Giakalis Hotel

I’m amazed by the people who actually think this hotel is ok and what they received for breakfast were they in the same hotel or do they have shares! Who was the bell boy! When did we get pancakes and hash browns! Are you sure you were in the same hotel?
I spent two weeks at this basic 2 star hotel that was miss sold to my family and another family that travel with us. At first I doubted myself until, every day more and more complaints surfaced.
On the 1st day we arrived to no air conditioning already having pre booked so we thought in England not may rooms have air con and it is unbearable. The food was un edible and continued to be until the end of our holiday. Pudding was
water melon every night for the 14 nights along with flies.
That was until some holiday makers starting taking photos. Every night after that the water melon was covered.
But rest assure there was still water melon on the menu. Most nights the food was bad on the odd occasion we had some ok stuff usually after a lot of complaining. There were so many complaints and people moving out it was unbelievable. I started to call my sister Sybil as it was like fawlty towers without manual, because there definitely was not a bell boy a miserable owner yes.
A children's playground that was a health and safety issue. Bad wine and beer yes. In the middle of nowhere yes. An old plastic crazy gold course was the only entertainment. Not once did we have entertainment, unless you count the owner sitting in the bar area observing what people where drinking.
We had to wait 15 /20 minutes for drinks i.e. coke lemonade during the day as there was only on girl serving the drinks and preparing sandwiches and pizza for the guest at a cost, because the food was inedible.
Oh yes going back the family that said there was lots of cereals. cornflakes and chocolate flakes that had no taste. Hard bread and boiled eggs and some jams.
Three times a week cooked breakfast consisted of bacon, fried egg and beans.
After about 3 days the pool began to turn green, had enough of the horror story yet? After another outrage by guest and the manager insisting nothing was wrong we actually had to ring our travel company to complain, as we were concerned for the children.
It was eventually cleared and restored to an acceptable colour. Needless to say 3 of our party have returned with ear infections.
All in all I found that the employed staff were ok the girl behind the bar works very hard and is only doing what she is told by the management.
Do not go to this hotel thinking it is all inclusive. We were told that the hotel has only been all inclusive for 8 weeks. It’s the travel companies fault for miss selling the holiday.
Yes you are in the middle of no where yes the food is bad; yes taxis are hard to come by. The gardens are well kept and the rooms are clean but unfortunately everything looks worn and dated around the pools area looks scruffy.
I could certainly never recommend it to anyone at any price. If you value your holidays do yourself a favour and book something dearer, because in the end we ended up eating out all the times and had to get taxis also had to buy ice creams and snacks for the children costing us over a £1,000 in extras. I would have preferred to have paid another £1,000for a proper all inclusive.
A trip to Zia was lovely and a trip to paradise beach was great. A rep sells the trips at the hotel but will not deal with complaints as she says she does not work for the travel companies. What she does suggest when people complain is that you book trips to get out of the place.
Call me stupid it was only after that I thought about things and wonder if the manager was letting her sell they trips in the hotel out of the goodness of his heart. Does he get a cut and if you go on these trips that means that you are not eating or drinking at his hotels for that day, which makes him very happy because quite allot of the time the beer pumps goes down or the driver has forgot to deliver the gas for the fizzy drinks.
If your bored with me going on you will be even more bored when you get to giakalis.
I've just returned and boy am I glad. Tomorrow I will be straight on the phone to the travel company.

