Matina Apartments

I have been to Pefkos 2 Times and loved every part of it. The bar staff were lovely espically Stellios who most people have mentioned in their reviews.
Id just like to add that the pool sunbeds have been updated from the last time i went and there are lots of new ones now.
My holiday was amazing and i can't fault anything from my holiday and i am sure i will go back there again in the near future for the 3rd time!
The beach is just around 200 yards from the apartments and is really beautiful, my husband and i went snorkling there everyday and it was the most breath-taking experience.
There are lots of areas around the complex where you can chill out and get away from everything, My youngest loved to chill out on the sofas at the back of the reception, If she wasnt in the pool she was relaxing on the sofas!
In the reception area there is a computer area with internet acces and a variety of games. Its costs 50cents for half an hour and you can top it up wenever you like.
Pefkos is one of the most beautiful places to go to for a family holiday or if your looking for a romantic get away. My family and i really enjoyed bolth holidays and i cant wait to go back again!

Iwould just like to set the record straight on these apartments, my husband myself and our two children ( aged 11 & 8) have stayed at the matina twice, once in june 2006 & in oct last year both times for 2wks. I see there are alot of mixed comments on here which might confuse people wanting to stay here. The thing is these apartments are 3* they are not the hilton, and who cares! i have stayed at posh boring hotels where you feel like people are constantly judging you or your children if they make a bit of noise its your holiday for god sake, i dont know about others but we work hard all year to save up for our 2wks in the sun and we want to relax, let our hair down, have a laugh and enjoy ourselves! And we get all of this at the matina, the staff are excellent - bar staff, kids reps, cleaners, reception staff they are all so friendly and if you have a problem they do their upmost to sort it out. as you have read in other comments serjos who works behind the bar from morn until 6pm is fab we love him and it is true, he does remember everyones name! Night entertainment is fun, everyone joins in and has a laugh and because its not a huge complex everyone gets to know each other. Pefkos itself is a lovely resort, with some of the best restaurants iv ever been to, perfect for couples and familys. So dont listen to some of these moaning minnies on here and get yoursef there you will have a fantastic time. Why do you think us and many more people keep coming back? infact im booking again for september this year, and i cant wait.

Fantastic location, close to beach and centre of Pefkos. Didn't like Matina pool area, far too busy and impossible to get sunbeds unless you are prepared to get up at 8 in the morning to reserve them - yes 8 in the morning! I thought the Germans were bad. Aren't holidays all about having a lie-in in the mornings - silly me.
Studio a bit small but bathroom large. Room a bit dusty in the corners. Those are my only gripes.
Pefkos itself is a fantastic resort, with really good restaurants and a lovely beach. The restaurant owners and staff everywhere are so friendly. Going back for 3rd time 2008.

My family and I went to the Matina Apartments on the 1st August for the fourth time.
It was still as good as our first time there. As always the accommadation was very clean, the hotel staff are excellent, always friendly and very helpful.
I enjoyed meeting my friends from previous years as the Matina is the type of place where people return year after year.
I recommend Smile and Enigma for food, we went to Smile nearly every night and it was always excellent.
It was another brilliant holiday and the weather was very hot.
Booked next years holiday at the Matina as soon as we got home, most of my friends are going back so I look forward to seeing them again for the fifth time.

Hi again, well we stayed once again at the Matina in a Studio. Views from our apartment were wonderful. Apartments in Block 1 are much older than in our 1 bedroom apartment which we had in previous years. I recommended the Roumelli4 when I was there in may`04 Don't go!! We were in Pefkos last July and had a meal which I took one spoonful of which was disgusting.
Every night the owner tries to get you to come in again even though I complained. We ate at the Greek House on a few occasions, very nice and more expensive than the others but steak is great. We went on the boat from pefkos to lindos which was great, same guy same story. Lots of laughs.
We had a few barbecue evenings in the Kelari Bar where Yannis the owner is very friendly and does the cooking! As always the Nefali was great too I still love the Thai Chicken dish his mother makes. Last but not least we love Lardos and the Old House Restaurant the family always makes us feel welcome. We are booked to return in May`08.

