Blue Dolphin Studios & Apartments, Skiathos Town
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
If you're looking for self-catering comforts in a convenient location, the Blue Dolphin Studios could be the perfect choice. Here, you will find spacious well-equipped studios and apartments, alongside those beach holiday essentials; swimming pool, sunloungers and pool bar. This is a modern complex and a great base for a sun-filled break.Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Blue Dolphin Studios & Apartments Reviews
" Blue Dolphin, Skiathos - Excellent! "
Submitted By: welshsueAdvice: Pretty, nice restaurants, good music, lovely people
Activities: Taverna Milos - the old windmill - past club strip.. beautiful setting - Shirley Valentine!
Good for: Beach
" Didn't actually stay at Blue Dolphin... "
Submitted By: Mrs BRENDA SOUTHWARDWe were with the wedding party of Tom and Lorraine.
I did wave when we left on the plane hope you saw us?
" i had a brilliant holiday at blue... "
Submitted By: J Maxwell" The pool/bar area very nice, clean... "
Submitted By: Mrs C CramptonSame can't be said for the room, very dark and dull. The bathroom was disgusting, this was shown to the rep who arranged for it to be cleaned, but very little improvement, the dirt and the dust around the toilet was there for the whole of the fourteen days. Also the bed linen left a lot to be desired, and the top cover was very stained on the inside, with what looked like tea staines!
This may not be 5 star accomadation, but with a little effort could be so much better .
Also the aircraft noise was not a problem
" Arriving at the Blue Dolphin Studios... "
Submitted By: Mr DJW MintonBecause of the location and the need to draw curtains to maintain privacy the room was very dark. The maid service was excellent with a regular change of linen, floor cleaning and services to empty the toilet bin.
The landlady was pleasant enough although was not interested in my complaint of room allocation. Room number 6. Take it up with your tour rep was her reply. The landlord Dimitri was nowhere to be seen during the week.
Excellent pool and sunbeds, the airport noise was not a problem for us and created quite a thrill when planes were landing and taking off. We were waved off by the locals around the bar during our take off from the island. which gives you an idea of how close we were to the end of the runway.
This year the bar is being manned by Billy who was there all of the time to cater for our needs. He managed the pool hygiene and tended the gardens during the stay. Perhaps to improve he could offer cocktails at the bar and a more varied menu.
The stroll into town took no more than ten minutes, try the Tennis Club for a beer and dip into the pool which is close by. The nightclubs although noisy are not an issue for the Blue Dolphin, no noise from them can be heard at the studios.
Skiathos is a vibrant and lively town, it is worth a trip up the steps to the clock tower and sample some of the local delights of the restaurant at the top called the Final Step. Views across the bay are fantastic.
For people interested in walking, leave the Blue Dolphin and walk across the road and up into the hills opposite, the road can be followed around to Hotel Punta where a beer can be had and a chat with the Italian tourists who use this place, you can then follow the road up to the top of the hill and look across to Skopelos.
A beautiful island to which we will return, but not to room number 6
" Just returned from a wonderful 2... "
Submitted By: Mr R McNaughton" Yes. this accommodation is... "
Submitted By: Miss J PercivalStayed in the 1 bedroomed apartment which could easily house a family of 6 and not just 4 as advertised. Spacious kitchen/living area with a sofa bed, TV, hob, fridge, kettle and sandwich maker, large bedroom with 2 singles, TV and a huge bathroom, bath/shower, bidet and hairdryer. Room cleaned 3 times in the week and towels and bedding changed. Outside patio area, where you can help yourself to grapes, pomegranates, limes. Large pool and really comfy loungers. Pool table and a poolside bar. Breakfast is available and toasted sandwiches. Natasha really friendly so are the cats.
It’s a 10 minute stroll down Bar Street into town, but you can stop at the tavernas on the way. Try the Windmill (milos) just over the road; the breakfasts there were lovely the scenery is real Shirley Valentine. The taverna over the wall to the apartments did a great club sandwich; Carnayo restaurant was a real luxury they bring olives, sun dried tomato and bread before you even order and a wine as you leave, a bit more pricey but hey we were on our holidays; Limanaki restaurant was that good we went back twice, the owner was brilliant, cocktails there were the best, you tell him what you like he will make you a cocktail second to none - coffee liquor as you pay your bill. Asprolithos restaurant (turn right at the top of Papadiamandi Street by the school it’s just down the road), we kept going back to it 3 years ago, it’s even better now -bread, olive pâté, ouzo and a fruit platter (free). Portobello restaurant was another of our favourites. It’s great to meander down the side streets and around the harbour.
