Programs: SAS EBD, BA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz PC, National Exec Elite
Posts: 553
Originally Posted by raunow
I've got a stay at Arion Resort in a week, spending my FRN's with my wife.
As a Platinum, can I expect breakfast to be complimentary (in the lounge or the restaurant) ?
To answer my own question: Plats get breakfast in the lounge (very limited Continental breakfast, US lounge style), but no special deal at the (very nice) 30€ restaurant breakfast.
Other than the poor lounge, it's a beautiful property in a very nice location. Plat upgrade to a corner suite, and bathing weather in early October. Friendly staff, but not overly efficient.
Programs: AC MM SE, Marriott Titanium - Lifetime Plat 2nd Class, National Executive, Avis PP
Posts: 681
Mrs CC and I stayed 4 nights here at the end of October, 2 nights in each property. The Westin gave us a bigger suite (Executive Deluxe Suite) than the Arion (amazing 2 person walk in shower with built in steam !) but had no lounge. When we checked in at the Arion afterwards, they told us as Plat guests we could have used their lounge even if staying at the Westin.
Suite at Arion was smaller (Excelsior Deluxe Suite), but still nice (one of the ones on the 4th floor). Wireless internet works in lobby (and if you hang over the balcony off the 4th floor lounge). Breakfast was minimal but ok for us, but the wine was not worth drinking (we brought our own).
Spa is a must do. It was too cold to try the outside pool, but warm enough to still lie by the private beach.
Japanese restaurant was good (and very busy), but quite overpriced ($10 for a bottle of flat water). Worth trying if you want a special, non Greek dinner as part of your trip.
If you are looking for something a little more reasonable and authentic, just head out to the main road and turn right - south (?) away from downtown Athens and 1 minute on your left are a group of restaurants. We tried a few, with our favourite being Pakaaikon. Very friendly, great food and a bargain price.
Was originally booked for the Westin tonight but found out a few days ago that my reservation was transferred to the Arion (where I was gonna hop for a couple more nights anyways). Turns out that the reasoning for my switch was because the Westin was supposedly closed for repairs. Was anyone else affected by this?
One night each in Westin (points) and Arion (c&p). Good stays in both hotels, nice suite upgrade at Arion. Stayed with 2 small kids and was not charged for extra bed (last year we were). Plat breakfast benefit at Westin very generous, full buffet and kids were not charged. Lounge at Arion is small but worked for us, be on time for drinks, 6 beers were gone by 6:30 and not restocked. These properties remain high on the list.
Programs: SQ TPP, BA Gold, Hyatt Life Glob, SPG/Marriott Life Plat,
Posts: 3,371
Originally Posted by banzani
Lounge at Arion is small but worked for us, be on time for drinks, 6 beers were gone by 6:30 and not restocked. These properties remain high on the list.
I've stayed at the Arion a few times, including last month, and I've never known them not to restock the lounge that early. The lounge is indeed small but it works as it never gets busy. I love the place, expecially the fact you can sit on a balcony on either side of the building and enjoy the different views.
We again got a fabulous suite on the top floor with a large balcony and a fabulous sea view. The only slight blemish was a charge that showed up on the bill that took about ten days and almost a dozen emails to get removed. I suppose it serves me right for rushing out at the last minute and not checking it....
Apollonos 40 Vouliagmeni Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, GR 16671
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The Westin Athens Astir Palace Beach Resort (0 Photo)
The Westin Athens Astir Palace Beach Resort
Booked 3 nights C+p at the Arion Astir Palace choosing to book a simultaneous one day stay at the GB in Athens for a day of sightseeing, which was brilliant value given the standard rates.
Upgraded to an Excelsior Deluxe Suite the evening prior to check in. The hotel is steeped in rich history with many celebrity guests, and is best described as understated elegance. We were grateful we made the decision not to spend all 3 nights in Athens.
The hotel has no wifi in the rooms, which I find rather unacceptable today. Was able to set up a wifi network on my Mac, but it's annoying nonetheless. The lounge is pathetic at best, serving only tea, coffee, cheese, beer and horrible wine. We were able to have breakfast in the restaurant, which cooked the best omelettes we have ever had in ALL of our hotel stays.
The cost of food and beverage at the hotel is outrageous, but on par with other hotels of the same stature. Dinner at the Italian restaurant reached 160 Euros so we mainly ate lunch on the beach, and had dinner at the lobby bar with cocktails with meals around 20 Euros and cocktails 18 Euros.
The views of the Agean from the hotel are simply stunning. The beach area is ok, but be wary of the staff who seem to reserve sunbeds for guests who tip them handsomely. The outdoor pool at the Arion is saltwater, small, and rather windy.
The spa area is impressive with a steam room, sauna, indoor pool, a decent gym and a foot spa.
The hotel seems to be a weekend getaway for wealth Athenians.
We wandered over to the Westin which had nice cabanas on the cliff by the pool, but otherwise stuck to the Arion.
I am trying to figure out whether to stay at the Westin or the Arion. I am a Platinum SPG so I am curious about the lounges. I have a reservation booked for the same price at both and it includes breakfast (so I think) so I am not worried about the breakfast. I would love for the lounge to offer some nice hors d'oeuvres and drinks as well as water.
Stayed at the Arion i March, and the lounge offerings in the afternoon were very limited and cheap. If it hadn't been for the nice outdoor seating, we wouldn't have used the lounge at all.
Stayed at the Arion i March, and the lounge offerings in the afternoon were very limited and cheap. If it hadn't been for the nice outdoor seating, we wouldn't have used the lounge at all.
Thanks for the advice. I wonder how the Westin compares? Would you choose the Arion over the Westin again?
Astir Palace Hotel Complex in Greece with L.C., Westin [Master Thread]
Westin does not have a lounge. Arion is more intimate and seems to have better Plat upgrades. Both properties share pool/beach, ie you can walk from one to the other. I'd recommend the Arion.
Oct 29, 2011, 3:54 pm
