Getting a hotel upon arrival

[by aim]

We're going to Santorini and Mykonos for 2 nights each at the end of june. A friend who's been to Greece before told me that there are people who wait for boat arrivals and offer cheap rates on the spot on decent rooms, and then take you straight to the hotel.

This sounds fine with me, but I want to confirm whether this is really common, so we don't end up stuck without a room, or paying way too much last minute. Has anyone experienced this first hand?

Thanks!!!

[oliv]

Dear Aim,

That was the best way to find accommodation a few years ago.
But nowdays, the islands' policy gets more and more strict and many authorities do not allow that any more. I couldn't say which island allows that or not but I am pretty sure that they do not allow that in Mykonos and Santorini.

And it is logic as it was a little scary experience. For example, when you were getting off the boat, you had hundred of people screaming at you: "Accommodation? Hotels?" and you had to walk away. It was not very pleasant to have all these people bothering you. So now there are also accommodation desks on the port were you can find all the information you will need. Some islands are very well organized with their accommodation desk (Sifnos). Santorini has many travel agencies on Athinaios port. For Mykonos it depends on which port you arrive. The old has a couple of agencies but the new one didn't had anything a couple of years before.

But many times, when you are looking for accommodation and the practice is not allowed, just walk few metters away from the port authorities and someone will come and ask you discreetely if you need accommodation. But be aware. Some times, they will tell you that they have great rooms and it won't be the case. I had a really bad experience in Naxos and Syros. Be aware also that if you find a room in August, first you will be very lucky and second it will be propably the worst accommodation on the island!

In all cases, excpept from August, if you are looking for accommodation and you are not in great hurry, just ask around and you will find anything you need.