We visited our favourite beach at Achlaides, swimming there is so safe, the water crystal clear. The cafe bars really welcoming - watch the guys making your fresh pizzas. Skiathos is a great place to relax especially September. We will go back and we will book the Blue Dolphin.
" After reading the last review I can... "
Submitted By: Miss E.L GomersallWe stayed in a studio which in comparison to the relatively simple accommodation which is often expected in Greece, was of a surprisingly high standard. Our studio was simply decorated but spacious and well equipped with dressing table, mirror, good sized bathroom, kitchen rings and a small dinning table.
It is true that there are no balconies and the terrace area does not have a view as such, however sitting outside is still quite pleasant as the patio area is nicely tiled, well maintained and surrounded by the beautiful fruit trees the owners have planted and cared for. There are tomatoes, limes, grapes, aubergines and pomegranates to name but a few and Natasha (the owner) has no problem with you picking the odd bunch of grapes or tomato to enjoy with your lunch.
The pool area is equally very clean and well maintained. There are ample loungers and a couple of nice tables and chairs for you to sit on round the pool bar. It is true that Kimi the young girl who runs the bar does have a tendency to wander off during quieter times. However, as most people quickly learn at The Blue Dolphin, being so small it is an extremely friendly, relaxed and well run complex and residents quickly feel part of a close nit community which enables an element of mutual trust to be established.
Natasha (who owns the complex with Dimitri) has no problem with you 'helping yourself' to a beer or soft drink should the bar be unattended as long as you pop a note behind the bar or simply settle up later. During our stay Kimi was generally on-hand when required but the odd time she was not there this system worked very well and nobody took any liberties.
In terms of location the Blue Dolphin could not be in a better spot. Far enough from the centre to escape the noise but near enough to walk in and enjoy a lively evening in the bustling streets of the centre. The Blue Dolphin is located near the runway (but this is not visible from the apartments). Aircraft noise is minimal and as stated by a previous reviewer flights are never early in the morning or late at night. It is also quite exciting to watch planes landing and taking off.
Exiting the blue dolphin, guests are met with the crystal clear waters of the port with its beautifully coloured fishing boats bobbing around under the sun. It is then a very pleasant 10-15min walk into the town centre passing delightful, tastefully decorated restaurants along the way. For those of you who may not wish to venture into town I would strongly recommend 'Milos Taverna' (often referred to as the windmill or the roundhouse) for reasonably priced excellent food. There is something very 'Shirley Valentine' about this place, the decor is simple and the tables are literally scattered along the waters edge and you can eat wonderful dishes such as 'pilioritiko' or their wonderfully cooked 'souvlaki'. 'Scuna' (a little further along) is also a lovely restaurant. A little more expensive but very chic and beautifully decorated with green glass lanterns that are lit with twinkling lights and complement the fresh white decor. Then into town of course, for a meal, a drink or maybe just a browse around the many shops the town has to offer (which incidentally are not full of the usual holiday tat that many shops are). Everything stays open till midnight so there is plenty of time to grab those last minute souvenirs.
Skiathos is a wonderful place to visit and I am really glad we chose Skiathos Town as our resort. Whilst the other resorts are beautiful other than the beaches there is not a great deal else to do. Trip wise I would strongly recommend the 'round the island trip' (stopping at 4 beaches Llaria being my personal favourite), The Skopelos & Alonissos trip is also great if you want a bit of history.
All in all we had a wonderful holiday and The Blue Dolphin simply put the icing on the cake. On our last night Natasha threw a great barbeque for us all (free of charge) with souvlaki, greek salad, lamb koftas wine and a huge helping of the warm hospitality she always displays.
A wonderful holiday, we will be back!
" Am not surprised that another... "
Submitted By: Miss S CragoAlthough clean in the apartment, it was dark due to having to draw the curtains at all times to gain some privacy. No view from the room and unable to sit outside in the evening as you would have felt like you were imposing on the other guests
As for Skiathos. Beautiful. Go see. Would most definitely go back. Worth renting a car to get to the quieter beaches but the bus is great, very frequent and cheap! The Windmill restaurant is one of the best places I’ve been, worth the hike.
If anyone does venture to the blue dolphin could you please take a heavy duty brush and a good supply of carrots for the poor horse they have who needs looking after and feeding.
" I had looked at the reviews on this... "
Submitted By: georgia dentonWhen we arrived we couldn’t really see a receptionist and just waited by the pool for a few seconds, around the corner a young girl came and asked us our name. She wasn’t very friendly and we didn’t really feel very welcome. She said we were in room 6. She took us to room and showed us in, the maid was still in cleaning the room from the last people, and looked to be only just starting. She said we could leave our bags and them just left us and walked off saying she wouldn’t be long.
