Alkmini

The best part of our holiday was finding some wonderful restaurants on the main strip. We had great meals and met lovely Greek people, which restored my faith after a disappointing stay at Alkimini. I wouldn’t return. The owners were friendly, though I can’t say some of their actions were helpful. The place felt as basic as accommodation I stayed in on Corfu 43 years ago while backpacking at 25. I’ve also stayed in Crete, zante, kos and poros. The bedroom was the only decent room, still basic but more acceptable than the other areas. The pool was clean and very cold, which was fine, but there were bad cracks around it that looked like possible subsidence or quake damage. The restaurant was more like a cafe, the bar area sparse, and the food I had was bland and undercooked, despite large portions. The furniture was old and rickety. There was a kettle and fridge, but when I asked for a toaster, I was told no because that was what the cafe was for. Hairdryers were only available on request, and there were very few electrical sockets. The showers were extremely basic, though there was always enough hot water. The reception was clean but very outdated. There was also a rather nice bar area that would have been lovely to use, but I assume a lack of staff kept it closed. The hotel would not let us pay by card, repeatedly saying the machine was broken. I had little cash, and each ATM withdrawal would have cost me 10%, so I chose to eat and shop elsewhere rather than be held to ransom. No other restaurant or shop did this. Even the little supermarket near Alkimini, stavros, accepted cards and delivered without charging. I think refusing card payments is a way of hiding money from the authorities, and nothing else. The location is difficult for anyone with walking problems: it’s at least a 20-minute walk to the main strip, and late in the year the way back is quite dark. We were busy with the hotel the whole time, but I can’t see how, with the minimum staff they have, they couldn’t afford upgrades to make it a good basic hotel: kettles, toasters and microwaves in rooms, some paint inside, more comfortable room furniture, and a refreshed cafe. It’s misleading, since many reviews seem to come from people who have returned for years, which is why new guests book it. I doubt lack of funds is the issue. The owner drove a very nice, if old, merc; it seems they want visitors’ money without improving basic comfort. People who come once may not come back. I won’t add photos because I already posted them on Trustpilot. I blame Jet2 for misleading people with repeat holiday customers who have been going for years and years and will most certainly not speak the truth. I will post photos of some nice restaurants in Theologos village, which is exactly what it is. It’s pretty, though I think covid decimated it, as it did most countries. The photos are of Rodi, Billy’s place, and two others that were amazing, Zaya and Marriposa.