"What a little gem of a hotel this is. We have stayed in many 3* accomodation over many areas of Greece. This, without doubt, is the best hotel we have stayed in. Transfer time from Patitiri to Steni Vala is about 20 minutes.
The hotel is situated within a few hundred metres of the picturesque harbour. The hotel is very well managed, spotlessly clean and well equipped. The rooms are a reasonable size with air conditioning, safe, satellite tv, hair dryer, shower gel and shampoo, fridge and wifi throughout the hotel, all included within the room rate. The rooms are cleaned daily with towels and bedding changed regularly. The hotel has a bar and rooftop terrace, both under used, and perhaps the hotel needs to promote this more by offering things such as greek evenings and happy hour etc.
The pool is well maintained and heated by the sun with sunbeds scattered around, these are also cleaned daily.
Breakfast is well presented, plentiful and with good choice. We do not understand some comments that the breakfast offering has poor choice, we cannot think of anything that was not offered.
The staff are absolutely fantastic, not a single complaint about any of them. Always met with a smile. The duty managers look after any needs that you may have.
The hotel also offers free transport over 4 days to two different beaches and into Patitiri. Victor drove the transport safely and was friendly and informative. The beaches offered were Chrisi Milia (sandy and shallow) and Agios Dimitrios (picturesque with small pebbles and shelves deeply, so good for snorkelling).
Steni Vala is a small settlement, quiet, with access to three beaches. It is a busy harbour with lots of yachts calling in overnight to use the many excellent tavernas. As well as the tavernas it also has a small supermarket, boutique gift shop and a bakery. Our favourite taverna was Tassias cooking, run by a local family who live on the island and use vegetables from their own garden at the back of the restaurant.
There is a local bus service between Steni Vala and Patitiri and onwards to Chora (the old town). Unfortunately the bus was 'broken' with no time span for repair (typical Greece). There are 4 taxis on the island and they no how to charge (25 euros each way from Steni Vala to Patitiri). Chora is a must visit, with superb views and some nice gift shops, cafes and restaurants and a lot of history. A walk down to Patitiri along the old donkey trail is recommended for those that are steady on their feet.
Alonissos is great for walking, swimming, relaxing and is very laid back. If you are looking for a party island then this is not for you.
If you like old Greece with peace and quiet, beautiful scenery, excellent food and great customer service we fully recommend Steni Vala and of course the excellent 4 Epoches."
