It seems like every other day another Brown Hotel is opening up somewhere in the Eastern Mediterranean, and Greece is high on the list of countries being served by the Tel Aviv-based chain. One of these notable new Brown properties is Brown Beach Hotel Chalkida, located just an hour’s drive north of Athens.
Brown Beach Chalkida is one of two recently opened properties in the rapidly growing chain located either on or opposite Evia Island, the largest Greek island within driving distance of Athens, and the second largest in the entire country. Brown Beach Chalkida is actually situated on the Greek mainland side of the narrow strait separating the island from the continental land mass.
As such, it is very easily reachable from Athens – and its international airport – even for those not wishing to rent a car. Frequent express buses and comfortable trains serve the charming city of Chalkida, whence a short, inexpensive taxi ride will whisk you to Brown Beach.
Immediately upon entering the expansive lobby, one is greeted by friendly reception staff proffering welcome drinks – first and foremost sparkling white wine served in champagne flutes. There is also a choice of non-alcoholic fruit-infused waters, alongside complimentary snacks of dried fruit and cookies.
The property itself, acquired not long ago by Brown, has been refurbished and transformed into a sprawling resort, which offers a multitude of activities on land (tennis courts and a soccer pitch) and sea. In particular, the calm waters off the hotel’s private beach are dazzlingly clean, clear and inviting.
And there is a lot more to do than swimming – such as the mini-water park created by a floating playground, for starters. This is one of the showpieces of family-oriented fun at Brown Beach Chalkida: there is also an indoor kids’ playroom, open eight hours daily. (There is no dedicated children’s pool.)
A wide variety of water sports is available, with hotel guests entitled to one free hour per day to use the non-motorized equipment, such as pedal boats, SUP, canoes, and the water gym. They also receive a 10% discount on all other activities, such as water skiing and even SCUBA diving.
Those preferring more traditional exercise may avail themselves of the large fitness center, which is complimentary and open 12 hours a day. There is no sauna or whirlpool bath on the premises.
For many guests, however, simply relaxing is the name of the game, whether on the comfortable beach chairs in the white sand, or on canopied daybeds arrayed on the resort’s pier. Similarly, there are thickly padded chaises longues and canopied daybeds poolside. Snack bars serve cooling refreshments at both locations.
The ultimate relaxation may be the treatments available at the on-site spa, which consists of three massage rooms. One is equipped with two tables, allowing for couples’ massages.
One can even relax on one’s own porch, as most of the 119 guest units – 98 rooms and 21 bungalows – have balconies with daybeds or hammocks. A quarter of these (30) boast sea views.
It goes without saying that all of the guest units are furnished to the high standards that have become a Brown hallmark. Each unit has user-friendly climate control (air conditioning), a safe for storing valuables, minibar, large flat-screen HD TV with multiple channels in many languages, a work station and small electric kettles for making coffee and tea. Free high-speed Wi-Fi extends to all rooms, as well as public areas.
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The bathrooms as well come with everything one needs: spacious walk-in showers with dual shower heads (including a raindrop head from the ceiling), pampering amenities under the proprietary Brown label, hair dryer and make-up mirror. Monogrammed bathrobes and slippers complement the thirsty towels.
Brown Beach Chalkida has you covered when it comes to dining, as well. It has adopted the traditional Israeli approach to breakfast, including a lavish complimentary buffet included in the price of the room. The array of breads, salads, cheeses, cold cuts, smoked fish, hot dishes and pastries may be washed down by a Campari and orange mimosa, followed by coffee from either the espresso machine or the authentic Greek version.
In the evening, the al fresco trattoria serves Mediterranean fare, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Dine overlooking the pool, with the sea and Evia Island also in view.
The property is also conveniently located in walking distance from a pleasant cove dotted with local eateries serving Greek cuisine, fish and seafood in the most tranquil of atmospheres. Or, head into the city of Chalkida, where its boardwalk extending from the old bridge is lined with restaurants of a multitude of persuasions.
Rates at Brown Beach Hotel Chalkida start at just over $100 per night, and vary with the season, trending upward in the summer and during holidays. Check the hotel website for frequent special offers, both at this property and sister hotels in Athens. You can also check rates for Brown Beach Hotel Chalkida at Booking.com and make your reservations there.
Text and photos by Buzzy Gordon, who was a guest of the hotel for purposes of review. Additional photos courtesy of Brown Beach Chalkida (Giorgos Sideris).
