14A Kolea

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about 14A Kolea? The name doesn’t give anything away, but this place has this understated elegance that hits you the moment you walk in. I mean, it’s not flashy or trying too hard – it just feels right, if that makes sense. The lobby has this warm, lived-in quality with local artwork that actually looks like someone curated it carefully rather than just ordering it from some hotel supply catalog.

I stayed here twice last year (once in spring, once during the busier summer season), and honestly, the staff remembers you. Not in that forced, overly-friendly way that makes you uncomfortable, but genuinely. The front desk guy – I think his name was Marcus – actually asked about my work project when I came back the second time. Check-in was smooth both visits, though I’d recommend arriving after 4 PM if you can swing it since they seem to get a little backed up during the afternoon rush. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star place, but here’s the thing – they’ve got these little touches that matter. The shower pressure is actually good (thank god), the beds are firm without being like sleeping on concrete, and the blackout curtains really work. I’m someone who wakes up if there’s even a sliver of light, so this was huge for me.

What really sets this place apart, though, is how quiet it stays. I was on the third floor both times, and even during peak season, I barely heard other guests. The walls must be decent, or maybe they just don’t pack people in like sardines. There’s also this subtle attention to detail – like, the coffee in the rooms is actually drinkable, not that bitter hotel swill you usually get. And the housekeeping staff doesn’t barge in at 8 AM; they seem to wait until you’ve actually left for the day. Parking was easy enough both visits, though I noticed it fills up pretty quickly on weekends. The location is sort of perfect for what I needed – close enough to everything without being right in the chaos. You can walk to several good restaurants within about ten minutes, and there’s a decent coffee shop just around the corner that opens early if you’re one of those people who needs caffeine before facing the world. I’d definitely stay here again, especially since the 8.0 rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in town, but it nails the fundamentals and adds just enough personality to make you feel like you chose well.

Rooms

• Holiday Home with 2 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds and 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities