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Korakia Pensione Historic Villa Bed & Breakfast
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$$
21 reviews for Korakia Pensione Historic Villa Bed & Breakfast
Went here for a romantic weekend and I have to say, this place is the bees knees. I read a few mixed reviews of people being disappointed by room size, stains on curtains, "rustic feel," etc. Honestly, I do not understand how such minor things could make the slightest bit of difference in this amazing oasis. When we checked in, yes, the room was not quite as large as the photo may have made it seem (we had a suite, so perhaps the rooms are very small. I did not view any room but my own). And yes, there was a water stain on the rug around a plant, but seriously, who is going, "Oh my god, a water stain! My weekend is ruined!!!"? I just don't get it. If you want to stay at a cookie-cutter resort where all the rooms are identical and the curtains are white and starched and there is not a flaw to be seen, then go elsewhere. This place is for people who prefer character and historic beauty to boring resorts. Lucky for me, I am one of those people!!
The ambiance is amazing. Both sides are equally gorgeous. Because of other reviews, I tried to get Moroccan but we ended up on the Mediterranean side (because that's where the best room was available when we booked). I was a little disappointed until we arrived and I realized that there was NO reason to be. While the Moroccan side has a few more interesting places to sit and slightly more picturesque landscaping, it also houses the kitchen, main lobby, and breakfast area, so it was more of a central hub for the joint. I prefered being able to go to that side for yoga, breakfast, and a quick dip, but the ability to come back to our side to swim and read for most of the day. But seriously, the whole place is gorgeous. We swam in both pools, lounged in both areas, got to experience the whole place. At night, the Mediterranean pool was very warm, and had three fire pits on the deck warming you as you swam. Heaven!
One thing I would recommend is calling to reserve a room, rather than booking online. I called to ask if the room I wanted had a tub, and ended up getting a suggestion of a better room, which was offered to me at a lowered rate because of the low occupancy at that time of year. Score!! The room was probably twenty steps from the pool (as opposed to the pool-side rooms which are about two steps from the pool), and those twenty steps made a big difference in privacy.
I got up two mornings for yoga while my honey took a spin on the bike (this, I will say, was a bit disappointing--there was only one functioning bike. For a place that seems to be geared towards couples, PLEASE, Korakia, fix the other bike so that there are at least two for us to ride!!)
A note about the yoga--AWESOME! I'm not a total yoga fanatic, but for a gal of moderate yoga skill, the class was relaxing, yet challenging, and very much raised the bar for all future vacations. I made a personal connection with the instructor since one day no one else showed up and I had a private session. Double score!! The second day the class was very full, but both were amazing. The instructor (don't know how to spell her name--Geevenie? Jeveny?) was fabulous. Her classes enhanced my experience so much that nothing could have brought me down.
Breakfast both mornings was simple, but delicious.
One thing I loved was the hands-off vibe that the staff have towards the guests. We could find them when we needed them, but they weren't overbearing or following us around. We brought in our own snacks and alcohol (as did many other guests) and never once did we feel like this was frowned upon in any way. The pools were open 24 hours and we could booze and swim and eat to our heart's content. Movies played both nights though we didn't partake. The "business center" only has one computer but it is a Macbook--just goes to show you they care about their clientele to have a quality machine, not a PC running on Windows 95.
Being from LA it's nice to stay at a place with a European vibe where the fun has not been squeezed out of everything becuase of the fear of a lawsuit. It was just SO nice to feel like you could do what you wanted, when you wanted, without a lot of intervention. It was like having your own condo in a beautiful locale. At some resort places there are strict rules about pool hours and not being able to bring in outside food and drink. Not here.
Didn't miss TV once during the weekend, though the wifi was great.
Would give more than five stars if I could. Loved it immensely. Will be back if possible.
I'm in love with this place... there is no question that we will be back, and even get the same room. Yes - the furniture is old - but that goes with the style of the resort. The grounds are simply beautiful and get even better at night with the candles and lanterns. The perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle!
