More Traveller Reviews of Halkidiki Palace Hotel
Quiet but lovely
from Little_Emski
We were looking for a relaxing 2 weeks break somewhere warm but not mad & lively....halkidiki was perfect! The hotel is located in between two towns, Hanioti and Polychrono, about a 20-30 minute walk from each BUT all the websites tell you this so you should be prepared for a nice evening stroll when going out for dinner! The hotel was spotless. After reading lots of comments we were expecting to be bowled over by this friendly Greek/American couple who own it, that however was not the case...but as time went on you began to get to know everyone. The husband, I forget his name, comes across as being a misery but it really depends what mood hes in I think and you soon learn how to take him!! (in the end I thought he was lovely!) Breakfast was a little boring by the second week and if you don't like eggs you are a little stuffed. Unfortunately flies are a bit of any issue at breakfast but you get used to it. The hotel is small and you get to know everybody, not like anywhere we have stayed before but it was actually quite comforting, totally English, so no 'you know who's' nicking sun loungers!! The beach is a 5 minute walk across the main road and down a path, again very quiet, there is one cafe/bar there and the sun loungers are free as long as you eat there (Alexander The Great), we did a few times but found him to be rather expensive and the prices changed everyday! (plus we had 3 meals not cooked properly!! You might say, well why go back, but there was no where else near to go!) We were told Polychrono was too quiet and basically shut so we didnt go there atall on the first week, however ventured there the 2nd week and preferred it to Hanioti, it has a promenade right on the beach with lovely fish restaurants (Flegra definately the best!) Its got a lovely atmosphere and we were annoyed we hadn't gone there sooner. We also went to their beach the second week, loungers allot more comfy, more activity and choice for lunch. We arrived on a late flight and the bar was quite full when we got there so we immediately got into the atmosphere. However, Monday is change over day and after speaking to a few other people and some arrivals the day we left, they were very dissapointed with the hotel on first impressions, it does aim more towards an older clientel I think and some thought they'd walked into an old peoples home! It is small, but its friendly, we are a couple in our late 20's/early 30's and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I think small children would be bored there as its quite far from places, and very elderly people who didnt want to venture too far may also be bored. There is a bus that runs into Hanioti every couple of hours for 13 euros per week per room, we didnt use it though as last bus back was 10.30pm and the walk into the towns took us past some lovely Villas, and we quite enjoyed walking off our dinne! It was always full though so others obviously found it useful. Some of the accommodation is up either a small steep hill or lots of stairs, at 5 1/2 months pregnant, the owners moved us down to the lower block for our 2nd week. They offered, we didnt ask, which we thought was nice. I wouldn't have like to have stayed full board and mosquitos do seem to be a problem in Halkidiki, aparently only since the fires last year. We took tropical strength repellent (cheapy ones are never any good, must contain a good amount of DEET ) and we were fine, allot of other people did get bitten terribly though. Reading my review back it all sounds quite dull but we had a REALLY GOOD HOLIDAY, it was very relaxing and theraputic, just what we wanted. Hotel was spotless, comfortable and friendly, what more do you need?! Overall, we enjoyed chatting to people and found the hotel to be clean and comfortable.
Fabulous!!!!
from seerah
A fabulously excellent holiday! I stayed at the Halkidike Palace hotel for a week at the end of June this year.The hotel is family run and has a lovely relaxed feel. It is a fairly small hotel which may put some visitors off, but actually this meant that within a few days everyone knew eachother! The area is quite quiet but is near to a fab village (hanoti) which is hustly and bustly without been intimidating. The hotel provide a minibus to take guests into the village and back to the hotel throughout day and evening. However, the walk into the village is about 20mins and is a really lovely walk near the sea. Overall, to be brief - the holiday was great, the food was excellent, owners were lovely, pool and rooms were fantastic and i will definately be returning to the Halkidiki palace hotel again soon! very soon!