I can't believe some of the reviews I have read on this site. When we visited the Matina we were welcomed by the staff and some of them in particular remembered our entire party of 10 names by the first day.
We stayed in one of the two 2 bed apts and it was absolutely fabulous. Very spacious with one small balcony looking onto the reception area and a huge one looking onto the beach.
A real home from home with everything you could need. We even had the cheek to ask for ice to have with our drinks on the balcony which was supplied without hesitation.
The apartments were clean and kept so by a cleaner most days. Towels were aplenty and although our crockery was sparse, we asked for some more and when we returned to the apt it had been supplied.
As we went in October, we were not expecting the weather to be that great, but the first week was glorious. Even into the second, but the last few days we had torrential storms which dampened everyone’s spirits but the kids club reps did their upmost to keep the kids occupied (and they succeeded).
If you're looking for five star luxury then you have to pay for it, this may not be five star but neither is the price ! Probably one of our best holidays yet, so much so we are all going back in July 08.

1 reader found this review helpful

I read countless reports about this hotel before going, and whilst I found them useful, I certainly cannot agree with all of them, which is probably because a holiday is such a personal thing. Let me try and give you a review of my own personal experience, and you can judge for yourself.
Firstly, Airtours as a company are what you expect a tour operator to be. Available and friendly. Airtours tend to be at the Matina in Pefkos more than any other hotel, so you wont have a problem seeing someone. If not, they have a 24 hour phone line if you need them. Not that anyone should really.
I travelled with my wife and our 17 year old son and his best mate. It was to be a week in the sun to finish off the summer, nothing flash or posh, just somewhere to base ourselves and relax. And that is exactly what this turned out to be.
The roads in Rhodes are ok, well signed. I would recommend hiring a car when you are over there to get about and see the Island, as in typical fashion the tour operator trips are vastly over priced. Do everything off your own back, its much cheaper, and you can dictate how much time you spend in various places, as oppose to being herded about on an old bus in the heat. DONT take up what the operators recommend and book a car through Avis - its about 4 times the price of booking locally. The reps will try and tell you that Avis are the only company who don't rip you off on the insurance - WRONG. All the local companies offer the same insurance package, you can choose how much excess you have. The best bet is quite simply not to have an accident though, because whoever you book with, that is going to ruin your holiday. Be sensible and you will be fine.
Pefkos is a purpose built holiday village, especially designed for British tourists. It is pleasant enough in design, retaining mainly traditional Greek design and culture. But of course there are the usual bars and restaurants, which you come to expect in these type of resorts. There are so many places to eat, its hard to try and compare them all, and we spoke to some people who told us certain places were good and some were not. But its all down to individual tastes.
There are plenty of bars to have a drink in the town. On the beach road from the Matina going up the hill there are plenty, all of which are different in style. If you want an English pub with a nightly quiz, you can find one. If you want a music bar with neon lights and cocktails, there are these too. If you want a taverna to sit and chill, again you will find a number of these.
Many bars on the beach road are open all day with swimming pools for you to use. They are all very relaxed during the day, and a number of people seem to hop between them.
As for the hotel, the Matina has undergone an extension, with a new building at the front which is an air conditioned reception. Its highly organised, and a lady will take you to your apartment on arrival. There are 3 PCs for you to use to surf the net, it costs 1 euro for 15 minutes, and there is a small bar and chill out area around the back with nice comfy seats outside.
The main bar is set around the pool. It is run by 2 guys who are very friendly. Costas does the evening shift, and is an older guy, who can sometimes get a little stressed, especially when its 35c at 10pm, but he's thoroughly pleasant. During the day, Stejos is on duty. He is there from early in the morning until about 6pm, and he is an absolute legend. He finds out your name the moment you arrive, and will never forget it until the moment you leave. He also seemed to know a lot of the other guests very well, who had clearly been visiting this hotel for a few years. He will make jokes, sing songs, dance to his Turkish sounding music and generally make sure you are having a good time. The bar has 3 TV screens, and they have sky. Watching football is no problem at all, or alternatively you can pop over the road to the 2 pubs over the other side who also show the football.
