Sandy Beach Hotel Kos

Beautiful grounds, nice staff, mediocre food, catastrophic selection of all-inclusive drinks, we got an upgrade to a pool room at a good price, but the rooms themselves are abysmal.

nice hotel with a facility to match, great food

There is much positive to report about this hotel; we felt very comfortable and left with a good impression: The hotel has a beautiful, spacious, and very well-maintained property with 2 pools as well as a children's area with slides and corresponds to the description in the various catalogs. The hotel has approx. 240 rooms. In my opinion, the hotel corresponds to the stated 4-star quality. The cleanliness in the hotel area and the entire property is striking. Despite the number of guests, they are well distributed throughout the property. It does not feel overcrowded, not even during peak meal times. There are enough lounge chairs available at the pool and on the beach. Even during the day, there was no problem finding a free lounge chair. The beach is well maintained. During our travel time, you did not have to get up early to snag a spot. Room: We had booked a nice junior suite with a side sea view (Junior Suite Sea Side) for 3 people. The room was on the 1st. floor without an elevator. The room was not noisy and was located in the building opposite the Sandy-Land (620). Our room corresponded to an "ordinary" double room; our daughter's sofa bed was visually separated by wood and could have been used as a sofa for a couple. The couch was really uncomfortable and squeaked when moving, our double bed was at most 160m wide. As a couple, you could therefore once again move closer together. The mattress was too soft for our taste. Since it was also a single piece, you notice every movement of the other person. A shortcoming for us, as the sleep quality was impaired. There were nightstands next to the bed. There were enough electrical outlets near the bed. Air conditioning and refrigerator were fully functional. A ceiling fan could also be used. Satellite TV with German channels and radio provided us with background noise. The bedroom is additionally equipped with a desk and an armchair. Kettle and coffee machine as well. The free safe was hidden in the closet, and there were clothes hangers for hanging things up. However, the storage space in the room was very limited for 3 people. A coat rack was missing. On the balcony, there was the possibility to hang up laundry. A table with 3 chairs could also be used outside. A mirror by the table was available, but we missed having a full-length mirror. There were no fly screens installed on the balcony, but at the time of our stay there was no problem with mosquitoes, so we could sleep with the door open. The cleanliness of the room was fine; the maids were very friendly and replenished everything that was used daily (Nespresso coffee, tea, but not sugar, though water and soft drinks were). We had everything we needed and were spoiled with lovely towel creations on the bed. We did not use or need the bathrobes and slippers provided. Towels were changed daily. Bath towels are provided directly to the room every 3 days. You can return the used ones at the reception. By comparison, my parents booked a superior double room in the main building. The room size was insignificantly larger, but the television was huge. Storage space was equivalent, except that 3 coat hooks or a type of wall unit could be used in the luggage rack area. Fly screens were also on the balcony. The bathroom was modern and equipped with a spacious shower, a vanity, and a toilet. Storage space for 3 people was again very limited. A hair dryer is available, but no additional power outlet. Soap/shower gel/shampoo in dispensers were available for use. A fly screen was installed in the bathroom, so you could ventilate well. The toilet was located opposite the vanity with a large mirror. In the main building, the renovated double room had a bathtub with a shower curtain and an additional cosmetic mirror. Restaurant and bars: The selection of drinks is really okay with the common drinks, local and international drinks are offered. Coca-Cola and CC light, Fanta Orange or Lemon and Sprite are even original, the cherry, orange or apple juice is a sugary concentrate drink. Water with/without gas is available, espresso and cappuccino too. In the afternoon, small cookies are offered for about 1 hour. For an extra charge, you can buy some things, at the bars e.g. Nescafe Frappe. In the evening, you get various cocktails at the cocktail bar. Tuesday is cocktail day, the cocktails are offered at a discounted price. You can also "enjoy" hookahs there. In the "51" you can get club toast, waffles, or granita from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. except on Thursdays. In the evening there is no bar service, only the cocktail drinks are brought to the tables. Even though it was known, we missed a beach bar (and also a toilet or changing room) at the beach. Which raises a hygiene question regarding the distance to the next toilet in the hotel complex, since the beach is public after all. For the walk to the beach (approx. 6 min), which leads along a road with little traffic, you can borrow drink carriers. In the restaurants, you are offered soft drinks, beer, and three different wines from a machine: White, red, rosé. There are no bottled wines, nor is there a wine list. In the Italian restaurant, guests can choose a selection of cold and hot dishes as well as various pizza dishes exclusively at lunchtime. The pizza was very good. Here, there are 2 different pasta dishes and fast food every day (such as chicken nuggets, onion rings, fish sticks, spring rolls) as well as a limited selection of other dishes (compared to the main restaurant). You could sit inside or outside. You can get 5 types of ice cream and hot dogs at a station from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. In the main restaurant, the food is actually fine at any time. Beef, pork, rabbit, duck, lamb – depending on the theme day (Greek, Asian, Mexican, international), in addition to the "basic food" (tzatziki, pita bread, pre-made salads, cheese, etc., and a soup daily), there is also an alternating selection of dishes. Anyone who doesn't find anything here hopefully has just as much selection and is spoiled for choice at home: In the morning, in addition to various smoothies, bread and toast, croissants, there is a selection of cereals, muesli, dried