Achilleas Beach Hotel

There are far more positives than negatives to report for this hotel.
The rooms are large and airy, we had a family room, and could have fit another couple of generations into it! The only drawback was we were in the block farthest from the resterunt, pool, bar, reception (some might think thats a positive) And there was a faint whiff of drains come teatime!
Everywhere was spotlessly clean, all the communal areas, they even mopped around the pool in the morning. The rooms were cleaned everyday, with clean towels and bedding once a week.
The food was plentiful, in quantity and choice, the dining area was big too, so no need to queue for tables. The waiters and waitresses were very efficient, but not as friendly as in other places, they were obviously there to work, not entertain/socialise/chat, which I have to say I quite like, especially with kids.
There was a self service beer pump at the pool bar, but you had to ask for soft drinks, ice creams were available all day, cake time between 3.30-4.30. There seemed to be a scramble for this and some nationalities were taking platefuls at a time. Sandwiches, pizza, cheese & spinach pies were also available to help yourselves to all day.
The major drawback was the amoount of sunbeds with towels on around the pool, by 8am, was ridiculous, especially when some of the inhabitants didn't get to their secured sunbed until dinnertime.
In the main bar at night there was self service soft drinks, but you had to queue for beer, which more often than not generated a long queue, especially when everyone panic bought alcoholic drinks before the 11pm cut off point.
The enetrtainment team were hard working and pleasant. There was always something to do, water polo, aerobics, boules, volleyball, darts, and a kids club twice a day. Evening entertainment was 'interesting' we found the greek night really boring, and the amazing fire eating, glass walking on, nail bed lying down act was cut short by the wind, and we saw the same 'trick' about 10 times with a 5 minute psyching himself up intermission prior to them. We clapped politely, but were glad it was over. The in house entertainment cabaret was very interesting!!!
And there isn't too much information, they give you a leaflet telling you what time meal times are and basic information about the area, but they dont tell you where the resraunt is, what time you have to vacate the rooms etc.
All in all, we had an enjoyable relaxing week with good food and good weather, the surroundings were clean and pretty and the rooms were basic but clean. I will suggest anyone who reads this before they go, take a pillow, its like putting your head on a pile of soggy newspapers!

Had a wonderful time from the moment we got there until we left. Spotles clean and maintained. Staff in all departments were brilliant. The entertainment programme was good, some nights better than others but the animation team worked very hard and were brilliant. I know you shouldn't single people out of a team but the young lady who lead the team was gifted and superb at her job. The food was good but the themed nights upstairs didn't have as much choice but had nicer surroundings.
When we checked out at midday were able to use all facilities and had lunch and dinner at no extra cost.
Here we go with the complaints the teabags were very weak so if you like a good cuppa take some and the pillows are lumpy. The beach is very rocky and a bit dirty either side of the hotels beach but you can go up Mastihari a 15 minute walk.
I would reccmmend this hotel with complete confidence

We arrived in Kos at lunch time jumped straight in a taxi and was at the hotel in around 10 minutes,cost 15 euro,brilliant.Two delightful girls checked us in straight away,no drama,then one of them showed us to room 316.The room was spacious plenty of wardrobe and drawer space nice bathroom with shower over bath plenty of clean towels and we had a balcony with table and chairs overlooking the olympic sized swimming pool.If you like swimming believe me this is the pool for you.Couple of things i will say regarding the room was you have to pay for the air conditioning to be activated and the pillows on the beds are a little lumpy.The hotel restaurant was very clean and well organized plenty of staff clearing the tables keeping everything running smoothly.The food was well presented buffet style plenty of choice no problems at all.The pool side bar offered sandwiches and snacks at lunch time and tea coffee and cakes at tea time.The hotels bar was well stocked with drink but the free drink finishes at bang on 11.You are two minutes from the beach which has sun beds and parasols and the sea is great to swim in.The villiage of Mastichari is a 15 minute walk away along a path or on the beach just below the path,very scenic may i add.The villiage is quite small but you will find bars restaurants shops and a supermarket.All the staff were helpful friendly and polite,special mention to Sonia and Nina on the animation team and Javed in the bar.We really enjoyed our stay at this hotel and would go back no worries.The weather was beautiful and it was a nice relaxing holiday.

This was our first holiday to Greece booked through Teletext holidays on the internet.We got a taxi from the airport to the hotel which took around 10 minutes and cost 15 euro.On arrival at the hotel we were greeted on reception by two girls who were very polite and helpful.In no time we were checked in and shown to room 316.The room was a good size plenty of wardrobe and drawer space and a nice bathroom.We had a balcony overlooking the pool which is of olympic size believe me.The only little niggle is that the pillows on the beds are lumpy but we were aware of this so we took some blow up ones.Our room was cleaned every day and the whole complex was kept very clean and tidy.The hotel has its own beach,its very nice and only a minute from the complex.We were more than happy with the food in the buffet restaurant and all the staff are friendly and polite.We would like to pay a special mention to Sonia and Nina of the animation team and also Javed in the bar.The village of Mastichari is a pleasant 15 minute walk away on a path by the beach where you will find a few bars restaurants and shops.Allin all we were delighted with our stay at this hotel and will return.

