@crazydaisytravels

When your mom’s a pet friendly travel advisor, last-minute trips are kinda my thing 🐶✈️🇬🇷 We had zero plans for the weekend… so naturally, we ended up in Greece. Totally unplanned, spontaneous, and booked at the very last minute. The only thing we didn’t check? The weather 🌧️ Let’s just say the Greek sunshine took the weekend off. We stayed at the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso in Vouliagmeni, a luxury pet friendly hotel on the Athenian Riviera, right on the beach with gorgeous ocean views and all the five-star touches you’d expect. It was our first time staying at any Divani property and they absolutely adored Daisy. She was greeted like royalty, got endless attention from the staff, and made herself right at home. But here’s the honest bit (because we always keep it real on Crazy Daisy Travels) even though it’s listed as pet friendly, there were a few surprises. Dogs aren’t allowed in the restaurant, which is pretty common but they also weren’t allowed in the bar, which was really unusual for most hotels never mind Greece. Most Greek hotels and restaurants are super relaxed and will happily let dogs sit inside, so this one stood out. Because the weather wasn’t great, we ended up sitting outside alone overlooking the pools, which was beautiful but chilly. The staff, however, were incredible. They went above and beyond to make us comfortable, and you could tell they genuinely wished they could bend the rules for us. The location made up for a lot too: the beachfront walking paths and seaside trails were amazing. You can stroll along the water for miles with your pup, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby that are pet friendly and serve fantastic food. ✨ Overall Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso is perfect if you want a luxury beach escape near Athens with your dog, as long as you don’t mind dining elsewhere. For short stays, it’s a great spot, just maybe skip it for longer trips if your dog loves being part of every moment (like Daisy does 🐾). #PetFriendlyGreece #DogFriendlyHotels #AthenianRiviera #CrazyDaisyTravels #PetFriendlyTravel

♬ K I S S Y O U – multi speed 🎶

Location: Athens Riviera, Greece
Daisy’s Rating: 8.5/10 – Good Pet-Friendly Experience
Best For: Beach-loving pups who adore attention and scenic coastal walks

Woof! It’s me, Daisy, reporting live from the stunning Athens Riviera where Mom and I just spent a glorious few days at the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso. Now, let me tell you – this place had me spinning in circles from the moment our paws hit those gorgeous revolving doors.

First Impressions: A Hero’s Welcome

Picture this…we arrive around 2 PM after our journey from Ireland, and I’m practically vibrating with excitement. Greece! New people to meet! New smells to sniff! I bolted through those revolving doors like I owned the place (because, let’s be honest, I kind of do at every hotel we visit).

The concierge team? Absolutely obsessed with me. And I mean properly obsessed. They loved on me so much that I thought I might actually melt into a puddle of happiness right there in the lobby. This is exactly the kind of reception every Shih Tzu deserves, darling.

Here’s a little insider tip: Mom booked through our own travel agency last minute, and there wasn’t a direct way to mention they were bringing the most fabulous Shih Tzu in existence (that’s me). But honestly? Zero problem. Within minutes of reaching our room – which, by the way, we scored a complimentary upgrade on – the hotel sent up a dog bed, food and water bowls, and a generous bag of treats.

Those treats? Chef’s kiss. I may or may not have devoured them all before Mom could stop me.

The Beachfront Bliss

Now, let’s talk location. The hotel sits right on the beachfront – and when I say “right on,” I mean there’s literally just a small road between you and the gorgeous Mediterranean coastline. The walking trail that winds around the peninsula? Pure heaven for a girl like me.

Since we visited in October (Mom knows I’m not a fan of the scorching summer heat), the beach was practically ours. I got to run off-leash, feel the sand between my paws, and live my absolute best life. The walking trail offers those dramatic cliff-like views that make Mom whip out her phone for photos, but honestly, I was more interested in all the new scents and the occasional friendly human passing by.

Dining Drama: The Good and the Not-So-Good

Here’s where things get a bit complicated, darlings.

The Good: We headed across the road to one of the beachfront restaurants for lunch, and it was spectacular. Multiple restaurants line the beach, all technically indoor-outdoor setups, and dogs are welcome. The staff brought me water immediately, fussed over me constantly, and made me feel like the VIP I am. Mom had some divine crab salad and a fried feta situation, and while I wasn’t impressed with the crab, the feta was delicious.

The Not-So-Good: Back at the hotel, we discovered that the bar – yes, the actual hotel bar (not the restaurant) – isn’t pet-friendly. Now, I need you to understand something: this bar is essentially part of the lobby. It’s not a formal restaurant with white tablecloths and chandeliers. It’s a tiled bar area that, quite frankly, should absolutely accommodate a well-behaved Shih Tzu like myself. Extremely unusual for Greece, indoor dining being the norm for dogs!

