My wife and I have been to Kos on several occasions now. We usually stay on the Lambi side of Kos Town as we just prefer it. Previous stays have been at the Artemis, Saint Constantine and Elite. We booked the Imperial as it is in close proximity to the other hotels mentioned plus we read the reviews here. We expected it to be better than we experienced.

We booked via Sunset (Thomas Cook) and if you book with TC or Sunset, you will not get one of the upgraded rooms unless this is changed for 2012 (with all rooms renovated). More on this in a moment.

We arrived and we were greeted by a receptionist who was helpful. We knew about the €20 charge for a safe box (for two weeks) and the €5.50 charge per night for air conditioning, but when sitting in the foyer on several occasions, it appears others were not so happy about the air conditioning cost. We did our homework first though but it is still ridiculous in this day and age to pay for air conditioning that should be in the price.

We paid the full price via Sunset and sadly got one of the non upgraded rooms. It was a little tired what with a tiny shower plinth (resulting in water going everywhere) and a mirror that needed replaced etc. Saying that, we had a pool view that was appreciated. Don't expect a TV in the non renovated rooms though.

Breakfast was pretty poor and it was simply the worst we have experienced in over 20 years of travelling in and around the Med. Coffee was not warm enough and was bitter. There were no yoghurts, even local Greek yoghuts. The cheap cornflakes and orange juice that was dilited orange (and over-diluted at that) did not help. Orange coloured water. Boiled eggs were over-cooked. Breakfast finishes at 9.30am. The only positive was being able to sit outside for breakfast. Out of the two week stay, we only came down for breakfast three times which probably sums up our views!!

The pool is a perfect temperature and is clean. The pool area is a little enclosed what with surrounding buildings and banana trees, so expect the area to lack any kind of a breeze, especially in the hot summer months. The pool loungers had no foam covers and were uncomfortable.

The pool food was very good and priced fairly. The drinks on the other hand were expensive when compared to every bar we went to during our two week stay. All other hotels we visited at night were also a lot cheaper.

The hotel is clean. The towels are usually only changed once a week and the cleaners are just lovely. Keeping towels dry means hanging them over the balcony every morning. They are also pretty course so no nice soft towels here I'm afraid.

The staff do try their best to accommodate you and the hotel is on a quiet road so no traffic noise at night. They have a shower and changing area in the basement if you have to check out at mid-day and have a flight later in the day. Accessing it was appreciated.

We saw the upgraded rooms with flat screen TV's, lovely decor and fully renovated bathrooms. It is just a shame all the rooms were not renovated but the other shortcomings just spoil what could be a good hotel.

We enjoyed our holiday but sadly won't be back to the Imperial.