The Island Hotel

I will give an honest review of the Island hotel, good and bad points but must start by saying how puzzled we are at the raving 5 star reviews as this was not our experience at all. Firstly, possibly down to the economy situation in Greece we were shocked at how run down Gouves is as a resort. The airport transfer took us past neglected properties, unfinished buildings, rubbish dumped by the roadsides and closed down businesses. Fortunately the road leading to the hotel has some lovely tavernas and is quite pretty but the seafront is not in our opinion. The hotel at first look is clean, modern and minimalistic. I had emailed ahead weeks ago explaining that we were arriving for our first visit to a Greek Island on my husbands birthday and would they please give us a nice room. They assured me that they would so imagine the disappointment when faced with a bog standard room with 'garden view' which was in fact no view at all as trees were actually overhanging the balconey which was miniscule. Another weird thing is (not shown in any photos) the bathroom is open to the bedroom so no privacy or door on it! Just a frosted glass panel in the toilet..yuk! We changed rooms but ended up no better off so gave up. They wanted an extra €660 for a sea view! As we had already paid £2,600 for the holiday we couldnt justify it. Cant sit on balconey as bitten to desth. Three pools outside which all looked great in pics. On the website and in TUI photos the main pool clearly has steps going into it which was a must for us as husband just had a hip replacement and I broke my leg recently so ladders are a no no and I hate them anyway. On arrival we could not see steps so asked at reception and the pool attendant showed us 'steps' in main pool which were in fact a ledge in the pool to sit on and in no way possible to step out of as the edge of the pool is thigh high when standing on the ledge!also no handrail so not an entry or exit point. We are big pool users and were gutted! Main pool is smokers everywhere but has a bit of music. Relaxing pool has no smoking policy but no music either and the hotel is on a flight path so between water gushing down the very dirty drains around the pool, aeroplanes overhead (photo of plane is NOT zoomed in!) and deafening circidas screeching at 120 decibels it was rarely relaxing!! Steps everywhere..again not mentioned so beware if you have mobility issues! We were half board and am sorry to say that although the food was of good quality it was stone cold all the time. Totally impossible to get anything hit. The dining hall is chaotic with queues to be seated?? (Its self service so no idea why!) Even water is charged for at dinner..very mean we expected at least soft drinks and water but no. Gave up after several attempts to get hot meals and ate out each night at €40-50 a go so huge added expense! Many other guests also complained of cold food. We did not find the hotel had any atmosphere which may be because other guests appreaed predominently German and refused to say good morning plus the obvious language barrier although I think this varies depending on time of year. No cash taken for drinks which is good in some ways but racks up a hefty bill at end of holiday to pay if you dont keep an eye on expenditure. We spent most evenings at local Tavernas where we met others who were not enjoying the Island hence our puzzlement at great reviews. On the positive side..the beds are superking and very comfy, the staff were extremely pleasant and helpful, housekeeping came every day and done a great job and as I love Grrek yoghurt and granola I enjoyed breakfast but my husband was driven mad with cold food. Great variety and I feel good quality but repetetive and cold. Loved the Greek people, enjoyed Tavernas each evening, weather fab but would not go back again to Gouves or the Island Hotel.

Just returned from a 10 night stay at The Island Hotel, this is our second visit here. We were greeted with a bottle of wine in our room and received a voucher for free drinks during our stay along with a hand written, thank you for returning welcome card. The hotel sets the standard of service from the moment you arrive. Superb service at all times, polite, friendly and helpful. The hotel is in a perfect location, opposite the beach, it looks 5 star from the outside with a 5 star service. Rooms are tastefully decorated, spacious and offer free safe, air con, slippers, gown and toiletries. The house keeping here is excellent, they do a fabulous job to keep the rooms stocked of tea, coffee and milk each day plus make beds and replenish towels. Blue towels are provided in your room for the beach which entitles you to free sunbeds. Beach towels can be changed daily at the bath spa. The food is great, plenty of choice each day, we could always find a good variety at the kitchen which is buffet style. There are other places to eat on site if you want something different. We were half board and sometimes used a local supermarket for excellent fresh rolls that were very cheap. The hotel boast 4 outdoor pools and a cold indoor pool at the spa. There are plenty of sunbeds to choose from and no reserving policy here, but people do it. We didn't have an issue finding one tho, but used the beach each day too as you only need to cross the road. Not much to do in this area, but this hotel is for a calm, quiet and tranquil holiday and this is why we chose it twice. There is some low key entertainment which is appropriate in the evening. Pilates, yoga and well being classes are on during the day plus a dj playing music at the main pool in the afternoon. Not sure this hotel needs it to be honest, it was loud and upbeat. The Yacht Bar has a dj on the evenings when it's open for a more party feel. Smoking is permitted in the areas around the hotel and ashtrays are on tables by sunbeds. The dress code policy is smart casual for evenings and we noticed on our second visit some people made the effort and some decided to dress quite casual in shorts and flip flops. the hotel has a small library where you can leave or change books. The on site shop is stocked well and open till 11 pm. Another great holiday and we'll definitely return.

my wife and I stayed at the island hotel 27/08/19 to 4/09/19 and only one word can sum it up,perfect.from the moment we got there to the moment we left our stay was nothing but perfect.the staff who were friendly and helpful to the facilities which were ideal,we also liked the idea of ordering drinks which were brought to your table and paid for at the end of the holiday,beach towels which if you took across the road meant you could get a beach lounger instead of paying for one,the breakfast,so much choice wether you wanted the healthy choice or the full English,everything was there. a prefect holiday in a perfect resort in the best hotel,10/10.