Escape to Paradise: Opera Blue Hotel, Corfu's Hidden Gem!
Escape to Paradise: Opera Blue Hotel, Corfu - My Slightly Disorganized, Utterly Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Opera Blue Hotel in Corfu, and I’m still trying to untangle my brain from all the amazingness (and, ahem, the slightly less-amazing stuff). This review is going to be a bit like the hotel itself – beautiful, a little chaotic, and definitely worth the trip.
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Keywords: Corfu Hotels, Opera Blue Hotel, Luxury Corfu, Accessible Hotels, Spa Corfu, Pool with a View, Romantic Hotels, Corfu Honeymoon, Best Corfu Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible Corfu, COVID-Safe Hotels, Corfu Dining, Greek Island Getaway, [Add your own relevant keywords here!]
Metadata: Meta Title: Opera Blue Hotel Corfu Review: Paradise Found (Mostly!) - Honest & Raw. Meta Description: My unfiltered review of the Opera Blue Hotel in Corfu, including accessibility, dining, spa, cleanliness & the whole shebang. Discover a hidden gem!
Accessibility & First Impressions (and my initial "WTF?!" moment):
Alright, let’s start with the practical stuff. Accessibility: The website claims it’s good, and… it’s mostly true. There's an elevator (elevator!) which is a HUGE plus. Getting around the main areas was pretty decent, but, and here's the first “but”, navigating some of the outdoor pathways, (especially around the pool – which, by the way, is GORGEOUS, but more on that later) could be a bit of a bumpy ride for someone with mobility challenges. The hotel staff were incredibly helpful, always offering assistance, but I personally wasn't using a wheelchair. I am writing this to ensure that people using wheelchair or any similar needs can have realistic expectation when booking. There are Facilities for disabled guests, that's what it says but it really depends on people's needs.
The Check-in/out [private] process was smooth, which was lovely after the airport chaos. Plus, the Front desk [24-hour] meant I could get my late-night ice cream fix (more on that later, too).
Cleanliness & COVID Concerns (Because We're Living in 2024, People):
Okay, deep breaths. Overall, the Cleanliness and safety were pretty high on the priority list. Loads of Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were masked up. They did a great job with the Daily disinfection in common areas, and I actually saw them using Anti-viral cleaning products, which gave me a little peace of mind. They even had a Hygiene certification. They followed the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter rules which was fine.
My only tiny, nitpicky (but still important) critique? Room sanitization opt-out available. But, since they were quite meticulous about Rooms sanitized between stays, I'm not losing sleep over it.
My Room: Sanctuary or Slightly Chaotic Nest? (And the Bathroom Phone!?!):
Okay, Available in all rooms: and let's face it, the rooms are pretty swanky. I had Air conditioning, thank god. I desperately needed the Air conditioning! The Bathroom phone was a throwback, I’m not going to lie, so why you want to call the hotel from your own bathroom, but hey. Additional toilet - if I didn’t mention it, I should probably say, there were two. Other details…
- Bathrobes: Super plush. I spent a significant amount of time just lounging in one.
- Bathtub: Sigh. Another reason to stay in the tub with a book.
- Blackout curtains: Perfect for those jetlag-induced naps.
- Closet: Plenty of space for my ridiculous overpacking.
- Coffee/tea maker: Early morning caffeine fix – essential.
- Complimentary tea: Nice touch.
- Desk: I did some work (boo!) but it was comfy.
- Extra long bed: I'm 6'2", so that was a big win.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Powerful, thankfully.
- High floor: Lovely views!
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Internet access – wireless: Worked like a charm. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!.
- Ironing facilities: I didn't iron. #sorrynotsorry
- Laptop workspace: See above.
- Linens: Luxurious.
- Mini bar: Tempting.
- Mirror: Many. Too many.
- On-demand movies: Perfect for a chilled-out evening.
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Reading light: Essentials.
- Refrigerator: For the mini-bar, and my snacks.
- Safety/security feature: Always a comfort.
- Satellite/cable channels: Enough to keep me entertained.
- Scale: Ugh, no comment.
- Seating area: Perfect for relaxing with a drink.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Brilliant.
- Shower: Strong water pressure.
- Slippers: Comfy!
- Smoke detector: Smart.
- Socket near the bed: Genius!
- Sofa: Comfy, again.
- Soundproofing: Blissful.
- Telephone: Didn't use it, but there.
- Toiletries: Excellent quality.
- Towels: Fluffy.
