Can't say enough good things about this experience!
Greece | Mar 9 - Mar 17, 2023

E
Elizabeth S.
Columbus, OH | Reviewed on Mar 30, 2023

I usually plan my trips independently but I may never do it again. The KimKim service was amazing. Our local specialist, Irene, developed a plan for us based on exactly what we wanted to do, with a lot of back and forth - we never felt like we were being plugged into pre-existing plans, and she was very responsive to any questions that we had. We might never have explored Chania in Crete without her advice, and it was lovely. The local private guides that Irene arranged were very knowledgeable and excellent, especially the chef/guide in Athens (Acropolis and food tour) and the guide in Heraklion (Knossos). Our driver in Chania gave us a very personal tour, with oranges from his orchard and lunch in his home village. Everything was prompt and efficient - from pickup at the airport to our departure.

The KimKim support team was especially helpful when we encountered a crisis - an airline traffic controllers strike. We could not get through to the carrier to reschedule our flight by phone or email. Even though we had made the reservations independently, the KimKim team was able both to reschedule our flight and arrange for an extra night at our hotel in Chania - this really made us appreciate the value of working with them. They also helped us recover a camera that was left on the bus of a small group tour in Chania.

KimKim might want to consider making sure that travelers know about hotel accessibility issues. We very much liked the hotel in Athens, but it would have been a challenge for someone with mobility problems (stairs) - we had no problems, but it would have been good to note this in case it was relevant.

I don't know how much more expensive this trip was than if we had arranged everything ourselves. However, there was a great deal of value added in what KimKim provided. We are somewhat picky travelers, but we have only good things to say about KimKim's services.

Hotel Reviews
Home and Poetry
Athens

This is a charming hotel with each room dedicated to a different Greek poet. The room was spotless and nicely decorated. We had a large corner room with lots of windows and a fireplace. A lovely breakfast is served on a rooftop with direct views of the Parthenon, with eggs made to order. The staff were welcoming and helpful. People with mobility issues would have a problem with access, as there is a flight of stairs to get into the hotel - there is a (tiny) elevator once you are in the hotel, but I do not believe there is access that does not involve stairs. Staff helped us to carry our bags up the entry stairs. Nice cosmetics provided. It is an easy walk from this hotel to many of the essential tour sites in Athens, and it is located in an area that is very pleasant to walk around and explore.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Neighborhood and proximity to sights.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
GDM Megaron
Heraklion

This is a modern, very beautiful hotel. The rooms are large and well furnished, with extremely comfortable beds and nice toiletries. The breakfast is probably the best we encountered in all of Greece and Israel on this trip, served in a pleasant room overlooking the harbor. The staff were beyond pleasant - every single person was extremely friendly and helpful. We wish we could have stayed another night!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Convenient to the museum and harbor.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
SanSal Boutique Hotel
Chania

This is a nice, modern hotel. It does not have a ton of charm, but it is clean and pleasantly furnished, with comfortable beds and nice toiletries. Staff was pleasant and helpful. It is located right outside the old city of Chania, on the sea. We had a nice big terrace, with lovely views.

Authenticity & Character
It is perfectly fine, but modern, so not a lot of "character."
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Irene Lappa
Irene
Irene Lappa
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Mar 31, 2023

Dear Elizabeth and Peter!
Thank you so much for your wonderful words and your positive feedback!
Our team and me, deeply appreciate your detailed feedback as it helps us become better and diminish the hiccups during the trips we plan and operate. I dully noted all of your valuable comments and conveyed the information to the team.
Once again, I would like to say that it was a great pleasure working with you and I will be happy to organize your next trip to Greece or/and perhaps to Italy(?)!
Wishing you safe travels and all the best!
Irene