We stayed at the Polyxeni Hotel when last-minute ferry schedule changes put us on Samos for one unexpected night.

The hotel is located right on the harbor-front , very convenient to the ferry dock, where we were leaving from early the next morning. The room was clean and basic, with air conditioning and comfortable beds. The hotel has an elevator and provides a substantial breakfast. The staff was very friendly and helpful; one girl, when learning we were headed for Patmos, made a list of good restaurants for us (she worked there as a tour guide the previous year).

The harbor at Pythagorio was a surprise, as it was very touristy. There's a whole stretch of cafes & bars where you can sit outside and watch the yachts and day-trip-boats returning. The side streets off the harbor were reminiscent of Plaka in Athens, with lots of shops of all sorts.

This hotel would probably not be a relaxing place for a long stay, but it was great (and convenient) for an... more