Food at the bar is cheap as chips and pretty good too. Its snacky food, like burgers, sandwiches, salads, chips, you get the picture, but for a lunchtime nibble, its fine. They have a good selection of beers and spirits too, including the best drink in the world: URSUS. This is Vodka with Sloe Berries, and mixed with Lemonade is the most enjoyable and thirst quenching drink you can find. It costs about 4 euros though in most bars, so we bought a litre bottle from Tonys Supermarket up the road on the right, and kept it with a bottle of Sprite in the fridge in our room. Some of the best times on this holiday were as the sun was setting, sitting out on the balcony with a glass chatting to the neighbours.
The pool itself is freeform, and well maintained. Its hardly brand new, but who cares. The deep end is about 2 metres deep, and there is a separate pool for little ones. There was a huge mix of people when we were there, couples old and young, families with small kids, teenagers, etc. Everyone got on and there was no bother with any theft from around the pool or from rooms at all. However, there was a kind of philosophy for using anyones inflatables, so if you bought a lilo, don't expect it to stay around long, as someone will jump on it and play on it during the day. Just go and use someone else's or ask for it back. Lilos are 4 euros from Tonys.
Sunbeds were plentiful around the pool, and we often didn't get down until 10 or even 11 some days, and there were plenty available. Some people still ignored the request and got up at 8 and put their towels out, but no one seemed to mind. If you are sad enough to want to do that, then get on with it, I didn't see anyone get told off for it, but I would prefer an extra hour or 2 in bed to be honest.
The beach is literally 200 yards down the hill, and its clean and pretty. There are sunbeds and parasols there at a rate of 8 euros a day for a pair. The water is warm and very shallow for about 200 yards out, and the sand is lovely and white, but wear flip flops as it really does get hot down there and several people actually burned their feet. You can hire boats or just relax on your lilo, or soak up the sun on your bed.
People who complain about the age of the sunbeds or the fact that the cushion has a tear in it really should seek help.
The hotel accomodation is adequate. We had a 2 bedroomed apartment for 4 people, number 410 which whilst it is a 2 minute walk from the pool, is in a quieter area so it was pleasant enough. The rooms are basic, but this is a Greek Island after all, and its only a 3 star, so dont expect an Iberostar or the quality of a chain group. They are tastefully decorated, with a small kitchen area, but we only used the fridge to be honest for breakfast things like butter and jam and orange juice, and for keeping drinks cold.
There are 2 beds in the living room, and a seperate bedroom with another 2 beds in. Each room has an air conditioning unit, and I strongly suggest paying the 70 euros a week to use them both. Without them, we would have been far too hot at night. We left the AC on all day by taking the metal fob off the key and leaving it in the electric socket whilst we were out, so that when we came back at 7pm, it was lovely and cool in the room, meaning you can get ready for a night out without dripping with sweat. Don't leave the balcony doors open though, as our neighbours got bitten to death! I found no problem with mosquitoes at all, although I usually get nailed by them. Autun is the best spray to use, and definitely take a plug in with you for the rooms.
The bathroom was fine, with a bath and shower. I also recommend taking a pack of nappy sacks, because you are not allowed to flush paper down the toilets. Putting them in nappy sacks just means your bathroom and apartment wont smell and its a little more pleasant for the cleaners, who visit daily and are very friendly. Don't worry about leaving things lying about in your rooms, it is more than their job is worth....
Overall, we had a really relaxing holiday. Yes there were a few people in our hotel who got on our nerves, but you keep away from them. There were a few kids running about being annoying, but thats what you get with English kids on holiday whose parents just want to sit at the bar 24/7 and get drunk. Having said that, they didn't spoil our holiday at all, except for the heckling we got for winning the hotel quiz night ;-)
Pefkos is pleasant enough, and we enjoyed a week there. However, I am glad we didn't have 2 weeks as there isn't much to do there generally. Plenty of other places to see on the Island including the water park and Rhodes Town, but do it yourself and save money, and see it for longer. Try going across on the ferry to Turkey as well, we didn't have time but it would be a good trip to make.
Overall I would say this was excellent value for money, and gave us a taste of Rhodes. I will definitely return to the Island, and would be happy to use the Matina again, but would prefer to stop in Lindos to be honest as Pefkos is limited. However, for first time visitors I would recommend the Matina as a good base to stay.

