Plaza Hotel

A nice hotel, perhaps not 4* by English standards, but I have stayed at other 4* star hotels in Greece and this is as good as any of the others. The bathrooms could do with an update, which we were told by the Management is happening next year. Staff very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was ok, but you could pay extra for a full cooked English if you wanted it. Pool area was nearly empty the whole time we were there. There is a water taxi from the beach opposite into Skiathos Town, nice way to travel, and it is only 3 euros each. All in all I would definately say this hotel is of a good standard and enjoyed out stay very much.

Having read the previous reviews about this hotel (after having booked it) we were concerned that we had possibly made a mistake in our choice of hotel. This was not the case. The hotel is three star and, as far as we were concerned, it more than covered the three star rating. We made a point of asking for a front facing room - which we got without any problem. The room was very clean and bright and comfortable. Linen was changed on a very regular basis. The staff were exceptionally friendly. The grounds were well maintained and the pool very clean. We were on a bed and breakfast basis and the breakfast choice was more than adequate for our needs. The location is perfect. A short flat stroll to the wonderful beach at Kanapitsa. We found the taverna on the beach to be the best in the area and although not cheap (nothing is any more!) the food and the service was excellent. The ferry over to Skiathos Town, which runs from the jetty on the beach, is really nice. This was the third time we have been to Skiathos and the Plaza was the best of the three hotels we have used. Everyones tastes are different, however we believe that the cost and star rating of hotels really need to be taken into consideration when writing reviews. We would recommend this hotel to our friends and anyone looking for simple, clean and friendly hotel in Skiathos.

The Plaza Hotel in Kanapitsa on the island of Skiathos has taken a bit of a slating from some people, but I can't praise it enough. My wife and I were looking for somewhere quiet, clean and friendly, and we got it. Ok, so it's not 'luxurious', the rooms being basic, but we have stayed in far worse hotels, besides, the place was clean, and just somewhere to sleep, which we did very well, every night. This was improtant to us as my Wife is Pregnant. The Hotel staff were very friendly, and the Manager was a really nice guy. The pool is great, and so is the pool bar and restaurant. There was only one concern: At this hotel you get breakfast. When we stayed there seemed to be a lot of wasps flying around the food and getting under the cling film. The Hotel needs to address this by thinking of better ways to present the breakfast, and ways of deterring the wasps. BUT, this does not ruin my opinion of the Hotel. I will definately be taking my child (when he or she is old enough). Skiathos town is brilliant!! Enough said. There is a Taxi boat that goes from the small , safe and quiet Kanapitsa beach straight to the Old Port of Skiathos town. A bit steep at 3 Euros perperson each way, but an amazing way to see the stars and the island at night.

While browsing reviews one can say that hotel is ok with some minor issues. The truth is a little bit different. The hotel is higly overpriced for the island.One can find better accomodation for at least 30% less. There is a free shuttle from the port mentioned on the web site - it turns out that it is avaiable only from middle of June.We booked end of May and at the begining they confirmed the shuttle than - less than 24h before arrival i received an e-mail stating that the shuttle is not avaiable. The rooms are very old and unclean, furniture is like at least 20 years old. Breakfast was very plain and in small amounts. Air conditioning is avaiable only from the mid-June this is not stated anywhere. There was no electricity and hot water for more than 4 hours, generally the hot water was mostly warm than hot

The Hotel When you enter the plaza the immediate impression is of a rather smart Greek hotel, the pool area is lovely, good bar and smart reception with loads of info boards) that to be honest is as far as it extends. For Greek standards yes then the communal areas can be the reason its given its 3+ star rating but when it comes to the rooms i have stayed in 2 star Greek style rooms which have been nicer and more comfortable. We were put in the block at the back of the hotel, which has no view and its very dark and dingy, rooms again very dark which is only nice in the morning when you want a lie in but otherwise is rather depressing, interestingly we asked to be put on the top floor, which the man on the check in confirmed with us, so hence thought we would get, no we were on the second floor, ok not a big problem but without being picky seemed rather odd that we weren’t when the check in desk confirmed it with us then proceeded not to. The rooms have TV which is nice and a fridge however you cannot put your own stuff in there, as with most hotels it doubles as the mini bar despite not having a quarter of the stuff in that was on the list. The bathrooms again dingy, and dirty. Another point to be made is that there is a drain in the middle or the floor, which when you shower the water comes out of and completely floods the bathroom and out into the corridor. Breakfast was ok, a good selection in terms of Greek standards but nothing i would personally eat, same stuff everyday, very watery juice and bread rather stale. The rooms in the main block that had a nice view out to sea seems to be taken up by all the foreign guests (Germans and Russians) and the English were put in the back block. The walls also in the plaza are very thin, you can hear every footstep and everyone’s TV, i have never actually stayed in such a noisy hotel. Going back to the Foreign guests also, you cannot get a sunlounger unless up to put your towel out at 7am, this didn’t bother us as skiathos has such beautiful beaches we didn’t use the hotel pool once. The hotel pool bar was very nice and relaxing, both me and my partner were very happy they showed sky sports news. Kassiopi Kassiopi is not a resort just a part/village on the island however it was beautiful, after touring round most of the island I think this is one of the best parts, there is a mini market where you can get essentials and Johnny’s restaurant is very good and quite popular in the evenings. We watched to great amusement as he tried to keep his dog quiet. A fantastic walk around the headland took you to some lovely beaches, it a little hilly in places and on a hot day quite tiresome but still worth it for the views etc Skiathos Sklathos itself is a lovely Greek island still hardly touched by to much tourism which becomes apparent at the lack of naff tourist shops and more traditional style shopping. We took a walk up to the monastery from skiathos town it took about an hour of uphill walking but was fantastic up there followed by a long downhill walk stopping of for pizza on route. We did the boat tour out on the kasandra didn’t see any dolphins but still had a nice time. Would defiantly suggest splashing out one night for cocktails on the cushions by the harbour also pop in to the roof top bar for a bit of a laugh, this really isn’t my scene on holiday English bars but I had to make an exception to this.

