Booked this late so got a good deal on half board, but I had my reservations about choosing it as they mostly seem to do all inclusive and the reviews were a bit mixed.
The building itself is OK, nice pool and pool bar. Always plenty of sunbeds and sunny places to put them, or as we prefer, plenty of shade provided by trees on a well watered lawn. Our room was a good size, as was our balcony, which was only overlooked by the balcony next door, so quite private. Fridge was extra (E10 per week for the key), as was air-con which we didn't bother with. Safety deposit boxes were also E10 per week, but he didn't tell me until after I'd handed over the cash that they weren't in the rooms, but behind reception - not very convenient ! Maid service was daily, so no problems there - we even got clean sheets midweek.
The location would be OK, being on a hill with sea views on two sides and no other hotels nearby, so we expected it to be reasonably quiet. Unfortunately there was NOTHING nearby. There HAD been two mini markets, but they have both shut down and the nearest place to buy anything was about half a mile away. No alternative bars nearby either - another half a mile walk, so all in all - a bit isolated. ( As an aside, I think it's a shame the way all-inclusive hotels seem to be killing off local bars and shops - don't you agree ?). After a couple of days exploring on foot we gave up and hired a car for the rest of the week.
As for expecting it to be quiet: our balcony overlooked the pool with sea views in the distance so all was well until the pool bar disco started up. It seemed to keep going whilst ever there was anyone sat drinking, so on a couple of nights it went on until the early hours, not helped by people of various nationalities getting increasingly out of their heads on "local all-inclusive drinks". There was no other entertainment available (which doesn't really bother us), so many reverted to drinking instead.
Food was OK and we never went hungry, but.....
.....whilst there was a good selection of main dishes for meat eaters (including several Greek offerings - which isn't always the case), my wife, who is vegetarian was not so impressed with her vegetarian option of spaghetti with tomato sauce; only on 2 of the 7 nights was there another option - a shame as there is no shortage of Greek vegetarian dishes.
Now for the service. Having read some of the reviews, I thought "it can't be that bad - can it!", but, with one exception, all the staff seemed as miserable as sin, especially Victor Meldrew's Greek uncle on reception! Normally the Greeks are so welcoming and this is one of the main reasons we love going to Greece, but there was only one waiter who had any spark of cheerfulness and hospitality in him - we came to the conclusion that he must be agency staff so hadn't been trained to be miserable !
We wouldn't recommend it unless you like to make your own (drunken) entertainment.
- Oceanis Hotel Hersonissos
