Le Palace

Le Palace Hotel is located just a short walk to many historic sites, Aristotle Sq., the amazing open markets, shopping, and the fantastic restaurants near the Ladakia section of Thessaloniki. There is a nice breakfast offered in the morning with many choices of coffee (Greek coffee my favorite!) fresh bread, yogurt, fruit, cheeses, and other specialties. There is a terrific view of the busy streets below from your table as well. The beds were very comfortable and the room spacious, however, it was much too hot and it was difficult to sleep. Opening the window helped but since our room was just over an outdoor garden, mosquitoes found there way inside quickly, so we had to close the window again. We asked the staff to assist but it really did not help all that much. The staff were generally friendly, especially those in the restaurant, but the lobby is very small and usually the lobby staff sat behind a wall. There was no information on sites to see in the area or suggested restaurants but they did have a street map available on the counter. We discovered the large flea market by accident as it weaves in and out of side streets and alleys but collectively is massive. It would have been nice to learn of this wonderful find earlier - especially since it is just a few blocks from the hotel. I think the staff in the lobby could be a little more friendly too. Little things would make a big difference and the stay more enjoyable such as offering postage stamps for sale, which they do not. Also, they do not have a computer for use in the business center, so if you need to check airline tickets for example, you will need to have your own laptop and then you can use their wireless service to connect. Otherwise you will need to find a wireless cafe. Of interest to note, while we were there the hotel changed its policy to be a 100% smoke free establishment - which is amazing since it seems everyone in Thessaloniki smokes! They are very energy conscious and have motion lights in every hallway and you must install your room key in a slot in the room to keep the electricity on. All very good. Overall we had a nice experience, but given how uncomfortably hot the room was, I don't know if we would stay here again, especially since there are other choices in the same wonderful location.