SERIFOS
I just spent 5 nights at Alexandros Resort in Livadakia, Serifos, and I can't say enough good things about it. It's clean, charming, and right ON a wonderful beach. I booked the one "Executive" room and was ecstatic with the room. It's the only room in the main building. It's on the second floor right above the restaurant, with views out across the bay. Nice breezes on the second floor.
The owner, Alexandro, is a lovely man - warm and friendly even though I only know a smattering of Greek phrases, and he knows hardly any English. Still, we communicated well. After checking out and going to the pier, I learned that my ferry was canceled due to high winds. I returned back to Alexandro who quite literally welcomed me back with open arms!
I don't know how to describe Aldo's role, other than he does everything - waiter, concierge, bellman, translator, cashier. Aldo speaks excellent English. Jenny and Sabrina - the other waitstaff - are delightful.
The hotel is about a 10 minute walk into Livadi "town", entering it right by the market and a wonderful bakery/cafe. If I ever return to Serifos, I'm going back to this same room at Alexandros.
SIFNOS
Four nights at Nikoletta Geronti Pension in the little village above Apollonia just isn't enough. Views are looking across the small valley to Apollonia and across the sea to Antiparos. The room is spotlessly clean. Nikoletta brings little treats every day: a small bowl of rice pudding, a slice of homemade cake, a couple of hard-boiled eggs. I didn't do any cooking - just made coffee every morning. The view from my terrace was serene and quiet. All around my terrace were pomegranate, pear, lime, and orange trees, as well as the most luscious fragrance from her jasmine plants.
Having a car here was helpful since there's so much to explore. I would definitely stay here again.