This is the only Marriott family property in this 2nd biggest city of Greece.  The property is relatively new and was glad that this was made part of the Autograph Collection which is one of my favorite brand within the Marriott system.  For me it was a very well themed hotel - themed on all the famous monastry found in Greece.  Although not really a former monastry, they have done a very good job with the themed (the most authentic religious themed property I've been too is the Nassau Breda which is in a former church/cathedral building).  I stayed at this property for 2 nights.

Location

The property is very centrally located, with the famous Aristotelous Square just around the corner.  Basically from here reaching any places in the city centre was possible on foot - including the promenade and the newly developed port area.  Outside of that, there are lots of different restaurants/cafe in the area for different level of dining.  There is also a supermarket just opposite the hotel.

It takes about 15-20 mins drive from the airport.  Parking can be a nightmare - there is a parking garage just opposite the hotel which is open 24 hours.  The night parking charges were reasonable (from 21-07h for 6€), with the day parking charges ok.  If you are lucky there are quite a number of street parking available around the property or within a 10 min walk from the property.  

For me the location of the hotel beats the other chain hotels in the city (Hyatt and Holiday Inn). 

Check In

I arrived rather late to the property, close to 18h.  The first impression of the property was quite impressive with a nice open cafe/green area.  The lobby area itself was on the small side - but very well appointed and immediately reflects the hotel's theme. 

I was warmly welcomed by the front desk team (of 2 associates).  The usual request for ID was done and in addition to that, guests are required to indicate any allergy (which does make sense).  The whole check-in process was done in a very friendly casual yet professional manner.  I had already noticed in the app that my entry level room was upgraded to a Deluxe room.  I did ask during check in on possibility of a further upgrade to a Jr Suite - which they had to consult with the back office.  I was informed to first have a look at my current appointed room before deciding if I would still like to get the suite.  

[There seemed to be welcome drinks (?) available - juice, water or sparkling wine - although strangely I was not asked if I wanted one.  Therefore I was not sure if it's for all guests or just certain guests].  The setup seemed to be on display the whole day.  

Room

I was shown to my room accommpanied by the front desk to view the first room, a deluxe category.  After having a look at the room, it was ok in size and since they had already left in my room the welcome gift I just decided to keep the room and not bothered to view the Junior Suite - since it was just for 2 nights and I will not be in the room too frequently.  [Although in my opinion, management should just not make the situation so akward].  The associate did ask a few times if I was really satisfied with the room - which was a nice touch.

The view to room - this left also much to be desired - they categorize this as an Urban View room, but I am not sure what this meant - as my view was towards the windows of the next building - so not much of a view.  On this note, it was also quite dissapointing if they had not wanted to upgrade elite guests to their Jr Suite, they could at least give elite guests if available rooms with the balcony.  

For the room itself, I felt that it was very well designed and appointed.  Next to the entryway to the room was the wardrobe (which had the usual bathrobe, shoe box, safe, etc)  and the minibar next to it.  There was coffee/tea making amenities - with the Nespresso machine - although it was a mix of generic and original capsules.  Since I am not a coffee connoisseur, I am did not taste too much difference in quality.  There was also a bottle of water provided complimentary (but did not seem to be a daily replenished item).  Outside of that, the minibar was filled and chargable. 

On the left side of the entrance was the bathroom.  On the other end of the wall to ceiling windows, was a nice lounge area.  On one side of the wall was a long desk which was a combined generic desk and working area (what I would say more of a semi working desk since it was not that big and not realy that convenient with the TV above your head).   

Sleep quality was good - with no external/internal noise disturbance - only small disturbance was when there were gusts of strong wind - you will be able to hear it whistling though the windows.  The bed was ok - a bit on the firm side (with a very thin mattras protector), what I did not like was the pillow quality, I felt it was too soft and provided no support.  My workaround here was to fold the pillow in two, which did help.  

Climate control in the room was good - except again for those who need a cooler room, I found (like at a lot of properties in Greece) you can't really lower it too much - in this case, I was not able to lower it to less than 20 deg.  If I remembered, it was disabled and there was a sign indicating it was some central setting.  Luckily during my stay, the temperature outside was not too warm, so it was still ok.  

Internet connection was good - except that it's only 24 hours valid and you had to relogin after that.  The TV size was big with a mix of local and international options.  One nice thing is that you are able to stream your device from your phone/tablet/laptop.  Talking about internet/wifi - strangely one site that was blocked was this flyertalk site - it did not seem to be the hotel specific issue, but also tried it at another location and it was blocked.  I believe it is more of a provider issue as it worked when I was at the Aegean lounge.

The bathroom size was ok - with only a walk -in shower.  Toiletries were all wall mounted and seemed to be from a local brand.  I liked them - with a very calming smell.  Water pressure and temperature control was good - after you gotten the hint of adjusting the temperature.  The only small complain here is the small glass shielding - it was just too small to prevent water from spraying outside of the shower area.  

One very nice touch was a very generous welcome gift of local produce - including a bottle of their house wine - which was very drinkable.  This small gesture was a very welcomed action and certainly left a very good impression of the property. 

There was also turndown service - which in my case only happened on the 2nd night - I guess for the 1st night due to my late checkin. 

Overall

The hotel does seem to have the possibility of hosting meetings/small conferences at their 1 and only meeting room - which is also the same floor as the gym.  The gym room was spacious and had quite a good selection for weight and cardio training.  The hotel does have a rooftop area (which is also the pool area) - but sadly during this period it was closed for renovation.  

All in all, I would say that among the all the other properties I have stayed previously in the city, this will be my go to choice.  Despite the akward situation of the room upgrade, I found the staff especially the front desk staff to be very pleasant and very personal - greeting you by name.  The property size makes it possibly to have such intimate relation with their guests.  Housekeeping staff were also very detailed in their tasks (you know when you find your cloths folded up when you return).