Escape to Paradise: Ionian Princess Awaits in Corfu!
Escape to Paradise: Ionian Princess Awaits in Corfu! - A Review (with a little bit too much honesty)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (sun-kissed) beans on the Ionian Princess in Corfu. They say "Escape to Paradise," and honestly? They're not completely lying. But let's be real, paradise ain't always perfect, and I'm here to give you the real deal, warts and all. Because I'm tired of those overly-polished reviews!
First Impressions & Accessibility - Okay, Let's Get the Boring Stuff Over With (But It Matters!)
Getting to the Ionian Princess was… well, it was Corfu. Beautiful, winding roads, and thankfully, the airport transfer they offer was smooth as silk. A definite plus after a red-eye! Speaking of smooth, let's talk about accessibility. This is super important. While I don't personally need it, I always look out for this and let me tell you, the Princess tries. They have facilities for disabled guests listed, and an elevator, always a good sign. They're also very serious about daily disinfection in common areas, which feels reassuring after the pandemic, and offer rooms sanitized between stays. I didn't specifically test every aspect of accessibility, but from what I saw, they're making an effort. That's a solid start.
The Room - My Sanctuary… Mostly
My room? Ah, my little haven. It was a non-smoking room (thank the gods!), and thankfully soundproof, because, let's face it, I’m sensitive to noise. It also had air conditioning, which is a MUST in Corfu. And they weren't kidding about the free Wi-Fi - it actually worked, in my room, in all areas and that's a win! There was a lovely balcony with a view (that's the "Princess" part shining through), a desk for those moments when you think you'll work (yeah, right!), and a mini-bar stocked with… well, I remember the water. And the coffee/tea maker, which was my best friend every morning. The only gripe? The bed – extra long bed was lovely, but the pillows were… flat. Like, really flat. But hey, I can't complain about everything! They had bathrobes and slippers, which are a luxurious touch I love and the private bathroom was sparkling clean.
Cleanliness and Safety: Seriously Impressive (and Relieving!)
This is where the Ionian Princess absolutely shines. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so believe me when I say I was thrilled. They’re going above and beyond - anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing services, rooms sanitized between stays, hand sanitizer everywhere. And they even have a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit. They also have a Cashless payment service, so I never had to reach into my wallet while I was there. It's seriously reassuring. They take this seriously. And as the safety/security feature is one of the most important things, I can say that there is CCTV in common areas and safety/security feature are some of the important aspects for me. That really put my mind at ease.
Things to Do (And When I Almost Died of Relaxation)
Okay, the good stuff. The "Escape to Paradise" part. This is where the Ionian Princess really delivers.
- The Pool with a View. Oh. My. God. The pool. Picture this: turquoise water, sun reflecting off its surface, and a view of the Ionian Sea. Yeah. Lost count of the hours I spent just floating, staring at the horizon. Glorious.Swimming pool [outdoor] is the same, but from a slightly different perspective, it really makes it perfect!
- The Spa. (and My Near-Death Experience of Bliss) Right, so I'm not a "spa person." I'm a "sit on the beach and read a trashy novel" person. But I thought, "Hey, I'm on vacation, why not be fancy?" I wandered into the Spa/sauna, and, well, let's just say I almost forgot my own name. I did not experience the body scrub or body wrap, but I loved to take a dip in the sauna, and spend some time at the steamroom. Seriously. The massage I got was… transcendental. My muscles, which were normally clenched by constant deadlines and stress, melted away. I emerged from the Spa a changed woman. Or maybe just a woman who needed a nap.
- Fitness Center: I did not use this, because you know – beach > gym. But it looked well-equipped.
- Poolside Bar: Perfect for those cocktails while sunbathing
- Ways to relax is what the Foot bath provides. It's very relaxing and I recommend you.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Paradise Experience (with a Few Hiccups)
The food situation was… varied. Let's start with the good.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A solid spread, with a mix of Western and Asian options. The pastries were dangerously delicious. The coffee/tea in restaurant was a life-saver. I tried to have the breakfast in room service several times.
- Poolside bar and Restaurants: The Poolside bar was a great place for a quick snack or drink. They have a wide variety of desserts in restaurant and a salad in restaurant options.
- Restaurants: The A la carte in restaurant was a delight! Most of the meals had something to take home, they provide you bottle of water and sometimes you can get the soup in restaurant.
Now, for the not-so-perfect…
- The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver, especially when I was late for the buffet. Still, it's not always the best option.
- They could really benefit from a dedicated Vegetarian restaurant.
