Bella vista

I enjoyed the hotel's calm, welcoming atmosphere and came away with very fond memories. My stay started badly, but management dealt with the situation well and offered a satisfying solution. I'd gladly return, keeping the points below in mind. Renting a car would also make it easier to get around independently. The staff were friendly and communicative, which I really appreciated. A free shuttle minibus ran to nearby Molivos, though it had no air conditioning. The beach is close, but there's nothing immediately around the hotel. The adults-only setup gave the place an intimate feel, with enough comfortable pool loungers and mostly quiet, respectful guests. The decor was a plus overall, though some renovation details were unfinished and a few design elements clashed. Ashtrays by the pool and outdoor dining area felt like an invitation to smoke, without clear non-smoking areas. My room had a double bed, tea and coffee facilities, and air conditioning. The safe wasn't fixed in place and came without instructions. Room Wi-Fi kept disconnecting depending on where I was, but it worked perfectly by the pool and in the lobby. I knew what to expect from Greek all-inclusive hotels, so nothing surprised me, but the main meals were short on variety and used average-quality ingredients. There was usually something for everyone, though fruit choices were limited. Special treats like cream puffs, cake, or watermelon ran out quickly and were replaced by plain pastries or apples. The dining room had no air conditioning during the heat, which made meals uncomfortable. Staff cleared tables very quickly, sometimes while I was still eating after stepping away to get something from the buffet. Snacks between meals were practically nonexistent, disappointing but not unexpected given my past experience with similar all-inclusive stays. Another odd rule was that you could only get one drink at a time, soft or alcoholic.

We had a peaceful, relaxing stay at this small, cozy hotel. The setting was very quiet, and hotel transport ran to the nearby village of Molivos several times a day. The music was good, and the staff were friendly. Around the pool there were comfortable armchairs, with both sunny and shaded spots. The cats and dogs were a small, sweet bunch who begged for food tactfully, even though the hotel staff feed them. The place was impeccably clean. The food was nice, though perhaps a bit repetitive, and the drink selection was limited.

The island surprised us with how pretty it was. The beach sunsets were spectacular, especially at the far right end, and the pool was really nice. The hotel itself was peaceful, and the location was amazing. There's a bus to molyvos at specific times, then you can take the tourist train to petra and anexos. I highly recommend the train. We had a good week, and the staff were friendly, but the food was only okay. We went to Molyvos several times to try real Greek food. For a hotel rated 4 stars, I expected more. It felt understaffed: one man was doing 16 (!) hour shifts, 7 days nonstop, so the service was slow, which I understand. Food often wasn't restocked, the water machine was empty, and cappuccinos were only available in the morning. In the afternoon, the good coffee machine was switched off, and the cheaper one had run out of milk. You could buy a cappuccino at the bar, but having to pay for it didn't feel very all-inclusive. The pool bar was closed for 6 of our 7 days, perhaps because of staffing, and its menu display showed nice drinks. I asked for a cola zero and was told I'd have to pay. The included drinks were juices that tasted like lemonade and cheap cola, sprite, and fanta that were far from the originals and also tasted like lemonade. I ended up having cocktails every evening because they were the only drinks that tasted good. The beach bar had a nice vibe, but food and drinks there weren't included either. The hotel has plenty of potential, but we definitely won't return.

The staff are friendly, the facilities are good, and the food is nice. The drinks, though, taste like water. My main frustration was the music: Drake and other awful rap didn't suit a mixed crowd with an average age of 40 or 50. Please read the room.