The Old Markets

It was the perfect location and so lovely to stay there it was renovated to a great standard and the owners and staff were so nice.

A gorgeous space- loved loved it. Beautifully decorated and comfortable. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Absolutely excellent

Unfortunately the restaurant wasn`t open when we were there. A restaurant providing an evening meal would have been the "icing on the cake"

The Old Markets is a beautifully designed boutique hotel at the lower end of the Kali Strata, the ancient stone staircase that leads from the port in Yialos up to the Chora on the hill. It was great to be met by Carlos from the ferry particularly since I had just completed an 8 hour journey, and moved by car to the access point to the lower stairs. It was essential to have his help with bags up to the hotel and for that our group was extremely grateful. My friends and I were staying in the ‘new’ mansion conversion just steps away from the original Old Markets hotel where we would have a delicious breakfast each day. Daniel, who looked after guests at breakfast, provided a totally brilliant service, and was also a delight to talk to. Every kind of coffee imaginable was available and I had the best americanos of my 3 week odyssey round 4 different islands whilst here. My room was a lower ground floor conversion with the shower facility neatly built into the rock; lovely Korres toiletries were provided. The wardrobe and dressing table facility were also positioned in a second carved rock area. It was absolutely lovely and worked a treat for me as I was travelling solo. I do think that if there had been two of us then that room would have been a tight squeeze. The double bed was one of the most comfortable I have slept on, ever. And the crucial air conditioning was efficient and excellent. There was always water in the neatly designed fridge, which because of space considerations was small and wall-mounted. Interestingly whilst my friends and I were there, the hotel was just about to open their new evening restaurant facility which was housed in our part of the building. We didn’t have the opportunity to try it during our few days on Symi, but it might be a nice option for guests and visitors in the future.

The one thing I missed with the hotel was hanging space to dry swimming costumes - I had to borrow a line more regularly used for hotel washing. But that’s not a dealbreaker and was easily resolved. Also, on leaving, we were again assisted with bags down to the road, but given the heat it would have been advisable to take a taxi rather than walk with large bags as our destination was the new port for larger boats located further away and we were all exhausted by the time we got there. However I blame myself for not thinking that, particularly since our bags were deposited right next to the taxi rank. I should have just organised it. But maybe useful for others to know if they’re travelling on Blue Star or another of the large ferries which can’t embark at the nearer options.

Attention to detail in a restored property, loved it and views were breathtaking. Especially lying in bed in the morning ! The team couldn’t be more helpful and welcoming.

Fantastic location in Symi Town. Friendly and helpful staff. Lovely room and breakfast

Nothing

Breakfast was perfectly adequate. Staff were friendly and went out of their way to help and advise. Location was very central for restaurants and shops. The room looked lovely.

It said there was a swimming pool on the booking.com page. There was NO swimming pool. This needs updating! It was very disappointing as it was extremely hot when we stayed. The air con struggled to make a difference. The room was stifling.