So instead of enjoying cocktails in the chic indoor setting, we had to sit outside. Don’t get me wrong – the outdoor area is stunning, with views of the two pools and live music floating through the air. But it had been raining earlier that day, the weather was cool, overcast, and the vibe just wasn’t what we’d hoped for. When you’re traveling for “ultimate luxury,” being relegated to the outdoor tables when you’d prefer to be inside feels like a bit of a letdown. We were the only ones sitting outside in the cold.

This was genuinely the only real disappointment of our stay. At most luxury properties, dogs can access the lobby and bar areas without issue, so this policy felt unnecessarily restrictive.

The Staff: Absolute Champions

Despite the bar situation, I need to give major praise to every single staff member we encountered. My waiter at dinner? Completely obsessed with me. The concierge team? Already mentioned how much they loved me, but it bears repeating. Even the housekeeping staff would stop to say hello when they saw me in the hallways.

Everyone at this property genuinely adores dogs, and that warmth comes through in every interaction. They might have some policies to work on, but the people themselves? Absolutely top-tier.

Amenities That Made My Tail Wag

• Dog bed, bowls, and treats delivered promptly to the room
• Gorgeous coastal walking trail perfect for morning and evening strolls
• Direct beach access for pups who love sand and sea
• Pet-friendly beachfront restaurants just steps away
• Late checkout (we got until noon, which gave me extra time to sniff around)
• Room service breakfast available with a small surcharge – fruit platter, pastries, the works

Oh, and we met the most lovely Golden Retriever who was also staying at the property. I didn’t get to properly introduce myself (Mom was in a rush), but knowing there were other discerning dog parents there made me feel right at home.

The Spa Saga

Mom was desperate to visit the hotel’s thalasso spa (hence the hotel’s name), but her attention-to-detail skills failed her. The spa closes at 7 PM on weekends, and she’d somehow convinced herself it was open until 10 PM. By the time she realized her mistake on our first evening, it was too late.

She did manage to squeeze in a quick visit the next day before checkout, but this is your reminder to always double-check spa hours if that’s important to you.

Room Service & Wolt: Our Evening Savior

After the bar disappointment, we ended up ordering through Wolt – basically the European version of DoorDash – and had wine and snacks delivered to our room. Sometimes the best luxury experience is the one you create yourself, right? We curled up, worked on building my new flight search app (more on that soon!), and made the evening our own.

For breakfast, we ordered room service – a €15 upcharge on top of the included rate, but totally worth it for a lazy morning. The continental spread included fresh fruit, pastries, honey, jams, and all the coffee and juice you could want. Mom’s not much of a breakfast person, but even she couldn’t resist that fruit platter.

The Verdict: Would Daisy Return?

With an 8.5 rating, the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso falls solidly into “Good Pet-Friendly Experience” territory. Here’s why it didn’t quite reach that 9+ level:

What holds it back:

• The bar restriction felt unnecessary and disappointing
• Limited true “dog-friendly luxury” touches (though the basics were covered well)
• No special dog menu or VIP treatment beyond the standard amenities

What it does beautifully:

• Staff genuinely love dogs and show it
• Quick response with dog amenities
• Stunning location with excellent walking opportunities
• Access to beachfront restaurants where dogs are celebrated
• Overall sense that dogs are welcome (with some caveats)

This is a hotel where you’ll have a lovely time with your pup, but it won’t blow your mind with over-the-top pet hospitality. The setting is gorgeous, the staff is warm, and the basics are handled with care. Just don’t expect to lounge at the indoor bar with your furry companion.

Practical Tips for Dog Parents

1. Book directly (or with me!) and mention your dog – This ensures they’re prepared with amenities from the start
2. Visit in slower season (like we did in October) for better dog weather and quieter beaches
3. Budget time for the coastal walk – It’s the highlight of the property for active dogs
4. Explore the beachfront restaurants – They’re more welcoming than the hotel bar
5. Double-check amenity hours – Especially if spa time is important to you
6. Consider Wolt for evening dining – It saved our night when indoor options were limited

Final Thoughts

The Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso is a solid choice for dog parents seeking a gorgeous coastal setting with generally good pet policies. The staff’s genuine affection for dogs shines through, the location is unbeatable, and the overall experience is positive. However, if you’re seeking that truly exceptional, dogs-are-royalty-here experience, you might find yourself wishing for just a bit more flexibility and flair.

Would I return? Absolutely – especially if they reconsider that bar policy. The Athens Riviera is stunning, the walks are divine, and everyone who met me fell completely in love (as they should). Just set your expectations appropriately, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to spend most of your time outdoors enjoying that spectacular Mediterranean setting.

Until next time, friends – keep those tails wagging and those passports ready!

Paws and Kisses,
Daisy 🐾

Have you stayed at the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso with your pup? Share your experience in the comments below! And if you’re planning a trip, check out our Flight Search Tool to find the best pet-friendly flights to Greece.

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@crazydaisytravels

Breakfast in bed is the best part of travelling with your dog! Breakfast is always the trickiest meal with your dog in a hotel due to buffet style so when we can’t it’s always breakfast in bed!

♬ original sound – LITTLE GREEN