TUI BLUE Palazzo del Mare

This superbly designed, immaculate hotel with a huge pool that expands through the whole of the hotel grounds, set within manicured gardens, is a little oasis in this part of Kos. Went on a last minute holiday later in the year than normal, but would actually choose to go at this time of year again. Went out on the 9th Oct, back on the 17th and the weather was a constant 26/27 degrees. The hotel was fairly quiet although there were still plenty of people about. The property is located over a large area, so it never felt crowded. The lower floor rooms had amazing swim up pools. Due to this fact, there we’re always loads of free sun beds in the main areas of the hotel, as a lot of rooms had their own sun loungers. The surrounding area outside the hotel was quite quiet, but that may have been as we where slightly out of season. The beach was just over the road and there were still a couple of local tavernas a short walking distance away. My only disappointment was the buffet. I booked half board and thought that would get us a limited dinner menu in the evenings, but instead in was buffet like you would get for all-inclusive, and although the food was really very good, I just don’t like that “canteen” feel, over and above a proper restaurant. There was one other restaurant on site where we got one night included in the package we paid, but would have been better to have had a couple of alternatives on site. The small bar/snack bar near the pool was great for lunch, and also was an alternative to the main bar and entertainment area in the evening. Overall, a lovely hotel

Last minute booking after our Thomas Cook let down, we went with no previous experience of Kos and loved it. On arrival shown our suite and surprised we had been upgraded to executive suite with big private pool. Massive lounge, king size bed, bathroom with great rain shower. Mini bar...not free. You’ll be surprised to read we asked to be downgraded to a swim up room as being sisters and not a couple we felt the privacy and isolation wasted on us. The hotel persuaded it was a fantastic upgrade and they would change our king size bed for twins. So we stayed put. Negative we didn’t make the most of the pool as we went to the two main pools every day or into town and just cooled off when we returned at tea time. Note to the hotel.. it really needed a proper table and chairs on the patio rather than 4 loungers. We couldn’t sit and play cards etc. However the hotel was so accommodating I’m sure they would have provided had we asked. Restaurant is buffet style, good selection, staff always looked well turned out. Negative... only one a la carte in a 5 star rated hotel was a let down and one visit per stay , not week for those on a 2 week holiday. Positive... you can change dinner to lunch if you choose to find a local taverna and go out at night, so you don’t feel tied to the evening buffet. The hotel is not all inclusive a concept we would normally book but surprisingly we preferred it. You can use the fridge in your room for drinks, wine mixers etc. We used the local shops in Marmari to stock up for this and the hotel shop for soft drinks. The bar bill for our week was 140 euros and we had wine with every meal, glass and bottle and bar service at the pool. The pools are amazing, pictures don’t show how long they are. We went two weeks before total closure, the weather was perfect, sun beds plenty spare, sure in high season it would not be like this. Evening entertainment low key but enjoyable. Would we go back, yes in a heartbeat, found lovely restaurants in Kos, boat trip showed us beautiful island we would link to have stayed longer on. The bus to Kos right outside the beach from the hotel 2.10 euros, harbour offers multitude of boat trips would recommend choosing boat and trip of choice, Bodrum ferry about an hour. We didn’t use the spa , gym was small but well attended. Late check out is extortionate £80.00 till 6.00 pm. Didn’t find this reasonable, normal check out 12pm, we checked out at 12pm, stayed at the pool until 5.30, used the gym showers to change and as we swapped one our dinners to dinner on the last day had a relaxing meal until our coach arrived. We LOVED it.

We loved this hotel, facilities and staff so much we chose to go back for the same two weeks a year later. we are already planning our trip there for next year. no need to rush for a sun bed as there is always a laid back attitude and an abundance of spare beds. sit back and relax. absolutely beautiful surroundings with great places to visit either by local transport, bike or car hire. the whole island is easily explored from this north shore resort.