Semeli Hotel Mykonos: Your Dream Grecian Escape Awaits!
Semeli Hotel Mykonos: Mykonos Magic or Mykonos Mayhem? (A Messy, Honest Review!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to tell you everything, the good, the bad, and the slightly sunburnt about my stay at the Semeli Hotel in Mykonos. Let's be real, choosing a hotel is like picking a soulmate – you think you know what you're getting, but there's always a surprise around the corner. And Semeli? Well, it's got surprises alright.
First Impressions (and the Jet Lag Haze):
Let's be honest, getting to Mykonos is already a mission. But the moment I stepped out of the airport transfer (yep, they offer airport transfer, a lifesaver after a red-eye!), the crisp Aegean air hit me, and a wave of "Oh, this is actually happening" washed over me. The Semeli, perched on a hillside, looked impossibly chic. Think crisp white walls, bougainvillea spilling everywhere, and… was that a pool with a view of the Aegean Sea? Yes, yes it was. My initial reaction? Pure vacation euphoria. (And a desperate need for coffee.)
Accessibility: Did They Think About Us?
Now, I'm not using a wheelchair, but I always pay attention to accessibility, because, well, it's important. The Semeli does mention facilities for disabled guests, and there's an elevator. BUT I'm getting a vibe here, the classic "yes, we have it, but…" vibe. My spidey senses are tingling. I'd strongly suggest contacting them directly to confirm specifics. They've got a doorman, which is always helpful, especially after a few too many Ouzos.
Rooms: The Real Deal
Right, let's talk rooms. They've got everything: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi (bless!), and actual internet access via LAN (remember those?). You've got your mini-bar, a coffee/tea maker (essential!), and a refrigerator (praise Zeus!). They also have these little touches like bathrobes and slippers, which immediately makes you feel like you've made a good life choice.
My room? Okay, it was lovely. The view was utterly breathtaking. Seriously, I could have stared at that shimmering turquoise water all day. The bed? Heavenly. The blackout curtains? GAME CHANGER. I sleep like the dead, so I appreciated the total darkness. The shower? A little small for my liking, and the water pressure was a touch temperamental, but overall, I’m not complaining. They even have a scale! Because, you know, vacation is totally about weighing yourself. (Just kidding… mostly.)
My Big, Fat Breakfast Adventure (and the "Almost" Disaster):
Okay, here we go. This is my favorite part. Breakfast. My Kryptonite. And Semeli's breakfast buffet? It's where things got… interesting.
First off, the location. You're eating breakfast outside, overlooking the pool and the Aegean Sea. Stunning. The buffet itself was a decent spread: your usual suspects like eggs, bacon (although the bacon was a little…limp), pastries, fruit, and yogurt. They even had an Asian breakfast option. I love Asian food, so I was all over that.
But here's where the "almost disaster" comes in. I, being a clumsy fool, somehow managed to completely spill my entire bowl of yogurt, granola, and honey all over myself. Like, an epic yogurt explosion. I'm talking hair, face, clothes – the whole shebang. Mortified, I was ready to crawl back to my room and never emerge again.
That's when the staff saved me. They were SO kind, immediately offering napkins, apologizing profusely (even though it was totally my fault), and even bringing me a fresh, clean new bowl of yogurt, granola, and honey. They made me feel less like a yogurt-covered disaster and more like a… slightly messy guest. It was a small thing, but it made a huge difference. It proved that they really care, not just about appearances, but also about the whole client experience.
Dining, Drinking, and the Quest for the Perfect Cocktail:
Speaking of food, lets talk about the other dining options. They have an a la carte restaurant, a poolside bar (the essential), a snack bar, and room service (24-hour, hallelujah!). I didn't try everything, but what I did experience was pretty good. The Greek salad by the pool? Perfection. The cocktails? Seriously, they were dangerously delicious. They also have a wine list, and various breakfast options, from buffet to room service, including vegan and vegetarian options.
They have a "Happy Hour” - yes, please and a "Poolside Bar" – double yes! So, I can confirm that’s a plus.
Relaxation… and a Plea for More Massages:
This is where Semeli really shines. They have a pool with a view (duh), a spa, a sauna, a steam room, massages (praise!), a fitness center, and even… a foot bath! (I didn't try the foot bath, I was too busy enjoying the pool.)
The pool itself? Gorgeous. The view? Even better. I spent a whole afternoon just floating in that pool, staring out at the sea. Pure bliss.
Now, the spa. My massage? Ahhh… the best massage I've ever had? Maybe. It was divine. I wish I could have gone every day!