35 mins later sitting in the mid day sun we still didn’t have our room, the other guests who had arrived were already changed and going out. My partner went to find out what was happening by this time we were very hot, no drink had been offered and didn’t know were the person in charge was, what her or his name was, a bit lost. I know I sound like a fuddy duddy but I love a bit of small and friendly accommodation as I was an air hostess for 5 years and don’t like big grand places but there was no friendly service and character on this first impression of the blue dolphin.
My partner arrived back with the girl in toe, she spoke to the maid, 15 mins was her answer and off she went again, no apology. We just laughed, it’s Greece after all.
Eventually we got into the room which was very clean and tidy and nice inside all mod cons, but it was just the placement of the room, it was dark, because we were opposite the pool toilets so it hid all the sunlight so we always had the lights on and felt like a winter day, and when we put air con on it brought the smell of toilets into the room which wasn’t pleasant.
So we were a bit sad having no view and no sun streaming in, it also wasn’t very private, cause everybody on same level, and all could see in when walked past as we were the first room, so again had to keep curtains shut if wanted privacy which made room dark again. We also found the rooms really noisy, walls were paper thin, we could hear the adjacent teenagers laughing and talking shouting in the early hours, and thought it was funny to knock on the wall.
All in all I know its only 2 star, but we felt we were just plonked in a refurbished cowshed, although clean, and yes the maid came a lot, which was lovely, it just wasn’t an apartment, I’ve stayed in loads of 2 star quality apartments and they have just been so much better, views, sturdy, light and airy and with better service, we didn’t see this family every one talks about, no offer of diving, no bbq, had more service from there dog which was tied up all day but always gave us smile and a woof.
Perhaps it was because we went a bit later in the year and they had had enough, who knows, but skiathos is lovely, so just stay some where else and come to the island, and go the windmill restaurant and the tapas rest. in the town, gorgeous food and lovely staff and go to MYCAR to hire a car, he will give you could discount compared to everyone else in skiathos town.
" We've recently got back from the Blue... "
Submitted By: Miss E ShreeveI can’t say I ever had problems getting a sun bed. Even those who got up late in the afternoon could still get a bed! The pool and surrounding area was cleaned on a daily basis. To be fair, Kimmi would disappear at times throughout the day, but you just help yourself to a drink and pay her later.
Natasha and Dimitris took groups of people out on their speed boat. This was a really good day, Natasha played the host, whilst Dimitris cooked the fish he had caught. They also held BBQs on the Tuesdays before changeover.
If you want a place to chill and relax during the day this is the place to go. Skiathos itself is an island where you can do as much or as little as you wish. We would certainly go back.
" We really enjoyed our time on the... "
Submitted By: Mr N BannonWe found the Windmill to be the best and well worth the climb! If anyone likes Magners cider, head to the Albatross bar on Papadiamantis Street where Yannis will sell you one for 6 euro! The beaches are very crowded at this time of year so it’s well worth ignoring the popular Bananna and Koukanaries beaches and instead going in a water taxi to Achladies beach- cost 2 euro one way.
Although we enjoyed our holiday we thought our apartments were not of the standard one would expect. We have stayed all over the Greek islands and found the Blue Dolphin Apartments to be among the dirtiest.
When we first arrived the bed linen was not particularly clean and dust and grime covered all surfaces. The kitchen utensils were rusted and few and far between. After spending some time wiping down every surface (with detergents and cloths that we purchased) we finally unpacked.
This would in itself not have caused me much annoyance but to my disgust our rooms and toilet bins weren’t cleaned or emptied nor sheets/towels changed for 6 days. All guests emptied their own bins (if you have been to Greece you will know that drains don’t cope with toilet tissue). After this we did get a regular 3 times a week service.
The pool and pool bar opened whenever the owners decreed and not as advertised. Occasionally the pool was cloudy and the surroundings were not cleaned on a daily basis. Although there are only 9 apartments there was never enough sun beds and some people had to sit at tables. Although the people running the apartments were friendly, the standard isn’t up to scratch.
" Where to begin ....! At the... "
Submitted By: Mr P FinnRight back to the blue dolphin. when we stepped off the coach, as already said a little concerning being so close to the airport you think Gatwick! Not the case at all we have just been given the best seat at the opera! As flights coming in and out are only on a Wednesday and Friday, no late and no early flights, maybe a few light aircraft in between, but as I said the best seat in the opera!