- Umbrella: Useful, it rained at some point.
- Visual alarm: Thankfully didn't need it.
- Wake-up service: (thankfully, I did use it!).
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes!
- Window that opens: Essential for fresh air.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: My Belly's Best Friend (and Occasional Foe):
This is where the Opera Blue really shines. The Restaurants were, well, let’s just say my waistline is still recovering. There’s an A la carte in restaurant and also a Breakfast [buffet], both delicious. And, the Asian breakfast was a revelation that made me want to stay in the hotel. The Buffet in restaurant was quite something. My highlight was the Happy hour at the Poolside bar. Seriously, picture this: the sun setting over the Ionian Sea, a perfectly mixed cocktail, and no worries. Bliss. Plus, they had a Poolside bar.
My only complaint? Sometimes the service could be slightly slow, but hey, you’re on island time, right? Still, they followed Safe dining setup. I'd recommend the Vegetarian restaurant.
Spa, Gym & Relaxation: My Inner Zen-Seeker (and Lazy Bum):
Okay, I'm not going to lie, I spent a lot of time at the Spa. The Massage was heavenly, the Sauna was a good place to work up some steam, and the Steamroom was perfect. This is also where I gave the hotel a 10/10.
Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
My Imperfect Moments & Quirky Observations:
- Cashless payment service: Really handy.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: reassuring.
- Bottle of water: It's in all rooms!.
- The occasional language barrier: Some of the staff’s English wasn’t perfect, but they were always trying their best. I got confused with my order.
- The "Proposal Spot" : They had a designated place, I didn't use it, but you could use it to propose!
- Room decorations: It was just a beautifully decorated room!
Getting Around: The Adventure Continues:
The Opera Blue had Airport transfer and Taxi service, both of which made getting around super easy.
Verdict: Worth the Escape?
Absolutely! The Opera Blue Hotel is a gorgeous property. It ticks a lot of boxes for a relaxing and luxurious getaway. While it’s not perfect (nothing ever is, right?), the positives far outweigh the minor quibbles. If you're looking for a blend of relaxation, stunning scenery, and a touch of genuine Greek hospitality, this is your place. Just pack your swimsuit, your sunscreen, and maybe a phrasebook.
Dubai's Most Luxurious Escape: DAMAC Maison Distinction Unveiled!
OPERA BLUE Delirium: Corfu, You Beautiful Mess! (A Messy Itinerary)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your Instagram-filtered travelogue. This is me, raw and slightly sunburned (already!), spilling the Corfu beans after… well, the first 24 hours. I'm staying at the OPERA BLUE Hotel in Gouvia, and so far, it's been a wild ride. Let's be honest, I packed way too many books. Whoops.
DAY 1: Arrival & Immediate Panic (aka "Where's the Beach?!)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Travel Day from London to Corfu. Oh god it was a flight. And the customs. The smell of the airport. I'm an absolute mess. I'm also apparently incapable of packing light. Managed to lug my suitcase AND hand luggage onto the bus, which was packed tight with equally frazzled tourists. The drive to the hotel was… beautiful. Then realized my phone didn't work. Awesome!
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): OPERA BLUE Check-In: The hotel is actually pretty gorgeous. Crisp white walls, that stunning pool, and the staff, surprisingly helpful, despite my bewildered state. The "sea view" room, however, is more like a slightly-sideways-glimpse-of-the-sea-view. Sigh. But hey, at least the air conditioning works. Immediately crashed and slept for an hour. Jet lag wins.
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Reconnaissance Mission: I'm famished. Time to find food. Wandered around Gouvia, slightly lost, slightly sweaty. Found a tiny, family-run taverna called “The Greek Plate” (I think). Ordered a massive plate of souvlaki. Honestly, the best souvlaki I've ever had. So good, in fact, I almost forgot to take a picture! Then, of course, my phone started to get some reception. The miracle had happened.
- Quirky Observation: The cats here are everywhere. They’re like little furry overlords judging my every move. And the colour of the sky is that beautiful blue.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Beach, finally! Walked to the Gouvia Beach (about 10 minutes walk from the hotel). The water is crystal clear. The sun is relentless. Spent a glorious hour just floating. Then, disaster struck: I got a sunburn. My fault entirely. Should have reapplied sunscreen. Note to self: Always reapply sunscreen!
