More Traveller Reviews of Sophia Beach Aparthotel
Better than we expected...
from GUNITTRAVELLER
We have just returned from a week staying at the Sophia Beach Aparthotel in Lambi, Kos. The reviews we read beforehand left us unsure of what to expect as they varied between excellent and not so good. We thought we would make up our own minds and I'm pleased we did - it was excellent. The apartments were clean and tidy (although nothing special), but the maid service and daily room cleans were good and the hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. The self-catering element was just that - don't expect lots of facilities to cook if that's what you want - there was minimal kitchen equipment and the microwave was broken, not that it's a problem if you plan to eat out as we did (can be expensive so watch out). The pool area is very much for families and children which is fine if that is what you are going for, although the hotel is minutes away from the beach with lots of restaurants, bars and watersports. Kos Town is about 20-30 minutes walk but once you've found it, it's well worth regular trips - with Bar Street (for the very late nightlife!), shops galore and the harbour for boat trips and days out (book direct with the owners and not your travel operators otherwise it is double the price - as we found out). The weather was great and we had a relaxing but fun time which we would recommend to others looking for a relatively cheap holiday. A week was probably enough unless you want to hire a car and travel about and to other islands, otherwise the familiarity of the same places could get boring. There were far less British people than I'd expected which became tiresome at times - it seems that the rumours are true - we are more polite and willing to wait our turn! Oh, and watch out for the 'door-greeters' outside the restaurants and bars - they pester and pester! We met lots of other people and following our experience coupled with hearing their stories we would definately recommend the Sophia Beach, but go stocked up with mosquito repellant. Enjoy!
Fantastic holiday
from mauritiusbride
My husband and I holidayed in Kos from 25 May - 8th June and it was our best holiday ever! There isn't really a bad thing I can say about the Sophia Beach or the Lambi/Kos Town area or the whole holiday experience. I booked a one bed apartment with Airtours and when we arrived our room was great - on the 1st floor, very spacious and clean with fridge, hob, microwave, kettle, shower (and curtain) and what looked like the largest balcony with views of the pool area on that floor. We chose to spend our days at the beach (which is only 100yds from the Sophia Beach) but the pool area looked great for kids and sunworshippers. We were also surprised that there were no parasols around the pool area but these did appear in the 2nd week of our stay. The apartments are set in a quiet area but within easy walking distance of the beach, shops and plenty of bars/restaurants and 20-30 mins from the harbour area of Kos Town. There are a few derelict buildings/warehouses next to the apartments but don't let that put you off. We didn't spend any time at the apartments so can't comment on them further. The clean shingle beach is 2 mins away and a pleasant walk along the front will bring you to many beachfront bars that will let you use sunbeds for free. They aren't pushy and just hope you will buy your drinks etc from them. On our first night we went for a walk and found The Sunburnt Arms. We spent every day but one on their sunbeds and they really made the holiday for us. I have never been on holiday and had such a warm and friendly welcome as well as the best full english breakfast anywhere! Other restaurants to go to are The Blue Phoenix (100 yds from the Sophia Beach), The Pegasus (left fron the Sophia and right at the crossroads, 10 mins), and the Far East chinese (off the dolphin roundabout - 20-30 mins walk) We did a 3 island boat trip from the harbour on the Poseidon which was a great day out. The boats go out at 10am everyday and ours wasn't packed like some of those booked through tour operators, and I would imagine cheaper (25 euros each including BBQ). We had a great holiday and I'd definitely go back to this resort although not to the Sophia Beach only because the ground floor rooms have a sunken terrace and having had a great room on this occasion I wouldn't want to be in a basement apartment.
