- Greece Holidays
- Faliraki
- Grecotel LUX ME Dama Dama
The resort is named after the dama-dama deer that lives on the island since antiquity and its marble idols stand proud on famous Rhodes harbour. Dama Dama lies on famous Faliraki beach & features sun-filled public spaces, a 100-meter pool & gardens with bungalows framed by a vast beach line. Just 16 km from Rhodes airport and 12 km from Rhodes Town.
Having now returned from our stay, we wanted to share our experience, as there were several issues that fell well short of what we expected when making our booking.
On arrival, the property itself looked just as it did in the photographs, if not better, and we were initially very pleased. However, having specifically paid extra for a Superior Bungalow Pool Side for two people, with the possibility of being allocated a first-floor bungalow, we expected the accommodation to reflect the layout and description shown on the website.
We were allocated a first-floor bungalow, which was supposedly intended for two people. However, there was also a single bed positioned against one of the walls. This was rather surprising and certainly not what we had anticipated when booking a Superior Bungalow for two people. It made the accommodation feel more like a standard room that had been described and priced differently.
More concerning, however, was the considerable noise coming from the adjoining hotel, particularly what appeared to be an air-conditioning unit or compressor. The noise was intrusive enough that we felt we needed to raise the issue with reception at around 10.00pm on our first evening.
The lady at reception was helpful and told us that she would log our concerns and that the manager would contact us the following day. We were also told there was a possibility that we could be moved, either to alternative accommodation or to the other side of the pool. We appreciated this and expected someone to follow up with us.
Unfortunately, we heard nothing the following day.
On Friday, I raised the matter again with another member of staff, only to discover that our original complaint had apparently not been logged at all. This was particularly disappointing, as we had raised the issue promptly and had been assured that it would be followed up.
To be clear, we were not looking for an upgrade or anything beyond what we had actually paid for. We simply expected to receive the Superior Pool Side Bungalow that we had booked and paid extra for, and for our concerns about the noise to be taken seriously and dealt with appropriately.
Furthermore, although the bungalow was described as pool side, a large tree was directly obstructing the view of the pool. Again, this was disappointing given that we had paid an additional amount specifically for this category of accommodation.
It wasn't until Friday that a member of staff finally informed us that they could move us, but that this would not be possible until Saturday. By that point, we had already settled in and wanted to get on with enjoying our holiday, so we declined the move. In hindsight, perhaps we should have accepted it, but we didn't want to spend yet more of our holiday packing up and moving rooms because of an issue that should have been addressed much earlier.
It is also worth pointing out that these so-called “bungalows” are actually rooms numbered 51–85, with two rooms on the ground floor and three on the first floor.
Would also like to mention you could only fit one person in the bathroom unless the other was in shower, it was that small.
Given the way the accommodation is presented and marketed, we feel that the description is at best misleading and does not accurately convey what guests are actually booking.
We appreciate that things can occasionally go wrong and that not every aspect of a stay is within the property's control. However, it was the combination of issues that left us feeling particularly disappointed: the accommodation not matching our expectations from the description and photographs, the additional cost for a pool-side bungalow despite the obstructed view, the intrusive noise from the adjoining hotel, and, most importantly, the fact that our initial complaint was apparently not recorded or followed up.
We had paid extra for a particular standard and type of accommodation, and we don't feel that what we received fully reflected what we had booked. Had the concerns been acknowledged and dealt with promptly, our overall impression may have been very different.
Unfortunately, despite the property itself being attractive and initially making a good impression, the accommodation and the way our concerns were handled meant that our stay was ultimately a disappointing experience.
We have just returned from a two week stay at the Dama Dama, and we had an absolutely unbelievable time.
We were staying at the hotel to get married, and from the very first contact with Katerina to organise our wedding, she made everything feel so easy and stress free. She later introduced us to our wedding coordinator, Christina, who is an absolute asset to the hotel. Christina has worked there for 26 years, and you can immediately tell that she genuinely loves her job and, more importantly, loves helping people.
