It has recently been called to my mind the fact that the old image of the homely Hotel owners is no longer a common one. Too often we are lured into the large chain hotels by promises of low prices, standardized services, and free airport shuttles. Yet, being in Greece and staying in a small Hotel with a family that runs it, I was refreshed to have someone that actually accommodated us for our individual needs. A mosquito bit me on the eyelid the first nap that I took in Greece. By the next morning my eye was completely swelled shut so that I could barely open it. Most hotel receptionists would comment on it and say that it was a bummer that this happened. But not this lady. She asked if I had any medicine for it, and, when I replied in the negative, offered to DRIVE me to the local pharmacy. Since I have been living in Germany, where pharmaceutical laws are strict and pharmacies carry few over the counter remedies, I asked if they would actually have something I could buy. Her reply, with a chuckle, was “of course, this is Greece.” She then proceeded to drive me, in her personal car, to the pharmacy, translate everything I needed for me, and get me the medicine I needed. Within the day my eye was open again and in 48 hours all that remained was an itch from the bite itself. This is but one example of her kindness. She told us where to get good desserts, did research on an island tour that we were interested in doing (99 euro, thanks but no thanks), let us check out the night before we left and even gave us breakfast trays the night before so that we didn’t have to miss out on breakfast even though we were leaving before breakfast was served. Why cant all hotels be like the Studios Diolokos in Loutraki, Greece? With a family that works there and actually gets to know the quirks of their guests. That do things that they are not required to do. That become a home to a group of 5 college students traveling for a week. I lament the fact that she is of a dying breed. One must go to a B&B to find this kind of personal attention. But, this hotel was quite cheap. We ended up paying just over 14 euro a night, much less than even a buggy, loud, hostel would cost. And for that price we got amazingly fast internet for free, free breakfast, a concierge service that was amazing, and personalized care. It was amazing. The simple joy of our hotel made my time in Greece so much better and truly enhanced the entire week. So I ask, why cannot all hotels return to this archetype? I know that I will make an effort to stay at smaller hotels over hostels from now on. A free towel is a bonus as well. We bought our hostess chocolate cake on our last night because we found out she liked chocolate. And then we left. It was a wholly inadequate gesture, but I think she got the message. That no matter how much money you pay, no matter how many stars your hotel has, personal care outweighs all of this.