fruits, seeds, fruit, a small selection of cheese and cold cuts, a large selection of raw vegetables, yogurt, and fresh fruits (e.g., bananas, apples, kiwi, oranges). Bacon, sausages, baked beans, various flour-based dishes, and types of sweet pastries were, of course, also available every day. Unfortunately, to our daughter's dismay, there were only pancakes and waffles a total of 2 times. Coffee and hot chocolate are available from a machine. One could work on the quality of the coffee in the complex, or you can enjoy it via capsule in the room. There are no alternatives to cow's milk. Lunch and dinner are also buffet-style, but food is always freshly fried and cooked at the station. On theme days, there is a suitable aperitif at the reception or a special, typical theme dish presented specifically in one area. We did not use the Greek tavern, where you can also make reservations. All-inclusive Greek specialties are offered there, but you can also order fish/shrimp or similar items from a menu for an extra charge. One point of criticism that we would like to mention in connection with the restaurant area is the quality and appearance of the desserts, which were unimaginative with few exceptions. I would definitely see potential for improvement here, even if they try very hard. The knives also absolutely need to be replaced; they barely cut. Service: We had a good and friendly welcome, but the initial orientation talk could have been a bit more detailed. With all-inclusive, it is required to wear a wristband. Children do not get a band. The staff was friendly and barely noticeable. Regardless of whether at the reception, at the bars, or in the restaurant, the employees were always friendly, motivated, and in a good mood. It was therefore not difficult to feel comfortable. Questions at the reception were answered promptly; we had no requests or complaints. The waiters at the bar were very attentive and quick. At the time of our trip, the hotel was fully booked, but it did not seem overcrowded. At the bars, there was little to no wait time. In this context, Alexander from the 1st. pool bar should be mentioned and greeted, as he always had a quick remark ready and often even knew the guests by name. In the pool area, you get disposable plastic cups; unfortunately, a lot of plastic waste is produced here. I have no comment on the topic of sustainability. Free sun loungers at the pool and on the beach, they meet the common standard Greek model. 😊 There was a free lounger/umbrella or shaded spot available in every area at all times. At 8:30/8:45 a.m. on the beach, for example, not even a single lounger was occupied. Stable Wi-Fi in many areas. On the day of departure, you can fully use the hotel's amenities. Subject to availability, the room can be extended for an additional charge. Another option is the use of lockable shower facilities in the sanitary area by the reception. Entertainment: The soft entertainment was not intrusive and barely noticeable. There was a 6-day program; the notice is located at the mini-market (no entertainment on Sundays). The 20-minute yoga, Pilates, and stretching sessions (the exercises are almost identical) alternate by day, e.g., at 10:30 a.m. 8:15 p.m. is the kids' disco. The evening program was actually varied; there were game nights, shows, and, of course, a Greek night. A photographer came to the hotel once a week. For those interested: Tuesday is dress code white! SPA/Wellness: There is a spa area that does not belong to the hotel and can be easily reserved via WhatsApp if needed. The offer is available in the room. Price/performance and quality are fine. Location and surroundings: The trip to the hotel is quickly organized from the airport. On the way there, it took us less than half an hour, and for the pickup, we were at the terminal in 15 minutes. The hotel is located in Marmari, not far from some shops, taverns, bars, and various car rental companies. The company Komvos was recommended. They brought the car to the hotel and picked it up; the price was significantly cheaper than at the hotel. There is a bus stop directly in front of the hotel, from where you can head to Kos Town for EUR 2.50. Travel time approx. 30 minutes. The last bus returns from Kos at 11:00 PM. Alternatively, you can rent a car or book organized tours. You can walk along the beach in both directions; the sand is interspersed with small stones. It was a really beautiful sandy beach. Water shoes are recommended, as you cannot see where you are stepping due to the waves. The sea is clear and warm. Hardly any seagrass. At the time of our trip in early July, there were enough lounge chairs and sun umbrellas available. The lounge chairs are intact and comfortable and do not lift off even in strong winds. Due to the weather, there were extremely strong gusts of wind on some days. However, the sea was generally very rough during the 13 days (early July). No entertainment and no loud music on the beach, so it is relaxed and quiet in this area. The mini-market in the hotel is stocked with everything you might need or have forgotten. You can also buy small souvenirs, drinks, and snacks, in addition to shoes and beach accessories. A boutique offers clothing and swimwear at a reasonable price starting at 6:00 PM. Activities: The 2 pool areas are nicely and attractively designed; you can swim well, but also play ball without bothering other guests. The pool sizes are sufficiently large; it was surprisingly quiet by the pool at the main restaurant. Only in the late afternoon from approx. 4:30/5:00 PM was louder music played. A children's pool including a play area is near the main pool. There is also a play area for children there. Instead of the yellow tiger as a slide, a white zebra, for example, would be significantly better for the purpose of attracting fewer of the many wasps. A fitness room with basic equipment can be used from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and sometimes even longer, as the area is not locked. One treadmill was out of order, the second one heavily used and worn out. The gym lacks a water dispenser or refrigerator for water, so it is recommended not to forget the water from your room. A sports area with a basketball and volleyball court as well as a table tennis area is also available. You can play billiards in the main building. In this area, you can also borrow books. Excursion tips: Kos Town Tigaki Zia Paradise Beach Cavo Paradiso Beach