My husband and I have just returned from a weeks holiday at the Mastichari Bay Hotel, Kos (Sept 2007). We had booked the holiday being told it was a 4* hotel - it was not!

The hotel is situated in a wonderful area of Kos and is so close to the airport. Before arriving in Kos I had emailed the hotel twice with certain requests for our visit as we were celebrating our first wedding anniversary during our stay. Both emails were ignored and on arrival I was disappointed with the room they had allocated us.

We spoke to staff at the reception and explained the situation to which they said we could pay 28 Euros for a room upgrade and we had the choice of 2 other rooms. We were more than happy to pay as the original room had no view to speak of and was very small with twin beds rather than a double...

Once we had relocated to a wonderful studio apartment we then found the shower, hairdryer and fridge broken - not the relaxing start we had planned. However, we reported the problems and almost immediately they were resolved.

The main restaurant was of a good standard and was always clean. The staff were all friendly and willing to help where they could. The breakfast gave a great variety of food and I would suggest that there was something for everyone. The evening meal was slightly different in that a lot of the meat was not named and didn't look to be particularly appealing. On the whole the food was nice and we certainly didn't go hungry.

The pool area consisted of 3 pools of varying sizes, many sunbeds, a bar and a snack restaurant. The whole area was well kept and clean. The entertainment team were always busy and tried to involve a variety of age groups.

The beach was just a few steps away from the pool area but was rather poor as you can't actually access the sea from the sand/stones/rocks. There is a pier that has steps into the sea which is ok but I personally prefer white sands which allow me to run into the sea as and when I chose.

The guests were mainly German with only a handful of English travellers. I didn't particularly feel this was a problem but I do like the opportunity to converse with other guests which was impossible on this occassion.

Our experience at this hotel was good but I feel it should be rated as a 3* hotel rather than a 4*. This was the main let down for us as we had expected it to be of a higher standard overall. Other then the intial problems we didn't have reason to complain and our stay was a pleasant one but it just didn't quite hit the mark.

Expect less and you'll be pleased ;)

Kos airport

The hotel was situated just a 10 minute drive from the airport ,what a novelity ,checked in, unpacked and in the bar /taverna having a cocktail within an hour of landing! even though the hotel was so close it was not in the flightpath so no plane noise! The cost of a taxi to the hotel is 13 euros one way and 15 euros to go back if you call from the hotel ( they give 2 euros to the hotel for the call.)

The Hotel

Entrance
In need of a face lift to be honest but clean and welcoming, there was a language barrier at times with the female receptionist as 90% of the guests are German speaking.

Rooms
Again in need of decorating and a 2-3* at best, very basic but clean. There was a small fridge in the room that was very welcome. The air con was ok but not frost factor.

Food

This is the only hotel we have ever been to where the waiters do not greet you and show you to your seat, it is a bit of a free for all. We found this rude at first but once you get used to it it's fine.

Plenty of food for everyone including veggies like me, we were on a 1/2 board basis and stayed for dinner every night but had lunches out. I love good food and personnaly I do not like my food served in silver trays/help yourself style as it was in this hotel but it was good value and can't complain. Typical dishes were; huge salad bar, fish in sauce, pork,chips, roast pots, veg, spagetti and sauce etc. The breakfast were fab though, with hot,continental and crepes.

Bars
The lobby bar was ok with a good choice of cocktails priced at 6.50 euros. The bar person was not the life and soul of the hotel so we only drank there once. The pool bar was more friendly but was used by the all inclusive guests which made us not want to flash the cash. The all inclusive option is very limited so would not reccomend the extra 18euros per day unless you drink a lot of beer and wine.

Entertainment
Less said the better

Hotel shop
Very friendly guy runs this, looked forward to picking up the Sun newspaper every day for 2euros, bottle of water 0.60euros
cigarettes 3 euros.

Pool
lovely! over looks the sea but there are windbreakers all around the pool that hide the wonderfull views.

Beaches

Just a few yards from your front door you will find a lovely beach,you can walk for miles in each direction. Due the rocks if you enter the sea directly outside the hotel you will have to do so via a jetty. If you walk a few hundred yards in either direction you will come to some lovely sandy beaches that slope into the sea. If you turn right out of the hotel and walk as far as you can you will reach the Neptune hotel, OMG now that is 5**** all the way but very out of the way, we are glad we were in a Hotel more central.

Resort/people
OMG the highlight of our holiday, when you arrive in Mastichari the village is set in a little bay and it is wonderful. Most of the bars/taverners are on the waters edge and the cocktails are amazing at 4-4.50euros each. (free pour)If you are looking for nightclubs and lively bars this is not the place for you. Mastichari does not have a nightclub!
However if you love sipping cocktails and eating wonderful food to the sound of the sea than you will be in heaven! The resort is very quite with just 350 local people living in the village and everyone knows everyone. It so safe with 0 crime rate and great for small children though we did not see many as eveyone looks after everyone . Ther are at least 30 bars and tavernas and several supermarkets for you to choose so you will not get bored.

Things to do
Eat, drink & sleep! there is a ferry that leaves the harbour to several islands, taxi's are cheap and there is a bus stop right outside the hotel that will take you to Kos town.

Overview
One of the best holidays yet, the resort, location and people out weighed the quality of the hotel but we would stay here again as it was clean and central. Great for couples and young families, not good for teenagers or young adults who like clubbing or a fast pace of life. It was great that the English larger lout tourists had not discovered this resort yet...I would say this is German tourists best kept secret... shhhhh don't tell everyone.

Stayed at this hotel in July. Now maybe I've been spoilt by USA and such places but the air conditioning, whilst fitted, was not operating. Very hot at that time of year but regardless, the hotel do not supply it until August (rather than by general temperature?). We enquired about it and were told we could have it at a cost of 4 Euros per day (later found that Germans get it for free on demand). Anyway, we took up the offer and at the end of the holiday, didn't get charged either so that WAS a bonus!
HOWEVER, having booked it we were gobsmacked to find that it will only operate between 3pm and Midnight daily! Why?
Also, it only operates if your balcony door is closed. Hence we left it closed each day and the air-con set to come on. BUT the Maid, without fail, would daily leave the balcony door ajar so it would not operate.
Same in the restaurant - huge air-con units sited all over the place but switched off, whilst guests and staff alike, melted over their task of working or eating!
Don't understand that philosophy?
Otherwise we found some staff very very friendly and accommodating indeed, whilst others just didn't want to know you unless you had a German accent. Germans were served in all locations as a priority over Brits, but of course we are our own worst enemies because we do not complain, or demand proper service.
Agree also about the towels on sunbeds - Germans again and whilst the Hotel ask everyone not to do it, they will not confront the problem. Wouldn't mind so much but lots were reserved from first thing and not used till about 3pm sometimes!
Would we go back? Maybe for a week but unlikely

Just come back from Mastichari Bay Hotel, stayed for one week, had a really great time, Rooms were spotless, clean sheets and towels daily, The food was excellent, lots of choice for everyone. The animation team were good, especially Tiger, he made our holiday. Katarina and Deanna was lovely too and they all got involved with everyone. Eada who works in the bar in an evening is a lovely person and really looked after us, will miss you Eada!!!
Antonio who works in the poolside bar also looked after us. The only downside was I found the Bar supervisors a bit miserable, I think they seemed too look after the Germans more. But a great relaxing hotel, will return again in the future.