Summer Shades

“Fabulous stay”

Just left after staying her for 12 nights a great hotel reasonably priced for Naoussa. Lovely pool area immaculately clean our room had lovely balcony with a great view housekeeping were great room spotlessly clean good bathroom comfy bed 15 minute walk into town they do a basket breakfast delive… more

Just left after staying her for 12 nights a great hotel reasonably priced for Naoussa. Lovely pool area immaculately clean our room had lovely balcony with a great view housekeeping were great room spotlessly clean good bathroom comfy bed 15 minute walk into town they do a basket breakfast delivered to room or there are plenty of coffee shops nearby. The hotel staff are lovely we had a lovely time ❤️

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“What's In A Name Anyway”

When we decided on Greece and the package we ended up buying I began some serious research including among other things the hotels listed that we’d be staying at. This is standard research including reading reviews here and elsewhere to get a feel of the place and obviously reading said reviews wit… more

When we decided on Greece and the package we ended up buying I began some serious research including among other things the hotels listed that we’d be staying at. This is standard research including reading reviews here and elsewhere to get a feel of the place and obviously reading said reviews with a grain of salt. In addition, finding them on Google Maps to determine exactly where they were in relation to both attractions we wanted to see and local places to eat and drink. Exoticca said that for our two nights in Paros we’d be staying at the Arkoulis Hotel just outside the town of Naousa. Of course, when I did a search for the Arkoulis Hotel nothing came up. When I searched in Google Maps up popped the Summer Shades Hotel in the exact same location. Further research showed that the photos of one appeared to be the exact same ones as the other. No problems I thought hotels and resorts have been known to change their names for a variety of reasons including new ownership. Something the staff at the hotel confirmed, although they did not know the reason for the name change. Oddly enough when writing this article, I went on the Exoticca site and its still listed as the Arkoulis Hotel? The Arkoulis or Summer Shades as I said is located on the southern edge of the town of Naousa about a 15-minute walk to the harbour. It should be noted though that this walk into town is downhill which means the return walk is not. Summer Shades Hotel is a small place with only 38 rooms most grouped around the pool area. Room types include doubles, triples and even small suites. All the rooms including ours, number 114, have small patios out front with tables and chairs. Inside was a small TV, min fridge, coffee maker and supplies. There was a wardrobe with a safe, which in our case wasn’t working making us resort to the portable lock box again. There was plenty of room to hang all our clothes though with sufficient hangers. The room itself was fairly large even after it was littered with our cases and piles of drying clothing. The bathroom was fine, large enough for the two of us and more importantly no issues with either hot water or water pressure during our stay. There was free WIFI in the room and in fact throughout the property and no issues that I noted. In fact, I was able to stream movies on my tablet with no problems. There doesn’t appear to be a restaurant at least none was open while we were there, but there are two bars, one by the pool and another in the lobby area. The pool one is not open in the evening and the lobby one did not appear to have any set hours, one just asked the desk clerk for a drink. The lobby itself had plenty of comfortable couches and a large table which we used for the check in process. Check in was simple. Six of us arrived at the same time and were expected. We sat around this table and completed the registration cards and the breakfast orders. Like other places breakfast was included in our stay. Unlike other places there was no restaurant or breakfast room to go to. Instead, the staff delivered breakfast in a basket to each room. After the first night the basket included a card for one to check off what they wanted the next day. The breakfast wasn’t anything spectacular, but it was filling. There was a piece of fruit, a hard-boiled egg, several pieces of bread or crackers, a juice box and yogurt. If you wanted a hot drink such as coffee or tea, then the fixings were already in the room. As an alternative there was a very good local coffee shop across the street. Next to it was a coin operated laundry if needed. There was also a gas station next door with a selection of drinks and snacks. Finally, as one headed into town there were a variety of other places including convenience stores a bakery, pharmacist and another coffee shop all within 10 minutes walk. Staff were polite and professional and the three I met all spoke excellent English. They included the pool bartender an older gentleman who apparently was probably more than that. Other staff noted he was the husband of the present manager who was away during our stay. The only other two I met were the night clerk and the day clerk, both young men who were courteous, polite and very knowledgeable about the area including recommending some places to eat in town. The two of them even invited me to join them in the lobby for a beer and to watch the football match, Athens versus Barcelona. One final point, if you don’t like cats or have an issue with them then perhaps staying here is not a good idea. Anyone who has been to the Greek Islands knows that there are numerous stray cats about. Here though there are a couple of pet ones as well. One apparently ignores guests and just snoozes on one the couches. The other nickname “sticky” is the exact opposite and makes it a point to introduce themselves to every guest as soon as they arrive. It is entertaining trying to fill out a registration card while a very friendly cat crawls all over you.

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“Old school resort”

We loved our stay here , 4 nights to relax and enjoy Paros. Cons : the place definitely needs maintenance with doors falling apart, the pool ladder loose and feels like it’s coming out, sun beds are damaged and need repairs. The place is on a busy corner so there’s loud car noise at nights, fortu… more

We loved our stay here , 4 nights to relax and enjoy Paros. Cons : the place definitely needs maintenance with doors falling apart, the pool ladder loose and feels like it’s coming out, sun beds are damaged and need repairs. The place is on a busy corner so there’s loud car noise at nights, fortunately I slept with ear plugs Pros: the pool area is sooooo relaxing and really cool vibe. The room got cleaned and all linen changed every day which was amazing. Good location, short walk into town and cafe/service station across the road. Management awesome, friendly and helpful. Thanks for a great time in Paros x

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