Myself and my boyfriend spent 7 days at The Plaza in Skiathos at the beginning of September and had a wonderful time. Building: On approach you will see what looks like a typical resort hotel but in a really nice setting on it’s own between the trees. There is the main building with the lobby and the majority of the rooms, the pool and bar area outside and another building at the back of the hotel with more rooms (beware as there is no lift in this part of the building). All floors are in marble. Lobby: Large spacious area with comfy couches. Just off the lobby there is a pc with dial up internet (4euro/hr) and a billiards area which is also used to store luggage. There is also what seems to be a small bar just to the right of reception but it wasn’t opened while we stayed. The gym and sauna are at the bottom of the steps beside reception. Rooms: Quite large in size but with two single beds pushed together to make a double. Linen is clean although the bedspreads were very worn and a bit itchy – mind you it was too hot for that anyway. Air con was really nice and free unlike other reviews I have read. Large wardrobe with plenty of space aswell as some shelves for more storage. Mini bar was essentially a small fridge which didn’t seem to work when you put your hand in but actually kept things cool. Our mini bar was stocked with plenty of soft drinks but only 3 cans of lager and no other alcohol – I expect this would have been different in peak season. Balcony was lovely with an ever so slight view of the sea. Its furniture was plastic but it had ivy all around which was nice. There was a small TV on the large desk which had some English channels on aswell. The bathroom was very clean although the shower was a little small – plenty of hot water and good pressure though. Didn’t try the hairdryer or toiletries provided but I never do as I always bring my own. Pool: Only went for a dip in the pool once but it was a really nice temperature to cool off. There is a .5m section for the kids right up to a 2.5m section. There were more than enough sun loungers by the pool although I expect that this may not be the case in peak season. It was nice however that you could always find one or two in the shade to get out of the heat for a while. Bar & Restaurant: The bar area was just above the pool and has lovely views of the sea. Drinks are very reasonable and there are various types of seats to sit on. We didn’t eat in the restaurant during our stay but didn’t hear any bad reports about it either. The breakfast is served on the roof terrace and was the only thing that I didn’t really enjoy about my stay at The Plaza. Although it wasn’t awful, everything seemed a bit bland. Toast was very dry – butter too hard, coffee pots on tables always had cold coffee, only two types of cereal, orange and cranberry juice tasted like flat fizzy drinks etc. Service: The service at The Plaza was very friendly and staff were helpful when we approached them. Tips while in Skiathos: •Hotels charge 2% commission to cash traveller’s cheques. •Ask taxi’s how much they cost before the journey starts – it is 8/10euro to get from Skiathos Town to The Plaza. •Use the taxi boat from The Plaza to get in to town – 2.50euro/person •Hire a jeep to get the most from your trip but don’t go to the well known brands as they tend to be expensive – we got a jeep for 3 days for 100euro at a local place. Be prepared to hold on to your seat though as most of the roads are dirt roads with sharp bends and huge drops!! •Avoid the tourist beaches especially Koukanaries if you are looking for some peace and quiet to read or swim. •Beware of the price of alcohol along the harbour – a Mythos (local lager) can range anything between 2.00 – 4.50euro for a pint. •If like me you are pale skinned – take a kaftan to cover up in the Midday heat without getting too hot. •Try some local dishes – Moussaka is especially good. •Visit some of the restaurant’s that are recommended in people’s reviews but be prepared to pay more for it. •Try all different types of cocktails and be sure to buy a few during happy hour when everything is half price. Happy hours range from between 5pm – 11pm depending on where you go. •And finally – go to Skiathos if you are after a sun holiday on a paradise island where couples and families go to relax and have fun. Go to The Plaza if you are after a base that isn’t in the town and has all the facilities you need.