Services & Conveniences: The Extras That Make It Easier
The Ionian Princess offers a TON of helpful stuff. Daily housekeeping was impeccable. There was a Concierge to help with literally anything (from booking a taxi to finding the best souvlaki in town). I made good use of the laundry service (beach life is messy, y'all). They also have a gift/souvenir shop. Oh, and the car park [free of charge] was a definite bonus! The concierge was super helpful with everything from arranging excursions to getting me extra pillows.
For the Kids (and Big Kids at Heart)
While I didn't travel with children, it's clear the Ionian Princess is family/child friendly. They have babysitting service (because, let's be honest, adults need a break too!), and kids facilities. I didn't see a kids meal but the Family/child friendly is a plus
Getting Around: (and My Near-Miss with a Goat)
They offer airport transfer… They have the taxi service and car park [on-site] or in other spots where you can car park [free of charge] which is a huge help. Also, they provide bicycle parking but I never used it. But I have to tell you about my adventure during the Getting around. I got to rent a car, because I wanted to explore Corfu. I almost hit a goat. A goat! Corfuians, please put more signs!.
Overall - Should You Go?
Absolutely! The Ionian Princess isn't perfect. It's a bit "hotel chain" at times, and the food can be inconsistent. But the pros vastly outweigh the cons. The location is stunning, the staff is lovely (and incredibly helpful), the cleanliness is top-notch, and the spa… well, the spa can change your life. This place is great for a relaxing beach vacation.
My Honest Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist, and I Like the Room Service)
Book this Hotel if…
- You prioritize cleanliness and safety.
- You want breathtaking views.
- You crave relaxation and pampering.
- You want a little slice of paradise, with a side of honesty.
Don't Book this Hotel if…
- You need a super-luxurious, over-the-top experience.
- You have strong dietary restrictions.
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Uncover the Hidden Gem: Hotel President Vasto, Italy – Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into a gloriously messy week at the Ionian Princess Club Hotel in Corfu. Forget your sterile, itinerary-by-the-book nonsense. This is Corfu, darling! Expect the unexpected, embrace the chaos, and try not to spill too much Ouzo on your new linen trousers.
The Corfu Caprice: A Week of Sun, Souvlaki, and Slight Panic
(Note: Times? Pfft. This is Greece. Times are suggestions at best.)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread at Reception
- Morning (whenever you decide to wake up): Landed in Corfu. The airport? Delightfully chaotic. Baggage carousel? Apparently, it’s a suggestion, not an obligation. Thankfully, my suitcase mostly survived the journey.
- Mid-Morning (or when the caffeine kicks in): Taxi to the hotel. Sun streaking through the windscreen, the smell of salt and bougainvillea… pure bliss. Then, the receptionist. She was, bless her heart, trying. "Your room… it is… ready… at… later." (This would become a recurring theme.) The sheer, quiet desperation in her eyes as she fumbled with the key card filled me with an unsettling camaraderie.
- Afternoon: Finally, the room! Lovely balcony overlooking… well, something green and leafy. Okay, good enough. Unpacked, wrestled with the air-con (defeated it promptly), and slumped on the bed. Realised I’d forgotten sunscreen. Panic sets in.
- Evening: Found a tiny taverna just off the main road. Ordered souvlaki (the first of many). Ate it with an embarrassing amount of enthusiasm. Felt a wave of contentment wash over me, then, the existential dread of being in a new place alone. It's a balance, you know? Good food, stunning views, and the nagging voice in your head whispering, "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
Day 2: Poolside Pandemonium and a Run-in with a Rogue Olive
- Morning: Poolside. Found a reasonably sun-drenched lounger. Claimed it with a towel (standard practice, evidently). Attempted to read my book, but the sun was relentless, the kids were screaming, and I was pretty sure I'd forgotten how to breathe.
- Mid-Morning: Ordered a ridiculously expensive cocktail from the bar. Halfway through, realised I’d misplaced my sunglasses. Spent a frantic ten minutes searching my bag, my soul, the surrounding area. Found them. In my hair.
- Afternoon: The swimming. Finally dipped in the pool. And then, the Olive Incident. A rogue olive, from who knows where, somehow ended up in my peripheral vision. Swallowed. I’m in Greece. It’s practically a rite of passage.
- Evening: Attempted to eat at the hotel restaurant. The service? Charmingly slow. The food? Decent, bordering on forgettable. The live music? Well, it was there. Spent the evening staring at the sea, wondering what it would be like to own a small, slightly dilapidated fishing boat.
