"Hydra ( pronounced Eedra) is a fantastic place to spend a relaxing few days . DOUSKOS port house is a wonderful location . We stayed in a junior suite ( room 1) and the view over the port was spectacular . Just what we wanted . You definitely stay here for the location and the views . The room was simple and comfortable but not luxury . Bed small and quite hard but there is also a sofa bed in the room if you need more space . Shower room is basic but fine . There’s a sink , coffee machine and under counter fridge which is useful . There is free bottled water but you need to ask for it . Breakfast is served on the roof and it’s a great spot . Breakfast basic but good and you can choose as much as you like from the menu . You can also sit up there during the day and there are big umbrellas shade . The staff were great - Angelega, Julietta and Fofo were fab and happily tried to teach us Greek each morning !! The downsides ? 1 . Tell visitors that access to the hotel is only by flights of irregular and very steep steps ( one set without handrail) . Trying to carry luggage is almost impossible and would be for anyone aged or with the slightest mobility issue . However you can get a porter at the ferry to assist ( approx 20 euros ) . We only found this out after a very difficult experience . It would be great if hotel told you in advance so you were prepared and perhaps even arranged a porter to meet you at the ferry . We booked a porter at hotel for the return to the ferry and it made life so much easier and stress free . Also , don’t be misled by the stars de from the ferry to the hotel . We were told by the hotel when we contacted them before arrival that it was “ a few metres from the ferry “ . It’s not . It’s a 5-10 minute walk around the port on a flat level but cobbled street ( not great for luggage in wheels) , past lots of restaurants and people . Again , get a porter or manage your expectations. That being said , we solved the only real issue and next time it would not be a problem . Hopefully knowing this may save you a little stress ! Would strongly recommend the island and the hotel . Ps the walk to Mandraki is not 29 minutes , nor is it 1 km . Do not be told otherwise ! It’s 2.3km each way , with some steep inclines . It’s stunning and do it if you can , but again it’s good to know in advance so you can gauge if it’s something you can do . The Mandraki hotel ( which owns the only Sandy beach on the island ) shut last week for winter . So no water shuttle either . Sadly no one told us that so we didn’t get s swim but the walk was great . A little better communication all round would make this trip perfect !!"

"Amazing service and amazing hotel. Up the stairs but worth the climb!"

"Really excellent choice. Staff were really helpful, the room was good and the location was perfect. Near enough to everything but far enough away to be peaceful. The only criticism was that the wifi was weak and it took forever to send emails, don’t think about downloading anything."

"Hotel Miranda was a fabulous spot to explore Hydra for 36 hours, we would have stayed longer if we could! Yanna and her team went over and above to make our experience amazing! They very kindly allowed us to keep our bags at the hotel while we awaited the evening ferry. Breakfast fabulous and the rooms very authentic to the grand mansion - the hotel has been in the same family for over 65 years!"

"This place was quite lovely for a 3 star hotel. The check in service was friendly and helpful with navigating the island, and we had help with our luggage up the stairs (thank you!). Great location - very close to the port. We had a small balcony and the amenities were good - kettle and mini bar fridge to make a cup of tea in the morning. The bed was probably what made this place 3 star, but in saying that, for the price, I would recommend this place to stay."

"Terrific stay. Located near port and all the restaurants but on a quiet street. The owner/manager is delightful and very helpful in terms of suggestions and making dinner reservations for us. We had a large first floor suite and it was very comfortable and well appointed. Breakfast was excellent - great variety and sitting in a nice outdoor patio. Great views from the outdoor veranda as well. Highly recommend."

"We had a great experience from day one. Suzanne was awesome with communication via email and the lady on site from Crete (sorry i forget her name) was also awesome with help and communication. There was a ferry strike and they totally helped us avoid any travel issues"

"The hotel is particularly beautiful, quiet, no room number, each room is distinguished by a Greek goddess. The room is particularly exquisite, and the mountain opposite the hotel is a school, especially warm."

"We stayed in the penthouse suite and it was lovely! Highly recommend. It was a great location, staff were amazing, and the room was impeccably clean. Breakfast was charming and the staff were ready to offer advice and tips on experiences we should do. All in all in, it was a wonderful visit."