The staff was so friendly and even made my boyfriend a latte each morning with breakfast!
I missed the morning yoga because I slept in. How could you not in the quite room surrounded by trees... ahh - heaven! And each room is so different! We made friends at the pool and we did a big room tour so we could see the differences in each room... they all had their own little charms!
I will and have recommended this place to my friends. And we will be back... hopefully sooner than later!!
Heaven
Heavenly
Heavenliest!
To be continued...
This place is not cheap but its simply memorable!
No TV and no phone in the rooms. Only free WiFi... I totally dig this place. It's super chill with friendly staff and great ambiance.I would absolutely stay here again.
My partner and i just returned from the Korakia for a much needed weekend vacation. Oh Korakia...I will forever be indebted to you! As you are the first and only location my partner has ever been able to actually relax and for the FIRST time, he did not pick-up his blackberry for consecutive days- he even put on trunks and went into the pool! I literally ran around in my bikini all weekend and have no idea why we packed actual clothes (this mentioned in a non-perv way). Swimsuits, a cover-up/wrap, a tooth brush and a razor is really all one needs here.
The rooms are wonderful - NO TV, NO CLOCKS, NO PHONES, NO RADIOS!!!! :-) Our room had a kitchen and we were able to bring fresh fruit, nuts, drinks and cheese. The grounds are so traquil. Both pools are perfect for lounging in or around all day. There is a BACI ball court- which we made great use of and there are classic movies which are shown nightly. Oooooooo.....the iced tea, served throughout the day, is so yummy you'll forget to eat!
The staff are incredibly sweet and, although one can easily forget they are there, are very attentive!
We will definitely be back, but I don't think it will be soon enough!
We just got back from spending Memorial Day weekend at Korakia and I'm already looking for an excuse to go back. It was beyond amazing.
We reserved a room for the weekend, but there was a mix-up with our reservation. They saw the note that it was a belated birthday celebration for me and upgraded us to their best unit, the Orchard House.
Clearly, all of the amenities were over the top (well, beside the dated appliances) but it was more than just that. This place had so much charm and comfort that you never wanted to leave. We just oozed from one room to the next, taking breakfast on the patio, reading in the living room with the giant glass door swiveled open, snacking in the shade under the tree, and finishing the evening with a soak in the private Jacuzzi surrounded by tea-light lanterns.
Beyond the room, Korakia has some amazing amenities, including the poolside movie and the morning breakfast service. On both Saturday and Sunday morning, I also did the yoga in the main building. There is nothing like doing Sun Salutation with the sun shining on you and looking up at San Jacinto Mountain. The instructor accommodated all skill levels, everything to a self-proclaimed expert to a pregnant woman to true first-timers.
The whole experience was relaxing and revitalizing. I can't wait to return.
I had been looking forward to coming to Korakia for about six months, so perhaps I had my expectations set way too high. But after reading all these rave reviews of the place, I'm very confused as to why my stay was subpar. Dirty, uncomfortable furniture, less than attentive staff, no refill of toilet paper after we asked for it leading us to have to drive three miles at midnight to buy some, a crying infant staying in the room next to ours, pools not skimmed and filled with bugs. No relaxing music poolside, instead 50 Cent! No movie "glistening on a nearby wall" either night we were there. I'm really glad we didn't pay for one of the more expensive rooms because I'd be even more upset. Korakia, what happened?
I can not say enough good things about Korakia. When you step foot on the grounds you just take a deep sigh of relief, you know that you are about to have an amazingly relaxed time. The staff is some of the best I have ever encountered, extremely friendly and you really get the feeling that they love what they do.
The rooms themselves are terrific. Stone floors, heavenly beds, complimentary snacks, a heater for when it gets chilly at night, and light linen curtains to give you some privacy but that will not shut out all of the sunshine.
