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Tuesday 13 October 2015

Where to Stay in Mykonos (Part 2): Semeli Hotel


Hello everyone! 

I thought today I'd do a little informal but structured review, part 2/2 of my 'Where to Stay in Mykonos' miniseries. I've tried to keep things brief and to the point, so I really hope this'll prove to be at least mildly helpful if you're thinking of visiting Mykonos, or simply just want to have a little nose! 


The Hotel
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Semeli Hotel is located right in the heart of Mykonos Town (or 'chora' as it's known by locals - chora = town in Greek). With a 5 stars to it's name, Semeli Hotel did not disappoint. It's location is second to none; the iconic whitewashed buildings and blue shutters are just around the corner, and the famous windmills of Mykonos are only a 5 minute walk away - and if you want to see them, sunset is the prime time! The bus stop, which regularly ferries tourists to and from the various local towns and beaches, is just 100m away, making Semeli Hotel a perfect base for a holiday full of varied activities. Transport to and from the airport can be arranged free of charge by Semeli, which was certainly a pleasant surprise.

Lounge by the pool and visit the hotel spa? Check. 
Top up your tan on the beach? Check. 
Walk around the town taking an excessive number of blue-shutter instagram photos? Check.
 Walk 5 minutes down the road, rent a quad bike and explore the island? Check. 
High speed wifi in case you feel like sitting around staring at Facebook? (Each to their own!) Check.

The hotel has a modern feel; luxurious but with the typical minimalist, Mykonian aesthetic. Everything is very unfussy and pared down. The hotel is full of pretty al-fresco corridors and stand-alone buildings, almost like a little village. The reception and dining areas are located in the main building, with the rooms sitting just past the pool (of which there are two of different sizes!) in a whitewashed maze of stairs and balconies adorned with climbing flowers and vibrant greenery. 

I also have to mention that the staff were completely lovely, extremely helpful and so welcoming. Whenever we called room service for snacks or with a query, someone arrived at the room immediately - and with a smile too! I definitely think a hotel's staff can make an overall experience, and they certainly did. So, thank you to Semeli for having me, and thank you for being so welcoming!



The Room
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The room itself was one of Semeli's multi-storey suites. With balcony doors looking out over the pool and breakfast area, it was perfectly located to nip in and out (and shuffle over to breakfast at 8am in no makeup and very dark sunglasses). The suite was spread out over two storeys; you enter into the main bedroom, with ensuite bathroom and work/vanity area, then descend the stairs into the lounge and patio. Turning around and peering down a smaller staircase, you're greeted with your very own in-room jacuzzi and further bedroom and bathroom. Of course, all the usual room amenities were included; room and maid service, internet access, laundry and porter service. 


Dining
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As well as being a few minutes walk from Mykonos Town centre and Little Venice - a hotspot for great dining, Semeli also has it's very own a la carte restaurant, Thioni, signed by celebrated local Chef Stefanos Tatas. It's famed amongst Mykonian restaurants for it's modern take on traditional Mediterranean cuisine. One one night, we indulged in a three course feast which was absolutely top notch. I had a mozzarella, fig and parma ham salad, tomato spaghetti and an incredible chocolate creation (which I literally ate without photographing - I could not restrain myself and I feel that speaks more than a photo ever could.)

Breakfast, which I never usually eat at home but look forward to immensely whilst on holiday, featured a huge selection; fresh fruit, pastries, cereal, cooked breakfast and omelettes  toasties or crepes cooked on the spot. I had chocolate cake for breakfast on one occasion. Living the dream.

I really hope that you enjoyed this post and that it proves to be mildly helpful if you're looking to visit Mykonos. Have you ever visited Greece? If not, is it on your list? I'd love to know! As always, thank you for reading. 
Please note: Accommodation was generously provided free of charge by Semeli Hotel.

3 comments:

  1. Semeli looks absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful photos Arabella <3

    http://www.abigailalicex.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I haven't been to Greece but of course it's included in my list. Who wouldn't want to be in paradise, right? These photos are beautiful, btw. Thanks for sharing them.

    another day to wander

    ReplyDelete

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