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Hotel Votsala – reviews, photos

Pyrgi Thermi | Mytilini, 81100, Greece
Hotel amenities
Hotel Votsala
Ranked #3 of 73 hotels in Lesbos
4.5 of 5 stars 32 Reviews
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32 reviews from our community

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Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
1 review
“Home from home”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 February 2012

When we came to Lesbos for a week in September, we originally intended to divide our time between Votsala and another hotel in the north. But we loved Votsala so much, that we ended up staying there for the whole period. We knew (because their web-site makes it very clear) that we weren’t going to have TV in the rooms, wifi and other electronic conveniences ; but what took us by surprise, and really enchanted us, was the special atmosphere in this place. It is not uncommon to have a good, sometimes very good, relationship with hotel staff and management; here, though, the feeling of being in a hotel disappeared almost immediately as Iannis and his team made us feel quite simply at home. This extended also to the other guests (a good proportion of whom were regular visitors – an excellent sign), and we found that, after a couple of days, Swiss, English, Italian, French, Irish, German guests of all ages were chatting amicably after breakfast or in the afternoons. We really appreciated the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere that Iannis and Co. – including Janet, the bartender – created, also through the various group activities proposed throughout the week (one of these is a city walking tour with Iannis, who, with his architect’s expertise and eye, shows you what you would never notice by yourself).
All in all, this is one of the most pleasant establishments we know in Greece, or anywhere else (another one is Mourella restaurant in Rhodes). We’ll be back!!

  • Stayed September 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask anonymous171148 about Hotel Votsala
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Athens, Greece
1 review
“a breath of fresh air”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 November 2011

So disappointed to read such a harsh and totally unwarranted review below. Votsala was a total dream- beach front with a big yard, pomegranate trees, paddle boats, a diving board into the sea, lounge chairs aplenty and an extremely kind and helpful staff. Yannis' guided walks are fantastic!! As are the breakfasts and dinners... always going back for a second helping. YUM. I can't wait to come back. This has got to be the best hotel on Lesvos! Also a great place for families - so much space for kids to run around and lots of fun things to do!

  • Stayed October 2011, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask HappyClam123 about Hotel Votsala
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Clitheroe UK
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Votsala Life 2011”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 October 2011
1
person found this review helpful

This wonderful hotel is all that its website describes. Do read it carefully. If you are looking for a sterile hotel, without warmth and character that could be in any country regardless of location, Votsala is not for you.

However, if you want to get close to and appreciate real Greek life, among warm hearted people who genuinely care about their guests, learn about a beautiful island, its history and people, then Votsala IS the place for you.

You will be given the opportunity, in a very low key way, to take part in a variety of experiences. There are gentle walks through the peaceful countryside ending at a taverna maybe in the village square at Agiassos. Greek cookery lessons in the kitchens (a real treat!) You could go out on a boat and then visit the thermal baths on the shores of the Gulf of Gera. Visit the archaeological museum in the company of Eva (an actress friend of Iannis’) who will bring history alive for you.

Both Iannis and Daphne and all their staff do everything they can to make your stay enjoyable, relaxing and interesting. Nothing is ever too much trouble. If you would love to go the taverna meal but can’t manage the walk, then cars will be arranged for you to join everyone else, along with an alternative visit along the way.

Our room was spacious – twin bedded with an extra bed. Although the room was undoubtedly simple, it was spotlessly clean, the shower was excellent, we never ran out of hot water and the aged fridge worked brilliantly. The beds were very comfortable with linen and towels frequently changed. We never tired of our view of the sea, across the gardens and beyond to Turkey.

The home cooked food is a delight. The breakfasts are wonderful with a wide enough variety to suit all tastes. A background of classical music accompanies your meal. If you are lucky Nana will be quietly playing the piano. Eating breakfast by the sea is the first pleasure of the day.

During our stay - 15-29 September 2011 - we counted at least 9 nationalities, making for interesting conversations and sharing of ideas. You could stay here, join nothing and speak to no one but you would miss out on the riches Votsala has to offer.

To leave a hotel with tears in your eyes and the warmest of hugs from Daphne and other members of staff and with a gift in hand, is not the usual departure!

A large number of guests return year on year and now we understand why. We have spoken of Votsala and our happy memories every day since our return. We'll be back too!

Room Tip: When booking, state your preference and every effort will be made to provide what you choose.
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  • Stayed September 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask MikeJanine about Hotel Votsala
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Prague, Czech Republic
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Stalag 17”
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 October 2011
3
people found this review helpful

We were shocked and disappointed that this property consisted of the most basic communist era concrete buildings with old fashioned run-down facilities in the rooms (including linoleum floors). There was no hint of comfort or luxury - the food and bar were basic and overall the experience had all the charm of a stay in a prisoner of war camp. I am surprised at the glowing reports and declarations of return visits - we couldn't wait to leave and checked out after the first day.

  • Stayed May 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 2 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 1 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 1 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 1 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Kozitravels about Hotel Votsala
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Votsala, Owner at Hotel Votsala, responded to this review
17 October 2011
Dear guests from Prague,

thank you very much for taking some time to write your opinion about our hotel. Reading your comments I understand that the main reason for making you feel like prisoners for a night in our hotel was the look of the buildings and not their function which aims at giving guests the freedom and independence of entering and exiting their room through our large sea side garden, not obliging them to walk through the reception, carpets and elevators. Your are totally right there is no “luxury” in the hotel. No spa, no swimming pool, no television… If you have a closer look at our website we actually offer more than what we promise. BUT we believe that there is comfort according to our standards: Large and comfortable beds, plenty of sunlight in the rooms, renovated interiors, homemade breakfast by the sound and smell of the Mediterranean, and a very relaxed and informal atmosphere. For all the above reasons indeed more than 60% of our guests are repeaters.

By getting older I know now that there is no absolute beauty. The only judge is the time. Therefore I believe that it is important for the history of a place to keep some characteristic buildings of a certain period, giving them the chance to be judged! It would be easy, for me as an architect to fully “modernise” Votsala. On the contrary, respecting the “less is more” principal of Bauhaus -which is similar to our hotel's philosophy- the only exterior change I decided to do was to add, next to the original local stone, one more traditional element: the colourful windows and walls of Lesvos. Many Bauhaus style buildings like Votsala are now protected in “ex-west” Europe. It is very possible that after one or two generations the "communist era concrete buildings" in Prague -that means the East version of Bauhaus- will be also protected! But in between we need to give buildings a chance and not to globalise everything erasing memories and History!

Despite your experience at Votsala I hope you felt the very special charm of our island and found the right places on Lesvos to enjoy your holiday (actually there are very nice luxurious hotels on the island!).

Best Regards,
Iannis Troumbounis
Hotel Owner
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
West Sussex
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“An enchantment”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 October 2011

This hotel will weave a magic spell about you, and you will return again and again, if you can. Imagine staying in a large country house where your hosts welcome you and give you the freedom of their house and garden, with its palms, olive and citrus trees, vines and the deep blue Aegean Sea there, at the end of the garden. Imagine sitting in the shade, hearing in the background the sound of a piano played by one of the 'family' for her own enjoyment. You will not find a spa, television, swimming pool, but you will find peace, warm friendship from the staff, and like-minded guests of many nationalities, and if you wish to be more active - that can be arranged. Read the website; if this is what you are looking for, then you will have found a very special place.
, ,

  • Stayed September 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Isabella061 about Hotel Votsala
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Additional Information about Hotel Votsala

  • Votsala Hotel lésbos
Address: Pyrgi Thermi | Mytilini, 81100, Greece
Price range (per night):* INR2,508 - 5,239

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