Skiathos Princess

Before I get to the holiday review I would like to warn anybody with mobility issues that the distance from check in to departure gate at Manchester airport is currently horrendous because of building work. We have just returned from a weeks holiday at e Skiathos Princess Resort and overall we really enjoyed our stay. The location is stunning with beautiful views from the hotel grounds The are the most comfortable sun beds around the pools and on the beach that I have ever used. Staff were excellent and vert friendly. We stayed on a B&B basis as we like to eat out at local tavernas of which there are plenty to choose from within a short walking distance. We dined at 5 of them during our stay and all were excellent. You can book with Jet2 half board at this hotel but its not like a conventional HB arrangement. Evening meals are served in the beach front taverna which also doubles as the Al la carte restaurant. Breakfast is served buffet style in a huge dining room but this is the only meal served there. We tried the Al la carte one evening and the food was excellent but portions were not the most generous and the cost was quite expensive compared with nearby tavernas. Drinks generally were also expensive , but you are in a beach front taverna in a lovely location. There were one or two minor negatives. There is no lift in the hotel so if you have mobility issues book a ground floor room. The hotel has recently been refurbished and our room was ok except for some minor niggles. Tea and coffee making facilities were provided but there was nowhere safe to plug the kettle in, you either had to plug it in behind the tv with steam then getting into the TV or plug it in a socket that meant putting the kettle on the floor with the result we didn't bother using it. Local bus services to and from Skiathos town were excellent but beware at one or two stops you don't pay the bus driver, there is someone at the bus stop selling tickets. Our first time using the bus I thought the guy was selling lottery tickets and refused to buy any and went to pay the driver, the ticket seller got quite agitated, not helped by non existent Greek or his non existent English. Non of the other passengers bothered to explain, obviously deciding to mind there own business. So beware.

Great location at bus stop 16 and lots of local bars/restaurants a stones throw away including a supermarket. Combines the advantages of a pool and sandy beach. PROS - great beach restaurant with comfy seating and very good food at reasonable prices - lots of comfortable sun beds - friendly reception staff CONS - not very good parasols on the beach - bathroom is big but shower in the bath is awkward and not good for a 5 star hotel. Wouldn’t be surprised if someone smashes the glass screen or falls out - noisy air conditioning unit. - staff a bit keen to clear the tables

This is an excellent 5 star hotel next to the beach with excellent food and courteous service. Rooms are well appointed and are extremely comfortable. No problem recommending. However, a couple of suggestions the hotel might consider: a. Access to the main pool is not easy for the elderly or those with mobility issues. I saw a number of guests struggling to get in or out.Only 2 stepladders with handholds. The hotel should consider building a 2 step entry at the shallow end which could be done in the down season at relatively little cost. b. 1 in five UK residents now prefer non- alcoholic choices for drink. I think only one such beer was available. The hotel should consider a wider range of non- alcoholic beers, wines and spirits are available. c. Breakfast tea and

Let’s start with the good bits. A very clean hotel,it was spotless everywhere. The staff were wonderful. The breakfast was ok. However as a 5 star hotel the facilities were poor. There was nothing to do at the hotel, there was a table tennis table, but no bats or balls.And that was it. There was no entertainment in the evenings. And with the hotel a fair way from the only town it was hard to find something to do. During the day laid by the pool at no time were we asked if we wanted a drink or anything to eat. The hotel are missing the chance to make some money right there.

Only arrived yesterday and told there was a planned power outage from 08:00 to 14:00 today. According to guests who have been here longer it’s happened several times in the past few weeks. Cold breakfast, no A/c , etc etc with no updates from hotel