Upper Hydra

Upper Hydra

Rated 9.5 in 142 reviews. Guesthouse.

This property is suitable for travellers seeking a convenient and engaging stay in the heart of Hydra, with excellent food and service, provided they are not overly sensitive to potential ambient noise from the port.

Upper Hydra presents as a charming boutique guesthouse situated directly on the bustling port of Hydra. It offers comfortable, well-designed rooms, many with balconies providing views of the harbour. The atmosphere is generally welcoming and lively, particularly due to its central location and the popular cafe downstairs.

On the map
What this place is

Twelve dimensions of rest, read from 142 reviews.

Slow pace

Where time stands still
6.0good

While some guests enjoyed the local atmosphere, particularly in winter, concerns were raised about potential noise from the busy harbour and bell tower during peak season, suggesting it might not always be a slow-paced environment.

In winter, wonderful to experience Hydta amongst the locals.

praiseUKFeb 2026

It was not a problem for us but guess the room could be quite noisy in high summer and the local bell tower starts ringing the hour at 6.00am

complaintUKOct 2025

The location is perfect - right above the busiest coffee shop in Hydra port. During odd season it is still lively.

praiseIsraelOct 2024

Private outdoor space

Terrace, balcony, or garden per room
8.0very strong

Many rooms feature balconies with views of the harbour, which guests appreciate for watching the activity.

Lovely balcony overlooking the harbour great shampoo etc products fresh water everyday rather than 1 complimentary on arrival

praiseIENov 2025

We had a lovely room with a balcony overlooking the busy harbour very close to where the ferries arrive.

praiseUKOct 2025

The room was gorgeous with a wonderful balcony to watch the ships coming and going and all the activity in the harbor.

praiseUSJun 2025

Water access

Sea, lake, dock, or pool view
9.0exceptional

The hotel is located directly on the harbour, offering immediate access to the water and views of the port activity.

Lovely balcony overlooking the harbour great shampoo etc products fresh water everyday rather than 1 complimentary on arrival

praiseIENov 2025

We had a lovely room with a balcony overlooking the busy harbour very close to where the ferries arrive.

praiseUKOct 2025

The room was gorgeous with a wonderful balcony to watch the ships coming and going and all the activity in the harbor.

praiseUSJun 2025

Village within reach

Walkable small town or harbour
9.0exceptional

The hotel is exceptionally well-located, right by the ferry terminal and within easy walking distance of the village's amenities, including restaurants and shops.

walking distance from ferry boat

praiseUAEFeb 2026

Fantastic location, clean cosy room with great view. Restaurant downstairs has lovely menu and it's open until late.

praiseIEFeb 2026

Excellent location, just a few steps from ferry.

praiseTurkeyJul 2025

Quiet

Ambient noise level
5.0mixed

While one guest described their room as 'silent', others noted potential noise from the busy harbour, the cafe below, and the early morning bell tower, suggesting quietness can be variable depending on the room and season.

It was not a problem for us but guess the room could be quite noisy in high summer and the local bell tower starts ringing the hour at 6.00am

complaintUKOct 2025

Comfortable, stylish, silent room, very well equipped.

praiseTurkeyJul 2025

The location is perfect - right above the busiest coffee shop in Hydra port. During odd season it is still lively.

praiseIsraelOct 2024

Privacy

Walls, separation, solitude
4.0weak

Several guests reported issues with bathroom privacy, specifically mentioning tight spaces, glass shower cubicles, and inadequate toilet doors, which could be a concern for some travellers.

The bathroom in our room was very tight for 2 people. No privacy when you’re on the toilet. Shower is not enclosed, so the rest of the bathroom gets a bit wet.

complaintUSNov 2024

the en suite is a large glass shower cubicle so you really wouldn't want to share the room with anyone unless you're used to using the toilet in front of them.

complaintUKNov 2024

Perhaps a better toilet door.

complaintAUOct 2024

Bed comfort

Mattress, pillows, sleep quality
8.0very strong

Guests consistently praise the comfort of the beds, with one specifically mentioning a 'super comfy cocomat bed'.

comfortable bed

praiseUKApr 2025

super comfy cocomat bed.