The location of the hotel is ideal with the water taxi to the town from the beach in front. The hotel staff are very very friendly, the manager less so. 4 euros a day for safe, 6 euros a day for aircon in May and June. The mini bar is a pain as they get narky about you putting your own stuff in there and wont let you get away with restocking from the supermarket (unless you can do it before the maids come in). Breakfast is ok but not brilliant, mosquitos can be a problem if they like your blood type. Local tavernas ok but not as cheap as they used to be. three local ones, one of the beach in front (Naviska?), one called Jonnys opposite the supermarket and one on Nostos beach. The one on the beach in front of the hotel has the best of the views. I recommend walking up the road to the supermarket in the morning to stock up on drinks for the morning session as it is much cheaper to buy from there. Of course the drinks will be warm by lunch, so you have to brave the walk again in the heat or succumb to the higher priced taverna drinks 2.50 euros a beer as opposed to 60c. Sun beds are 4 euros each per day. Skiathos town is ok, the best food we had was at polykratis at the end of the main shopping street away from the port. going on a sailboat for the day seemed popular or catch the cat/fery to scopelos town go by bus from there to glossa then make your way down to the glossa port back to skiathos for 20+ euros each. One thing to remember save some euros for the airport lounge as the bar doesn't take cards. If you want a relaxing holiday for couples or for families with small children it is great. Older children will be bored.

Me and my partner stayed at the Plaza Hotel in Koukanaries, a short ferry ride from Skiathos Town. Of all the beaches went to with hotels on, this was definately the nicest. Bananah Beach and Little Banana are the loveliest beaches on the island, and we were impressed when we went to go and look around the Palace Hotel, however, felt that this was quite far from town and not on a beach. All the reviews suggest as did the people we met there, that Skiathos was a favourite amungst most travellerts there, apart from one couple who hated it because they had dietry requirements and apparently the food at the Princess was awful (this is where they were staying). Skiathis was an expensive choice in the end as meals and drinks almost english prices, however, we did enjoy motor boating and mopeding around the island, which you can do really easily and its truely lovely to know your surroundings. The bars and resturants were amazing, and very romantic. There were no chavs (as far as we met) well certainly no awful chavish behaviour and it really did live up to the cosmopolitan atmosphere that is was protrayed in to us. I would highly reccomend this trip, and the Plaza hotel for good value and romance. We did have to pay extra for a searoom on arival, but worth it. The taverna on the beach is BEAUTIFUl.

We stayed at this hotel in Aug. Overall it was an enjoyable experience. The hotel was clean and well presented and the staff were helpful and friendly. The beach is about 100 yards opposite hotel and isn't too bad, its very quiet with good sand but the sea can get a bit choppy due to the prevailing breeze. I was dissappointed to find a fair bit of rubbish on the shoreline, its not too much to expect it to be cleaned up especially after you feel robbed for paying 4 euros per sun bed. The beach also benefits froma a quality taverna The plaza is in a nice location, ideal for venturing into the town via the boat ferry or exploring other beaches using the bus. Be warned though a ride in this bus is an experience, every one on the island appears to be on the same bus as you. Don't be fooled by the picture of the Plaza seen in all good brochures, the massive telegraph pole and wires in front of hotel have been airbrushed out. Mosquitos are rife here so keep windows shut and pay for the air con as these bugeers soon develop a thirst for your blood. finally you do get a few germans here who like to stakeout the sunbeds with towels from around 5am. Nice hotel, on a lovely island.

Skiathos is beautiful and overall the Plaza is lovely. Rooms large, clean with decent size bathroom and of a high standard for Greece. The hotel itself is in a great location with a small beach about 100 metres from the entrance that doesn't ever seem to be too busy. Skiathos is so small that to be honest it takes very little effort to visit many of the other beautiful beaches on the island (a 10 minute walk up the road and you will find the bus stop - from there you can take the bus from one length of the island to the other). I particularly reccommend Banana Beach. We were B & B at the Plaza and breakfast was a very nice buffet - the hotel's restaurant, that we tried on the first night is quite nice but the taverna directly on the beach is great (try the baclava for dessert). There is not much in Kanapitsa (2 tavernas and a shop) but as the island is so small it is very easy and cheap to get around - from the Plaza you can get a water taxi over to Skiathos Town in about 20 mins which has a huge selction of bars and lovely restaurants - stick to the back streets for a meal as the main strip is very touristy and a bit tacky (there is even a McDonalds) but good for a pre or post dinner stroll. There is a cocktail bar in Skiathos town with a big cushion area outside where you can relax and is a nice way to finish off the evening. I would advise The Plaza hotel as a good choice for couples who want to relax with the opportunity for exploring and a great night out in Skiathos town if you fancy it or if not then a quiet meal at the beach taverna - if you are up for a lively holiday in Greece with a group of friends then it is not the place and you are better off staying in Skiathos Town although Skiathos generally is not the place to come for that and you would be better off going to one of the other islands.