Korakia has some services that you should definitely not miss out on. Their pools (there are two) are always warm and refreshing, on the weekends they offer yoga classes outside, you are able to get a message or other spa treatments in the comfort of your own room, they have bikes that you can take out whenever you want (they are great to ride around on while exploring some of the great architecture that Palm Springs has to offer), and every morning there is a complimentary breakfast that is terrific. You can eat out on their sun bathed patio or they can bring it right to your room.
Every time I think about my stay at Korakia I can't help but smile and wish I was right back there. If you want a truly relaxing get away go to Korakia. You will not be disappointed by a single aspect of it. Guaranteed.
I am writing this review from one of the guest rooms at Korakia. I would be happy if this place went condo and I could take up permanent residency. Palm Springs is my favorite getaway, and Korakia is my favorite place in my favorite place!! It's totally serene, quiet, no children ,pool open all night, and the guests are so ommed out that everyone is quiet. you feel like you have the place to yourself. During your stay, you may feel like you are in the South of France or Morocco more than you are in California. The giant San Juacito mountain is RIGHT UP IN YOUR FACE . They show black and white movies on an outdoor screen at night, and the entire place is lit up like a Molotov cocktail with fire pits and tea lights. Bom shocka wha whommmmm! Meow pretty Korakia house kitty!
Our friends sometimes give my gf and I looks of puzzlement when we tell them we are about to spend the weekend in Palm Springs -- again. Well, this place is the reason we go. When we feel like we need a relaxing weekend somewhere, Korakia is usually the first place that comes to mind.
The rooms are all unique, with varying levels of luxury (and price), but we find ourselves wanting to spend time in even the small ones . This isn't a generic luxury hotel or stuffy victorian b&b: The rooms have a tendency to make you sort of feel like you are staying in the guest house of your coolest relative. Interesting art, beautiful furniture, vintage books, games -- and snacks -- are in all the rooms. The grounds have a tranquil simplicity to them, with nice pools, a bocce ball court, and an area where they screen films (usually foreign) at night.
The staff is among the most attentive, friendliest, and overall most effective of any I have encountered, including at places that have been far more expensive.
Korakia probably won't be the ritziest place you ever stay, but it may make for one of your happiest experiences. After a little while here, you feel like you are a million miles away from anything.
I was here in the spring of 07 and it is with all honestly a haven for LA peeps that need a break from the traffic and smog.
I flew in from SF to Ontario and drove the rest of the way (in a suit of all things). I'm not sure why i wore a suit to PS, but when I walked up through the archway, the cutest girl looks up at me and my well dressed executive gal friend and says... oh... my. you're so well dressed. um... Welcome to Korakia".
Needless to say, we were escorted to our beautiful Bungalow on the Moroccan side, with a huge kitchen, large living beautifully appointed, and a bedroom with king bed that must have been 5' off the ground on a stacked tile platform. We actually had to crawl up to it. But of course... it was worth it.
I'm not sure we left the poolside all day. They play relaxing music and will bring you wine, Panini's, whatever you'd like. Smoking is allowed, and that kept us chill in 2 chaise's in front of the Bungalow until dinner time. We did the uptown grill for dinner and my fav Blue Cheese Stuffed Filet Mignon, but the accommodations were so pleasant, we really looked forward to get back to our room (and the resort). I guess there are a lot of places you can stay that aren't inviting, but that is what sets Korakia apart from the 3 stars... its Pure Pleasure.
It's kind of fortunate for me that I have a cousin 1 block from here, and a girlfriend a 1/2 block, so I have accommodations locally. So I may never stay here again... but until all that changes, or the new owners of Korakia change the pricing drastically, I will keep it in mind for my first choice when vacationing in PS.
I just looked for a weekend room... and they were booked through November (and its only August!!!).
The grounds are beautifull. The room we had was small and what funiture that was in it was uncomfortable. Since it was a bit too cold to be on the patio, furniture also uncomfortable, in the evenings it was not very relaxing. We also could hear conversations of the people next door. Just ask about the rooms before you book.