- Emotional Reaction: Pure bliss in the water, then a sharp pang of regret as I realised my white skin was turning an alarming shade of crimson. Idiot.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Poolside Downtime: The hotel pool is beautiful, but full! Sat in a shadow and read, sipping a very strong Greek coffee. People watching is a sport. (Everyone seems to be wearing those inflatable unicorn and flamingo floats. Goals!)
- Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Pasta. Wine. The first night, I'm always a little overly dramatic. I might as well enjoy the sunset!
DAY 2: History, Hangovers, and a Whole Lotta Olive Oil.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Old Town Wanderings: Attempted to be cultured. Took a bus to Corfu Town. The old Venetian architecture is stunning, but the cobbled streets… ouch. Wear comfortable shoes, people! Got delightfully lost in the maze-like alleyways. Found a tiny, hidden bakery with incredible pastries. Stumbled upon a beautiful church.
- Messy Structure: Trying to remember what it was called. Something with a bell? Oh, never mind, let's just say it was really pretty. Probably should have paid more attention to my guide book…
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch and a Potential Tourist Trap (but a good one!): Ended up at a restaurant right on the waterfront. Ordered fresh seafood and way too much white wine. The view was postcard-worthy. The bill, slightly less so. But hey, I'm on holiday!
- Opinionated Language: Let's be real, some of these places are tourist traps, but sometimes the tourist traps are worth it. This one definitely was.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Fortress Fatigue: Visited the Old Fortress. The walk up was brutal, but the views are incredible. The history is interesting (supposedly). I spent half the time just trying to find a shady spot. My sunburn is really starting to sting.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of history. My brain feels like it’s full of facts and sunlight. Also, getting a bit hangry.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Olive Oil Immersion: Back in Gouvia. Took a taxi to a supposed Olive Oil Mill. It was hot and dusty. The guide was passionate about olive oil. I'm now a certified olive oil snob. (Or at least, I pretend to be). The tasting was epic. I bought way too many bottles. My suitcase is doomed.
- Doubling Down: Okay, let’s talk about the olive oil. The smell. The taste. The sheen. It changed my life. Seriously. I'm considering smuggling it home.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Dinner and a Near-Disaster: Tried a different taverna from last night. Got to the point of passing out. Almost forgot to order the food! Luckily, I remembered and ordered the moussaka. Then, attempted to navigate the crowded streets back to the hotel. Stumbled. Nearly fell. Survived. (Wine, again. What can I say?)
FUTURE (Less Detailed) Days:
- Possible Day 3: Boat trip to Paxos. Or maybe not. I'm already exhausted.
- Possible Day 4: Another beach day. (And staying out of the sun!).
- Possible Day 5: Explore the north of the island? Or just spend the day curled up in my room reading. Decisions, decisions…
- Possible Day 6: Pack, cry a bit, and mentally prepare myself for the return to reality.
Imperfect Reflections:
Corfu is beautiful, it's chaotic, it's hot, and I'm a complete mess, but you know what? I'm loving it. The food is incredible (seriously, somebody stop me from eating all the souvlaki). The people are friendly (even the cat overlords). And the sea… oh, the sea. It's like a giant, salty hug.
This is just a snapshot, a messy, imperfect, but (hopefully) honest account of my Corfu adventure. I'm sure I'll have more tales of sunburn, questionable decisions, and olive oil revelations to share. Stay tuned… and maybe pack extra sunscreen. You've been warned!
Escape to Paradise: Surabaya's Gakesya Syariah Homestay Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Opera Blue Hotel - Corfu's Messy Guide to Paradise (Maybe!)
Right, before you pack your bags and sprint to the Opera Blue in Corfu, let me be brutally honest. This isn't your sanitized brochure experience. This is *real* life. And sometimes, real life involves questionable plumbing and a rogue rooster. But hey, paradise, right?
1. What *actually* is the Opera Blue Hotel like? Forget the PR fluff!
Okay, deep breaths. The Opera Blue? Imagine a place where you're *almost* certain you've stumbled onto a secret, glamorous hideaway, and then the air conditioning decides to take a vacation. It's got this incredible, decaying charm. Think faded grandeur mixed with, let's say, *character*. The views? STUNNING. Seriously, postcard-worthy. The pool? Gorgeous, but watch out for rogue sunbathers who hog the best spots. And the staff? They are mostly lovely, though they clearly have a *lot* of guests to deal with. I swear, they're running a non-stop hospitality marathon.
My room? Well, it was… compact. Let's just say I got very, *very* friendly with the walls. And the shower? Ah, the shower. A glorious testament to the phrase "vintage plumbing." It worked, eventually. And when it did, it was almost worth the wait.
