The Indispensible Guide To Komotini: Rating System
5 Pac Men:: A five Pac Man rating is the best deal in town. Rooms complete with TV, shower, and little chocolates on the pillow. Friendly staff, great service...
4 Pac Men: still a pretty damn fine hotel, clean spacious rooms, nice staff, good location, but maybe no extras like the chocolates on the pillows.
3 Pac Men: maybe not as good a location, but rooms are still ok - probably no chocolate on the pillow
2 Pac Men: not a good location, okay rooms, quite a lesser likelihood of any kind of confectionary on your linen
1 Pac Man: avoid if at all possible - last option hotel - and that's definately not chocolate on your pillow...
Length of Trip: Istanbul to Komotini: 10:00 am departure from Istanbul Esenler
6:30 ish - arrive in Komotini (approx. 8.5 hours)
Komotini - Istanbul: approx 7.5 hours (apparently there's a time-warp)
BUS INFO: ULUSOY: 658-3000
VARAN: 658-0270
Return Trip should cost you about 10000 DR. In Istanbul, take the metro to the Otogar and locate ULUSOY (it was number 147 at the time of writing). It is always a good idea to get there early, but getting there with two minutes to spare won't mean you're left in the dust. Bus leaves at 10:00 am. There is an hour or so delay at the border. If you must use the loo - bring your own TP. You may have to lug out your baggs to be inspected. If this happens make sure that your bags are the last to be re-loaded, as Komotini is about the second stop after the border and most people are going to Athens.
You arrive in Komotini at about 6:30. If you are in groups, hopefully you are staying at the Olympos or Orpheus. The bus lets you off at the rear of the Cafe Belle Epoque, which is on the main square. Cross the street to this cafe, and you won't be able to miss the Orpheus.
Essentials: Your Passport (duh)
* before you leave Turkey, get some drachma, especially if you plan to go out the night you get there, though American $ are usually accepted
* some books to read at night if you don't plan on going out
Useful Information
Hotel Hellas owner speaks Turkish; if you ask nicely, Leyla or Kazim (ET staff) might be able to call ahead and get a room for you.
Hotel Orpheus: No Turkish, but he speaks a little English
Hotel Democritus: no English, a little Turkish
Hotel Orpheus: Location is perfect. It is situated right in the middle of the main square. Although the hotel is clean, it has all the charm of a $5 hooker. And the staff isn't too friendly. I would assume that because of its location, it fills uppretty quickly in the summer, so advance reservations would be a good idea.
*note to women, avoid the bar at hotel Orpheus for obvious reasons.
The bedrooms are big enough - but if htere are only two of you be warned that the single beds are pretty much side by side and you may end up snuggling with your travelling companion. Check out time there is 10:00 am. Don't forget to return the remote control for the television. Rooms are fully equipped with toilet, shower and TV, all for an unreasonable 8500 Drachma a night (as of March 27, 1999)
My critique: It's not bad, but I expect a lot more for $30 US a night. Three Pac Men.
Hotel Hellas: It's a bit of a walk down the main drag to get there, but it's well worth it. Rooms are clean, but cold, and they have a sink, but, alas, only a public toilet and shower. The owner is quite friendly and he knows Turkish. The price, at 6000 Drachma, is certainly worth the inconveniance of not having a shower in your room.
My critique: if you are travelling by yourself, come here. If you are in groups - go to the Orpheus. I liked the comfy beds and relative quietness at this end of the street, as compared to the centrally located Orpheus. Bring an extra blanket with you if you are there in off season. I was chilly. Three Pac Men.
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