Philippos Xenia Hotel

“Special in Serres”

We stayed in this hotel in late October 2024 for two nights. The hotel is on the perimeter of Serrres and a cheap (€5) taxi ride from the bus station. There is no train service to Serres, however the hotel does have a car park. The hotel has 57 rooms and we believe it to be part of the Xenia pro… more

We stayed in this hotel in late October 2024 for two nights. The hotel is on the perimeter of Serrres and a cheap (€5) taxi ride from the bus station. There is no train service to Serres, however the hotel does have a car park. The hotel has 57 rooms and we believe it to be part of the Xenia programme of the Greek Government in the 60’s. It is however, thoroughly modern but with homage paid to the design ethos of the Xenia programme. It has three stories and is on the margins of the countryside. Entry to the hotel leads to a small reception desk but allied to a large and very comfortable seating area – itself letting onto a restaurant and separate bar area. There is further seating for drinking and dining in an added-on conservatory and in two small external areas. There is a rooftop bar open during the summer and therefore closed when we were there! The whole of the interior was in excellent condition with high quality furnishings reflecting the past design impetus. Everywhere was comfortable and (in October) warm! There is a health and fitness club with a swimming pool on the ground floor which we did not use. There are function rooms and a conference area but we were not troubled by groups during our stay. We do not believe Serres is in on any mass tour group itinerary. Our room was on the second floor overlooking a small area of woodland. It was clean and comfortable and appointed in line with general hotel facilities. There was a desk of sorts but only with a pouf at the wrong height to work comfortably at the desk. There were, however, two very comfortable easy chairs and a small table. For guests anxious to do business there is a fully equipped business centre. There was a full width balcony with furniture. The room was spacious. The bed was large and comfortable and the linen good quality. The bathroom was disproportionately large and beginning to show its age. Our room had an oval, two-person, sunken bath with glazing to both the bedroom and the hall – there were curtains. We did not find it functional, but we are old, and many people will. The hand held shower in such a big bath presented an early morning challenge. But all that we used worked. There was plenty of hot water and the whole bathroom was very clean. We experienced no noise from either outside or inside the hotel. On our second night there had been a major football match in town but there was no impact from noise or the fact that the visiting Athenian team was staying in the hotel. The precautions taken by the hotel were superb. We had private security and local police to safeguard everybody. Wifi was acceptable. Housekeeping was good. We only took breakfast which was good, but limited – particularly for vegetarians. The dining room was spacious enough to ensure that there was no congestion at any time. We did not take dinner, but we did have a light lunch with wine in the bar. Service was good. There was a limited menu. Staff were exemplary – particularly on reception. Most had good English and all were professional and attentive. We are uncertain about guests with mobility problems but believe they would be able to access all areas of the hotel, especially because there was a lift serving the exterior of the building. Corridors were wide. Public areas were not sectioned off and the rooms were capacious. This was the best of the remaining Xenia branded hotels we have stayed in. We would recommend it without hesitation. Whilst the town of Serres held limited attractions this hotel was worth the visit in itself. It was designed by K Stamatis in 1960. It is an exemplar of the genre.

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“Time for an upgrade….”

Reception staff were lovely, lobby restaurant was sensational, food absolutely amazing, again, staff lovely….but The rooms need updating (Room 112). So plain, shower leaks profusely, we needed three towels to soak up the water that somehow leaked. NO coffee or tea provided, no kettle, no mini bar.… more

Reception staff were lovely, lobby restaurant was sensational, food absolutely amazing, again, staff lovely….but The rooms need updating (Room 112). So plain, shower leaks profusely, we needed three towels to soak up the water that somehow leaked. NO coffee or tea provided, no kettle, no mini bar. Carpets look like there has been a crime scene. Look elsewhere is my suggestion….. I would not return

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