Stayed in early December 2008. When I make any kind of recommendation I try to take into account the person/personality that I am recommending to.
Given this, I'm not sure there is anybody I know to which I would not recommend a weekend at Korakia.
Here's why:
1. Two sides to the place: Mediterranean and Moroccan. I have never been to either of these locations abroad, so I cannot speak to authenticity, but I it doesn't feel like it is trying to be something it is not.
2. Each room/suite is unique. Different layouts and different decor, but from room to room still enough common design to tie everything together. Our unit (the Limnos Room), as well as most of the others, was double door accessible making it possible for indoor-outdoors continuity that is so nice to enjoy in the California desert clime.
3. Very friendly, but unobtrusive staff. A number of them have worked there for more than a few years and as such seemed like they were tending their own home/property for maximal hospitality.
4. All along the grounds are strategically placed seating arrangements accompanied usually by an appropriately sized table or fire-pit, but there is also a bocce-ball court and lounging platform complete with pillows for watching movie that was projected onto a wall every evening. Some of the random tables have baskets of fruit on them.
5. Morning brewed coffee was quite good and breakfast was soooo tasty. For us was (Sat) Strawberry Frenchtoast and (Sun) Huevos Rancheros.
6. Moroccan mint tea served in the entry-way every evening with cookies and fruit.
7. The grounds cat, "Badness", was friendly, picture-amenable, and a good model when looking for cues on how fully enjoy the weekend.
We only left Korakia once the whole weekend to borrow the bikes for a ride. Otherwise, the B&B was all we needed to enjoy.
I can't think of a more romantic place to stay while visiting Palm Springs. Just behind Korakia lies a breathtaking backdrop of the San Jacinto mountains. In the evening, the firepits add a sense of calmness to an already peaceful sanctuary.
The arid climate and Korakia's ambiance makes you feel like you've just been transported to Morocco.
Each room is unique and there are no tvs (that's a good thing)!
You can request breakfast brought to your room or eat in the front courtyard overlooking a fountain and murals.
korakia... i u! so pretty & romantic. without pretension, noise pollution & crazy party peeps. u are everything i hoped for and more. and the aegean bungalow, i died and went to heaven. if i only i could afford to visit u more, i would. miss u! xo -me
Soooooo, this place is great. I actually found it through Yelp, and there were mixed reviews. I decided to give it a try because the pictures on the website were exactly what I was looking for. Mediterranean, unique, unordinary and unpretentious. A beautiful bed and breakfast in a sea of cheapy motels. So-
My boyfriend and I went in late March '08. Arrived on a Thursday afternoon about 4, and left Sunday noon.
When we arrived, these cute young girls in long black wrap skirts greeted us in the main entry. Our room wasn't ready yet, but one of the girls suggested that we hang out by the pool until the maid had finished. Great. The atmosphere was so laid back and casual. The staff was very very friendly. She even helped carry our luggage to the room.
Their room rates vary by the type of room you reserve. We reserved the bungalow called the Aegean. Rustic looking but very clean. No TV, no radio though. There are outlets, andwe brought our own radio. A little steep at $400/night. This room is it's own little cottage, unconnected to any other buildings and it's on the quieter side of the bed and breakfast. There are two pools, and on this side, two other bungalows share our pool. But you can go to either pool, whichever you prefer. This one is quieter though I think. The Aegean has two walls with windowed doors that open, so it's very airy, if you want it to be. Stone floors throughout the whole bungalow, so pool water isn't a problem.
The sitting area is pretty spacious, a couch and two wicker chairs. The kitchen is the only down side. It's tiny. The fridge is helpful for keeping beer cold. That's all we used it for. But, why would you want to cook when you're here? They have menus of nearby places that deliver! Just ask.
The bed and bathroom were perfect. Huge, king size bed with tons of pillows and clean white sheets. Cool shower, and soaking tub. Be warned: the soaking tub is a one-er. Two people just won't fit.
