Ihthioessa Boutique Hotel in Astypalaia Town

I would like to share my detailed experience at Ixthioessa Boutique Hotel in Astypalea so that future guests can get a realistic picture.

1. Booking & Confirmation
I booked a room for 16–18 September 2025.
The confirmed and prepaid non-refundable rate was €109.60 for two nights including breakfast. Already by phone, prior to my arrival, I was assured that an early check-in in the morning after my ferry arrival would be possible.
To be extra clear, I also wrote this again in my booking message. I never received any reply stating that this would not be possible or that it would involve additional costs.

2. Arrival & Check-in situation
When I arrived around 5:00 am, the property was closed and no one was present. I managed to reach the owner by phone. She told me I could not yet access my booked room, and instead I was placed in another accommodation (Maistrali) from about 6:00 until 11:00, after which I was moved into the room I had originally booked.

3. Unexpected extra charge
Without prior notice, my card was charged an additional €50 for those few morning hours in the alternative accommodation.
• Instead of the confirmed €109.60, a total of €161.60 was charged.
• This was only explained afterwards as an “Early check-in fee.”

4. Disproportionate pricing
At the same time, I checked Booking.com and saw that the same room category was being offered for only €40 per night.
• That means I was charged more than the price of a full night for just 4–5 hours in the morning, in a different apartment.
• Had I known about this, I would have preferred to wait outside until check-in, rather than pay an unannounced and disproportionate extra fee.

5. Additional issues
During my stay there was no hot water for two days. Taking a shower was only possible with cold water. Although I mentioned this, the problem was never solved. For a hotel of this category, this is not acceptable.

6. Communication afterwards
I contacted the property several times, explained the situation clearly, provided screenshots of my booking, and even offered a compromise: I was willing to accept a €25 extra charge and asked for the other €25 to be refunded. My last message was read but never answered. The lack of response feels unprofessional.

7. Conclusion
• Non-transparent, after-the-fact extra charges,
•An excessive fee for a few hours of stay,
•Two days without hot water,
•No reply to my fair and polite attempts at compromise.

To me, this borders on misleading practice and is simply not acceptable. I strongly advise future guests to have any special arrangements confirmed in writing and to be aware that unexpected extra charges may be added afterwards.

What a shame!
Good things - Free transfer from the port. Room was beautifully decorated, although small. Great view of the port!
Not so good - A good hike uphill to the main area near the windmills. Even to get the Astypalea shared transport you still have to climb a significant number of stairs, not suitable if you have mobility issues.
Breakfast is served between 9-11, on the first day was lovely, however not much choice for vegetatians/vegans. Went after 10 the next day and there was very little left!
A word of caution... Do not leave the key inside in the door when you leave, as there is no way to gain entry. This cost me 60euros. Apparently all the other doors have thumb locks! When the lock was changed it still did not have a thumb lock. Felt harassed and intimidated that I had to pay the full amount. Not a great impression of this island and the people, such a shame.

I know this hotel is highly rated, but my experience was not very good. It is listed as a boutique hotel, but it is a standard budget Greek hotel, or at least the hotel room that I stayed in there. It was double the price of another place I found on the island which was in brand new condition and across the street from the beach for half the price. I booked here for three nights and left after two. breakfast was supposed to be included but the kitchen was not set up yet. I asked the owner for a refund of third night and she’s steadfastly refused to grant this. Tatiana who works at the hotel is nice, and the bed linens were good. And was fairly comfortable and the view was nice. But this is not a boutique hotel and I have pictures to prove it! This leads me to believe that some of the reviews may not be real?