Hotel Fiona

Chorio, 85600, Symi

Buzz Trips View

Hotel Fiona is exactly what I expect from a family run small Greek hotel; charming old town house with clean rooms that are typically Greek minimalist (regular visitors to Greece will know that’s code for quite basic), courtyards filled with potted flowers and lots of intense Greek blue on show. As a priceless bonus, the views are enough to inspire poetic outbursts. I’d be disappointed if it was anything else. In this sort of destination I don’t want ultra modern.

Being located in Chorio means that there are about a million steps down to the harbour (well maybe about 350) but there are two ways to look at this. One that it’s a long, hot and tiring way back from the centre of town. The more positively second approach is that whilst all Symi’s day visitors are paying slightly higher prices for the privilege of eating and drinking around Symi harbour, you’re enjoying the hospitality and lower prices of the restaurants and bars in, what some feel, is the less touristy and even more charming upper town. Personally I find it hard to choose between upper and lower town, the whole place is just so perfect.

Actually there’s a third way to view staying at Hotel Fiona. Those steps means that even if you over- indulge in meze laden lunches, there’s little chance of picking up a holiday spare tyre.

Rooms
14 comfortable en-suite rooms with Greek picture postcard décor (brilliant whites and blue woodwork as vivid as the harbour waters below), air conditioning and most (but not all) have private balconies that are wonderful for a leisurely breakfast. There’s also a lovely communal courtyard and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included in the price of the room

Facilities
Hotel Fiona has exactly the sort of facilities that you’d want from a small family run Greek hotel and they’re listed above. Anyone who expects more probably shouldn’t be staying in places like Symi.This has to be one of the most serenely beautiful spots that you’re likely to visit. With an Amstell beer and a plate of tzatziki to accompany you on your balcony, the scenery provides all the facilities you’ll need.

Prices from around €65 for room including breakfast.