My boyfriend and I were in the pool when one of the hostesses came by to make sure everything was okay and that the room was all done and cleaned. She said they still had some massage appointments available for the next day if we wanted to be massusued. And of course, we wanted. So she put it in the book. About $100 bucks each. Full body massage, in your birthday suite, on a portable massage table, in our room, complete with our own Olga's. Great, very relaxing, and they were soo nice. The massage Cabin was being re-done, so they came to our room. But I think they'll come to your room if you request it after the cabin is done. Prolly might be done by now, I dunno. You can either have it charged to your room or pay them directly after they're done. We payed them directly.
Old movies played at night outside one a projector screen, the little fire pits were lit, and it was so romantic!
This place is a great find. I can't say enough good stuff about it. The staff was just so nice, and that was just icing on the cake. Whatever we asked for any questions we had, they were happy to help. We will definately be back next year.
This place has new owners and I am not too optimistic about what they are doing - adding a bar, redesigning the new part of the hotel. Make sure you stay at the old part, not the new - the old part is still very nice, the new part is not!
Apart from that warning, service was good, the room was good, bring food, wine and pretend you are in morocco or somewhere - do NOT venture into town ;)
We really enjoyed our stay at the korakia. My girl chose this place for my birthday/ our valentine getaway weekend and I must say she picked the perfect place for our weekend in palm springs. The place is like a morrocan oasis nestled in the heart of palm springs. The staff was very friendly and accomodating. And if you get a chance, strike up a conversation with Dave, the night watchman/concierge, dude is hilarious. Also take advantage of the free yoga class, great for beginners like me. A great retreat with a touch of morrocan flavor in the desert.
The news is that a very well off group has purchased the hotel, wanting the 'get into' the boutique hotel business. Well here are a few things they may want to sort out.
First, don't change a bit of the ambiance and don't raise the rates. Korakia is a still silent place that can be Morracan or Mediterranean without leaving CA. It is for those that like to be left alone and don't want a huge scene poolside, that's why the pools are large enough to dip in, but too small for laps. They could use more towels poolside and it wouldn't hurt for the staff to pick up around the pool area more than, say, once a day. At 4pm coffee cups were still left from breakfast and beer bottles left out in front of rooms from the night before. I don't need anyone to serve me poolside, but I don't want to stare at everyone else's servings while I'm there! The place has wifi, tho the reception is spotty on the Mediterranean side. And you may have to ask 4 times for a light bulb, and not even get one! If you are going to hike the canyons and have a nice meal out, don't even bother with the kitchenette, save the extra $100, because the oven may not work, or worse yet, your room may smell of gas.
Bring your cell phone, if you need something for your room, like a light bulb, wifi, or a pilot light, you will have to call from it as the rooms have no in house lines and even then you might get the answering machine. The staff, despite being spread to thin and no doubt overworked, are delightful, all three of them.
Aside from the low maintenance upkeep, it really is a charming place, breakfast is adequate, bring champagne to kick it up a notch with mimosas because they DO have ice buckets!!
Now I know this is supposed to be a romantic getaway for all the lovey dovey couples out there... but I just got back from sharing an amazingly relaxing weekend at the Korakia with 3 of my girlfriends. What a wonderful little retreat this place is! A rather short jaunt from the Los Angeles area, we meandered into Korakia on a Friday afternoon to be greeted by a friendly and attentive staff. We quickly scurried off to our rooms, slipped into our bikinis, opened a bottle of red wine, and jumped into the perfectly heated pool where we remained until the sun went down. A short walk to town, we spent the rest of the evening eating, drinking and being silly till we were ready to fall effortlessly into the ultra comfy beds back in our rooms. The next day, the staff made a tasty little breakfast for their guests and then it was back into the pool for us for the rest of the day. The ambiance of this place will suck you in, freeing you from all things worrisome while you are there. Go... getaway... and have yourself a sweet, simple, and pleasant time at the Korakia.
