Kimkim is worth it for the stress relief it provides while traveling!
Italy | Sep 8 - Sep 19, 2024

T
Tamaryn B.
Pittsburgh, PA | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2024

It was such a stress reliever knowing that everything on our trip was already taken care of while we were there - we didn't have to deal with organizing cars, researching companies to use, or following up with providers because it was all taken care of. Eirini was so helpful in the planning process, had great recommendations, and was honest about what to expect with different options. She was very patient with me as I changed my mind many times to get the trip exactly how we wanted it. It would've been nice to continue to communicate with Eirini while we were on our trip for continuity, but we were handed off to lovely travel support individuals who took care of us while we were on our trip. We would absolutely use Kimkim again for the peace it provided us in not having to worry about a thing while we were on our trip.

Hotel Reviews
Villa Gianlica
Praiano

10/10 I would go back here again and again. The property is GORGEOUS, not only the views, but the terraced gardens and the combination of old and new construction is just beautiful. The staff was lovely and very helpful, especially Marica, and Tomaso. The made to order breakfast as well as the buffet was delicious and food was prepared using the food that is grown on the property. My birthday happened to fall while we were staying on this trip and the staff surprised me by bringing out a small cake and candle and singing happy birthday to me in Italian at breakfast - it was so kind and unexpected. There is a bus stop right outside of the villa as well as two markets and a couple restaurants all on the same small road. Don't miss out on staying here!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff was so friendly, helpful, and kind. Marica and Tomaso helped us with recommendations and making reservations and went above and beyond.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, great housekeeping - Oxana was wonderful.
Atelier Inès Arts & Suites
Napoli

We did not have a great experience at this hotel. From the time we arrived it was unorganized and confusing. When we first arrived, the car was unable to drive down the small road to the hotel and so we were dropped off and someone came to get us, but couldn't find our reservation once we arrived. After eventually finding it, the staff seemed unorganized in what to do next. We were given a key ring with about 6 different keys on it to get in and out of the building and the gates around the building. Our room, although a nice size, was dark with only one window that looked out into an alley - it felt like we were in the basement. We weren't staying long so we wanted to potentially order food to be delivered, but there wasn't an identifiable front desk or reception area where we could ask for help. Luckily we ran into Ines, one of the owners who was lovely and welcoming, but was busy and unable to help us at that time. We ended up venturing out to find food and staff came to apologize later and offered us complimentary drinks. They also provided us with yogurt and fruit for the morning since we were leaving very early for the airport, which was kind. The bed was very comfortable and the bathroom had a nice sized shower.

Authenticity & Character
I believe this hotel probably had more to offer than we were able to explore in the short time we were there.
Location
Hard to get to. Two sets of gates to get in and out. Room looked out into an alley.
Staff
Increased communication/organization among staff would help customers to feel more at ease when arriving. Knowing where and how to get access to staff when needed would have been helpful as there was no reception area.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was clean, bed was comfortable.
Abelonas Retreat
Santorini

This hotel is in a great location - many restaurants literally steps away. It was quiet and had views of both the sunrise and sunset which are hard to get on the island. Yannis was helpful at reception. There is breakfast made to order and delivered to your room every morning. There are beautiful views although somewhat (minimally) obstructed by the location (restaurants, electric wires). The reason for 4 rather than 5 stars is that the room could use some updating, the bathroom sometimes would smell, and the shower was TINY. Overall, a very laid back vibe, excellent location, and good views.

Authenticity & Character
Very cute room, but could use some updating.
Location
Great spot, close to a lot of restaurants and walking paths.
Staff
Yannis was very friendly and helpful, but some of the other staff were not as hospitable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed was surprisingly comfortable as well as the chairs and tables set out to relax. There's a great outdoor lounge area above the hotel and pool where you can enjoy the views.
Activity Reviews
Full Day Capri Boat Tour from Praiano
Full Day Capri Boat Tour from Praiano
Amalfi Coast

The boat was beautiful and relaxed. It was nice that we were able to stop and swim on the way back and were greeted with champagne once we got out of the sea. However, we were warned before we got on the boat that the seas were rough due to a storm the day before. I've never been sea sick in my life, but was sick for an hour on the way to Capri (one of many people who were sick that day). The skipper/captain didn't speak a lot of English and wasn't very helpful and didn't go through any safety briefings before we took off. Because of the difficulties with the language barrier, I was momentarily left at the dock on Capri along with two other passengers as the boat sailed away. My husband and other passengers on the boat were able to explain to the captain that we needed to be picked up.

