Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Roes Suites, Aridaia, Greece!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Roes Suites, Aridaia, Greece!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into a review of that fancy-pants hotel, and trust me, I'm not pulling any punches. This is gonna be less "sterile corporate speak" and more "your slightly-opinionated, coffee-fueled friend spilling the tea." Let's get messy!
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. Because, let's be real, in 2024, it's a must.
- Wheelchair Accessible: They say they are, which is a start. I didn't personally test this (thankfully!), but I did spot elevators and ramps, so fingers crossed they've got it mostly right. My advice? Call ahead, ask pointed questions, and make sure it's really, really accessible for your needs. Don't just take their word for it!
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Similarly, they mention it, which is encouraging. But again, specifics are key. Are there grab bars? Wide doorways everywhere? Accessible rooms? Dig deep when booking.
- Elevator: Yep, they got one! A huge win for those of you who, like me, would rather not hike up to the Penthouse Suite after a massive buffet.
- Air Conditioning in Public Area: Thank god. Because sweat. And judging.
- Things to keep an Eye on: I’m worried they may not offer fully accessible dining options, or that their "facilities for disabled guests" are just a ticking box.
Internet, Glorious Internet (and Other Techy Stuff)
Okay, crucial stuff. Because, let's face it, we're all glued to our phones.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Praise the Wi-Fi gods! This should be a given, but I've stayed in places where a sniff of internet costs more than my first car.
- Internet access – LAN: Fine, if you're still rocking a desktop computer… I guess.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep, everywhere I went, I could mooch off their internet. Very useful for gossiping about fellow guests.
- Internet services: unspecified, so who knows?
Safety & Cleanliness: Is My Room a Petri Dish?
This is where my inner germaphobe kicks in. Seriously, I'm checking for dust bunnies like some sort of cleanliness detective.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Okay, good to know. Makes me feel slightly less like I'm sleeping in a biohazard zone.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yay! But, like, how thoroughly? I want to see proof. I want to see the cleaning crew, I want to see them clean.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Again, a win. But, like, is it just a quick wipe-down, or are they really getting into the nooks and crannies?
- Hand sanitizer: Yep, spotted it. Good on them.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hopefully that means they know how to handle a sneeze without panicking.
- Hygiene certification: Noted, but still need to see proof.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I'm a weirdo, so this makes me happy because I want to leave my room to be a disaster.
- Cleanliness and safety: Well, it's a good start. But, I cannot offer detailed information.
Food & Drink: Fueling the Fun (or the Hangry)
This is where things get really interesting. I'm a gourmand; a foodie. I love eating.
- Restaurants: Plural! Score!
- Bar: Another score! I like to drink.
- Breakfast in room: Nice for a lazy morning.
- Breakfast [buffet]: My jam. Fill my plate!
- A la carte in restaurant: Good for the fancy folk.
- Poolside bar: Crucial. Sun, water, and margaritas? Yes please!
- Coffee shop: Needed. I have caffeine-fueled drama to attend to.
- Room service [24-hour]: Invaluable. For late-night snack attacks.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant : A wide range of choices!
- Alternative meal arrangement: Helpful for people with dietary needs.
- Happy hour: A must.
- Bottle of water: Basic, but appreciated.
- Snack bar: Good for convenience.
The Spa & Relaxation: Treat Yo'self (or Don't)
Let's get to the fun part – the pampering!
- Spa: Yes, please! Sign me up.
- Sauna, steamroom: Excellent for detoxing.
- Massage: Needed after a long day of, well, life.
- Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: Vibes!
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center: Fine if you're into that sort of torture.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Who doesn't want to be wrapped in delicious smelling goo?
- Foot Bath: I'm in! It sounds refreshing.
"Things to do, ways to relax"
I'm going to assume the pool and spa are part of relaxation, and I'm happy.
Activities and Amenities for the Kids (and Kids at Heart)
I don't have kids. But I know that parents have them.
- Babysitting service: Good for parents.
- Family/child friendly: They say it is… but I'm still a little suspicious.
