Hotel Athina

Makis is the sort of person who'll help if you need anything or want to get in touch with someone. If he's brought treats and you happen to meet him, he'll happily share them. His son is around too. Athina Hotel is close to the beach, and I'd recommend it. It could just as well be called Makis and Sakis Hotel.

The bay, Sami and the hills are all in view from this brilliant spot. Makis treats guests like personal friends, and the bar has a lovely evening atmosphere. We met some lovely people there, including many who return year after year. There's a little private beach about a minute away, with comfy loungers, and you can use the pool at the neighboring hotel owned by Makis's wife, also a minute's walk away. Our room clearly needed some work. I saw a room across the hall being done up, so I think they're renovating them one by one. Some things were broken or didn't work properly, the bathroom was tiny, and its huge step was awkward. The beds were very comfy, and we got fresh sheets and towels every day, but cleaning could've been better. I had to rinse sand from the shower and clean around the sink taps daily. Spilled crisps stayed on the floor for at least five days, and the balcony floor wasn't washed during our 10 nights, especially dirty under the clothes airer. Air con and a safe were free. WiFi was free too, but so intermittent we couldn't rely on it. There was no TV, and no way to make hot drinks in the room. We bought mugs so we could get coffee downstairs in the morning while getting ready for breakfast. Breakfast was basic, with little choice and the same things each day. The bread was only OK toasted because it always seemed a bit stale. The orange juice was either squash or very watered-down fresh juice. I could have a boiled egg and tomato on toast, though, and that was tasty and enough to start the day. Even with those issues, we had a great time on this beautiful island. The staff were lovely, especially Makis, and made the holiday feel perfect. None of the downsides would stop us booking again. Hopefully we'll be back one day. Thank you!

It took about 15 minutes along the seafront to walk into Sami, handy for town and its restaurants. We stayed at Athina Hotel for 12 days and loved it. The hotel was extremely friendly and incredibly clean. Everyone was warm and welcoming, from owner Makis to the breakfast bar team and the cleaners. Guests can also use the pool at no charge at the 5 star hotel just across the road. Amazing stay, we'd recommend it.

We usually want to try somewhere new, even after a lovely holiday, but this place is special enough that we're coming back. It's easy to see why so many people return to Athina. The scenery is beautiful right on your doorstep, and the mad ducks, Thelma and Louise, hang around by the beach sun beds. Thanks to Makis and all the team for making Sami even better. From Drew and Hazel (Scotland). The location is quieter, away from the main part of town, which suits us. Still, it's a short walk to lovely restaurants, a great bakery and a wee local shop. The promenade along the water makes for a lovely walk into town, where there are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as travel connections. Sami stays low key, more for a relaxing holiday than a party town. A big part of what makes it so lovely is the people. Makis is an amazing, welcoming host who makes you feel like a long-lost friend, and all the staff are wonderful. The cleaning team work incredibly hard and are so friendly, making the place feel like home. I almost hate letting people in on this hidden gem.