The Bay

I rarely feel strongly enough to post a review, and i travel a lot for both work and leisure, but this was a bit of an oddity. Firstly, the hotel is fine. Fine being the only description i can think that actually covers it. It is also the most ungreek Greek hotel I've ever experienced ( and have been coming to Greece since the late 80's) On arrival, the first thought was it looked a bit abandoned. The grass and grounds were not well maintained, with grass filling the flowerbeds where lawns had been mowed but no actual shrubs trimmed, weeded or maintained. That in itself is a minor consideration, and we arrived late afternoon where it felt very quiet. Staff were very welcoming, but the bar is a short walk down at the beach so the reception and main restaurant were empty. The room was lovely, although the bed bases, being based half on the wheels and half on the wall shelf were slightly unusual. Sunloungers are, as others have said, very comfy. They are also very heavy to move, and we noticed several parasols damaged, but all tied up in the morning with bits of string/rag. Breakfast was extensive, but rarely hot. The process for tea and coffee was unnecessarily protracted ( you couldn't serve yourself) Dinner is two options, one by the beach and the other the 6 courses set menu. We tried both, and whilst very nice, were very pricey and very un Greek. Dinner by the beach was approx. 70euro ( small carafe of wine was 16euro) and dinner at the main restaurant was 100 euro. I would also add that we had the 6 course dinner served within an hour, and the bill delivered to the table as dessert was placed in front of us! We did ask about getting a taxi to other tavernas nearby but were told at reception that taxis were unlikely to come out this far out. We saw several couples walking out of the resort of an evening, but having had recent knee surgery, that wasn't feasible) In the end we hired a car, and found some wonderful tavernas for 40 euro meals which were of a very high standard ( and with the obligatory carafe of wine at 7 euro) There simply seems to be no atmosphere at the resort ( i ended up calling it a compound) and very few people stayed in the bar area after or before dinner, so it felt very isolated. It also didn't help that the music played throughout the resort was continual cover versions of absolutely every hit song known, but in a smooth jazz/elevator music style, which became very irritating. In essence, it was a very expensive, remote and ungreek hotel which was "fine" but not "wow" and i wouldn't rush back.

Without doubt the most luxurious hotel I've ever had the pleasure of staying in. The staff were incredibly friendly. helpful and from reception to cocktail waiters, nothing was too much trouble. We chose a standard double with a garden view which was comfortable, with a large bed and amazingly powerful shower. The hotel sits by the private beach with fabulous scenery all around. The pool area is large, the sunbeds are luxurious, like padded single beds. Breakfast was incredible, with the largest range of foods I've ever seen offered. Dinner, wines and cocktails were top drawer. We did eat out several times with lovely Greek food at nearby tavernas (Skartsofoli and Taverna Familia) which was a nice change and one of the benefits of taking the B&B option. Will definitely return. 10/10.

One week booked at this hotel with a garden view room. reception was professional and case carried to our room. We walked in and thought the room was a bit dark and the reason why... the garden room view was not so much a garden view but a tree view. Trees were right up to the balcony and you could not see through them (see photo). This might suit some guests but not us so we went down to reception and asked to move rooms. Receptionist said they were full and she would look for a room the following day and true to her word we were found another room with a garden view, although there was a walkway in front of the balcony. The room is reasonably well appointed, although I feel a chest of drawers wouldn't go amiss. The room has the usual facilities plus slippers and robes. Also a steamer for clothes. Whilst there is tea and coffee facilities, including a coffee machine, milk is not provided. The TV English speaking channels are all news channels. Also provided in the room is a plugin insect repellent. The only insects that bothered us were ants. We woke one morning to find a mass of ants around my shoe..turns out I had stepped on a fig and it was stuck to the bottom of my shoe which made a wonderful feast for the ants. The bed was large, however part of the bed base stuck out beyond the mattress and I cracked my shin on it a couple of times. The chairs on the balcony were 'string upholstered which was not very comfortable for the back. I ended up using the seat pad as a backrest. Breakfast was buffet style and was typical of holiday hotels. The display was kept clean and refreshed regularly. Hot drinks were ordered at your table and brought to you...promptly. Dinner. We only ate at the a la carte as my wife did not think she could manage the set menu dinner of 5 courses. The a la carte food was very good. Portions were not large so if a big appetite you may need starters. I particularly enjoyed the sea bass. One disappointment though was the menu never changed in the seven days we were there. The pool area was clean. Sun loungers had thick mattresses on them. There was never a sunbed war scenario.We sometimes did not arrive until 1030 and beds were still available. The same style beds are also available on the private beach. The bar prices are slightly pricey. The grounds of the hotel were well maintained. The beach itself is sandy apart from the shoreline where you have to negotiate gravel/pebbles, but this is only for 2 metres or so. Once in the sea there is a sandbank where you can walk along and only be knee to waist high. Also very little seaweed present. There are two beach bars nearby also serving food. Also further along the beach you can access water sports. (Not part of the hotel) The staff were friendly and attentive but not intrusive.