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Katerina
Hotel We left the island of Paros on the 18th of June 2003 on another super fast catamaran ferry. This thing could almost fly. I spent the first forty minutes standing by the read door in amazement of just how fast the water was rushing past. The trip only took a little over an hour and as we slowed to approach the port I studied the island ahead and was re-energized. Ios was different from Samos and Paros. It seemed more alive. As before on the other two islands, as soon as we were clear of the ferry we were immediately approached by countless men and women trying to convince us that they had the best rooms to rent on the island. Here on Ios we had already made arrangements to stay at a hillside hotel/villa.. The Katerina. I walked a few meters along the ocean and came to a motor scooter rental shop. After a few moments of negoiations, I had wheels. I left the crew and with my small island map, I was off to find our hotel. The island was gorgeous. White stucco buildings lined the small
lanes. Riding on, I soon came to a steep drive on the left and saw the
sign for the Katerina. At the top As I was standing there, in awe, a pleasant looking man
approached and said hello in fairly good english. He introduced himself as
"Pedro." He was Pedro grabbed some keys and walked me to our rooms. Then he
drove me back to the port to pick up the crew and our bags. On our return
we all stood looking out at the Pedro's and his family took good care of us, as they do all of
their guests. The only rules they have is that everyone must have
fun...lots and lots of fun. Peter, the bartender, made sure that you were Click here for Rates, Reservations, or just Inquiries! Review written by the touring editor; Mike Smith. This editorial in its entirety is the sole property of Travelers Digest and may not be distributed, sold or copied without prior written permission of Travelers Digest and/or its licensed representatives.
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of the drive, built on the top of the highest hill, was this welcoming
assortment of white stucco, rock and timber Greek structures. I parked the
scooter and walked up the four steps to the landing. All around me were
young energized people from every corner of the globe. A beautiful pool
lay glimmering in the afternoon sun only a few meters from the hotel bar,
which also served as the cafe. The pool and deck were sitting on the side
of a sheer cliff, leaving nothing to block the magnificent view of the
bay. The full exposure of the rolling hills, the deep blue sea and the
sandy beaches all lay below. I knew that this was going to be a great
place!
the owner of this beautiful rustic paradise. Him and his family run and
operate the hotel. A young Canadian man named Peter was the bartender.
Peter came over from Toronto to work with his friend, Pedro, for the
summer. The owner's sweet and friendly wife, Maria, his Mother, Katerina
and his gorgeous five year old son, George, I renamed him "George of
the Jungle," all contribute to the success of their vision of dreams.
bay from the deck by the pool and knew for certain that we had surely
found the best hotel on the island. The rates and the food were very
reasonable and it amazed me at how much they were giving for such little
money. Our rooms were comfortable and they each had a small patio with
table and chairs that opened to the bay. Later, and on many occasions, I
would sit on this balcony for long moments watching the sun set and just
staring at the quiet world below me. This was indeed one of the Earths
most visual locations. I really can't remember feeling so safe and yet so
alive.
quickly supplied with drinks. If you could name it or describe it...Peter
could mix it. Maria, Pedro's wife, made sure that your laundry was cleaned
and that you are well fed. The menu was huge and the food was great, but
you must try one of their custom omelet's in the morning. Lil' George,
five, entertained you with his youth and good looks. Their pool made sure
you remained cool and the view was always there to astound you. The beach,
just one bus stop away at the bottom of the hill, called out to you and of
course the 24 hour a day party life of the Village was only a few minute
stroll. The Katerina Guest Hotel is the only place from which to truly
experience Ios.