The Poseidonion Grand Hotel - Spetses, Greece

At CELLOPHANELAND* we always try to bring you hotels which offer something extra special – the Poseidonion Grand Hotel is one of those places. Maybe somewhere with an extravagant history, a truly spectacular location, luxurious service or a magnificent building, Occasionally we have the fortune to find a property like this that seems to tick almost all every box.

Arriving at Spetses Island on the high speed catamaran from Athens the whitewashed houses of Spetses town, also sometimes called Dapia, are scenically clustered around the port and dot the rocky hillside above the town. Immediately the Poseidonion Grand Hotel is the one building in particular that catches the eye.

Its broad classically inspired ‘beaux-arts’ frontage is painted in a delightful lemon yellow. It is at once strikingly familiar yet appears to have been parachuted in from another place.

Its familiarity unsurprising when one learns that it was modelled on the Carlton Grand in Nice. Built in 1914 by the wealthy Anagyros shipping family this was the first Greek hotel to offer spa services.

It was an outpost of luxury and immediately attracted the wealthy and well connected of the day. Film stars, royalty and Athenian bourgeoisie soon checked in – Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren amongst their guests.

Although the Poseidonion Grand Hotel fell on hard times, a careful and respectful five year restoration in 2009 brought it back it to its former glory. The new spa offers treatments by Asian Spa Resorts around a small pool, whilst the 17m lap pool is  a real luxury in the island’s compact old town.

The interior is historic and authentic. Everywhere there are the original English floor tiles – cool, colourful and patterned.

A grand white marble staircase with a wrought iron bannister leads up to the rooms. These are modern and comfortable but designed with clean lines and elegant furnishings that fit in with the historic style and there are all the little extras that one would expect of a 5 star hotel (except perhaps kettles & Nespresso).

Bathrooms are bright and modern in white tile and glass

The lounge area of the Poseidonion Grand Hotel is an oasis of calm and cool with lots of pastel shaded sofas whilst the famous terrace is a perfect place to relax, morning noon or night whilst watching the world go by.

Breakfast at the Poseidonion Grand Hotel is taken on the verandah overlooking the port. There is an impressive buffet, with cooked to order hot choices available. Speciality coffees and teas and fresh squeezed orange juice are included.

Despite Spetses mail town being somewhat spread out along the waterfront – with both an old and newer harbour for example – the hotel is at the heart of village life. In front lies a broad piazza that looks out to the mainland whilst adjacent cafes and restaurants line the waterfront and the shuttle boats and taxis zip to and from the local beaches.

Within a couple of minutes you are in traditional cobbled back streets – alternately busy with classy boutiques or sleepy with old tavernas and lazy cats. Take your pick whilst enjoying the bygone charm of the luxury Poseidonion Grand Hotel.

CELLOPHANELAND* were guests of the Poseidonion Grand Hotel

For more information visit Poseidonion Grand Hotel