Pericles Hotel

This is a very good budget style hotel in rural Greece, it's an excellent base for a relaxing break and the staff are very hard working, ensuring everything runs like clockwork. The breakfast buffet was fine for us with a selection of pastries, croissants, fresh bread, sliced bread, yoghurts, sliced peaches, cheese, ham, omletes, small sausages etc. Staff in the dining room were very efficient to ensure food was replenished and tables were cleared quickly. Our room (204) was very comfortable with nice balcony, plenty of drawer space and plug sockets, glad I took extra coat hangers as the number in the wardrobe were limited. Bathroom fittings old but perfectly clean, shower over bath, hot water always available and we had sheets and towels changed every couple of days. We didn't pay for aircon, took our own small desk top fan (Wilko's) which worked well for us. Pool area lovely and tranquil with plenty of sun loungers and personal space. Prices for drinks a bit high, paid 6 euros for two small bottles of cola but given the low cost of the holiday presume the costs have to be recouped by the hotel somehow. We preferred to spend the day by the sea so walked down to the Karavomilos campsite and used the facilities there - 7 euros for two sunbeds, a sunshade and two bottles of water or alternatively you could use the pool and sunbeds for free if you ate in the bar. An evening out in one of the many tavernas in Sami harbour is a wonderful experience, watching the ferries/super yachts berthing etc, nice then to return to the hotel bar as this had a great atmosphere for the last drink (or two). Typical costs are 3 euros for a large glass of wine or 4 euros for a large beer (both superbly chilled). Definitely don't walk down the main road into town as this can be busy if a ferry is due/has arrived, turn right out of the hotel and first right again (past the dustbins) and follow the minor road all the way down to the sea front, it's a very flat 10/15 min walk past an array of friendly animals and locals. When you reach the sea turn right to head into town or the campsite beach is to the left along the promenade. Transfers with Tui were very efficient, we travelled in a minibus and everyone was staying at the Pericles so no other stops, took 1hr 15mins on the outward trip but when returning to the airport it took just 45 mins as the driver took us a different route. On arrival at the hotel don't critique it too much, give it a couple of days for the ambience to take hold and you'll appreciate what it has to offer. We had a great holiday and will definitely return to the Pericles for a relaxing break in the sunshine.

On arrival we were given a key to room 209, when we got in the room and opened the curtain, to our horror, we were overlooking a very busy road and car park, and a quad bike parked right under our balcony! Went back to ask for another room, as the other was very overlooked, and we enjoy sitting on the balcony in the evenings, just couldn't do that in there room. At first the desk lady said she would have to have a word with her boss, so we went shopping and said we'd call in to see her later, when we arrived back, she said we could move to 217 which was on the side where you go down to the pool, so we were happy! She was very helpful, full credit to her, the staff at the desk were all helpful. The pools were towards the back, in lovely gardens, they were fantastic. The pool side bar did food during the day, and lady and the cook work very hard! Also, there is a tennis court, comfy sunbeds, umbrellas, tables and chairs. The walk to the harbour takes about 15-20 mins, don't turn left as this road is very busy and rather dangerous! as you come out of the car park, turn right, then right again it takes you through a quieter safer route. There are plenty of tavernas along the harbour front to. The breakfast was little bit lacking in choice, some days some items, were missing, Like boiled eggs and croissants! Overall the hotel is a little tired, but clean and staff are friendly .

This is the first time I've ever given an excellent rating, but there is something about the hotel which makes this place special. It does have its faults but it also has a personality of its own. Let's get the faults out of the way. Showers are a major issue. They are small and the plastic curtain will stick to you whilst the bathroom floods. There is a solution and that is to leave the curtain open and hand hold the nozzle so it's spraying you and the wall. You'll probably soak the bathroom to begin with but better than getting the plastic curtain stuck to your bum. Sure the place could do with a bit of TLC-so could most hotels. This is a 2* hotel and is basic. Now for the bits that we liked. Staff are really pleasant and helpful.They give everybody a warm welcome and if you learn a little Greek they really do smile and appreciate that you've made an effort. The pool is a few yards away from the hotel and has a small snack bar which is open 10.00 to 6.00. No aqua aerobics or blaring music, just chilled. Plenty of sunbeds too. The self service continental breakfast is good and didn't hear any complaints.Oh, if you want a brew in your room they'll give you a kettle. You do pay extra for a safe and air con,there is also a room tax of €1.50 per night. The rooms are comfortable and the bed gave me no problem although some have said that the mattress was hard. We went in September so there were no school age children staying. I would say that at least 90% of guests are British and a lot of them are repeat guests. We are about to book again for next September. As a holiday experience this was about as good as it can get for a cheap end of season getaway to the sun. We ate out every day and the cost of dinner was between €8-€12 with 0.5 litre of wine $3-€4, A large draught beer was about the same. Plenty of harbour side restaurants to choose from. The beaches are pebbly so recommend beach shoes. Sunbeds on the beach are €7.00 for 2 with an umbrella. It's a 15 minute walk to the harbour, so ideal for all fitbit fanatics! But it's a flat walk and the lane way is quite pleasant. The ultimate bonus-only a handful of gift shops!