We were greeted by Natasha the wife of dimities who you will see through your holiday and if lucky enough will meet. More of that later....
Natasha will guide you around your clean and spacious apartment and is very friendly and will give you any advice you need with regards to local facilities. They have two children kimi who is nearly 16 and madga who is around 5. Kimi looks after the bar...right...anybody who has a nearly 16 or 16 year old knows what this means! They don’t want to be there! But she does really well and she is even better if you pull her leg! Just tell her to smile she soon beams all over her face.
Natasha is about on Wednesdays and Fridays to greet new arrivals and as they live on the premises Natasha and Dimitris are always around to help and they do! More of that later.....
The pool is only serving 9 apartments so hey! No having to beat the Germans to the sunbeds! Its like having your own pool and you get to meet most of the other guests, with the odd young couples going to the beaches via water taxis, which if you were say in your fifties to reach these would take you a pleasant 20 minute stroll. remember your on holiday!
The main town is even closer and to eat out even closer 5 minutes to the first taverna and 10 mins to many more of which you will find and see and love!
Right the best part for me was meeting dimitris (a man after my own heart!) We have the greatest fortune to meet this family run business. They took us out on their speedboat and I went snorkelling with Dimitris who was not there for the pleasure as I was....oh no he was getting our lunch! But for me this was absolutely fantastic! Once he had collected sea urchins and shellfish he came back to the beach and prepared our lunch at the taverna at kastro beach, which is owned by his cousin, now Dimitris does not speak much English and why should he? he lives in Greece! But he will tell you the only reason he does not speak good English is because he was taught at Oxford University! With a big grin on his face!
As for the helping as I said earlier. my boy had an accident in the pool. showing off ! I guess! He had a plastic float come up and hit him in the mouth. Kimi went and got Natasha with Dimitris close in pursuit. Now I need you to remember this is where you would normally get the Thomas cook rep, oh no not here! Natasha took my lad and me to the hospital, done all the translating, he had a couple of stitches and we were back within the hour! Natasha even went and got the prescription as well! As I said help they do!
This place deserves more than only 2 stars without a shadow of a doubt.
Before we left which was heart felt by us and a few others that were leaving and a few that were not, dimitris often goes night fishing and he gave us all a good meal as a sending away party, drinks and food (food which he caught)was fantastic. Now this is not something you should expect, just enjoy being Greek for 1-2 weeks. If this does inspire you to visit remember it is you! That is a guest to this country, so don’t be a whingeing brit! Be a helpful Greek!
Dimitris, Natasha, kimi, magda...we Paul, Ann, Arnold, Shelley thank you for the greatest most memorable holiday yet! See you next year!
" I had a wonderful week at the Blue... "
Submitted By: Mrs L Uncles<br><br>
The apartments were very comfy and well maintained. Natasha and her family were very welcoming and nothing was too much bother for them. The pool area was very clean, tidy and the sunbeds etc very modern and comfortable.
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About 10 min walk into the main town however there were a number of lovely bars and restaurants on the way along to town and this combined with lovely views over the port made it a pleasant walk. A stop off along the way for a glass of wine at the Windmill made it even more enjoyable with the water practically lapping at your feet watching the sun go down.
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The apartments are very near to the airport (couldn’t get much nearer) however please don’t let this put you off. It was quite exciting to see the aircraft landing and taking off, noise wasn’t intrusive at all as only 3-4 aircraft per day (none in evening or early morning). Friday was busiest day for flights but found that it was a bit of a tourist attraction - with a number of people walking down from other parts of the resort to sit at the bar and restaurant next door to the apartments watching the aircraft coming and going.
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The resort itself was lovely - much more Greece than I had seen in other larger Greek islands. People very friendly, great choice of restaurants and lovely gift shops rather than the abundance of 'ly-lo' shops you see in other parts of the med. I felt the resort itself was clean and toilets in restaurants appeared to be well maintained.
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I would definitely return Skiathos and to Blue Dolphin apartments just because of their cleanliness, warm welcome, accommodation and position. Hoping for a return visit in September.
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Hope you enjoy your time here too!















Catering facility very basic and not clean, covers on sofa bed scruffy and bed covers had grease marks and didnt seem freshly washed for our arrival.
outside terrace area depressing as no view expect garden wall a few feet away - overall a very disapointing holiday accommodation. We expected basic but not dirty and falling apart and would never recommend to anyone.
Skiathos Town is lovely and the people are very friendly
Advice: Skiathos Town is a lovely town to browse lots of back streets to explore and tavernas and bars
Activities:
Good for: Beach