Having read the reviews on the Matina on this site we were really concerned and worried to say the least, but all I can say is that we had a fantastic holiday.
Our apartment was pretty basic (no different to any other apartments we have stayed in the past) but clean. The maids came daily apart from Sundays and our linen was changed 3 if not 4 times during our stay. We asked for more pillows - not a problem.
The meals in the apartment were just as nice as in the town (only cheaper) and the staff were really welcoming. There was entertainment most nights which was nice if you didn't fancy going out. We had no problems with getting sun beds at any time of day (we weren't the earliest of risers).
The beach was only a 2 min walk from the apartment and the only complaint there was the sand was too hot you burnt your feet! The sea was so warm, you need to get a snorkel and go swimming, and the fish are amazing.
We had a great holiday and would definitely go back to the Matina again.

We stayed here in July this year - I would highly recommend these apartments.
Our apartment was very clean and had everything needed for a self catering holiday unless you plan on cooking banquets each day. All the staff were really friendly and couldn't do enough to help. Air conditioning is an extra but needed in July!
Although very central it's also quite a quiet location but there's not far to walk to the beach, restaurants or tavernas.
The pool bar is nice and it's great place for a cheap, no hassles holiday.
Maybe not ideal for singles holiday (no clubs) it's great for couples or families looking for somewhere to base themselves in Rhodes.
I'll be back...

My family and I went to the Matina Apartments on the 1st August 2007. The weather was really warm so I would advise you to rent the air-con!!!
I went with my Mum, Dad, And little Brother. The place where the accommodation was situated was perfect. It was a 2 minute walk to get to the main streets where even then, it wasn't too busy. The apartments were clean and tidy and the staff and reps very friendly.
The main beach is to your left of the Hotel and is not even a minutes walk away! If you go up towards the main bit you go past a bar called " Alexandras Bar". It is fantastic there! We went there every night with some friends of ours that we met whilst on holiday.
The staff, Ria, Daria, Tasos are so friendly. When the bar was not busy they came down to sit with us and chat because they knew us so well. I would give a 10/10 rating for the bar.
The "Hellas" garden restaurant had very nice food but the service was so slow we couldn't believe it. The "Terpsis" restaurant had nice food ad the staff were very friendly. We went there 3 times. We would recommend it.
Also, the "Nostalgia" restaurant, which it at the top of the street on your way up from the Matina. They served very nice food there and the prices were all very cheap in most restaurants. We went to the Nostalgia 3 times as well. Another was the "Greek house" restaurant which is opposite the Matina. They did really good food. It always looks quiet at first but trust me it gets busy! All though, the prices were a bit more for food there.
One restaurant we would say not to go to was the " Enigma ".
As the weather was really warm we did not go to Rhodes town or into Lardos etc but we did go into Lindos twice. We went through the day and at night to bars with our friends.
When you go through the day you miss out loads of bars etc, because you can't see them as the shops, bar, restaurants are all together in winding paths. Would advise you to go back at night time because the views from some of the bars are absolutely fantastic. Lindos is all lit up with lights and from the roof tops of the bars you can see the Acropolis all lit up as well.
Overall, we had an amazing time and we have already booked for 30th July 2008 to go again for 2 weeks.