Never been on fully inclusive holiday before so had a very open mind as to what to expect. Drinks were very limited having only house wines ouzo tea coffee and local beers squashes that were for free all other refreshments needed to be paid for.
Food was not what you would expect for a 3-4* rated hotel the food was not presented very well. They do need to review there menu and come up with an alternative if they are to improve the score rating that they are getting.
A variety would be a start and a sweet other than water melon might help. A fruit bowl for each meal would make a good start and they have a beautiful bbq in the grounds. It’s a shame that they don’t do a bbq on a Saturday night for the guests.
I also found that it very disappointing to find that midday on our last day that all free meals and drinks ceased and our pick up was not till 4am the next morning.
We arrived on the Thursday around 10am and our departure time was on the following Thursday at 4am but all entitlement to meals and drinks ceased on the Wednesday at midday. It was 100o + so hence every person there needed refreshments but could only obtain them by purchasing them or going to outside retailers.
Apartments were somewhat basic but on reflection were clean each having a balcony. The kitchen did have tea making facilities although it might have been nice to have a welcome tea bag and dried milk and coffee there especially for the guests that arrived late of an evening and are unable to get a drink until 7.30 breakfast time.
The pool I agree was a real credit to them and the grounds were lovely as well although there is a lack of information regarding tennis courts and crazy golf course that are there.
It needs also to review and place notices regarding towels being put on sun beds and going out meaning that a lot of the beds are being tied up by peoples towels and not used half the day and people who want to use a sun bed are unable to because of this causing bad feelings.
The owner of the complex does not smile or say good evening or talk to any of his guests and looks as if he is begrudging everybody being there. The members of staff are a delight and were most helpful and chatted.
The outside tour operator was very helpful and the trips that she offered were good value and did enable people to get out. The hotel is situated in a somewhat isolated venue having only 2 small shops locally.
The beach is only 10minutes walk and is very nice and sun loungers are available for 3 euros.
All in all if the owners were to seriously look at the meal plan and make a lot of changes then I think the guests might be happy to recommend the hotel. also I feel that they need to review the cut of point of the meals and drinks on the day your leaving and extend that to midnight at least then guests will be fed and watered before the long journey home and leave with a feeling of satisfaction that they were catered for.
Adding local basic spirits would also be an idea as would coffee after evening meal would be a nice touch as well.
With a bit of care and fine tuning this hotel could prove a very desirable place and would attract people and if was good they would recommend it and would expand.
Apart from that I don't think it’s maybe as black as some make out just a good shade of grey! That needs a lot of attention and adjustment doing.

This is a self catering apartment trying to be all-inclusive and failing miserably.
One ice cream was allowed each day, during one hour only, apart from when they run out or had 'problems'. Problems also occurred at 22:30 almost every night when the supposed all-inclusive was nearing the end (23:00) and guests were expected to pay for everything. While they were fixing the beer pump at around this time we were waiting to be served for twenty five minutes and then asked to pay.
The staff were generally abrupt and intimidating though I was impressed at the barmaid's ability to maintain a smile and good humour, whilst enduring so many complaints. You are monitored closely during meal times, woken up if you had left outside lights on, and asked to turn them off. This could be quite confusing as some switches were upside down.
There was a constant mosquito infestation which was not helped by the stagnant water feature by the bar. Please be prepared and research the most effective repellents for this area before travelling, as itchy bites and sunburn do not mix.
There were several safety issues, many were found in the excuse for a children's play area. Steps were coming away from the side of the pool. In their defence there was an attempt to repair this which resulted in slabs of concrete lifting as people exited the pool.
The only thing that can be found in the vicinity are noisy, smelly cattle tethered by ropes accompanied by a nocturnal cockerel who responded to the cattle's constant mooing all night long.
As mentioned repeatedly the food was inadequate. Choice was almost non-existent. We took four children and had to spend money that we had not included in our budget, just to ensure that they ate. Glasses had to be returned to the bar so that subsequent drinks could be obtained, resulting in some confusion if you were fed up with your choice of drink.
On the plus side we were surrounded by people who were in the same boat and this created some type of bond, as I personally cannot remember one person who wasn't unhappy with the conditions.
Some paid extra to be moved and other's tried to move and get flights home but eventually settled for what they had as they weren't getting anywhere and didn't want to waste their holiday with continuous phone calls and faxes.
We found people generally to be unfriendly and hostile. Our children felt like they were unable to breathe without being reprimanded by someone. Though I must stress the few people who were friendly made a big difference. Unfortunately this was generally outside of the hotel.
If you like this place I can only think that you have never experienced a real all-inclusive holiday.
Finally, the Hotel Giakalis is fly infested, dangerous, boring, unfriendly, and extremely remote. Taxi's can be difficult to find. AVOID.

