Ecoresort Zefyros

The staff made this stay for me. I got ill while travelling because of anxiety, and the women at reception helped arrange medical help. Everyone seemed to go out of their way for guests, and the local staff helped visitors get a real Greek experience. The maids were lovely too, especially after beach days with the kids. The family standard shower is small and gets mucky quickly, but they made the room fresh and lovely again every day. The views, plants, pool, animals and the hotel’s hidden coliseum-like structure were all wonderful. Rooms are basic, but have what you need. We did have ants, a bathroom door without a lock and a leaking AC, though those things didn’t spoil the trip. Breakfast is simple, with a good selection of jams, honey and hazelnut chocolate for pancakes. The evening meals are the opposite, with lots of choice and generous portions. We’ll be back. A car, bike or quad makes getting around easier, and reception can help arrange one. Thanks again to all the staff.

The second room they gave us was good, but getting there left a bad impression. We moved into what they called a superior room, or comfort room, after I complained that the first room looked like somewhere construction workers would stay, not a holiday room. At first they said the upgrade wouldn’t cost extra. Once we had moved in, they asked for €210. I refused to pay. The way they handled it felt unprofessional and like an attempt to scam me. At checkout I didn’t even acknowledge them. We had booked through Booking.com. The standard room was listed as 16 sqm and the comfort room as 17 sqm, with a price difference of almost €100 for seven nights. I only wanted a clean, pleasant room like the photos, not luxury. Reception said the first room was standard and that it was supposed to look that way. I disagreed, but it was already 5 p.m. and we had paid, so I felt stuck. Those first rooms aren’t suitable for tourists.

We liked how quiet the area was, and the views were lovely. There isn’t much within walking distance, though, so you really need a car or to arrange taxis. Our room matched the picture. The pool was very large and the water was warm, but wasps gathered around it and made getting in and out difficult. Food and drinks from the bar were tasty, with generous portions for the price, which surprised us in a good way. The receptionists were friendly and explained everything. The hotel driver was friendly, on time, inexpensive for the return trip, and helped with our bags.

The location is great, but it’s out of the way, so driving makes sense. Taxis are expensive, and the roads are wild, so take care if you hire a car. The rooms were nice, though ants were around mostly at night. Most of the service was amazing, but one guy was grumpy and never even said hello. Costa was awesome and gave us lots of recommendations as soon as we arrived. I asked for a wake-up call one night, but it never came.