Pharae Palace

First impressions aren't great - the neighbouring streets are a bit shabby and the hotel lobby a little old-fashioned. But don't let that put you off - we loved our stay here and would recommend it unreservedly. Our room, on the 4th floor, was lovely. As well as two very comfortable beds we had a separate seating area and an outside balcony with views over the ocean. The bathroom had a bathtub and a powerful hot shower. The room had a kettle, with tea and coffee, and a safe that was large enough for all our valuables. The free WiFi was very good. Breakfast, served in the sunny top-floor restaurant, was excellent. You can eat outside on the terrace if you wish. We were told that the hotel has underground parking, but parking on the street outside is also easy. There are several good places to eat within a few minutes' walk. Very good value for money.

Nice, spacious rooms. Breakfast was good. Accommodating staff. Need a cab ride to get to Old Town area. Not a particularly exciting area of town for visitors, but safe. A decent choice if staying in Kalamata.

Pros Bed very comfortable, thanks to a very thick mattress protector Tea and coffee making facilities provided Mini bar / fridge provided Safe provided Nice balcony Decent size room Close to airport Cons WiFi very flaky (better results with the free service outside the hotel) Most days strong sewer smell coming from the bathroom Not a very good location (our view was a car park over the road) Dinner service and food terrible (sent food back twice) Breakfast not a huge selection for breakfast Lack of touristy places around within easy walk or taxi ride Kalamata Dark sandy mainly sandy beach and clear water but actual beach front was littered with rubbish, closed restaurants and graffiti. Sun beds available just across the road at the Odyssey cafe, they are free but you are expected to buy food or drink, but you are not hassled and it’s waitress service Sunbeds themselves are pretty uncomfortable and are like the cheap ones that DIY stores may sell you. The old town is about 20 minutes walk away through the railway museum, where there are a few locos on display. One again the area towards the old town and through the museum park looks pretty run down and I wouldn’t recommend a walk late at night. Not likely to visit again !