Grecotel Kos Imperial Hotel

Entering the spacious. cool, marble lobby to see ahead an infinity pool then beyond that the sea is quite impressive I must say. The architect who designed the hotel complex deserves high praise indeed. The "village like" setting is superb with something new round each corner. The use of water and dark wood gave the hotel a Thai feel which I loved. I found all staff to be pleasant and very keen to help you with anything. The meals were buffet style and they were average. We felt that the variety of food was limited, but we were told that the choice gets bigger as the season goes on. We were there for the first week of their summer season so it was quiet. Do try the A la Carte - its worth the extra. The activities were still getting underway but my husband enjoyed trying out the free wind surf lesson then turned back to his favourite sport - tennis. There are tennis courts away from the complex, but within a short walk. Reception will give details of the coach, Peter, if you want lessons. The hoel is a short bus ride away from Kos town which has more action if that is what you want. However, we wanted a quiet week away in a pleasant setting and that is exactly what we got. I would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a lovely hotel to relax in with attentive staff and an overall feel good factor to it.

My husband and I (both aged 30) stayed at the Grecotel Kos Imperial In July 2003 (where we got engaged), it is the most wonderful hotel and we will be returning here in August 2007 to celebrate our 3rd Year wedding anniversay. We are used to staying in 5* hotels (from the Hilton in Mauritius to Secrets excellence in Mexico, to this day, Grecotel is still one of our favourates) and were not disapointed. We found the facilities excellent, we are both into sports and found something to do everyday including Water Polo, Beach Volley, Aqua areobics, Gym. The spa was lovely and one of the best I have been to. We found every member of the hotel staff very friendly, no-one would pass with out smiling and saying hello. The hotel was spotless, room fantastic and to a very high standard. The food was fantastic, there was always a good variety on offer. Overall we had one of the best holidays here and cannot wait to return this summer. We highly recommend this hotel.

We decided to stay here as it looked great in the brochure, had good reviews and included childrens day time entertainment. The hotel is fairly new and was very clean. Our room was a standard type and was fitted out to a good standard, though it was compact with two adults and two children! The pools and other facilities were great. The gardens were also very nice. Food was great - lots of choice and is regulary topped up. The hotel run kids club was superb and our 3yr old daughter loved it, despite the lack of other english children. I enjoy sailing and was not disappointed; the hotel has boats and windsurfers for hire and there is another hire centre on the beach just off the hotel premises. The negatives: It is out of town, and there's only one bar / restaraunt within 500mtrs of the hotel (this could be positive to some!!) We enjoyed the trip so much we went to another Grecotel this year.

Hotel buildings are located in beautiful grounds with several swimming pools around, which were quite cold for the time of the year. Ask for a room overlooking the see, it's worth the extra money. The buffet type dinner is quite boring after a couple of days, so book a table in the a la carte restaurant to have another experience. Staff is very friendly and helpful, and the entire property is extremely clean and very well maintained. I was on a business trip and therefore it was a pity that there is no (wireless) internet access in the room.

