Unlike in most European countries, hotels in Greece areclassified in five categories-AA, A, B, C, D-according to levelof comfort and service offered. Boarding houses are practicallynon-existent and are replaced in some selected picturesque spotsby "village guest houses" i.e., by hospitality in private homes(see our regional Practical Information sections). There are lessthan a score of "AA" category hotels in the entire country, but they areluxurious indeed: the newly-built Hilton and the Grande Bretagne inAthens enjoy an international reputation. Although its magnificent setting reminds one of a movie set, the newly transformedchateau Mimbelli (A) on Corfu. Category "B" hotels, are not much less comfortable, especially those in Athens and the new Xenias in the provinces which arerun by the National Tourist Organization. . Category "C" is still quite liveable,on an economy budget; there will usually be bathsat the hotel, but no hot running water. However, in summer this isnot much of a hardship. "D" hotels are never referred to by travelagencies; they come under the heading of "roughing it". Yet you willfind them-especially in the Aegean-clean though simple. In the smalleror less popular resorts "C" and "D" are the only hotels to choose from.It might astonish the tourist that even in good class hotels-mostly inthe islands-wash-basin plugs are absent. This is not due to bad maintenance, but serves a definite purpose: there is a water shortage in summerand the water supply may be limited to certain hours of the day.
People would turn on the tap, use the plug, and when no water flowed leave the tap open. In order to avoid inundations of this sort, the hotel managements have taken the plugs away.
Few B, C and D class hotels have their own restaurant and usually you can stay at any hotel and take your meals elsewhere. In many island towns and villages, private homes make their guestroom available to vacationists at a very modest rate. However, even if you welcome the idea of being a paying guest in a private family it is sport ter to be so by choice rather than by necessity: make your hotel reservations far ahead and confirm them a couple of days or so before arriving. As only the large hotels are equipped to answer letters in English, it is advisable to make your arrangements through a travel agency rather than with the hotel itself.