Hotel:- Nice grounds well maintained but watch the sadistic gardener who hoses the marble flag stones near the stairs to the apartments during the day! Room is very basic and smelt a bit musty.
Staff:- Owner and his wife will not speak to you but the son who is the manager is friendly and accommodating. Barman looks like he would rather be anywhere but behind the bar! If you return to the bar after having a drink you must bring your glass. If you want more than one drink you must have more than one glass!
Anna who is the barmaid during the day is Romanian and very friendly, nothing is a bother to her, she'll make you tea and coffee when ever you want it. She works so hard.
Location:- 10 min stroll to a fantastic beach which has lovely breeze. 20 min walk to catch a bus to a nearby town with plenty of bars and restaurants. Farm land is all around, mooing from the cows will wake you up in the morning but hey you'll soon get used to it. A couple of shops are nearby and the people who work there are so friendly.
Food:- Basic but edible, you'll not go hungry unless your fussy. The flies will drive you crazy when you’re eating, so eat up and get out fast! Water melon for desert every day and it's not covered. I didn't eat it but I'm sure if you tell the staff to cover it, they will. No-one complaint of food poisoning which is a real +.
Rep:- There is no rep. Margaret will hold a welcome meeting when you arrive. She is a sales woman and works for Python Tours. Don't bother complaining to her, she can mediate between you and the Management but she is not a rep.
Overall:- This is a basic Apartment/hotel with basic food, basic drinks, but if it was great you would have nothing to complain about and complaining is good it brings us Brits together and with that you will make many friends and have a good time. So if you have booked this hotel and are dreading it, don't, you'll have a good time moaning to other people and listening to their moans and before you know it you'll be having a good time.
Tips:- Hide your glasses through the day and when you go to the bar on an evening you'll be able to get more drinks in one hit. When it gets to 10.30 you'll appreciate this advice!
Don't be offended by the barman being offhand, he doesn't like anyone!!
Buy a mosquito plug- in for your room and don't sit near the out of order water fountain.
There is no entertainment but if you ask the manager to provide karaoke he will.
Bring your own pint glass if you want a pint as they only serve half’s.
I've give this accommodation and facilities 5/10 because that is all it deserves but the location is a 8/10 and I'm sure you'll have a 10/10 time.

Hello again,
After reviewing Mrs Anderson’s assessment of her overall experience in Greece, I would in hindsight accept that not all was as bleak as my comments may have suggested. The weather was fantastic throughout & the people were indeed very accommodating in general. It was ironic I feel that because of the very poor cuisine being served up in the hotel, my partner & I found a number of quality restaurants which served up some delightful meals which coupled with the many rooftop settings during tranquil sun-sets was tops.
The issue ultimately wasn't about the class of establishments outside but the lack of it at our hotel.
The premises were well kept by the pool I would also agree. The issues that I & nearly everyone we spoke to were concerned about were the same. All inclusive packages should include an expected minimum level of service that would not be included from a normal package holiday.
This primary issue is without question one that can't be proved as sufficient. The gentleman responsible previously for providing a detailed argument in defence of the premises was either employed by the Giakalis family, extremely drunk on the free ouzo or given a service that no- one we met received whatsoever.
The rooms were large but as basic as they get. As for air conditioning he must be having a laugh. He, like us, commented about the fact that he had booked a double room & after discovering that the room contained two single beds returned to the reception that happily changed his room for what he had expected.
This exact scenario happened to us apart from the end result. We were advised to push the single beds together as they had no double beds, finishing with the ultimate retort of the names on the booking were not the same so they wouldn't know we were a couple. This is regardless of the fact we had requested & were promised as requested.
The comment regarding the bell-boy is definitely a joke. When we arrived first, we waited for 10 minutes before someone arrived to deal with us - directing us to our room. On departure because of my partners injury to her foot the day before, I was forced to carry all our luggage myself to our waiting taxi whose driver even watched me struggle without a care in the world.
Everyday of my stay I exited & entered the reception without fail & never once seen this elusive "boy". You'd be lucky to have anyone there.
The food was along with the unexpected bar "All-inclusive" limitations without doubt the main gripes with most. To suggest the menu on offer was "YUMMY" was very very funny & definitely made me smile.
The sad thing was that a few of the people who we met during our stay were expecting better suppy but had family's to cater for so had no option to eat out & had to limit the drinks because of the cost of said items.
This whole issue of all-inclusive was the problem here. Whether it is blamed on the tour operator’s miss-advising or the cost saving by the hotel owners "hawk-eyed" employees, it should not be advertised & sold as such. It was not as advertised.
Regards

This hotel was ok and the grounds was lovely apartments were basic.
The food left a great deal to be desired and needs to be looked at and re thought out.
Water Melon was desert 99% of the evening not a desert in start and the leftovers from the day before were used the next day in a dish concocted for the occasion i.e. left over sausage from breakfast became sausage casserole the following day, left over broccoli was a soufflé type dish, very different to say the least.
The drinks were only part full inclusive as spirits were included, no entertainment.
A bell boy, not sure what hotel that person stayed at but it sure wasn’t this hotel.
The pool was a credit to them. The only problem being if you didn’t get up before 4am you didn’t get a chance of a sunbed as they all had towels on them by that time.

