Porto Galini

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 – far from what is promised This hotel could be a top hotel. The location right on the beach is fantastic and the resort has all the potential. Unfortunately, however, it does little to help when so many basic qualities fall short. Instead of a five-star experience, we got something that can almost be described as an expensive disappointment. Coffee as in cheap roadside restaurants – not five-star standard In a hotel that claims to be of high quality, we expect to be able to order a cappuccino, espresso or similar directly to the table. Here we were instead met by two tired coffee machines, constantly with a queue and with coffee that neither tasted good nor felt fresh. It is simply embarrassingly low for a hotel that wants to be perceived as luxurious. Minus points, right off. Minimarket – a mockery of guests The supply in the minimarket can only be described as disaster. We spent a lot of money on drinks and food in the hotel’s own restaurants – where the Italian was actually good – but that you can’t even buy an ice cream, a Coke or a simple can of beer to bring up to your room is completely incomprehensible. Instead, you are forced to the hotel bars, where prices are outrageous. It feels like pure exploitation of the guests. The fact that the nearest external minimarket is just over 4 km away makes things even worse. You act like exploiters. Shame. Drinks diluted beyond recognition The quality of the drinks was beneath contempt. We seriously suspect that the staff have been ordered to dilute them, because all too often you could barely taste the aperol in an Aperol Spritz or rum in a mojito. When drinks are of this level and also cost almost as much as at home in Sweden, it feels directly dishonest. This isn’t premium – it’s a bad joke. Date of departure: unworthy and unprofessional Our flight left at midnight on the day of departure. The fact that you couldn’t pay to keep the room longer is not a problem in itself – we are used to it, but the solution the hotel offers is anything but acceptable. We were directed to a “shower room” by the pool where there was hardly room to change. The result: you stand in a splash-soaked, unfresh space, try to fuss in dry clothes and are basically as sweaty and uncomfortable before going home as after a whole day in the sun. It won't last. Not for a hotel that wants to call itself exclusive. Birds everywhere – and bird poop to boot The fact that there are swallows in warm countries is no wonder. But here it was “all kinds of swallows” that built nests inside the hotel premises. That meant bird poop, trash and birds that came as small sale planes when you were going to the room. It is neither nice nor fresh and gives a very unkempt impression. It feels like they simply neglected to deal with the problem. What was actually good – but not enough To be fair: the beach, the location and the facility itself are very nice. The staff at Segreto and in the restaurants (though not in the pool bar) were nice and did what they could within the framework of an inadequate overall. But no matter how friendly the staff are, they can't compensate for lousy coffee, greedy pricing, diluted drinks, poor shower facilities and sanitary shortages linked to birds. Conclusion: You pay more than you get back In conclusion: You who book this hotel should be aware that you pay significantly more than you get in quality and experience. Behind the beautiful facade lies a hotel that does not deliver what it promises. We came here with the expectation of a five-star stay – we go home with the feeling of having been seriously disappointed. Therefore, our rating stays at 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Pros: - Stunning private beach and having toured the whole island I really appreciated it as the public beaches were so busy. - free use of kayaks and paddle boards - 5 min drive from nydri - good food in the Italian restaurant - great views - nice breakfast - pleasant staff - drinks served to loungers via QR code - hotel never felt too busy in July Cons: - room is so tiny, no where to put anything. Shower cubicle hard to fit into if on large size or to fit two people in together - cocktails over priced, had a pina colada for €16 which tasted like rum, water and mild pineapple juice - I like to go down to the beach 8 am for a swim / to read before breakfast. I was away from my lounger 25 mins at 9:30 eating breakfast and came down to a note from the lifeguard that my stuff would be removed within 30 mins of them leaving the note as you can’t reserve sun beds. I actually really like that they do this but 30 mins is no time. It takes me 15 mins just to pop to my room due to all the steps or if you just want to get a coffee at the bar. I would understand if my towel had been out over an hour but I had used the lounger before breakfast and was only gone 25 mins. I felt on edge all holiday that I couldn’t just step away from my lounger for a kayak or swim in fear of them removing my stuff. Suggestion to management is to increase the time from 30 mins to an hour. - not the hotels fault but it is difficult to find taxis when coming back from Nydri as there’s very few and no taxi rank. Pre book where you can. I read this in reviews but didn’t believe it until I saw it. Was a pain as we like to come back when we feel like it rather than be on a clock. Would be amazing if management had a shuttle bus for guests. Overall despite the cons, I was pleased to stay here and having toured the island in a car we thought we couldn’t have picked better.

We visited this same hotel two years ago and then we had only good things to say about our stay. Apparently the owner has changed since and it shows. The biggest flaws were the reception (the receptionists were unfriendly and even rude) and the hotel rooms smelled moist. Not the same experience as we had the previous time. And definetely not worth five stars. The waitresses were friendly and nice, and the food by the pool restaraunt was good.