Things to Do (Besides Relaxing):
Okay, so you're not just going to spend your entire time lounging by the pool (although, you could). Semeli is conveniently located. You're close to the main town, Chora, which is a whirlwind of whitewashed buildings, charming alleyways, and shops bursting with souvenirs.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to explore as much as I wanted, thanks to that yogurt incident. But the hotel offers so many services, including bike rentals, car rentals and airport transfers. The staff can help with tips too, for exploring the rest of the island.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Modern World:
During my stay, the hotel was doing a great job of being COVID-safe. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, daily disinfection, and the staff clearly knew and were following the rules on personal space. I felt safe, and I appreciated the effort. They also have contactless check-in/out – a total win. They use anti-viral cleaning products, even offer room sanitization opt-out and have professional-grade sanitizing services.
The Ups and Downs (and the Verdict):
The Good:
- The stunning views from every corner.
- The amazing staff, genuinely caring.
- The pool and spa were a dream.
- The location – close to everything, but somehow feels secluded.
- The comfortable rooms.
- The breakfasts (even with the yogurt incident, it was all worth it).
The Not-So-Good:
- The sporadic water pressure in the shower.
- The occasional noise from other guests.
- It’s pricey, but you do get what you pay for.
Verdict:
Overall? The Semeli Hotel in Mykonos is a fantastic choice. Yes, it has its quirks, and yes, it can be a touch pricey, but the location, the views, the spa, and, above all, the friendly and helpful staff make it worth it. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel pampered and relaxed. It’s a place where you can make mistakes… and then have even more joy with your adventure.
Would I go back? Absolutely. (And this time, I will try to eat my yogurt in a slightly less dramatic fashion.)
Ready to book your dream Grecian escape? Here’s what makes Semeli the perfect choice:
- Breathtaking Views: Wake up to the sparkling Aegean Sea and enjoy sunsets that will take your breath away.
- Ultimate Relaxation: Indulge in spa treatments, lounge by the stunning pool, and let your worries melt away.
- Perfect Location: Explore the vibrant town of Mykonos with ease, then return to the tranquility of your private oasis.
- Unforgettable Dining: Savor delicious meals, refreshing cocktails, and exceptional service.
- Exceptional Experience: Friendly staff that will make you feel at home.
Book your stay at Semeli Hotel today and experience the magic of Mykonos!
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Mykonos Meltdown: A Semeli Hotel Saga (and a Whole Lot of Ouzo)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized, picture-perfect travel blog post. This is MY Mykonos experience, warts, sunburns, and all. And trust me, there were plenty of warts. Oh, and the sunburn? Let's just say I'm pretty sure I peeled a whole person by the end of it.
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret (Kidding! Mostly.)
Morning: The flight was a goddamn nightmare. Delayed. Turbulence so bad I thought the plane was going to become a giant, metal pretzel. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Santorini. Beautiful, sure, but the ferry to Mykonos? Let's just say the Aegean Sea was NOT cooperating. Seasick? You bet your salty bottom I was. Luckily, I managed to not lose my lunch, but the constant rocking… oh, the rocking!
Afternoon: Arrival at the Semeli Hotel. Honestly? Pretty damn swanky. White everything. The lobby smelled of fresh flowers and money. I felt ridiculously underdressed in my slightly crumpled linen pants and t-shirt (first mistake, I know). BUT the staff? Super friendly, even with my hangry, seasick demeanor. Got to my room - a "Deluxe Sea View" - and promptly passed out on the crisp, clean sheets.
Evening: Woke up, feeling slightly more human. The view from my balcony? Jaw-dropping. Like, seriously, my jaw actually dropped. Little Mykonos town twinkling in the distance, the sea sparkling… Okay, okay, I was starting to see the hype. Decided to be brave and head to the hotel bar for a celebratory (and much-needed) cocktail. Tried a mojito. Delicious. Ended up ordering a second… and then, the Ouzo. Uh oh.
Impression: First impression of Semeli: Luxe. Luxurious. Expensive. My wallet whimpered. But the staff's warmth and professionalism helped. The views? Worth every penny. The Ouzo? A dangerous, slippery slope.
Day 2: Little Venice, Big Hangover (and a Near Disaster)
Morning: Woke up with a head that felt like a drum solo was happening inside it. The Ouzo. It got me GOOD. Dragged myself out of bed, splashed cold water on my face, and stumbled towards the breakfast buffet. Praise be, the food was amazing. Fresh fruit, pastries, omelets… I needed sustenance, stat.
Afternoon: Decided to be a cultured tourist and explore Mykonos Town. Little Venice. Sigh. Absolutely stunning. Those colorful buildings clinging to the edge of the sea? Instagram gold. Spent what felt like hours wandering the narrow streets, getting gloriously lost, and taking a million photos. Found a cute little shop and bought a scarf. Expensive, but worth it. Feeling quite pleased with myself, I sat down at a cafe and ordered a coffee.