I stayed in this hotel with my mother and sister for one week in October. We arrived by boat from Rhodes and it was lovely coming into Kos port in the evening with only a 5-minute drive to the hotel. The airport is halfway across the island and is about 30-minute drive. This was towards the end of the tourist season but it was still incredibly busy and bustling - not that you would really notice what with the huge size of the grounds, although during prime tourist season it could be a different story. We always managed to find a lovely table to sit and enjoy our amazingly sumptious breakfast at, but sometimes finding a spot by the pool or beach for the three of us took some searching as most people seemed to spend all day sunbathing in the glorious warm October sunshine (supplemented by quite a breeze though) - and tended to book their pool-seats early in the morning by draping towels over them! Overall the other guests there were friendly and pleasant, most of the hotel staff were too although we did have one experience with an unhelpful receptionist who refused point blank to assist me with further details about horse-riding facilities on the island (which were advertised in the hotel's own information brochure at the reception desk, but with no contact details or address!). In the end I found it out myself on the internet! Gym and internet is charged for extra at this hotel, as seems to be the case at all the Grecotel hotels I have stayed at, and with only 3 computers available for the internet there was sometimes a bit of a wait (no wireless at all) - but who wants to spend their time on the internet when in such a beautiful location! The hotel entrance hall is magnificent. This really was a good holiday experience for the times when you just want to relax and sunbathe. The bedroom itself was very prettily and simply decorated, with a double-bed and a balcony to sit on and enjoy drinks in the evening. Also a fridge and safe, a large bathroom, and a twin-bedded room in the entrance area. House-keeping seems to be done at about 4pm so that we did find unusual, just at the time we were ready for our afternoon siesta! We hired a car one day and drove to the other end of the island - possible by bus too for much cheaper price. Car hire extortionate at the hotel, so go across the road to the very friendly and helpful people at Budget. We saw Kefalos and drove back via Zia - very charming and sweet mountain village which seems to have become the tourist village hotspot to visit - but extremely quiet at this time of year with lots of special offers on souvenirs including Cinnamon Syrup, which I hadn't seen anywhere else! Then drove back to Kos past the incredible Asklepieion of Kos which is stunning. We went on one of the early morning walks to a small chapel up the hillside opposite the hotel. It's a good way to start the day and get some exercise and the guide was very pleasant and knowledgeable. We also went to an introductory windsurfing lesson conducted by a very professional and helpful member of staff - safety is first and foremost here and we were very impressed. There are boat trip options from Kos to visit islands and to go to Bodum in Turkey. Apparently Bodum is really something special and the trip is highly recommended (only 10e for the boat trip if you book a day in advance - and the markets in Bodum are on a Tuesday so this is the day to visit). If you require a Schengen visa for your Greek holiday then make sure you have a multiple-entry visa if you want to visit Turkey - no visa required for Turkey as arrangements are made for the day trippers, but you do need re-entry into Greece!! We booked this stay through RCI in South Africa, as part of a timeshare swop. No problems experienced with any of those arrangements. We had requested complimentary flowers in the room, as this was a very special holiday for my mother - didn't receive anything but as she hadn't known about the request that wasn't an issue. The best thing was that she had an amazing incredible holiday and I would recommend a stay at Kos Imperial to anyone who wants some time to chill out and relax - but perhaps try to avoid the peak summer season if you can.

Went to this hotel with great expectations,we booked this famous class because it was our honeymoon (got nothing from the hotel).Paid a lot of extra for that and get very little back.We were suppose to have champagne on arrival while checking in using express check-in which never happened.There's a guest relations manager in the hotel which we had to locate ourselves and ask about these "famous class" benefits.It was very frustrating to do this because we expected to be special guests and also frustrating because of manager's poor English,well none of the staff spoke good English.Our advise is not to book famous class because you get no value in return.Food was good and pools were big enough and can't complain about the location.Don't think we're going there again

Just spent 2 weeks at Kos Imperial and if you are like my family, we want a high level of service a little way from the main strip of Kos Town then Grecotel Imperial rates perfect ! Hotel is approx 3km from main town ( 3 Euro per family via Bus or 8Euro in taxi) . There is little in the immediate location of the hotel except go karting, 1 supermarket and the beach as the hotel has everything you really need. The half board option was well worth it though is busy at breakfast, but they cater for all, even the kids were spoilt for choice and sometimes they are a little fussy. The entertainment program is low key and not in your face and the staff are very friendly. My children thoroughly enjoyed the Grecloand Hotel where they painted tee shirts and rehearsed for the kids show every Weds night. Two tips :- There are no tea coffee facilitiies in the room, so take a travel kettle. Grecotel Privelige Club is a must as they gave us a late check out till 6pm at no extra charge .. fantastic !!!

My wife, my 12 year old daughter and I have just returned from Kos Imperial. We are Grecotel fans and this was our second visit to this hotel. We last visited 4 years ago in the hotels first year and we had such a good time that we always planned to return one day!Were we disappointed? The hotel has got better, no mean feat as it was great last time! We had a lot of problems with Thomson as I wanted a particular room, so in the end I e mailed the hotel asking them to upgrade us to this particular room and charge us on arrival! We were given the upgrade at no extra charge! We are members of the Privelege club(Grecotels loyalty scheme)and I would recommend fellow Trip Advisor fans to do so! We could not have been treated better! Every member of staff from the General Manager to the bin man would say Kalimera/spera/nichta depending on the time of day. The dining room staff, the bar staff, the cleaners, everyone had a smile! My personal tip, be very early for breakfast, sit outside with a coffee or champagne(asti) and just enjoy the view, the atmosphere and the peace of this little piece of perfection! Also, go across the road, behind the little supermarket?, there is a go kart track. Put your casuals on and drink all night for the price of one round in the Imperial! But in summary, GrecotelKos Imperial is great. IWe will definately return again, but unfortunately they have a policy of no 3rd adult in a room and as my daughter will be 13 next, she is far too young to have a single room alone, so until they change policy, we will have to go elswhere! My loss I assure you!