- Kids facilities, Kids meal: Details are needed.
Services & Conveniences: The Extras That Make Life Easier
These are the little things that can make or break a stay.
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning: Crucial.
- Concierge: Highly useful, especially for difficult hotel guests.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, please.
- Elevator: I hate stairs.
- Convenience store: Always a win for forgotten essentials (or midnight snacks).
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: For the slobs and business travelers.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Business facilities, Meetings: Nice.
- Luggage storage: Useful, depending on your flight schedule.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Doorman, Front desk [24-hour]: Important for security and general convenience.
- Essential condiments: Noted.
- Food delivery: Invaluable when you're feeling lazy.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Great for last-minute presents (for yourself).
- Invoice provided: Makes life easier for business trips.
- Safe deposit boxes, Safety/security feature: Always smart.
- Terrace: Because sometimes you just want to chill outside.
- Valet parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station: For those with cars.
- Airport transfer, Taxi service: Convenient.
In-Room Goodies: The Essentials
- Free bottled water: Always welcome.
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains: Essentials.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Yes, please.
- Hair dryer: Essential.
- Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]
- Ironing facilities: For those who don't travel in wrinkles (not me).
- Laptop workspace: For those who need to work.
- Mini bar: Yay.
- Non-smoking, Smoking area: Good for all.
- Private bathroom, Shower, Separate shower/bathtub, Bathtub, Toiletries: The basic essentials of human life.
- Satellite/cable channels: Always good.
- Scale: For a moment of existential dread.
- Seating area, Sofa: Important for comfort.
- Soundproofing: Please.
- Telephone: If you still use one.
- Wake-up service: Very convenient.
Safety and Security: Feeling Protected?
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Smoke detector: Essential.
- 24-hour security: Peace of mind.
- Safe deposit boxes, Safety/security feature: Always good.
The "Uncategorized" Section: The Random Bits
- Couple's room: A nice touch for romantic getaways.
- Exterior corridor: Hmm… not the biggest fan.
- Hotel chain: Useful for earning points.
- Non-smoking rooms: Good.
- Pets allowed unavailable: Not noted.
- Proposal spot: I assume the hotel has a good
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your perfectly-curated travel blog, this is reality, Aridaia-style. Here's my attempt at a chaotic itinerary for Roes Suites, Greece. Prepare for the beautiful mess.
Roes Suites: My Aridaia Antics (or, How I learned to stop worrying and love the hot springs… mostly.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Olive-Oil Debacle (aka, "I Almost Ruined My First Meal")
- Morning (or, What Time is it Even?): Landed at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) late. Seriously, those budget airlines… Anyway, the drive to Aridaia was… scenic? Mostly. You see some goats. One time I swear I saw a goat giving me the stink eye – maybe it didn't appreciate the rental car I was driving. Roes Suites? Lovely. Minimalist chic, right on the river. Already sweating with a mix of excitement and, I'll admit, a tiny bit of "what have I gotten myself into?".
- Afternoon: Food Fails and Fainting Sheep: So, checked in. The receptionist, bless her, was so patient with my terrible Greek ("Ego… eh… hello!"). Decided to embrace the whole "local experience" vibe and head straight to a taverna. I'll save you the details, but let's just say, ordering food in a language you barely know is a thrill. I think I accidentally ordered a whole plate of olives, but instead of being sad about it, I loved it with a glass of local wine. Then, the olive oil. Oh, the olive oil. I poured… well, I poured a lot. Thought I was sliving. The salad tasted like a slick of pure, unadulterated glory. Which then, almost made me throw up. That's okay, right?
- Evening: Hot Springs? More like Hot Surprise: Everyone raves about the Pozar Thermal Baths. I figured, "How hard can it be?". Getting there was straightforward enough. It was the plunge itself. Let me tell you. Steam. Everywhere. People chatting in Greek, kids splashing… and me, a pale, slightly panicky tourist, trying to figure out if the water was actually hot enough to cook me. Then, the calm descended. The minerals did their thing. Maybe the wine did too. Pure, blissful relaxation. Until, you know, the inevitable awkward shuffle out.