I don’t think I could recommend it and really think the 3 star is not deserved.

I have reviewed all the previous guests overall assessments of this hotel before submitting my own.
I am in truth quite surprised by the scale in personal ratings awarded by former guests regarding the hotels performance generally. The guest who rewarded the hotel with a "Full-House" (10/10) I can only suggest has lost his mind.
The all-inclusive contents & expectancy will always vary with almost every different package traded. I am totally aware of this & I also realised that for the price we paid for our holiday it would be folly to expect too much.
The issues resulting from our "All-Inclusive" vacation from the start were nonetheless bad service & farcical at times. The food was as described previously very very poor & the quality coupled with the choice, was enough to convince us to dine elsewhere after the second day.
We counted at one stage approx. 15no flies who were also dining on the large sliced melon which was on a tray with no attempt to cover it up at all. At least they probably enjoyed it.
The bar was also employed with the same contempt for paying guests. When the small print lists all "Local" spirits as free it gave us the impression that there would be some cheap & cheerful Greek vodka/whiskey/gin available?
The small print referred only to very local "home-made" Ouzo which made everyone very pleased about nowt (4euro per shot). To continue their customer care, the free wine on tap was likened to WD40 & was in a bag in the fridge without any name or origin. To top it all off, the bar would end free at 11pm when All-inclusive would cease to apply.
The issues just went on & on. We not once during our stay received a bin liner for our bathroom bin which I'm sure you are aware is responsible for the used toilet paper because of their sewage pipes becoming blocked.
I will not go on as I am losing the will to live.

The worst hotel I have ever visited. You have to fight for your food - with the flies. Food poor and repetitive and is not 4 star as we had been led to believe.
Towels were changed 3 times during my fortnights holiday and the rooms were never cleaned properly due to lack of staff.
The pool was green and therefore the visibility to the bottom of the pool was poor in the deep end due to lack of chlorine in the pool which could have resulted in health risks to the guests.
Complaints to the management were met with indifference. Example being when guests asked for the electric fly killing machines to be turned on in the bar area they were told they could not be turned on because the flies may drop into people’s drinks.
If you want a holiday of poor food, poor service, dirty rooms, lack of variety of drinks and plenty of flies with your food go there.

The hotel is advertised at a 4* but in reality is pushing it to be a 3*. The all inclusive board consisted of inedible food and the drinks better weren't much better - beer, wine aka vinegar, ouzo, and soft drinks - everything else was at an additional cost.
Only some of the rooms had air conditioning, which again was at an additional cost and well if you weren't lucky enough to get one of these rooms then you got severely bitten throughout the night. The rooms were also hardly the cleanest I've ever seen.
The pool was nice but you had to be up at 7.30 to stand any chance of getting a sun bed as there weren't enough to go around and if you wanted to escape the hotel it was necessary to get a taxi as it was pretty much in the middle of nowhere.
On the positive, the beach was only 0.5 miles away and was nice and the weather lovely however we were by far not the only guests to complain about the hotel and I would strongly recommend that this is one to be avoided.

If you eat then don’t bother going because the food is no good and tasteless and you don’t get any variety whatsoever! If you are a vegetarian then don’t bother going because all you will be eating all week is salad or the occasional bit of fish!
Also it supposed to be all inclusive but you don’t get everything thrown in at all , such as no snack bar , paying 5 euro for pool , 5 euro for tennis , the only alcoholic drinks available are lager, red wine, white wine and ouzo an this is only between 10am till 11pm other times you have to pay.
The staff are arrogant and never smiled or spoke other than the receptionist who were nice. If you are a active family or couple I wouldn’t advise it because there is so little to do as the nearest town is about 2mile away.
We didn’t let this ruin our holiday though because we had a really good time an met some fantastic people. The hotel should not be down as a 4* more like a 2*+.
Although the grounds of the hotel look nice and are kept in good condition, the rooms are also very big and good as well. The pool was ok but towards the end of our stay it seemed to start getting dirty.
I would seriously recommend that you don’t go to this hotel unless you get a really cheap last minute deal like we did. Good luck if you decide to go here.