Gaia In Style

Late (early morning) arrival but friendly reception. As previous guests, needed little info. just the comfortable bed. Many staff still the same as 2023 - importantly Nikos (head waiter). Nikos (waiter of no badge), Nikos (Barman). Angela turned out to be a great replacement in the bar for Casey (now at sister hotel). The young other staff new but friendly. Room this time a clean, recently decorated, 'sea view' version - really a field view with the sea beyond - as in main TripAdvisor photo. You are not on the edge of the beach but it's only a short walk there or barshopping area. NB check sunbed prices. Operators seem to have sharply increased prices since 2023 albeit seem better quality. Rooms are not large but adequate. No chairs in room, only a heavy pouffe at dressing table. I thought we had at least one chair last time. Bathroom and shower stall are small - would be tight for large people but fine for us. With the exception once of early hours noise from 'neighbours', nothing to disturb our sleep. Our room was on the same walking level as the lift doors but some rooms require using stairs after using the lift. If have mobility problems check room location when booking. Elsewhere steps are supplemented by ramps. Pool area and importantly pool very clean. Pool still cool in July despite recent high temperatures. Plenty of sunbeds and even some cabanas not in use by mid-day. Used own towels rather than messing about with 10 Euros charge and exchanging. With one exception, all the kitchen staff seemed to have changed since 2023 and of course all meals are still buffet type. Still good quality & variety but we thought marginally less good than last visit and more fish dishes needed on some days. Having said, I enjoyed more of the vegetarian dishes than previously. The star dishes were: Turkey Roll - yes sounds unexciting but the seasoning of it was just so tasty. Red Mullet - surprisingly good compared to 3 years ago. Mixed fried vegetables - wife would have loved recipe! Good selection of desserts, including fresh fruit and waistline expanders. All the staff we inter-acted with were brilliant - right through to the young male receptionist who organised our keeping our room for the extra time before our evening pick up. The staff are part of the 'package' that makes staying such an enjoyable experience. Mosquitos were far more in evidence than on previous Kos visits in May & September, so if susceptible - like my wife - you need to go well prepared. Room balcony doors & window have mosquito mesh - the issue is when outdoors in the resort, as agreed by Angela. Family circumstances mean that a 2027 return would have to be a very short notice scenario and so probably no rooms available but we would return again.

The good - The staff are friendly and helpful and pay extra attention to detail. At meal times and when visiting the bar or snack hut they always remember what you’re drinking. At meal times my drink was at my table waiting whilst I got my food . Plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas , no having to get up at the crack of dawn to put towels down. Nice and quiet during the day. You’re far enough away from the noise of the other family hotels and bars on the strip.

The bad - The food. Basic to say the least. Only white sliced pre packed bread or hard rolls. White rice, white pasta, potatoes or chips at every meal. Breaded fish, breaded chicken, breaded onion rings breaded pork. Only the basic bits of a salad lettuce, toms, cucumber nothing extra . Dessert was the same mini sponge cakes, jelly cubes ?? and plate of sad looking watermelon and melon at lunch and dinner. It felt like they were catering for a fussy 4 year old. The room itself was an ok size but the bathroom was small and the shower a joke. Water pressure was fabulous but the shower was tiny. Small slippery tiled area to stand in and shower rail held from the ceiling with twist ties ! Old fashioned shower curtain that stuck to your body as soon as it got wet and was easier to just not use it and soak the bathroom floor instead. Air conditioning in the room was a godsend in the July heat but having it right over the bed head was noisy and constantly having to adjust the temperature as it got too chilly blasting down on you. The hotel is small and all rooms overlook the bar/pool area so while it’s quiet in the day it’s very loud at night and I could still hear loud people at 1.30am drinking and shouting. It’s a shame the hotel doesn’t impose a cut off for the peace of guests as the bars are not that far away to go to for those who want to be up late.