Makronisos Village

This was our second stay at Makronisos Village, and it feels like the kind of family-friendly holiday home you want to return to. We’ll probably be back again. The reception team were amazing: they helped us get a room right next to our relatives to surprise them, answered our questions promptly, and arranged a late checkout. The grounds are well kept and lovely to walk around, and the pool is big enough for everyone without feeling too crowded. Our apartment was clean and had what we needed for a comfortable stay, including an iron and ironing board. There’s a small convenience store right next to the hotel with all sorts of useful things. Makronissos Beach, the island’s best beach, is just a 12-minute walk away, and the bus stop is nearby too.

The rooms were very clean, the air conditioning worked, the food was good, and the drinks were really cold considering the conditions. I do have to criticize the staff’s service readiness, though. On our last night they forgot to bring us dessert, and my girlfriend had to ask two different staff members three times for an ashtray. A little more assertiveness in that regard would help.

The gardens and pool area were fantastic, beautifully maintained, and very tidy, with lots of loungers and great staff. There was a large children’s play area too. Food portions were generous, and the food and drinks menu had plenty to offer at reasonable prices. Keep an eye out for the amazing lizards dotted around the resort gardens. Well worth a stay. The rooms are comfortable and very basic, as you’d expect for a self-catering holiday. Ours had a nice sofa and chairs, a bedroom, and balconies with a table and chairs. Beds were comfortable, and the air conditioning and fans were perfect for hot nights. Rooms were cleaned daily and kept very tidy by the friendly cleaners. Cooking options were limited: there were only hobs, so we couldn’t cook frozen food, and the freezer was too small to store it. There are supermarkets just a few minutes’ walk away, including one on the complex.

The WiFi was useless, so don’t count on getting online. The rooms themselves are spacious, clean, and well equipped, but the noise made it impossible to have a peaceful stay. At the back of the complex, you’re about 100 metres from the motorway and the traffic is terrible. Maintenance staff started rolling wheeled bins along the uneven paths at 3:30am, and every 15 minutes the hot water system made a racket. I definitely wouldn’t stay here again. Bring earplugs.