The NEAR DISASTER: Now, I'm not exactly known for my grace. As I reached for my coffee, a particularly mischievous gust of wind (the Aegean Sea has a lot of wind, FYI) blew my scarf off the table. I lunged for it, tripped, and nearly went headfirst into the sea! Seriously, it was touch and go for a second. Luckily, a kind waiter, probably used to this sort of thing, grabbed me before I ended up as a sea creature snack. Mortifying.
Evening: Back at the hotel, feeling humbled and slightly bruised (my pride, mostly), I skipped the fancy dinner and opted for room service. Chicken souvlaki, fries, a giant bottle of water. The best damn meal I'd had all day. Watched the sunset from my balcony, feeling grateful to be alive (and not a fish's dinner).
Impression: Little Venice: Stunning. Me: a klutz. The food: amazing. The wind: a vengeful entity.
Day 3: Beach Bliss (and a Questionable Decision or Two)
Morning: Decided to try a beach. Paradise Beach seemed to be the place to be, so I arranged a taxi. The taxi ride was an experience in itself; the driver, a grizzled local, drove like he was auditioning for a stunt driving movie. Still, we made it.
Afternoon: Paradise beach exceeded all expectations. The water was crystal-clear turquoise, the sand was white as snow, and the music was pumping. I found a sunbed, ordered a cocktail (this time, something a little less potent, I swear), and settled in for some serious relaxation. Sunbathing. Swimming. People-watching. Life was good.
The QUESTIONABLE DECISION: Maybe it was the sunshine, maybe it was the cocktails, maybe it was the general feeling of euphoria. But, at some point, I decided it was a brilliant idea to get a henna tattoo. A big, elaborate one on my back. It looked amazing. For about a day. Then it faded into a blurry, patchy mess. Lesson learned: Henna tattoos are not your friend.
Evening: Back at the hotel, feeling a bit sunburned and a little bit… regretful. Dinner at the hotel's restaurant was fantastic. The food, the service, everything was impeccable. I tried to wash away the henna regret with another cocktail, but I limited myself to one this time.
Impression: Paradise Beach: Perfection. Henna Tattoo: A grave mistake. The hotel's restaurant: pure class.
Day 4: A Day of Mykonos Madness (and Finding My Tribe)
Morning: Woke up, feeling surprisingly refreshed. The henna stain had already started to fade… thank god! Breakfast was a blur of pastries and coffee… needed to get ready for a big day!
Afternoon: Decided to take a day trip to Delos, an ancient, uninhabited island. The boat trip was a bit choppy, and a few people looked green around the gills, but the ruins were incredible. The stories, the history, the sheer scale of the place… absolutely mind-blowing. Then, back to Mykonos, where I discovered…
The Club: A friend and I had heard about a spot, and it was on the horizon as our last night was about to fall. It was all the hype… and more. Crazy music, a vibrant atmosphere, and a crowd of people who all looked like they were having the time of their lives.
Evening: After the club, we somehow made it back to the hotel and collapsed in bed. The next day, we were leaving for the airport…
Impression: Delos: History lesson. Mykonos: The magic of the island.
Day 5: Departure (and a Promise to Return)
- Morning: Woke up, packed with a mixture of sadness and exhaustion. The goodbyes had been said, and the cab ride was over. The flight was thankfully uneventful.
- Impression: The Semeli Hotel, Mykonos, brought tears to my eyes. It was pure, unadulterated joy. And even though I made some questionable decisions (looking at you, henna), lost my dignity a couple of times, and nearly became a fish's snack, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I'm already plotting my return. Maybe next time, I'll pack more sunscreen and less Ouzo. Maybe.
Semeli Hotel Mykonos: Seriously, Is It *That* Good? Let's Dive In (and I’m Probably Overthinking This)
Okay, spill the beans: Semeli Hotel...is it *actually* worth the hype (and the price tag)?
Alright, look. I'm a sucker for a good view. And Semeli? The *view*...it's practically its own character. It's that gorgeous, sun-drenched Mykonos postcard you've been drooling over on Instagram. So yeah, from a *pure* visual standpoint, it's a win. But! (and there's always a but, isn’t there?) The hype? It's *mostly* deserved. Let's just say I had some moments where I felt like a pampered sultan – and a few where I was like, *'Okay, wallet, brace yourself...'* It's a luxury experience, but not necessarily faultless. We’ll get there. Seriously, the photos... they don't even *begin* to capture the way the Aegean Sea sparkles at sunset. That orange glow? Magic. Pure, unadulterated magic.