Day 2: Waterfalls, Wine, and (Maybe) Murder?
- Morning: Edessa's Enchantment and My Questionable Choices: The waterfalls of Edessa are supposed to be magnificent, and they are. The scale is just overwhelming. I attempted to take photos, but my phone kept getting blurry. After a while, I just put it away and tried to enjoy the moment.
- Afternoon: Wine. (And the Potential For Sociopathic Tendencies): Did a wine tour. Local wines are pretty interesting and I love that they're so different from each other. Our guide, Spiros (who had one eyebrow raised perpetually), was full of entertaining stories about the local vineyards - and how he once chased a stray dog for three miles with a garden hose. Okay, Spiros, I get the vibe. And that red wine? Wow. If I were forced to be a serial killer I think I'd pick that.
- Evening: The Great Missing Dinner: The best laid plans, right? I planned for something fancy after the wine. But you know how it goes - a little too much of the local variety and suddenly the idea of leaving the room to go to dinner seems… daunting. This is where I realized: I was also tired. Damn. I just ate some bread and olives in my room. And collapsed on the bed, exhausted and happy.
Day 3: Double-Down Delight and (Maybe) a Dip in the River?
- Morning: Full-On Pozar Immersion, Take Two: I couldn't get enough of those Pozar baths. This time, I know what to expect. After a particularly intense hike earlier in the day, the mineral water was just what the doctor ordered. I floated, I lolled, I even managed to submerge my hair without having a mild panic attack. Success! (Mostly. Let's be honest, I still had a tiny internal freakout when the water got near my ears.) I spent almost the entire day lounging around.
- Afternoon: The River, the River… (Maybe Next Time): I envisioned a lovely afternoon by the river running by Roes Suites, but it all seemed a little too… much. The allure of a quiet room, a good book, and maybe another small glass of wine was simply too strong. Maybe tomorrow.
- Evening: Greek Night, Greek Night, Where Art Thou? I almost missed out on the whole Greek night experience, but ended up grabbing a glass of wine from the suite to enjoy the scenery
Day 4: Departing and the Pain of Leaving
- Morning: Breakfast at Roes Suites. Freshly squeezed orange juice, and a view of the river. The simple things are the best.
- Afternoon: Checkout from the resort. Now I have no idea what comes next. Maybe another long drive?
- Evening: Long drive back to the airport. I'm already planning my return.
Reflections (and a final, slightly manic note):
Aridaia? It's not perfect, but it's real. It’s a place where you can mess up ordering food, fall in love with hot springs, and maybe, just maybe, learn to relax a little. I'm already dreaming of the next time I can be back. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to google "olive oil stain removal." This is definitely a trip to remember. Probably forever. Greece, you glorious whirlwind of chaos, you’ve got me hooked.
Kaohsiung's BEST Pho: Tau Home Base Revealed!
So, what *is* this whole "thing" we're talking about, anyway? Be honest, I’m terrible at following directions.
Okay, okay, let's rip the band-aid off first. This is a guide–kinda–to, well, *stuff*. Whatever "stuff" you need guidance about–or sometimes even just plain entertainment. Think of me as your erratic but well-meaning friend. You know, the one who's seen some things, messed up even more things, and is now trying to make sense of it *all*. Yeah, that's me. So, I'm going to try to give you answers...but remember, I've got my own baggage, too. And my brain wanders like a puppy without a leash. Bear with me.
Are you…qualified to answer *anything*? And can you keep it simple? I have the attention span of a goldfish.
Qualified? Honey, I'm *living* proof that life doesn't require qualifications. I've learned the hard way. Trust me, you don't *want* to know my resume. Let's just say it involves a lot of awkward silences, questionable decisions, and a deep, abiding love for pizza. As for keeping it simple… I *try*. But my brain is wired for tangents. It’s like trying to herd cats, but the cats are rogue thoughts and the herd is my audience. I'll *aim* for simple. I *swear*. No promises.
Okay, deep breath. Let's say... "The Dreaded First Date." Any advice for a total flail? I might spontaneously combust.
