Grand Forest Metsovo

Grand Forest Metsovo: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Mountain Retreat

Nestled amidst the pine tree forests of the Pindus Mountains, Grand Forest Metsovo stands as a luxurious mountain retreat, renowned for its breathtaking views, elegant design, and exceptional service. As a Michelin Key Selected property and a member of Leading Hotels of the World, it consistently draws praise for its serene ambiance and high-quality offerings, though some minor points of contention occasionally surface among guests.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Grand Forest Metsovo is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "lovely and peaceful place" and an "exceptional stay". Review scores for comfort (9.6), staff (9.7), cleanliness (9.5), and location (9.5) are notably high. The hotel is often lauded as perfect for relaxation and a memorable getaway, especially for those seeking to connect with nature.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Grand Forest Metsovo:

• Location & Views: The hotel's position on a hillside of Pindos offers "breathtaking mountain views" that often surpass expectations. Its amphitheatrical design ensures uninterrupted vistas from many areas, including rooms and the restaurant.
• Service & Staff: The "welcoming, attentive, gentle staff" receive continuous commendation for their professionalism and willingness to assist with every guest's wish and problem. Many describe the staff as "super friendly" and "amazing".
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's elegant design, with dark-wooden furnishings, wooden floors, soft colors, and cool, exposed stonework, creates a warm and cozy atmosphere that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
• Amenities: The spa center with an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna, along with a gym offering "some of the world's best treadmill views," are frequently highlighted as excellent amenities for relaxation. An outdoor infinity pool is also available seasonally (June-September). The presence of a farm with horses adds to the unique experience.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Grand Forest Metsovo are designed for comfort and luxury. They feature wooden floors, dark-wooden furnishings, soft colors, and orthopedic mattresses. Each room is equipped with a minibar, flat-screen satellite TV, and a Carrera marble bathroom complete with dual sinks, a bathtub, a walk-in shower, bathrobes, slippers, and branded or organic toiletries. Many units boast terraces or balconies offering stunning views of the Pindos Mountain, and some even include a fireplace, enhancing the cozy, luxurious feel. Guests have described the rooms as "extremely comfortable" and "very cosy".

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Grand Forest Metsovo is highly praised. Guests can start their day with a daily American breakfast, which often includes a wide variety of options. The hotel's gourmet restaurant, "Metsovo 1350m," named after the local elevation, serves high-end modern Greek fare with traditional flavors and gourmet dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced, and often organic ingredients. Reviewers frequently commend the "exceptional food" and delicious meals. The restaurant also boasts far-ranging mountain views, making for a memorable culinary experience. The Lobby Bar, with its vast central fireplace, offers a cozy spot for drinks and features an extensive selection of Greek wines, cocktails, and whiskies, with an open terrace available in summer.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Grand Forest Metsovo is a standout feature. The staff is consistently described as "welcoming, attentive, gentle," "friendly," and "professional". Guests appreciate their readiness to cater to every wish and assist with any problems, contributing to an "immaculate and very accommodating" overall experience. The 24-hour front desk staff can also arrange room service, car rental, and dry cleaning services.

6. Location & Accessibility

Grand Forest Metsovo is strategically located amid a pine tree forest on a hillside of the Pindus Mountain range, offering a tranquil and secluded retreat. While it provides a sense of "wild mountain solitude," it is also conveniently situated. The center of Metsovo village is within a 15-minute drive. The surrounding area is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, off-road jeeping, and even truffle hunting. Notable nearby attractions include the Pindus National Park, the historic city of Ioannina (about 50 minutes away), Meteora (approximately an hour's drive), and Vikos Gorge. Ioannina National Airport is about 45 minutes to an hour's drive (47-52 km), and Thessaloniki International Airport is approximately two and a half hours away (240 km).

7. Value & Pricing

Grand Forest Metsovo is considered a luxury property, reflected in its pricing. While guests often find the "luxurious amenities, breathtaking surroundings, and top-notch service" to be "truly worth every penny", some also note that certain aspects may not fully meet typical five-star luxury expectations regarding complimentary room offerings or spa access. The average price per room is around $203, though typical room rates in the past month were around 318.88 EUR. Prices can vary significantly, with April and June often being cheaper (low season) and February being the most expensive (high season). The hotel offers an "elevated experience at a competitive price" compared to the average in Metsovon.

8. Common Complaints

While generally positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Spa Access Restrictions and Maintenance: A significant complaint involves restricted access to the indoor pool and jacuzzi, often limited to once per stay by reservation only and sometimes incurring an additional fee for non-spa guests. Some recent reviews also mention concerns about sanitary neglect in the pool and jacuzzi areas, including green algae, rust, and insects, as well as widespread black mold and a structural crack in the glass above the pool.
• Maintenance Issues in Rooms: Isolated reports indicate minor maintenance issues, such as peeling paint in bathrooms or broken room cabinets.
• Perceived Value of Spa Treatments and Room Amenities: While the overall value is good, some guests felt that the additional cost for certain spa facilities was overestimated. There were also mentions of a surprising absence of certain customary complimentary offerings in the rooms, deviating from typical five-star hotel expectations.
• Understaffing (Isolated Reports): One review mentioned the property being severely understaffed, impacting the ability to provide consistent 5-star service. However, this contrasts with the majority of positive feedback on staff.

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