Day 3: Corfu Town & the Emotional Rollercoaster of Shopping
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (bused): Ferry to Corfu Town. Cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, and enough history to make your head spin. Wandered around, got lost (multiple times), and felt the overwhelming urge to buy everything.
- Mid-Afternoon: The Shopping. Bought a ridiculously oversized straw hat (needed), a bottle of local olive oil (essential), and a ceramic ashtray shaped like a donkey (I don't even smoke). Then, the guilt kicked in. "Did I really need the donkey ashtray?" "Am I a person who collects donkey ashtrays?" Existential crisis level: Elevated.
- Evening: Ate dinner in Corfu Town, by the ancient fortress. The setting was gorgeous, the food much better. I saw a couple fight over a plate of calamari. It's times like these I am happy to be alone. Watched the sunset. It was spectacular. Decided I could get used to this.
Day 4: Beaches, Bums & Bellybutton lint!
Morning: Rent a small scooter, maybe, or take taxi, and go to a small beach somewhere. I don't care, I didn't think so good about it. Lay on the beach.
Afternoon: Went for a small swim, got lost and then found my way back.
Evening: Got a nice Greek meal, that was fine, I suppose. Day 5: The Boat Trip Blues (and Bliss)
Morning: Booked a boat trip. Great, right? Wrong. The boat was overcrowded, the music was awful, and the captain looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. Then, we sailed to a secluded cove. The water was impossibly turquoise. I swam, I snorkeled (badly), and the world felt… perfect.
Afternoon: Lunch on the boat. The food was… functional. But the views! Oh, the views. Saw a dolphin. My heart did a little flip.
Evening: Back at the hotel, exhausted but exhilarated. Realised I’d gotten sunburnt. Again. Also realised I’d left my swimsuit on the boat. Decided to have a glass of wine instead of confronting my swimsuit-less fate.
Day 6: The Day I Became a Local (and Nearly Got Arrested)
- Morning: Attempted to order coffee in Greek. Failed spectacularly. The barista, however, was clearly impressed by my "effort." Got a lukewarm coffee and a withering look and the experience filled me with elation.
- Afternoon: Tried to visit a quiet village, and ended up going down the wrong road. I got out of the car to try a road out. When I noticed the same place had a sign.
- Evening: Went for the best Greek meal I've ever had. Decided I could get used to this.
Day 7: Departure & the Sweet, Sweet Smell of Freedom (And Maybe a Little Regret)
- Morning: Packed my bags. Woke up and put my clothes in the bag.
- Afternoon: Taxi back to the airport. The journey home. Said goodbye to the receptionist. I think we hugged, and both of us probably cried a little.
- Evening: In the airport, waiting. Feeling a bittersweet blend of relief (sunburn is a bitch), and a pang of sadness. Corfu you were great. I will miss it, even if I'm never going back.
- The plane: I had a snack on the plane, watched some movies, read some books and had to go to the toilet so went to the toilet. I ended up going back to the hotel and had my last dinner.
So there you have it. Corfu. A tangled web of sunshine, salty air, and questionable decisions. And me, somehow, surviving it all. Now, for the next adventure…
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Marin House Awaits in Pattaya!
Escape to Paradise: Ionian Princess Awaits in Corfu! (Honest FAQs, No Filter Needed!)
Okay, spill the beans. Is this Corfu thing *really* paradise on earth, or just another Instagram trap?
I'd say, yes, it's *close* to paradise if you're okay with a little (or a LOT) of imperfection. Expect to get lost. Expect to sweat. Expect the locals to tease you (lovingly, of course). And always, ALWAYS, bring bug spray.
The "Ionian Princess" part... is that a boat? And is it fancy? Because frankly, I'm not super into "yacht life."
Let's talk food. Is it all just gyros and souvlaki? (Not that there's anything wrong with that, but…variety, you know?)
**Important Tip:** Learn a few basic Greek phrases. Even a "Yasas" (hello) or "Efharisto" (thank you) goes a long way. The locals *love* it, and you'll get better service, and, let's be honest, probably more delicious food!
What's the wine situation? Because a vacation without wine is just…sad.
Seriously, make an effort to try the local wines. You'll be pleasantly surprised, and might even find a new favorite. I know I did. Plus, a little wine helps the sunburn, right? (Not really, wear sunscreen!)
Is it crowded? I'm not one for shoulder-to-shoulder tourism.
Beaches! Give me the beach lowdown!
What about getting around? Do I need a car? Is public transport a nightmare?
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