Had a great two weeks at the Grecotel Kos Imperial in July which is located about 5/10 mins from Kos Town. Local bus stops right outside the hotel every 15 minutes and costs €1.40, or €8 for a taxi. Hotel was clean, friendly and well maintained. We had a standard room (try to avoid being located by the service road for the hotel, as the garbage truck turns up every morning at 6.45am!). However if you complain to reception they immediately show you other available rooms, its obviously a standard complaint for those rooms located near the service road. Apart from that the room was fine, clean with a safe and fridge included at no extra cost. The main restaurant is very pleasant with an outside covered area for eating, which was very nice on a warm night with a soft breeze. Food and service were good, no complaints there. My 5 year old daughter had a great time as the pools were lovely and there is a pirate ship playground. The hotel run kids club was great but she much preferred the pool and pirate ship. Lots of beds either around one of the pools or on the beach area (pebbles when entering the sea). If you want beds round the kids pool though you have to be quick (think thats the same everywhere though). The one thing which we thought was great here was the teenager club. They all met for lunch every day and really formed some good friendships and basically were off doing their own thing, just saw them at breakfast and bedtime, too busy with their friends. They even had a dining area for them at dinner which was great, you know how they like to be cool and independent. Entertainment is low key with MIni Disco at 8pm followed by a group most nights, and 2 or 3 shows a week (watch out for the male solo artists who is awaful, worth taking a trip into town the night he is on!). Kids also do a show once a week which is nice, parents take your camcorders. There is also a piano bar which is lovely with great views out to sea and surrounding islands. The guests all appeared friendly (mainly consisted of germans, english, italians and some russians) and there was certainly no trouble. Had a great time and would definitely go back.

We have just returned from the kos imperial after a two week stay spanning 18/5-01/06 2006. We- being a family of two adults and two boys aged 4 & 6. We stayed in a family garden room, which had two bedrooms and a double bathroom with shower/bath, double sink and toilet facilities. The childrens bedroom had two single beds and our room had a wonderful king size bed in a spacious ground floor apartment. These rooms have mini fridge, CD player, hairdryer, air conditioning and screens to keep the mosquitos out ! Yes we did get bitten a few times so make sure you take some repellant with you. The hotel complex is spacious with an abundance of sunbeds that we didnt have to wake up at a ridiculous hour to reserve, in fact we never bothered and always had lots to chose from. The grecoland- kids club is brilliant! A fully supervised, secure club with a good sized playing area both in and out. The club runs from 1000-1200 and then from 1530-1730. These times give us adults an excellent opportunity to recharge our batteries either partaking in the water gymnastics session (1130), swim, snooze or whatever.. The Pirate Ship is brilliant and to indulge boys especially, remember the pirate outfits !! Food is great, super selection during breakfast and dinner. If your child is fussy there are basic meals that children will usually eat ( pasta etc). The beach isnt great.. shingly and pebbles but as long as you remember your beach shoes you will be fine. Also goggles, especially for the salt pools. Psalidi is a short distance from Kos town and if you fancied hiring bikes ( on site or opposite for a reduced price 10 euros per day) then there is lots to see. Car hire is best opposite with budget for 35 euros per day. The hotel staff are amazing. Always cheerful, helpful and love kids ! . Days out.. we visited Thermes natural hot springs approx 10 mins away on the local bus 1.10 euro per adult each way, first child 90 cent, second child free always.. These prices are the same wherever you hop on/off to Kos Town. A boat trip visiting the local islands is another must, certainly cheaper if booked in the Harbour in Kos Town than what holiday companies promote in the hotel. From a family point of view a day trip to the brand new water park called Lido, at Mastichari is a must !! a fantastic day out.. remember sun cream and flip flops as it can get hot under foot walking between rides. The only slight down side to this hotel is the lack of evening entertainment. I say lack, but in all fairness to them there is a limited provision of live music, paris caberet night, and a fire eating show as well as the expected greek dancing night, maybe there could be a bit more variety ( during our two week break). Drinking in the hotel is expensive. We bought bottles of spirits in a local supermarket for a fraction of the price inc a bottle of Moet Chandon ( 28 euros as opposed to the 105 euros quoted on room service). This worked well. Last but not least if you are a coffee drinker like me, remember to take a a travel jug.. There are no coffee/Tea making facilities in the standard family garden rooms. All in all we have met others who are regulars in the 4/5 ** circuit who all believe that this hotel is definately something special, and I totally agree. You will have a wonderful time here.. and join their Priviledge club for Free, the bonus immediately is a free room extension on day of departure plus many other beneifits as time goes by. PS Babysitting facilities are charged at 10 euros per hour, and the people we encountered had no problem at all placing a reservation for the al a carte resteraunt ? possible due to early start of season ?? I think i have covered everything.. Enjoy !!