If the Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton ever establish a hotel in Symi they will find some competition from the Royal Villa Pedi. This owner has made it his business to create a residence for the Symi visitor seeking luxury, comfort, even a concierge service. This home was renovated last year and from luxurious modern fixtures and appliances like a beautiful wide tub, computerized shower, gorgeous modern fridge, dishwasher, espresso machine...to no expense spared on details such as marble flooring, televisions, music system, comfortable bedding, to details most would not even consider like padded lounge chairs, ping pong table, kayak, fresh fruit bowl and complimentary beverages... one struggles to imagine what else might be added to this abundance. The air conditioning is great- it is central air not the small units in each room many places have, with digital wall controls. The decks are numerous and there are multiple places to sit and enjoy. The back deck facing the mountain is so large you could host an event. Every effort is made to also provide service similar to a personalized concierge in the best suite of the best hotel- from local tips to making calls on your behalf and arranging services. Some might quibble that the home isn’t directly on the water, so the view although very nice of the mountains and harbor, isn’t as extensive as a waterfront property... but being just slightly away from the waters edge provides quiet and a guaranteed place to park your car. I often paused to admire the yachts through my bedroom window. Pedi, although much smaller, has some advantages to Symi town. It’s peaceful and the local taxi boat goes to the two local beaches very regularly, almost constantly, unlike the Symi taxi whose services end at 1pm and go only 4 times a day. The beach within walking distance is ok, although not as epic as taxi boat accessible Agia Marina- very close to Pedi. It’s a little uphill walk, just a short one, to the residence. I had a car. Driving up that small short hill is a little challenging because it is narrow, but doable. Driving on Symi everywhere requires an alert eye.
Overall, I felt so cared for, and found myself wishing, as I am sure every guest does, that it didn’t have to end.