Sovereign Beach Hotel

The weather was pleasant on our recent holiday, and my fiancée and I had a nice time. The staff were friendly, welcoming and courteous, and helped with whatever we needed. The all-inclusive food and drinks had a reasonable amount of variety, and the place was clean throughout.

The beach was the best part of our stay. The pool was fairly clean and well managed, the food was quite good, and reception staff were courteous and professional, including Kosta. But several things fell short of a 5-star hotel. Our quadruple room had only ONE WARDROBE FOR 4 PEOPLE, and there were no bathrobes or slippers for each guest, or soundproofing in the rooms, which I understand are requirements set by the Greek government and HotelStars Union. The ping pong table was in terrible condition. One woman at reception, who I presume was the manager, had short-black hairy and was very rude. When I asked for clarification about the hotel, she talked down to me, wouldn't let me speak, and nearly threatened to call the police unless I left the reception area immediately. I was shocked by how unprofessional she was, especially with my son beside me. The "All Inclusive" bar closes at midnight, and drinks cost extra until 1 am. Luggage scales cost €1. Tourist tax must be paid in cash, with a receipt given at checkout. Although diving is prohibited in the pool, many young people still dive while the lifeguard watches and says nothing. We left at 4 am and had to load our car in complete darkness because the area, including inside the hotel, was unlit. There are posters showing 4 stars in some parts of the hotel and 5 stars in others. They need to make up their mind. The hotel needs to improve many things and hire staff who treat guests courteously and professionally. To me, it's a 3/4-star hotel.

The food was okay, but we ended up eating out. Drinks were cheap and watered down, and when the wind blows the wrong way, there's a sewage smell from the nearby plant. They seemed to look for every possible way to get more money from you. This wasn't the luxury hotel love holidays described.

The swim-up bungalow rooms are fantastic, and the food is nice. Just be aware there's no food after dinner ends at 9pm. The staff are lovely and friendly, the hotel's own beach is a 2 minute walk away, and Kardemina is 15 minutes on foot.