Concerned
from bingbongPortsmouth
Just returned from a weeks stay at Sophia Beach apartments and I must say that on the whole the place is great, the rooms were clean and spacious compared to many a Greek apartments we've stayed in over the years. My concern is three fold; A really nice arrangement of pools with comfortable sunbeds, clean and well maintained but with temperatures in the high 30's there is no shade around the poolside, THERE ARE NO PARASOLS! Apart from the poolbar which houses the bar, televisions and pool tables the children have no cover from the beating sun and when I enquired, it appears there is no immediate intention to provide shade. Had we had children with us I would have complained much louder than I did, I have never been to a hotel or apartments where shade is not provided in some form or another at the poolside. There are no fire safety procedures in the rooms, unlike every other establishment I have been to, instructions on what to do in the case of fire or emergency were missing. Whilst we were provided with vouchers and other literature pertaining to the owners' other business ventures, there was no information relating to how and when the air conditioning worked (or did'nt) where were the controls for the telly? What time was the bar open until? All very basic information was lacking, it maybe petty but the owners seem to be ignoring some simple things that make everyones holiday a little happier and safer. Having said all this we had a great time, the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Like most Greek resorts there are always the characters in the tavernas and our thanks go to the guys in the Blue Phoenix for keeping us amused. Middle aged couple from Portsmouth.
A little dissapionted
from sweepy57
Just returned from a fantastic holiday in Kos Town which was very laid back and peaceful in May. I read the reviews on the Sophia Beach before I went and was really looking forward to enjoying the friendly barman's banter. Unfortunately I think the previous managers must have left. The receptionists tried very hard to make us welcome but some things were a bit naff. ie. the bedroom was a bit smelly although the apartment was very clean when we arrived. The facilities were minimal and a tad worn but sufficient. One of the guys behind the bar (never did get his name) grumped on about nothing all week. The Greek night was a vague attempt at giving us a good time and personally I wished I'd given it a miss. The girl dancer stopped the band mid song to sit on the windowledge and smoke her ciggarette and play with her moblie phone and the staff were outside cooking at the barbecue arguing over who let it go out when there were still more guests to feed!! Other than that it was fine. The swimming pool was smaller than it looks in the pics but it was still very pleasant. We would have spent more time there if there had been some umbrellas with the sunbeds as, even in May it gets very hot and some shade would have been appreciated. The beach is a stones throw away and you can hire sunbeds with umbrellas for 3 euros a day. The walk to the town was a good 20mins but quite a pleasant one. I think perhaps the rating is too high and a 2 or 3 star would be more appropriate. We did have a good time though....................... Sue
Great Holiday destination!
from Kbird24
My partner and i have just returned from the Sophia Beach aparthotel in Kos and overall the holiday was great. Lambi is very quiet, well at least it was in May. The beaches are clean and tidy and you can expect to pay about 6 euros for two sunbeds for the day. Food is also cheap, a full english breakfast is about 5 euros and for two to eat at night you are looking at about 20-25 euros. There is nightlife, although a lot of this was closed when we visited, lovely greek restaurants and Kos town is very close with good shopping and nightlife. Sophia Beach is literally a 2 minute walk from the beach, shops and restaurants which was brilliant. The room was clean, always had hot water for baths, cleaned daily and clean towels every couple of days. The twin beds are slighly annoying as if you're with a partner theres a huge crack down the middle!! The kitchen was slightly dissapointing as there's only 2 hobs and no oven or grill so if you are self catering you can't really cook too much. Overall a great apartment, lovely gardens and some bedrooms have great views. The pool was nice, free sunbeds but slighlty small and can get busy in the afternoons but with the beach being so close this isn't too much of a problem. I would recommend this hotel for a cheap and cheerful holiday for anyone wanting a break away in sunny Kos.
Sofia Beach Aparthotel Great
from zimba666
Sofia Beach Hotel is very clean and well landscaped. Rooms are very good for Greece. The pool although not quite as big as the photo on Airtours site is perfect if you have children as it can be seen from any part of the pool area and my daughter loved it. The maid service is excellent. The barman George is very efficient and friendly. The restaurant Rinos which is opposite and slightly to the right of Sofia Beach is superb. The owner really cares about what he is cooking for you and the food is excellent and very reasonably priced. The Palace Beach restaurant on the beach front is also very good. We booked the Lazy Day boat trip which was great, through the Rep(about 9 euros more than booking independently). All in all me, my wife and 9 year old daughter had a fantastic holliday and I would have no reservations about staying at the Sofia Beach again.