(Gulp) What are the rooms actually *like*? Because the pictures… well, they’re suspiciously perfect.
Okay, this is where the cracks *slightly* appear. The pictures? Dreamy. The reality? Mostly dreamy, but with a few… quirks. We stayed in a "deluxe sea view" room. The view? Stunning. Truly breathtaking. Waking up to that every morning? Worth the price of admission, maybe. The room itself? Clean, modern… but a bit… *small*. Like, I could touch both walls at the same time if I stretched out. And the bathroom? Gorgeous, but a little *too* minimalist. I'm talking, like, *minimal* storage space. I had to keep my (vast) collection of sunscreen and face creams on the countertop, which, let's be honest, is not the height of luxury. Also, the "free" water bottles were, like, the size of a thimble. Come on, Semeli! Hydrate a girl! But the bed? Heavenly. Seriously, I slept like a baby (when I wasn't busy taking photos of the aforementioned view). So, overall? Good, but maybe don't expect a palatial estate. Expect a beautifully designed, slightly compact, slice of paradise.
The infinity pool… Is it as Instagrammable as it looks? Because, priorities.
Oh, the pool. It's...everything you've seen and then some. Seriously. The water is the perfect temperature. The views? Unbeatable. The cocktails? Expensive, but *damn good*. I spent a solid afternoon just floating around, occasionally emerging for a fresh towel (the staff are *on it*, I'll give them that) and another perfectly crafted Aperol Spritz. It’s *totally* Instagrammable. I even took the obligatory "legs dangling into the infinity pool with the Aegean Sea in the background" shot. (Don’t judge me!). The only downside? It can get a *little* packed. But hey, that's the price of a slice of paradise, right? Plus, it’s a great people-watching spot. I saw one woman spend a solid hour trying to get the perfect selfie. I salute her dedication.
Food! Let's talk food. Is the Semeli restaurant any good, or is it just another "hotel restaurant"?
Okay, here’s where Semeli really shines. The restaurant, Thioni, is *excellent*. We had breakfast there every day (included in the price, thank god), and it was a feast! Huge selection - everything from fresh fruit and pastries to omelets made to order. Seriously, the omelets… I dreamt about them. Dinner? Also fantastic. We ate there a couple of times, and the food was delicious, beautifully presented… and, yes, pricey. But hey, it’s Mykonos. What did you expect? The Greek salad was the best I've ever had. And the service? Impeccable. Attentive but not overly intrusive. I can still taste the grilled octopus. Oh. My. God. That octopus was something else. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. So, yeah, not just "another hotel restaurant". This is a destination in itself.
What about service? Are the staff friendly and helpful? Because, you know, sometimes luxury hotels can be… stuffy.
Okay, this is where Semeli truly earns its stripes. The staff? Absolutely lovely. Friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care about your experience. From the welcoming guy at the front desk (who remembered my name, even after I’d been stumbling back from a night out) to the poolside staff who were *always* there with a fresh towel or a cocktail (shoutout to Dimitri!), everyone was fantastic. They were efficient, yes, but they were also *genuinely* nice. They gave great recommendations for beaches and restaurants. When I accidentally locked myself out of my room at 2 AM (don't ask), they had a new key for me in under five minutes, with a smile! That's the kind of service I *love*. No stuffiness, just great service with a personal touch. Honestly, those guys made the whole experience so much better.
Location, location, location! Is Semeli in a good spot for exploring Mykonos town and the beaches?
The location is *perfect*. Semeli Hotel is right in the heart of Mykonos Town, which is fantastic. You're a short walk from all the action: the whitewashed streets, the shops, the restaurants, the nightlife. It's also a relatively easy walk to some of the more central and popular beaches, although they have a shuttle service to more remote ones as well. It's bustling, even lively (and sometimes *loud* – earplugs are a lifesaver!). But it’s also incredibly convenient. I was able to pop back to the hotel for a quick nap midday, which, let me tell you, is a *game-changer* when you're dealing with Mykonos sun. Being able to stroll back to your room for a drink when it get too hot, or after a long night out, its fantastic! The location alone makes it a strong contender for anyone visiting Mykonos.
Okay, the one thing you’d change if you could. Spill.
Alright, fine. If I *had* to nitpick (and, let’s be honest, I’m a professional nitpicker), it would be the size of the rooms. They felt a tiny bit cramped, especially for the price. More storage space in that bathroom would have been a godsend… and maybe a slightly bigger balcony. I’m a sun-worshipper, and let's be real, I’m not really *built* for standing. Plus, and I know this is minor, but the gym was a little… under-equipped. Not terrible, mind you. But a few more free weights wouldn’t have gone amiss. But honestlyHotelish
