Sometimes you stumble upon a hotel that completely exceeds your expectations, and the Royal Hotel Thessaloniki Airport was exactly that. We had booked a sea view room for £59 and ended up in a Junior Suite. That pretty much set the tone for the entire stay.

Location

The Royal Hotel sits at the 17th kilometre of the Thessaloniki–Perea road, right on the outskirts of the city and just a short drive from Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG). If you are landing late, catching an early flight, or simply want to be away from the city noise while still having easy access, this location works perfectly. There is a proper seafront promenade nearby and the area is quieter and more residential compared to the city centre — which honestly makes for a much more relaxed stay.

The hotel also arranges airport transfers if you need one. Worth asking at reception when you check in.

Check-In and the Upgrade

We rolled in around 9 PM after a long drive from Meteora. Tired, a bit dusty, and really just wanting to crash. The reception staff greeted us with genuine warmth — not the robotic hotel welcome you get at chains — and told us we had been upgraded to a Junior Suite. Just like that.

Walking into the suite, I was genuinely surprised by the size. It was massive. The room had mountain views and partial sea views, a huge balcony you could actually sit and have a drink on, a king size bed, and a bathroom that felt bigger than some apartments I have stayed in. All the standard facilities were there — air conditioning, flat screen, minibar — but the sheer space made it feel like a completely different category of hotel.

Breakfast

Breakfast was a proper hot buffet, served with views of the pool. A good spread — eggs, pastries, cold cuts, fruit, fresh juice — the kind of breakfast that makes you linger rather than rush. We had an early flight to Santorini the next morning, so we made sure to make the most of it the evening before.

As it turned out, the staff also offered us complimentary breakfast on the day of our checkout — which was not part of our package at all. They just did it. That kind of gesture is what turns a good stay into a memorable one.

Parking — A Genuine Surprise

We were flying to Santorini and needed somewhere safe to leave the car for four days. The Royal Hotel has private, secure parking, which was the main reason we chose it. We had a fair amount of gear on the roof rack and needed the peace of mind.

At checkout, we asked for the parking bill. They waived it entirely. Four days of secure parking, free of charge, with no fuss. Combined with the room upgrade and the extra breakfast, it felt less like a hotel stay and more like being looked after by people who genuinely cared about the experience.

The Pool and Facilities

We did not get much time at the pool given our schedule, but it looked well maintained and the breakfast area overlooked it beautifully. The hotel has the feel of a resort without the resort price tag. Families especially would enjoy the outdoor space.

Who Should Stay Here

This hotel works for a lot of different kinds of travellers. If you are transiting through Thessaloniki, it is the most comfortable and stress-free option near the airport. If you are on a road trip and need a proper rest stop before heading to the islands, it is ideal. Families will love the space and the relaxed atmosphere. Business travellers will appreciate the service and the quiet surroundings.

It is rated as a 4-star hotel but honestly competes with any 5-star property I have stayed at — purely on the strength of its staff and the way it treats guests.

Verdict

If you are passing through Thessaloniki or need an airport hotel in northern Greece, do not overthink it — just book the Royal Hotel. The service alone makes it worth it. The fact that you might get upgraded, given free parking, or an extra breakfast is just a bonus.

One of those stays you remember not because of the fancy amenities, but because of the people running the place.

Property Type – 4 Star Address – 17th Klm Thessaloniki, Perea, 57500, Greece Room Booked – Sea view room (£59). Upgraded to Junior Suite on arrival. Standout Moments – Junior Suite upgrade, 4 days complimentary parking, free breakfast on checkout day. Read about our London 2 Jammu Roadtrip

#Thessaloniki

Royal Hotel Thessaloniki Airport, Greece

Day 23: Thessaloniki To Istanbul By Road