Santorini Hikes & Bites Private Tour
Santorini Hikes & Bites Private Tour
Santorini

Unfortunately, we woke up sick the day of this tour and had to cancel least minute. Unfortunately, we were unable to receive a refund because of the last minute cancellation, but the travel support did try and find us substitute options. Unable to review this tour as we had to miss it.

Full Day Tour: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello
Full Day Tour: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello
Italy

We really enjoyed being able to get the highlights of the area without having to rent a car or scooter to get there. We spent an hour in Positano walking around, going to the beach, and getting a coffee. The driver, Vito, made the day totally flexible so we could decide what to do that best fit our needs and wants for the day. Vito would drop us off, make suggestions as to where we could explore, and wait for us so that we could explore independently. We decided to drive from Positano through Amalfi, and go straight to Ravello before it got too crowded which was a good call. We had a lot of time in Ravello and were very pleased with our time there exploring on our own. On the way back we decided to skip Amalfi as it had gotten SO busy that it didn't look enjoyable. It would've been nice to see some more scenic sites on the way back since we didn't stop, but we just went back to the hotel.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The driver, Vito, was very helpful with suggestions and offered to take photos of us in front of beautiful scenic lookouts, but he was VERY talkative and we are more quiet so that felt a little tiresome after a full day together.
Transport
Private Transfer from Amalfi Coast to Naples with Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius en route
Private Transfer from Amalfi Coast to Naples with Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius en route
Italy

This was so much more than just a private transfer! This was also a full day tour with one of the most helpful and thoughtful drivers, Raphaele. We started early and drove through the Amalfi coast towards Pompei while Raphaele pointed out different areas and provided information about where we were. At one point I was feeling unwell from all the winding roads and he made me feel very taken care of by stopping, offering suggestions, and making sure I felt comfortable the rest of the ride. He offered local tips and information and shared about how his family lives and enjoys the area. He recommended a wonderful place for a wine tasting with paired food for lunch at the base of Vesuvius and made a reservation for us while we toured Pompei. Claudia was our VERY knowledgable tour guide in Pompei. We would NOT have had the same experience without her knowledge and guidance. Our only down side was that we could've spent hours longer learning from Claudia! After our Pompei tour and lunch at Casa Setaro winery, Raphaele took us up Vesuvius and allowed for us to explore. It was a very windy day which made it cold so be prepared with a sweater as the temperature is much different at that altitude. On the drive to Naples, Raphaele shared with us his limoncello recipe and made recommendations for where to dine in Naples. He navigated the bustling traffic in Naples well and we felt safe and cared for the whole time. Raphaele felt like an old friend by the time we were done!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Raphaele was our favorite driver while on this trip. Claudia was so knowledgable and I feel like I could listen to her talk all day about Pompei!
Transport
Sunset Kayak Private Tour in Santorini
Sunset Kayak Private Tour in Santorini
Santorini

After an initial snafu with transportation, we were able to reschedule this tour for the following day. The staff were SO friendly, and really made the experience so fun and enjoyable. We felt cared for and that safety was a primary focus for the staff as they checked out certain areas before bringing us through. We were able to go at our own pace and adjust as needed. John was our guide and he was so kind, knowledgable, and easy going. He took many great photos for us so that we didn't have to worry about losing our phones. We stopped at a private cove to swim and eat and had the most beautiful views of the sunset. Nolan was another tour guide who was very friendly and Adonis, the owner was so kind and helpful. After we expressed how much we enjoyed one of the snacks from the tour, he made sure we had some to take home with us at the end of the tour and personally walked us back to our car.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka
Eirini
Eirini Daouka
Local specialist in Greece | Replied on Sep 27, 2024

Dear Tamaryn, thank you so much for your review!

We are thrilled to hear how satisfied you are, and it makes us incredibly happy to know that we were able to assist and support you throughout your trip, ensuring that your journey is smooth and stress-free - this is our top priority.
We truly appreciate your feedback on what was great as well as what was not perfect, as it’s extremely valuable to us. We always strive to improve and provide an even better experience for our travelers. We hope to welcome you again soon to Italy and Greece!

Arrivederci!