Fab hotel!!!!! Great holiday!!!!
from reblzbekmol
A fab, family run hotel! Yes its 2km from the main centre but this is a 20 min stroll along a lovely, quiet road so no real hardship. Every area of the hotel was spotless and rooms cleaned every day, towels changed twice in a week. A good sized pool but there is a beautiful, private beach area a two minute walk away. The hotel's Greek Night is a must for all visitors and well worth the 6 Euro cost!!! A really good base to enjoy this area from!!!
Will return again this year if poss
from A TripAdvisor Member
Travelled to Halkidiki for the first time this year. Was met by the hotel owners and heard the other occupants of the transfer coach comment on how nice this was. Our bags were loaded onto a minibus (as some of the rooms are up a hill) and we checked in at the reception which took a matter of minutes. Our room was located at the top of the hotel layout (which was up a steep hill) and so we met our bags at the top where two hotel staff carried them into our room (we later called one of the men 'superman' as he was baggage man, minibus driver, pool attendant, gardener and a whole host of other roles - all done with a smile!). The rooms at 'the palace' are spacious, fresh, well maintained and most importantly spotless. The views over the bay were beautiful and all balconies are spacious and have a washing rack to dry off clothes and towels. We hired both air conditioning and a fridge which came to around £38 for the week. Remember though that the air conditioning really only works when you are actually IN the room as the electric is supplied by means of the key being placed in the slot. This means that you really only use it at night (a few times my son complained that it was a bit cold) and when you come back to your room from the pool or the beach. Another bonus - the wardrobe was stocked with ample coathangers!!! Breakfast was a tiny bit monotonous (eggs cooked in every way you can imagine) but was accompanied by slad, cold meats, cheeses rolls and pastries which were different every day. The pool area was very clean and spacious and we never once had to reserve sunbeds although I can imagine in the peak season, you may have to. The poolside bar did well priced, well cooked meals and sold ice creams and drinks. The pool itself was cleaned each morning but a warning to parents, the deep end is extremely deep (over 2.5m) and there is no rail. There is a children's section of the pool. The 'playground' consists of a seesaw, two swings and a slide which will burn your bum in the sun!! The toilets for the pool are in the main hotel building and once again were kept spotless. The bar is a little bit more expensive than in the town, but the service far compensates for this. There is a library at the hotel which is one of the best stocked I have seen and works on a take one leave one basis- no need to lug umpteen books with you! There are even a couple of draughts/chess tables for your use too! The beach is stoney (take some beach shoes with you) but is well worth a visit. It takes a couple of minutes to walk and you reach it via a taverna. Sun beds are free as long as you buy a drink or two at the taverna! The sea is the most gorgeous blue and is so clean and warm! It must have a very high salt content as well as very little effort is needed to keep afloat! Warning once again- it gets very deep very quickly and I noticed quite a strong current. The views are outstanding. The hotel runs a minibus into town for a fee of around 17 euros for the week per family. You can get into Hanioti and back at several times during the day and evening. Last minibus back to the hotel is at 10.30pm and if you want to stay any longer then a taxi is 4 euros (£2.50). The journey is five mins and can be walked but it is a very fast, unlit road. I loved Hanioti and it's square and would reccomend Gusto Italiano for a lovely meal. I really wouldnt bother much with Polichrono! It was shut!!! As a reminder - if you have any mobility problems, make your travel agent aware as it would be advisable to ask for a room in the main hotel building. As I mentioned several hours ago at the beginning of this review (!), I am hoping to return to 'the palace' later on this year as I havent had such an enjoyable, relaxing (read three books in one week!) holiday in many years! Have a lovely time X
Best Holiday ever
from A TripAdvisor Member
Second visit,first week in may.My memories are of sun relaxation,and a host of activities.The rooms are well presented,clean and food superb.You are treated with courtesy not a customer a guest.Do try and learn a little of the Greek language before you go.Instant Greek by Elizabeth Smith should give you the basics.Because we tried we had many euros deducted from our purchases.Do go on the trips.Markets and Mountains for bargains.Mount Athos cruise,and the Greek night;fabulous .Please be careful of the sun,and hope your stay is as wonderful.
