Kouros Home Hotel

For the price, it was okay, and the pool and location were good. But the toilet layout ruined the rest for me: it was tucked into a corner without a proper door, so your partner can hear and smell everything. The room has potential, but the cleaning needs work. During our week, the floor was never cleaned and the general upkeep felt careless. Breakfast tasted good, but by 9:30 there was already much less food, despite service supposedly running until 10:30.

We spent 11 nights at Koyros Home in Faliraki on a bed-and-breakfast basis and would gladly stay there again. It’s a small, family-run adults-only hotel in the quieter end of the resort, with beaches, shops, restaurants, bars and clubs all within easy walking distance. Our room was spacious and always clean, with a comfortable large bed, kettle, fridge, free air conditioning and wide patio doors opening onto a balcony with a sea view over the pool. Housekeeping came daily to make the bed, change towels and empty the bins. The breakfast was plentiful, delicious and made with local produce. Evagelio and Vasouloi (apologies if I have misspelt your names) looked after breakfast each morning. Stella welcomed us when we arrived in the evening, knew the area well and arranged a great-value trip to SYMI. Bill gave us a complimentary welcome cocktail, and generous bar meals were available through the day and into the evening at reasonable prices. The staff spoke good English and were all very friendly and helpful. There are lots of nearby restaurants. We especially liked The Greek Spirit and Acropolis, where the Greek-style lamb shank was amazing. There was another place towards town that I can’t remember, plus a corner shop down the road whose staff were also friendly and helpful. The beach is close, and we enjoyed walking along it into town. There are plenty of beautiful beaches nearby too. We hired a quad bike and scooter, although a car might be more practical. Driving was straightforward, so don’t let that put you off. There’s plenty to explore: Rhode Old Town is a must, and walking along the enclosed walls after visiting the Palace of the grand master (20 euros each) was interesting. We also enjoyed seeing castles and other historic places, including the Acropolis at Lindos, and stopped at several lovely sandy beaches with free parking.

The pool was lovely and the property was kept in good condition. Our room was comfortable and spacious, and the staff were very helpful and friendly. Breakfast was the same each day, but we enjoyed it. The soundproofing between rooms could be better, though most guests were considerate so it wasn’t a big problem. Kouros Home Suites is nicely decorated and very close to Kalamota Beach in Faliraki. Thanks for a lovely stay.

The half-board dinners were a highlight: the chef prepares a four-course meal each evening with local ingredients, and it’s closer to fine dining than typical resort food. Most nights there was an option without fish, though if you don’t like fish at all it may not suit you. A massage is an absolute must. Yiannis is a legend with a huge heart. He brought our backs and lungs back from the grave. Book early, because you’ll probably want another session before the week is out. The people here are what make Kouros so welcoming. Mo makes cocktails with real care and charm, and the flavours and conversations are great. Georgia brings attentive table service and the driest sense of humour, “FYH”. Niel and Palos at the pool bar make refreshing drinks and are great company, even early in the day. Ivelina’s warm morning greeting is a lovely start, and George at reception sorts out any questions smoothly. I don’t usually write such detailed staff reviews, but these people really make a vacation and are excellent at what they do. It’s a beautiful, quaint and positive place, and easily our best experience for a relaxing holiday. The main downside was construction at the top of the building. It was loud and meant earlier mornings, which wasn’t ideal. Even so, I can’t give the place less than five stars. Hopefully we’ll see you all next year.