From the first time we met her, Christina wanted to do everything and anything possible to make sure we had the best time. I honestly can’t express how amazing she was or how much we appreciate everything she did for us throughout our two week stay. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and she went above and beyond to make everything perfect.
The hotel itself is fantastic. There were 50 of us staying at the hotel for the wedding, and we thought having such a large group might make things difficult for the staff at times, but we couldn’t have been more wrong. The staff in the bars and restaurants were brilliant, attentive, friendly, happy and always willing to help.
A special mention has to go to Thassos, Georgina, Alissia and Sophia. They were absolutely brilliant and always made us feel so welcome. Even with such a large group, they were always happy to help and always had a smile on their faces. They really helped make our stay even more enjoyable.
The wedding itself was absolutely brilliant. Once again, Christina made everything perfect and simply couldn’t do enough for us. It really was the perfect day, made even more special by the fireworks and having an area in the beach bar where all of our guests could celebrate together afterwards. Even with 50+ guests, the staff were still so happy to help and went out of their way to make the evening special.
The food at the hotel is also great, from the buffet to the à la carte restaurants. The portions in the à la carte restaurants aren’t the biggest, but it’s a lovely change from the buffet and there is a great choice of food. You can also order as many dishes as you like from the menus, which is a great touch.
My personal favourite though, was the food from the snack bar at the Greek restaurant down by the beach. In the afternoon they put on a buffet, and the food was unreal. The gyros were honestly the best I’ve ever had!
We stayed in a poolside bungalow, which was really nice. We had our own little back garden with seating, a spare single bed and plenty of wardrobe space. We were next to the quieter pool, which had around 10 sunbeds beside it. We actually preferred this pool as it was a little more peaceful, while still getting the sun all day. The pool is definitely cold, but on a hot day it’s fantastic for cooling down, and we still spent hours in there.
The beach is also private, with really comfortable sunbeds, and it’s right beside the beach bar, which is perfect. You can grab a drink and take it straight down to the beach with you.
The location is also really convenient. There is a bus stop just outside the hotel in both directions, and for just a couple of euros you can travel to Faliraki and Lindos one way, or Rhodes Old Town the other. The buses run roughly every 20 minutes, so getting around couldn’t be easier.
We also had a couple of massages from the lady at the beach hut. Having a massage outside, listening to the sound of the sea, is something I’d never experienced before, but I would 100% recommend it. It was probably the most relaxed I felt throughout the entire holiday!
Overall, we had an absolutely fantastic two weeks at the Dama Dama, made even more special by Christina and the incredible staff.
We will definitely be back, and we’ve already talked about visiting some of the other Luxme hotels around the Greek islands to experience them as well.
Thank you to everyone at the Dama Dama for helping us have such an amazing start to our marriage, and thank you for a fantastic holiday. We genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
We had the most amazing stay at Dama Dama Hotel, and honestly, the staff were absolutely incredible. I cannot stress enough how friendly, helpful and welcoming everyone was. They genuinely couldn’t have done enough for us throughout our stay.
There were so many lovely interactions with the staff, and everyone was always happy to have a chat and make you feel welcome. One of the ladies at breakfast even stopped to chat with us about the little cats that ran around the hotel, and she was absolutely lovely!
A special mention has to go to Alessia at the bar. We were part of a group of around 40 people, so I’m sure we were constantly ordering drinks and probably a huge pain at times! 😂 Despite this, Alessia was always smiling, incredibly friendly and happy to serve us. She was fantastic and deserves a massive thank you from all of us.
Thassos at the lobby bar was also brilliant. Such a friendly, lovely guy who was always so nice to see and chat to, and he was a pleasure to be served by. We genuinely couldn’t have been happier with the service from everyone.
The food was fantastic throughout our stay as well. There was a great selection and everything we had was really enjoyable. The restaurant staff were also brilliant — they were always checking in on you, making sure everything was okay and keeping your drinks topped up without you even having to ask. They were so attentive and friendly, and it really made a difference.
The pools were clean and well looked after, the towels were always clean and readily available, and the sun loungers were SO comfortable — I actually fell asleep on them a few times! 😂 The rooms were also very clean, and the cleaners did a fantastic job throughout our stay.
