Smaragdi II Studios

Second week of September. We were down just below the actual emerald hotel, in the studios, and were put into room 101. Not a great omen, we thought, and this may be the room some have complained about since it is on the lowest of the two floors,and has a small view of the sea. But we loved it because the view was beautiful and ample for a stunning venue for sunrise over headland, and startling views of the distant samothrace island, over breakfast. Cooking amenities were no worse, no better than anywhere else in Greece. Room very clean. Beds comfortably firm, ditto the pillows. Zero mosquitoes! So the lack of window mesh, which we think of as a downside, was irrelevant. Sheets and towels changed promptly. Now to the famous hill! Views on this vary enormously but it seemed like a total non-event, a doddle. What is the fuss about? We timed our descent, right onto the beachside boardwalk from the emerald - just UNDER five minutes. Returning uphill was only two minutes longer. I am into my sixties and I was a bit annoyed that I had even thought of letting this put me off coming, since it was a pleasant bit of exercise. Golden beach is backed by thrilling hills and escarpments clad in pine. The bay itself is fantastic for sand and swimming. And although the tavernas right below the studios are so-so and average for food, just press on along the boardwalk south (I.e. turn left if facing the sea) and there are two of the best places to eat I can remember - just outside the “camping” where theATM is... we recommend finikans particularly. We are very content with our room, the hill, the beds and the picture-perfect bay and beach.

well... what can i say, we visited here with a 51 year old female, 52 year old female a 20 and also 19 year old, there was absolutely nothing to do other than sit on your balcony and watch the view for 7 whole days! Hotel not long opened for the season, DAMP beds, NO hot water, only 1 PLUG socket, TUI rep was USELESS, NOTHING OPEN, 1 restaurant open on the beach at night time, felt ISOLATED, stayed ONE night and couldn't cope so had to LEAVE, stunning view but doesn't compensate for anything else, 1 shop open at the bottom of four STEEP hills. We were advised by our rep to get a taxi down to the town every night costing €20 each way. Pool was DIRTY and full of dead insect, snack bar only served crisps rather than proper food and there was no restaurant. Front door was inaccessible had to use next doors for access through the patio doors,flood in the bathroom and the shower had not even been used, toilet paper was also damp! shared balcony so no privacy at all!