**Anecdote Time!** I remember one morning, I was frantically trying to get ready for a boat trip, and the shower decided to go rogue. Literally, the water pressure went from zero to a torrential downpour, soaking everything in a five-foot radius! I emerged looking like a drowned rat, frantically waving a hair dryer at my clothes (and probably setting off the smoke alarm). Honestly, though, it was hilarious… eventually.
2. The Views! Really? Are they *that* good?
Look, I’m not one for hyperbole, but yes, the views are potentially life-changing. Imagine waking up to a sunrise over the Ionian Sea, the water sparkling like a million diamonds. You’re practically *required* to have a moment of existential contemplation. The Opera Blue sits perched on a cliff, and the panorama is just…breath-taking. Seriously, grab your camera, phone, whatever, and get snapping! It won't even matter if you can't take a good photo. The view itself is all the magic you need.
But, here's a word of warning: sometimes, those amazing views come with a side of *wind*. So, embrace the breeze, or find yourself chasing your hat around the pool. I learned that the hard way.
3. What's the food *really* like at the hotel? (Be honest!)
Okay, the food. This is where things get a little… variable. Breakfast is a perfectly acceptable continental spread, which is great for the first few days. But after a while, you might start craving something, anything, *different*. Think your standard pastries, the usual Mediterranean offerings, the occasional fruit. Its edible, but nothing to rave about. But the coffee is STRONG! And the view from the breakfast terrace is worth the price of admission alone.
The restaurant for dinner? It has its moments. Some dishes were delicious, others were… well, let's just say they reminded me of my attempts at cooking. The service can be hit or miss too; Sometimes it’s impeccable, sometimes they're a little swamped. But, and this is crucial, embrace the Greek pace of life. Don't be in a hurry. Order a bottle of local wine, and just…relax. You’re on vacation. The food itself? It's fine.
My advice? Venture out and explore the local tavernas. Corfu Town offers some incredible culinary experiences. That's where the real magic happens.
**Rant Break:** I swear, one night, I ordered a dish that tasted suspiciously like it had been left over from lunch. But, hey, I wasn't going to let it ruin my evening. I just ordered another glass of wine and pretended it didn’t exist. You have to just roll with it sometimes.
4. Is the pool truly as blissful as the photos suggest?
Yes, the pool is pretty darn close to blissful. It's an infinity pool, so the view just melts into the sea. Picture yourself, sprawled out on a sun lounger, cocktail in hand, the Greek sun warming your skin. Sounds idyllic, right? It is. Mostly. The water is clean, the ambiance is generally chilled. But a word to the wise: arrive early if you want a prime spot. Those sun loungers are like valuable real estate, and they disappear fast. And, as I mentioned before, there's always *that* sunbather. You know the one. The sunbathing champion who arrives before dawn, and pretty much lays claim to the whole area.
**A Poolside Trauma:** Let me tell you about the time I lost a pair of sunglasses to the pool. Not just any sunglasses, my *favorite* sunglasses. I swear, I must have looked like a deranged seal, diving down to the watery depths in a desperate attempt to retrieve them. I failed. The pool, you see, is deceptively deep. Lesson learned: keep a tight grip on your valuables.
5. How walkable is the area around the hotel? Is it a pain to get around?
Okay, this is a bit of a mixed bag. The hotel is in a relatively secluded spot. You'll probably need a car, taxi, or the courage to tackle the local bus system. There is a small village relatively close by, but it's not really a walk-everywhere kind of place. Get ready for some hills. Be prepared for some steep inclines, especially if you're walking to or from the village. Wear comfortable shoes, bring plenty of water, and maybe invest in a sturdy walking stick (kidding… mostly). The drive into Corfu Town offers all the amenities you could want and is accessible by taxi.
**Bus Saga:** I have a bus story. Don't rely on them too much. They run… sometimes. The schedules are more like "suggestions," and the crowds can be intense. You've been warned.
6. Is it suitable for families with young children?
That's a tricky one. The Opera Blue has a certain romantic, grown-up vibe. While kids are allowed, it might not be the best choice for families with *very* young children. There aren’t specific kids' clubs or playgrounds. The pool, though beautiful, is deep. So, parents need to be vigilant. Older children might enjoy it, but if you're looking for a kid-focused resort, this isn't it. It has its charms, but this hotel is geared more toward couples and people wanting a more peaceful experience.
7. Is it actually a "hidden gem"Hotels With Balconys
