Blue Sea Holiday Village

The different pool areas were a real plus: there was one for families and kids, a quieter spot to relax, and another with music. Our room was nice and clean, and housekeeping came every day. They even left free water in the room. The people working here were very friendly and welcoming, and the food was delicious with plenty of variety. As a vegetarian, I had lots of good options. We had a great vacation and would definitely come back. One thing felt really odd and intrusive: they sat us down and practically told us what to write in a review, including that we should give them five stars. I mean what I said above, but I didn’t appreciate being pressured like that.

The pools were nice, and the animation team worked hard to keep people busy during the day. Beyond that, we were disappointed. The place looks like a four-star hotel from outside, but doesn’t feel like one once you’re in. The area around it is run down and isolated, with only a couple of restaurants and a small supermarket a few minutes away. Food was often barely warm, sometimes cold, no matter when we went to eat. Local cats were also allowed to wander around the restaurant at mealtimes. One evening, a cat kept jumping onto the table of a family next to us, and staff did nothing. There’s just one small bar for evening drinks, unless you sit in the food court, which isn’t good enough for a hotel claiming four stars. The evening entertainment happens in a mock amphitheater that looks like a DIY enthusiast built it on a bad day. Most of the shows were the sort your local club would be embarrassed to put on, although the dance group was amazing. Also, don’t book a taxi through reception: it’ll cost you double what it would if you book directly.

Our daughter had loads of fun in the pools, and the acrobat show was amazing. I’m grateful the hotel brought those incredible performers in. Some staff were fantastic, though I can’t say the same for the desk staff. There were lots of broken sunbeds around the pools, and parts of the hotel felt run down. We were always first into the restaurant, yet some food was already cold, which was disgraceful. There was a good variety and some dishes were very good, but needing to heat food in a microwave is embarrassing for a hotel. The plates weren’t kept warm like at other hotels we’ve stayed at. Most of the evening entertainment was poor. There wasn’t much nearby for guests to do, so I’d strongly recommend hiring a car. My wife uses a wheelchair. The hotel is accessible, but it certainly isn’t wheelchair friendly, and we found Rhodes itself difficult for wheelchair access too. We stayed 12 nights and weren’t sad to leave, unlike on other holidays. With a car, I’d drive to a beach away from the one near the hotel. We got to see a lot of the island by car, and I have to say it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited, maybe the most beautiful.

There’s very little to do nearby, so I’d recommend hiring a car. We had transport arranged for the things we wanted to do. The beach is a short walk away, with lots of stones, so bring shoes or something similar, but the views are still stunning. Staff were absolutely lovely, and we stayed in one of the newer rooms. It was lovely too, and the complex looks like it’s expanding.