere accoglienti e uno staff magnifico che ti segue, ti indica dove andare in spiaggia, cosa vedere o andare a magiare. |Lo consiglio a chiunque voglia un’esperienza autentica e comoda sull’isola.|Complimenti allo staff e per aver reso la nostra vacanza ancor più bella e piacevole.|||If you're looking for a stay that combines comfort, a strategic location, and warm hospitality, Hotel Kontes is the perfect choice. |Located right across from the port of Parikia, it's ideal for travelers arriving by ferry who want to dive straight into the island's atmosphere without any hassle.|The hotel sits in the center of Paros’ vibrant nightlife, surrounded by countless bars, restaurants, and traditional Greek tavernas. |During the day, it's a great base for exploring the island’s beauty or heading to nearby beaches. At night, it becomes the perfect starting point to enjoy the lively waterfront (just steps away) or to head out to nearby Naoussa.|Despite its central location, the rooms are well insulated and ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. |They’re clean, and you can always have them tidied up in the morning—perhaps while enjoying breakfast. The rooms are well-furnished and equipped with everything you need for a pleasant stay: comfortable beds, air conditioning, reliable Wi-Fi, and thoughtful details that make a real difference.|Excellent value for money, it’s hard to find better in this area!|A special shout-out goes to the exceptional reception team: Marcella, Eri, and Stella. |Always smiling, helpful, and ready to assist with any request. |Whether it was advice on beaches, restaurants, or rentals, they supported us with rare kindness and impeccable professionalism. Their presence truly made our stay even more enjoyable.|A heartfelt THANK YOU and congratulations! |Hotel Kontes is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting to experience Paros at its best. Great location, cozy rooms, and a wonderful staff that guides you—whether you're looking for the best beach, sights to visit, or places to eat.|I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and comfortable experience on the island. |Kudos to the entire team for making our holiday even more beautiful...