Best in Halkidiki
from Flightteam
First time ever we returned to a place we loved. Staff, most excellent Rooms spotless Pool excellent Food very good 5 min stroll to a great beach and taverna Some road noise but this never spoilt a great holiday in a great hotel Nearest town is a tad busy in August, get a car and explore a great part of Greece
Wonderful Staff
from A TripAdvisor Member
Returned from Halikidiki Palace a couple of weeks ago. The hotel was extremely clean and the hotel staff were lovely. It has an amazing pool considering the size of the hotel. Kareena, a lovely Liverpudlian girl works behind the bar and can give you lots of advise if you need. The hotel is run by a family - Michael, Amy, Katie, Alex etc and they are all really nice and helpful. I got food poisoning one day from a chinese in Hanioti and they helped out with my children and arranging the doctor etc.. (I really don't think you would get that service from one of the large, high rise hotels). The Greek night they arrange once a fortnight was great (make sure you go). The beach is five minutes away and is really quiet. For something busier you can get the hotel bus into Hanioti. Kalithea beach is worth a visit (get a bus from outside hotel), especially if you have kiddies as the beach is sandy and very shallow quite a way out. All in all I thought it was great. Food got a bit repetitive but was always well cooked etc..
Hotel is OK - food is not.
from A TripAdvisor Member
Have just arrived back from a price breaker hoiday through Thomson. We were allocated this hotel on arrival and it was the best of the 3 on offer. THe hotel is clean and the rooms though basic are also very clean. There isn't anything to do around the hotel so be prepared for a hot walk or taxi ride to any shops. The hotel put on a minibus at set times to ferry you to and from Hanioti for 10 eu for the week which is good as the taxis charge 4eu each way. The beach is a five min walk across high speed road but when you get to the beach it makes up for it all. The Alexander the Great Cafe there is fab for fresh BBq'd fish and other things and they will let you have sunbeds and umberellas for 5eu. The food at the Halkidiki Palace leaves an awful lot to be desired. You have to choose what you want from the limited board in the morning sit at the same table every day morning and evening and be there between 7-8pm to eat it. Its not very appetising and my tip is - be there for 7 its well ready by then! Be prepared to have to hire aircon or fans, fridge and safety deposit box when you get there. if you are a late flight another 15 eu will secure your room from 12noon to 6pm. The timings of food and table placing and times for minibus is really at the convenience of the hotel and is restrictive in my view.If it hadn't been for the beach I think I'd have really not like being there and won't go back.
Peaceful Paradise
from dbhBristol_England
Great destination for Peace, Service and people who want you to enjoy your stay. Spotless rooms with spectacular views. Good food and friendly impressive service, a location that is gorgeous. This hotel is small (38 rooms),the owners treat guests as their friends. The staff, Alex the shuttle bus driver and gardener was courteous and helpful, Katy the waitress has the loveliest smile and nothing is too much trouble. Corinna the barmaid and all round guest helper is the nicest and prettiest scouser I have met. My wife and I have travelled extensively throughout Europe, USA and the Far East but I cannot wait for next May to return to the Halkidika Palace and see our new friends. Highly recomennded. David Hares
clean, very friendly, good food
from A TripAdvisor Member
Booked a last minute holiday on allocation on arrival, we could not have wished for a nicer hotel, the staff were courteous and helpful, the food was first class and the pool and pool area was spotless. Would definately go there again.
2 readers found this review helpful
Just returned from our 9th visit to The Halkidiki Palace, and yet again, the hotel was perfect for the 4 of us. The rooms are really smart, but could do with a few more drawers. Shower was excellent, food was superb, and Michael and Amy were as laid back, and hospitable as... more