ARCHITECTURE:Hotel Orloff
To celebrate the unique architecture of Hydra island, we are making walks in the streets to discover buildings, that their use has changed. Mansions, captain’s houses and other buildings have been transformed to the most beautiful and interesting hotels, each with its own history and stamp. At Rafalia 9, & Votsi street ,150 meters from the port, we discover the Orloff Hotel, built in 1796 by the Count Orloff sent by Catherine II to assist the Greeks in the frevolution in the late 18th Century known as “Orloffika” Only a few vestiges remain of an ancient monastery that was once on this site but they include a magnificent double arcade that supports this mansion that was erected by in 1796. This imposing residence served as a headquarters building during the Greek War of Independence. In this building they decided to transform the commercial fleet of Hydra into a naval unit in order to fight Turks. The house was privately owned by the Kladakis family for more than 80 years before being turned into a hotel in 1986. Since then it has undergone a thorough restoration, with full respect to the initial structure. With only 6 rooms, 2 suites and plenty of common areas; patios, courtyards, garden and verandas, total privacy is guaranteed. The high ceilings and thick walls remain, while the furniture of the period including old mirrors and leather bound books evoke the charm of a former age. In the courtyard that is shaded by olive and pomegranate trees. The reception area is spectacular furnished with family antiques, it looks like an elegant private living room. Regarding the chambers, the Orloff Hotel in Hydra offers a traditional accommodation with rooms of unique character. All rooms and suites are situated around a courtyard either half-external or internal, following the tradition of authentic Mediterranean architecture of the islands of Greece.-Efi Michalarou
