Summer Shades

Recent Reviews: 118

• User:F1061OAjamess

  Trip type: Couples

  What's In A Name Anyway

  23 Nov 2025

  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. Elena Panagiotou, Γενικός Διευθυντής at Summer Shades Hotel, responded to this review Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review. We truly appreciate it, and we’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us.I’m very sorry I missed the chance to meet you in person—I was away attending to our new property in Mykonos during your visit. Hopefully next time our paths will cross.Regarding the name, you are absolutely right: Arkoulis was the former name of the hotel before we took over. For quite some time we used “Summer Shades (ex Arkoulis)” to avoid confusion, especially for our repeat guests. Once people became familiar with the new name, we gradually removed the old one from our materials—though it seems some travel platforms still show it!We’re also glad you appreciated the atmosphere around the pool and lobby. We try to be flexible with our bar service, but we do close the pool bar at night so the rooms nearby can enjoy a quiet evening. While we don’t operate a full restaurant, we do offer snacks at both bars, and the “older gentleman” you met is indeed an exceptional barman—and also part of the management family.Thank you as well for mentioning our location and the nearby amenities. We do our best to be clear about distances so guests know exactly what to expect.As for the cats—yes, Paros is full of them! We do care for a few strays on the property (all treated and checked regularly), and we always remove them if they bother guests. But “Sticky” certainly lives up to his name… he simply loves people and introduces himself to anyone who allows it.Once again, thank you for staying with us and for your lovely words about our staff. We wish you happy and safe travels, and it would be our pleasure to welcome you back someday.Warm regards,Elena & Summer Shades team

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• User:Jet54680488066

  Trip type: Solo travel

  The best hotel in Naoussa

  21 Oct 2025

  All the staff at the hotel are friendly and helpful, making your stay unforgettable and comfortable. Beautiful property close to Naoussa town, just 15 min. walk. The pool and bar are a great choice for socializing and relaxing. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with a great view of the bay and the town. I definitely recommend the hotel, as I have been returning to this place for several years with great pleasure. Lena Panagiotou, General Manager at Summer Shades Hotel, responded to this review Thank you so much for your kind words and for your continued loyalty over the years. It is always a pleasure to welcome you back, and we are delighted to hear that you enjoy your stays with us. Your support truly means a lot, and we wish you all the best in everything. We look forward to welcoming you again soon for many more memorable moments!Warm regards, Summer Shades team PS we would love to welcoming you to our new property Mykonian Shades in Mykonos regards

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• User:peter b

  Trip type: Family

  Old school resort

  22 Aug 2025

  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 Lena Panagiotou, General Manager at Summer Shades Hotel, responded to this review Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're very glad you enjoyed your stay and appreciate your kind words.We're sorry to hear about the issues you encountered. Please note that no concerns about the door or pool ladder were reported during your stay, nor by guests before or after. We would have been more than happy to assist if these had been brought to our attention.As with all hotels, wear and tear can happen, especially during a busy season. While we regularly maintain the property and have recently added new wooden sunbeds, sometimes damage occurs unexpectedly, and we do our best to repair or replace items as needed. We always encourage guests to let us know of any problems so we can resolve them promptly.We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back—either here in Paros or at our new property Mykonian Shades in Mykonos.Warm regards, safe and happy travels always summer shades team

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• User:Richard D

  Trip type: Couples

  Cheap an cheerful accommodations with luxury prices.

  18 May 2025

  Single hard beds pushed together.On a noisy road all night long loud.Pool bar 8 euros for a beer want a bottle of wine 80!!.Shower was filthy thin sheets thin comforter.Box breakfast late didn't have what we ordered had some things we didn't order no restraunt no coffee as ordered walked across the road for a coffee.1 km walk to the sea and beach.Pool area is nice you can't bring your own drinks.A beer in the store cost 1 euro but they charge 800 percent guess what no one bought any drinks.You can walk down to the sea and have a drink near the ocean for the same price in an amazing atmosphere or sit in a pool chair for the over priced drinks. Lena Panagiotou, Γενικός Διευθυντής at Summer Shades Hotel, responded to this review Thank you for your review. We’re sorry to hear that your stay did not meet your expectations and would like to offer some clarifications for the benefit of future guests.Our hotel’s location, room types, amenities, and pricing are clearly stated on all booking platforms. The Classic Room you booked is accurately described as street-side with a street view. We are located just 800 meters from Naoussa Old Harbour and the beach, with coffee shops 2 minutes away and restaurants within a 5–10 minute walk.We take pride in our pool area and pool bar, where beers are €5 and wine or prosecco starts at €25 — not €80, as mentioned. Comparing these to supermarket prices is misleading, as bar service includes hospitality, ambiance, and staffing.Our mattresses are orthopedic, and softer toppers are available upon request. All linens are high-quality full cotton, not thin, and are regularly maintained. We have operated since June 2021, and all bedding dates from that time or newer.Breakfast is optional, and the menu and pricing are published in advance. If there was any issue, we would have gladly corrected it — but no concern was brought to our attention during your stay. The same applies to the cleanliness comment: had we been informed, we would have addressed it immediately. In the rooms there are complimentary coffee and tea facilitiesLike most hotels, we kindly ask that outside drinks are not brought into shared areas like the pool, but guests are welcome to enjoy them on their private terraces.We are truly sorry that you did not enjoy your stay. However, this is who we are — a small, seasonal hotel focused on comfort, simplicity, and honest hospitality. We are always here to help and improve your experience, but in this case, not only were no requests made, it also seems there was a misunderstanding about what was booked.We appreciate your feedback and wish you all the best in your future travels.Kind regards, Summer Shades

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• User:globetrotter2Glasgow

  Trip type: Couples

  Fabulous stay

  14 Jun 2024

  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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