praiseUKNov 2024

Comfortable bed

praiseIEOct 2024

Service warmth

Family-run, personal care
9.0exceptional

The staff are frequently highlighted for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and warm hospitality, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

very pleasant and helpful staff

praiseUAEFeb 2026

Very friendly and helpful staff in hotel and Isolas restaurant.

praiseUKFeb 2026

Wonderful place with warm welcoming staff.

praiseIEFeb 2026

Food on site

Simple, good, unhurried
9.0exceptional

The breakfast, served at the Isalos Cafe on the waterfront, is consistently praised as excellent, outstanding, and delicious, with a good variety of options.

great breakfast

praiseUAEFeb 2026

Isolas restaurant for breakfast was excellent.

praiseUKFeb 2026

Exceptional breakfast on the waterfront in cafe isalos . Is a fantastic location right beside ferry terminal .

praiseIENov 2025

Best rooms to request

Specific rooms or orientations praised
6.0good

Rooms with balconies overlooking the harbour are highly recommended for their views and the opportunity to observe the port's activity. However, guests should be aware that these rooms might experience more noise from the busy area.

We had a lovely room with a balcony overlooking the busy harbour very close to where the ferries arrive.

praiseUKOct 2025

The room was gorgeous with a wonderful balcony to watch the ships coming and going and all the activity in the harbor.

praiseUSJun 2025

Beautiful room and view. Outstanding location, right at the ferry dock on the harbor.

praiseUSNov 2024
Why we chose this stay · Tier B

Upper Hydra offers many calmcation elements, particularly its excellent village access, water views, and warm service. However, its location directly above a busy cafe in the main port area, with potential noise issues, prevents it from reaching Tier A.

Before you book

Practical guidance from Upper Hydra reviews.

Which room category to choose, what to mention in special requests, and what to verify at check-in — extracted from real guest reviews.

Best room types to book
Which room category to choose on Booking

Rooms with balconies overlooking the harbor are consistently praised for their views and are highly recommended.

Look for these room categories
  • Room with a balcony overlooking the harbour
Room types to avoid
Categories with documented complaints

Some guests found their rooms to be small, and rooms overlooking the harbor might be noisy during high summer or due to the bell tower.

Avoid these categories
  • Small rooms
  • Rooms facing the harbor (if sensitive to noise)
Bathroom
Size, fixtures, common issues

Bathrooms can be tight with privacy issues due to glass shower cubicles and some guests reported bad smells.

What to expect / request
  • Be aware of potential privacy issues with glass shower cubicles
  • Expect bathrooms to be tight for two people
  • Report any bad smells to staff immediately
AC & heating
Reliability across seasons

One review mentioned the air conditioning wasn't very powerful.

Breakfast
Type, timing, what to expect

Breakfast at the Isalos Cafe on the waterfront is consistently praised as excellent, delicious, and substantial, often described as a full Greek breakfast.

Practical notes
  • Enjoy the excellent Greek breakfast at Isalos Cafe
  • Expect a substantial breakfast that can last all day
Check-in
Friction at arrival, deposits, late arrivals

Guests should be aware that rooms are accessed via two flights of stairs, but staff are helpful with luggage.

Practical notes
  • Be prepared for two flights of stairs to reach rooms
  • Staff are available to assist with luggage
In guests' own words

Verified Booking.com reviews, unedited.

Very clean , has every amenity, very pleasant and helpful staff , great breakfast , walking distance from ferry boat

praiseUAEFeb 2026

Great easy access from Hydra ferry from Pireaus. Very friendly and helpful staff in hotel and Isolas restaurant. Isolas restaurant for breakfast was excellent. In winter, wonderful to experience Hydta amongst the locals. Weather slightly cool but sunny bright days

praiseUKFeb 2026

Wonderful place with warm welcoming staff. Fantastic location, clean cosy room with great view. Restaurant downstairs has lovely menu and it's open until late. We celebrated my partner's birthday and we received cake and champagne which was very sweet and heartwarming. I can definitely recommend this place to others.

praiseIEFeb 2026

Everything was excellent. The location is amazing, the breakfast was outstanding, and most importantly, the staff were absolutely wonderful.

praiseGreeceJan 2026
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Upper Hydra
Idra, Greece
Booking: 9.5 / 10 · 142 reviews
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