We came to Dama Dama for my mum’s wedding, and what a gorgeous place it is to get married. The wedding coordinator did an amazing job, and everything ran so smoothly. Having such a large group could have been difficult to manage, but the whole wedding and holiday felt effortless thanks to the amazing staff.
All of the facilities were brilliant, and we absolutely loved the activities. The Crazy Sofa was so much fun that we went on it twice! 😂
Dama Dama was the perfect place for our large group to celebrate my mum’s wedding and enjoy a fantastic holiday together. From the amazing staff, the rooms and pools to the food, facilities and beautiful setting, we had such a wonderful time.
We will absolutely be back! Thank you to everyone at Dama Dama for making our stay so special. ❤️
The staff were so helpful and nice, the food tasted great, the hotel was clean and just as shown, its clearly very well looked after. The beach bar was my absolute favourite during the day and also for family nights after dinner, it was a really lovely + mostly sheltered outdoor area. We came as a BIG family (extended family too) and were all catered to constantly. The drinks tasted amazing, I recommend the iced vanilla lattes!!! Our room was lovely, the bathroom was especially good. There were 3girls/women in my room and we all had bench space and mirror space to get ready in the bathroom together. The hotel is right next to a shopping centre and a pharmacy which is helpful and has a gorgeous private beach directly infront! We enjoyed some jet skiing, banana boating and family groups on the crazy sofa ride. I’ve just gotten back and I’m already considering to book again with friends
The 5 stars are for all THE STAFF but these in particular... Reception (Kiki) Customer relations(Katarina) Bar Manager(Christos) Restaurant (Alexis & Servasti) Asiana (Marriana) Have pointed these out for service well above & beyond in dealing with particular problems/arrangements.
Overall the hotel looks & lives up to the pictures but the rooms need an update!
Insisted on moving from Room 603 as AC unit for hotel is directly below & frustratingly hummed away endlessly..also the restaurants are directly opposite so no privacy ...had to have curtains closed constantly. Dealt with immediately but was very upsetting to be moving after unpacking only the previous day. New room quiet, more private & clean but needs a refurb..shower g8 bt useless shower screen/curtains, furniture old & stained, no mirrors in bedroom.. only bathroom.
MAIN LOBBY BAR...quite annoying unless you stand at bar & insist & not sitting down & wait for service. This is not encouraged but IS ALLOWED...& you will get your drinks much quicker then you can go find somewhere to sit.
BEACH BAR ...brilliant. Great range of cocktails/lovely plastic glasses for beach & happy/efficient staff. Fantastic crepes/icecream & food. Clean toilets. However the fixed parasols on beach are useless. Old & sharp edges that you bump your head on, cannot be moved or tilted & regimented beds under each one. We dragged a bed a couple of metres to use a tree for shade & got shouted at by beach staff Yiannis. Once again immediately dealt with by customer relations but frustrating. It IS ALLOWED to move the beds!
MAIN RESTAIRANT.... disappointing. Food is luke warm at best. Toaster is a joke! It IS a toaster (similar to my one at home) & there you are waiting in line forever just to do your toast! The only plus here is the staff, especially the smiling, happy Sevati who greets you on arrival & arranges the table of your choice. She is potential management if I ever saw it in a youngster & informed Alexis of my request for pitta bread/taramasalta for my b'day lunch which to my delight they made happen.
Finally A LA CARTE RESTAURANTS...Italian & Asian. Italian again brilliant service but disappointing food. Six small prawns in the gamberini pasta, 3 pieces of ravioli & the cooked at table lamb chops just fat & bone!
Asianna...top of the class! HOT fresh food, g8 menu but order more than just one frm each section. ALL the starters are a must, duck is lovely too(order yr own portion), katsu chkn, prawn with dip fabulous then as a surprise I had my own special b'day cake complete with singing waiters/chefs. Whole experience was overwhelming & attentively supervised by Marriana. I will treasure that night forever. Rose restaurant closed...out of season?? Greek restaurant down beach. Had couple of chilly /rainy nights so didnt book.
