This Kempinski hotel is so well sited and architecturally impressive, the staff are professional and welcoming but the food and beverage side is weaker. Its a 5 star hotel offering food at less than 5 star standard - but still at 5 star prices! We stayed in early October, approaching the end of the season, and found the hotel quiet following breakfast. The beach is excellent. The main pool is large but cannot compete with the Aegean. Bar Blue lacks atmosphere. Barbarossa is just OK, Olives is weaker and Villarosa is sound but quiet and very expensive. Breakfast buffet is OK. Service is patchy and inconsistent, amusingly so. The staff are well intentioned, friendly, hospitable but communication was an issue. The hotel and grounds are fascinating to explore and the property overall certainly does not lack potential, but fails to realise it fully. Housekeeping are faultless, the place is clean but some areas of the hotel are out of use, and therefore neglected. The gym was not tempting. No promoting of activities. No Lady in Red. It is isolated so there are no alternatives off the premises. Overall, we enjoyed our stay but we lost weight and cannot really recommend - unless you're seeking a retreat in which to diet, swim, sleep, read, rest, recoup and recharge.