Oh, the first date. The battlefield of butterflies and utter humiliation. Okay, here's the deal: *Nobody* knows what they're doing. Seriously. I remember my first *real* date. I thought wearing a sequined scrunchie was peak fashion. (Shudders.) I tripped on the curb, spilled a whole milkshake on my date's new shoes (which, in retrospect, was pretty rude), and spent the entire evening talking about my pet hamster, Gerald. Gerald. I tell you. Disaster.
So, my advice? Just... *be yourself*. Cliché, I know. But it's the only thing that works. And wear sensible shoes. And maybe, *maybe* skip the pet hamster stories unless they *ask*. And bring mints. Trust me on the mints. Oh, and here’s a hot tip: *Listen*. People love to talk. Let them. Ask them questions, show some interest. Avoid the awkward pauses – they are a killer! Then just...try to have some fun. If it's a train wreck, at least it’s a story for the grandkids… or your therapist.
Speaking of awkward, how do you handle *that* silence? You know, the one that stretches on forever?
The silence. Ah, the abyss between words. It’s the most nerve-wracking game. If it's super awkward, then the best defense is humor. Break the tension. Say something completely absurd! (Once, I started singing the theme song to *The Golden Girls*. Oddly, it broke the ice. Maybe. I'm still not sure.) Sometimes, just acknowledging it helps. "Wow, that silence is loud, isn't it?" Or, "I'm just mentally cataloging my bad decisions..." Anything to break the tension. And for heaven's sake, *don't* start staring at the ceiling.
However if you're really struggling, just ask a direct question. About anything. Maybe something you're prepared to talk about to lead the direction. Or, if you are feeling it, confess something: "I'm kinda nervous. The silence is making me sweat." Honesty can be disarming. Just... don't make it *too* honest. "I'm terrified of this date" doesn't always work.
Ugh, okay. Money stress. Any tips for... you know... *not* being broke? (Or at least not as broke?)
Money. The root, the source, and the utter bane of modern existence. Look, I'm no financial guru. Far from it. I'm currently fueled by instant ramen and the faint promise of a lottery win. But I *have* learned a few things from my epic financial meltdowns. (There have been many.)
First: *Budget*. I know, I know. The B-word. But even a basic budget helps. Track where your money goes. You'll be shocked. "I spent *how much* on avocado toast?!" Second: *Cut the leaks*. That subscription you never use? Cancel it. That daily coffee habit? Brew at home. It adds up, I swear. Third: *Prioritize*. Needs vs. wants. It's a constant battle, especially when the new whatever is just so tempting. And fourth: *Learn to say no*. It's a superpower. It's hard, but so worth the effort. Honestly. This one is still hard for me.
What if I make a mistake? I mean, a *big* one. A life-ruining-ish kind of mistake?
Okay, let's get real for a moment. We *all* make mistakes. Big ones. They feel like the end of the world when you're in the thick of it. I once...oh, never mind. Let's just say I made a *doozy* that involved glitter glue, a borrowed sports car, and a very irate goat. The point is: the world didn't end. I survived. You will too. First, take a deep breath. Acknowledge the mistake. Own it. Apologize if you need to. And then...forgive yourself. Here's the secret: Everyone is on their own road. And everyone veers occasionally, and sometimes they crash. What matters is whether (or how) you learn from the crash.
Then, learn from it. Figure out what went wrong. What can you do differently next time? It can be a hard thing to accept, to learn from your mistakes. The more you think about it, the better you'll see how it can affect you. It's also a good idea to assess who was affected, and how you can help. Maybe make amends if you can. And remember: life is a series of lessons, not a destination. And sometimes, those lessons are painful. But they're *always* valuable.
I'm just...tired. Like, soul-crushingly tired. What's the deal?
Ah, the existential fatigue. I know it well. Welcome to the club! There are about a million things that could be contributing. Maybe you're not getting enough sleep. Or it could be that you're stressed. Or maybe the sheer weight of modern life sucks the very life force outBook Hotels Now
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