Gaia Palace Hotel

Food was delicious different things everyday which suited everyone. Bar men were very lively and often got us in the mood and had a good laugh with us. The pool is gorgeous and surrounding are lovely. Hotel room did us as we were never in it. Beach was a very short walk and beautiful.

As many people do, I read through Trip Advisor reports on hotels I wish to visit to get a general idea of the hotel, I take a lot of the reviews with a pinch of salt because, through experience, I have learnt, people can be picky. After spending 8 years in catering, and the last 20+ customer service, I always try to make mine unbiased and fair. Here goes.. On pulling up at the hotel and entering reception, the hotel is stunning. Spotlessly clean and nicely decorated. Check in was straight forward, we had chosen the deluxe rooms when booking, so we had a complimentary safe and beach towels which is a nice touch, especially as this hotel rates itself as 5* We were taken to our room on a golf buggy, we were in the new block. Lovely room, very clean and comfortable, ground floor with a lovely patio looking out onto the small pool and gardens. Wifi reception is really good all over the hotel. This pool was quite quiet with a small pool bar, manned by Ferat, who was very pleasant. The main pool has a lot of interesting little nooks to set up bed in and the better bar. All bar staff are amazing! So friendly. Really lovely. The two Annastacias during the day and Christof and Dimitri at night, Dimitris shots are killers, be warned!. My only criticism with the bar service is the fact that cocktails are not included in the AI option and neither is Whiskey which I have never encountered before. A shame for a 5* hotel. The main attractions for our holidays are Sun, drink and food, and the 3rd attraction is what lets this hotel down. The restaurant is nicely laid out and the staff are really nice although your left to find your own table and get your own drinks, there is no service what's so ever except for clearing away your empty dishes. The food, the variety is good, not outstanding, but ok. Plenty of salad and chips and fantastic ice cream. That's where the positive ends. My main bug bear was the temperature of the food, everything was barely Luke warm, if you were lucky. There is a microwave in the restaurant which I had to use most mealtimes just to get the food bearable. On Greek night, you don't get a choice, you have to eat outside at the pool bar on wobbly plastic tables. Really disappointing. Other things to point out, there is a petting zoo which is a nice touch, plenty of birds, a few donkeys, some very docile Deers and a few angry Goats. The beach is ok, if you turn left a walk for a little while away from the hotel the beach becomes a lot nicer, and as the beach bar and sun beds are not included in your package and need paying for, it's no loss. All in all is was a nice week away, would I go back? Not sure, I would rather find somewhere else, which is a shame as it is a lovely hotel with great staff.