They say that location, location, location is everything and if that' s the case then Hotel Achilleas has it by the bucketful. This hotel nestles 3 metres above Piso Krioneri beach and is a mere 15 metres from the waters edge; no need for a private pool here.

Turn left at the entrance and a leisurely 5 minute stroll will see you in the town and another 5 will see you passing the harbourside and entering the picturesque old town . Within 100 metres of the front door door and you have 2 bakeries, 2 supermarkets (one is a co-op), a newsagency, a diving centre, 2 travel agencies and 4 tavernas - one of which has a lively Greek Night every Saturday.

What about the hotel itself? It was built some 20 years ago by Achilleas Soteriou and has been managed by the family ever since. Achilleas had vision and sacrificed bedrooms to build around an open quadrangle and this provides an atmosphere of light, airy, spaciousness. Originally there were 28 rooms but 3 years ago Achilleas literally 'raised the roof' and built another floor to encompass 8 additional rooms; all this being achieved sympathetically within the original design.

Throughout the hotel generous use has been made of marble and this, together with the open design, makes for a cool feeling. Each of the rooms has the benefit of air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar / fridge and a Safe Deposit Box (only the Safe has a charge). My only complaint about the rooms would be the bathrooms which are now a little dated but still very fuctional with hairdrier and shower. The newer rooms on the top floor obviously have more modern bathrooms but still utilise the ubiquitous clinging Greek shower curtains - after many years of fighting with these curtains I am yet to be the victor.

Breakfast is a generous Continental Buffet consisting of various cereals, yoghurt, honey, conserves, cold meats, cheeses, salad, boiled eggs, fresh fruit and lots of fresh breads, cake and biscuits from Achilleas's bakery.

Breakfast can be taken at tables in the room where it is served, it can be taken on your balcony or best of all, in my opinion, outside on the terrace overlooking the beach and sea - this is a good place to meet up with your fellow guests.

During the day in high season (10.00 - 18.00) the "Bar Up The Hill" is open. Visiting the bar involves climbing many steps but it's worth it - the scenic views are amongst some of the best in Parga. The bar has been built with patios on 5 levels and on a clear day there are views of the mountains, Lefkas, Paxos and Anti Paxos. Tasty snacks are served from the bar and the delicious Greek Ploughmans (mezzedhes - a selection of starters) is recommended for it's good value. This is definitely the place to relax with your ice cold Amstel or Mythos.

If you are staying during a full moon the views from the 'Bar Up The Hill' are beautiful, especially if you can catch a glimpse of Paxos or Anti Paxos.

The maids have been at the hotel for several years and although their English is limited they have a wonderful sense of humour; in fact all the staff seem to possess a wicked sense of humour. Most mornings Alexandra, the manager and daughter of Achilleas, is in reception to take care of things and in the afternoon and evenings you have Marina to sort out any problems. Marina is unassuming but excxellent, her English is perfect and she has lots of local knowledge to impart.

In summary; yes there are a couple more modern hotels at this end of town but for me the Achilleas is that little bit more special with guests returning year after year.

I travelled with my partner and our two children aged 5 and 18 months to the Achilleas in June. The room would have been large enough for Two adults and one child but we were pushing it a bit when the cot was crammed in.

The view from the terrace at the rear of the hotel (facing the beach) was second to none. It was simply delighfull.

The patio area was small (on ground floor so no balcony) but functional, table and two chairs. The room was plain and a little dated but what do you use the room for anyway? There was a fridge in the room which was very welcome having a toddler with a 4-a-day milk habbit!

The bathroom was a bit of a let down, having a square basin that you stood in for a shower which sprayed everything but you and missed the basin, instead flooding the bathroom floor. The lighting in the bathroom was so poor you had to shower using stelth.

The only other niggle i had and i did mention this to our very helpfull Manos Rep Richard (a delightfull gent) was that the hotel had a lovely terrace bar overlooking the bay which never opened the whole time we were there, the rep did say it should have opened a month ago. But the whole feel i got from the owner and hence manager of this lovely hotel was "im gonna retire soon" it just seemed like the basics were being done to maintain their contract with the larger travel companies. Also as an after thought, most nights the hotel owner locked the front doors at 11pm, you could still gain entry after knocking but i took this as a sign that he doesnt have his heart in it any more. the hotel bar was hit with the same apathy, if you found some one to serve you it was a miracle.

But please do not let this put you off, i travel alot and normaly would not consider staying in any resort under 4star, but when in Greece do as the locals do. According to many if not all other holiday makers we met, they had been back year after year, which can only be testiment to a truly perfect resort.

The food is great in the local Tavernas, the veiws are second to none and best of all the people are so accommodating.

Tracey

My wife and I stayed at the Achilleas Hotel, Parga during the first week of Sept 05, travelling with Manos. Here is our opinion of the holiday.
Accommodation: we asked for a high floor with a sea view and we actually got a high floor with a sea view! The hotel’s situation right on the bay meant that this really added to our holiday. The room was fine, everything you need, including a fridge, which you don’t always get with B&B. Bathroom was again fine if a bit on the basic side. All well cleaned with clean towels every day. Breakfast was also fairly basic, but adequate really, and very enjoyable to take at one’s leisure on the terrace overlooking the beach. All staff were very friendly and helpful at all times. The only slight negative regarding the hotel we found was that if you wanted a shower in the evening, and who doesn’t, you had to have it before 6.30 or the water was cold. Disappointing, but I wouldn’t let it put you off. When we were there the hotel seemed full, yet there was very little use made of the terrace bar.
Out and About: the hotel enjoys an excellent location, more or less at one end of Parga, overlooking a pleasant cove and beach. Shops, taverns, restaurants etc start right outside the door and continue right round the main bay and beyond. The water taxis that will take you to Valtos and Lichnos beaches are ace and both are worth a visit. All beaches are great, but are shingle, and you might want to consider investing in a pair of cheap plastic shoes you can swim in. We bought some locally and they certainly made life easier, but not easy to find and not that cheap, better to get before you go. Restaurants and bars are plentiful and the quality of the food is very good and we thought very inexpensive. You could easily eat in a different place every night, and we did, but I would recommend Bacchos (front centre) and particularly Nafsika (west end of the front) which we thought particularly fine.
Holiday Overall: If you like to go abroad and know that you are going to get British pubs, British food and British football on in every bar, then this is probably not the place for you. If on the other hand you want a relaxed holiday in a safe and friendly Greek environment then I would highly recommend.