Loved the relaxed atmosphere
from A TripAdvisor Member
We have just returned from the Sophia Beach in Kos. George and Sophia the managers were friendly and very accomodating. It seemed that the only thing that mattered to them was to make their guests happy. They helped us to hire a car (very reasonable) and pointed us in the right direction for great beaches. Tigaki beach is fantastic, with golden sands and waist deep water. Kos town is bustling and vibrant with lots to offer for all ages. Sophia beach is on the outskirts of the town and offers relaxation and a family atmosphere, but near enough to the action in the town if you want it. Can't wait for next year!!!!
Good choice
from Trippingoff
We have just returned from the Sophia Beach Apts in Lambi, Kos Town and have had a fantastic time. I was a little bit hesitant because of other reviews about this hotel and its downfalls, but I can honestly say (and I am a stickler for service and standards) that we had absolutly no complaints about the rooms, cleanliness, service or location. The only things I will say against the hotel is that some of the rooms look out onto a derelict factory which is an eyesore and has grafitti on it, but I guess this is outside of the hotels control and most rooms will not be affected. The rooms were clean and spacious and adequate providing you don't want to make a 3 course lunch. Greece is a bit more basic than some other destinations, but these rooms are functional and we had breakfasts and snacks in the apt. Ours had a 2 ring hob, microwave, kettle and pots and pans. Pool is small and on one of the days we found it challenging to get a sunbed, but all of the other days, there was no problems, although the sunbathing area is quite small. The location is great , about 15 mins walk into Kos town, but plently of watering holes on the way and some great places to grab a drink. We liked Georges Garden for a fab english breakfast and the Tarzan bar on the beach for great service and great food. Food is reasonable and we were eating out for approx 40-60 euros per night for a family of 4 with drinks etc. The beach is shingle and children may need to wear some shoes to paddle in the sea. Some bars charge for sunbeds on the beach, 6 euros per day, although shop around as some bars will let you stay all day for free if you buy drinks and maybe a lunchtime snack. Excursions are great, we took a 3 island trip on the Santa Maria boat from the harbour and it was a fantastic day out and great value for money. You can also go to Turkey for the day from Kos town for approx 15 euros per person on boat of hydrofoil type boat. Overall a great holiday and if you have booked to go to Sophia Beach hotel, don't worry, you will have a great holiday.
fantastic holiday
from steve_pat
we went within the last week of october and although kos was closing down around our ears we found the apartment was spotless, the service was unobtrusive, pool bar food good. George was as happy as ever. I have to say that as far as the Greek Islands go this is the best for history, great sightseeing within either walking distance or by taxi (very cheap). Cyprus would not even be comparable. The cats are feral (do not try to feed them by hand) Book Turkey trips at the dock not through reps. much cheaper. I dont like barter but if you do you will like it. I have to say that the self catering facilaties are very basic, but the accomodation is 10 out of 10. nice place, nice people , we would go again. Soon!
great accomodation, great location overall superb
from A TripAdvisor Member
Our family have just returned from kos where we stayed at the sophia beach aparthotel. The location was spot on just outside of the town centre in a place called Lambi. We had a great time, the weather was lovely and the people very friendly. The british could do with taking a leaf out of the greek people as nothing was too much of an effort. We did not think it was too expensive and we actually came back with money. We ate like kings and also did 2 trips to turkey. Everyone should book turkey at the harbour as it is much cheaper than booking it with your reps. It only cost 46 euros for 2 adults and 2 children, we went on a boat called the maria star and they were very helpful. We were that impressed with everthing that we are booking up with airtours again for next year at the Sophia Beach and cant wait...... roll on summer 2005.
I would like to comment from experience on the Sophia Beach hotel, having booked to stay there last week, but as you will see, I can't. We arrived after midnight to be greeted by the night porter, Moses. He was courteous and asked to see our papers. After some minutes he... more