by Allan » 03 Feb 2017, 14:39
Hi grantdmc
Since you've been to Symi before you understand the Harbour/village distinction so I won't go over that again.
At the Nireus you will get the full hotel treatment as you would expect. Taxiarchis is a group of apartments and studios so, while they do serve breakfast if you want it, there is no restaurant and they don't provide dinner.
Nireus, as you know, is right on the harbour front so if you get a front-facing room the view is absolutely stunning. Less so if you are at the side or back of the hotel. Also, of course, you have the road passing right in front of the hotel. Not a busy road but a road non the less.
At Taxiarchis all the rooms and apartments face down the Pedi valley to the bay so all the views are good. Not quite as in-your-face as at Nireus but beautiful, particularly as the sun sets. It's also very quiet there, apart from the odd cockerel and donkey.
Taxiarchis is a family run concern and they all go out of their way to make you feel welcome and part of the family. Nothing is too much trouble for Frank. I've never stayed at Nireus but I have no doubt that the service is very good, there are plenty of reviews to that effect, I just can't imagine it will have the same family feel as Taxiarchis.
Of course it doesn't really matter whether your room is cleaned regularly by a hotel employee or cleaned regularly by a friendly member of the family, as long as it is cleaned (as it will be at either place). But I like the family feel to Taxiarchis and the way I'm treated as a friend rather than just another guest.
In case you don't know where Taxiarchis is located, it's just a minute or so downhill from the bus stop at Campos in the village, a five minute stroll from the bars and tavernas in the village centre so not far from anywhere. The amount of walking you will have to do will probably be about the same from either place but do bear in mind that short stretches of hill are involved in the village. Something to consider if you're unsteady on your feet.