We are an 18 Year old couple!
Firstly... We didnt book the transfers as we read some reviews and found that it would be easier to get a taxi! Glad we did this as we were the first to arrive at the hotel and it was only about 15 or 20 euro! make sure u ask how much the taxi will be before gettin in as they might rip u off!
Arrived at the hotel about 3am and it was really hot!! Staff were really friendly and the man at reception walked us all the way to th door of our room (=
U need the air con as it gets really hot... my boyf had to walk bk to reception to get it cos we forgot and i had fell asleep! Tip: take the air con bit off the key to the room so that u can keep it in while u go out n the room doesnt get hot during the day!! this really helped us!
Food was ok.. not a lot of selection but they always had chips so i neva went without.
Pool and beach were great!
Apart from the local village (which is quite a walk on its own) there isnt alot around! We hired a mo-ped (reasonably cheap as, as long as u have your licence) and drove to kos town. It takes about half hour!
The only downfalls really were that there was no nightlife! And i mean NO nightlife! we only wanted something reasonable to watch of a night, i dont mean a nightclub or anything but we ended up playin cards of a night!
Other than that we had a nice relaxin sun holiday which is what we paid for really!

we had a wonderful time there we went in 2006. the rooms were clean but some apartments did flood. the food was great very yummy. the pool was BRILLIANNT !! very larg and plenty of room to swim in. the entertainment was very good it was excellent at 7.oo they do a childrens hour were they all dance and play games for smaller children. i recomend this holiday for families. WE LOVED IT
by ashleigh gregson (12) and susan gregson (46)
preston lancashire

Just back from our holiday in the 2nd week of October. We went all inclusive - 2 adults and 2 children, aged 11 and 8. We stayed in a family room - a large main bedroom, with a bathroom and another smaller twin room. We were on the ground floor so had a small patio to the front with table and chairs. The upper floors all had their own balcony. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the only slight niggles (which bring the overall mark down by 1) being (a) the lack of cupboard or drawer space in the second room - there was plenty of hanging space in the main room wardrobes, but a shelf or a drawer for the children's t-shirts and underwear would have been nicer than leaving them in the cases; (b) the hand held shower - this seems to be a cultural thing as we have encountered this in other European countries; (c) the lack of a plug for the sink or bath - my husband found that shaving became a chore; (d) the fact we had to pay for air conditioning - although it's not too expensive, it seems odd that it's not simply a part of the normal service - and it didn't appear to extend to the 2nd bedroom at all.
As I say, however, these were only slight niggles and did not impinge on our overall enjoyment. We found that the staff were unfailingly polite, friendly and helpful - even on the night that we arrived back late from a trip to Nysseros just as the dining room was closing - they only asked that we didn't linger over our meal.
We all found food every day that we enjoyed. It is true to say that at times it was a bit repetitive - the salads were always the same at lunch and dinner times, and there were always pasta and chips available - but the food was well prepared and tasty, and there was always a big choice. Our children can sometimes be fussy and unadventurous eaters, but they tried quite a few new dishes and enjoyed them. There is a themed restaurant which we tried twice - Chinese night didn't quite live up to our expectations, but the Italian night was a real pleasure. The drinks were mostly fine - we tended to have wine or beer in the evenings rather than spirits. Slightly disappointed that the tequila sunrise in the all inclusive deal was actually just tequila topped up with strawberry juice from the machine! Some fresh fruit juices would have been better than the diluting juice on offer - especially at breakfast time, when the soft drinks available included cola, sprite and fanta lemon!
The pool was a joy - plenty of space around it to sit in the sun or the shade - and all kept spotlessly clean. Even when it was busy there was still plenty of room to swim, and even when the water aerobics or water polo were on the other swimmers still had plenty of space to enjoy the water. We were not so keen on the beach at the hotel - there was some litter around and the water didn't look that clean, although that may be more due to the local conditions rather than lack of maintenance.
Our children participated in a couple of the afternoon activities, but were not interested in going to the "Mini Club". The children who did go seemed to enjoy the activities and the animation team seemed to be working hard to include as many as possible. In the evenings we didn't always watch the entertainments, but those we did see were very enjoyable, in particular the "Fakir" show and the Greek dancing, where the dancers got as many of the audience to join in as they could. We didn't go to the disco - and from our room we couldn't hear it, so no unwanted disturbance.
We did go to Mastihari a few times - walking with children in the heat it took us about 20 to 25 minutes, but the path is clear, and well lit at night. One evening we had dinner in the "Tasy Palace" on the sea front - had to wait quite a long time for it to be prepared, but it was marvellous and well worth the wait.
We had a trip to Nysseros - the volcanic island - this was a "Medlife" organised tour and was excellent - it included a guided tour of the main village Mandraki, a bus trip to a village above the craters, an excellent tour guide (Kostas) who gave us great information about the area, its history and culture, and then a visit to the crater itself.
We also hired a car for a day and visited Kefalos and Limionas (a tiny harbour with amazingly clear calm water where we were able to swim and snorkel) and also went to Paradise Beach - much more touristy, but a beautiful clean beach, again with amazingly clear and calm water and really safe for swimming for all the family. Mastihari was a good starting point for seeing other parts of the island by car and by bus - we visited Kos Town by bus from Mastihari - a good service, easy to find at both ends, and takes about 30 minutes.
All in all we had a great time, with only a few minor gripes. We had seen some of the earlier reviews just before going away, but we certainly had none of the problems that have been mentioned. We would certainly consider going back to the Achilleas again.

The room:
The hotel rooms were kept very clean by the maid and the shower facilities were excellent, there was only one problem with our room though, the bathroom flooded because the drain was blocked, but other than that the beds were comfortable and the room was so spacious.
The activities:
The activities were very fun to participate in they had water gym, cocktail game, darts, crazy darts,boccia, water polo, and many other things
The food:
The food was better than I expected it to be. It was a different variety of food from pasta to soup to veal yum yum. Lunch had a different variety of food and it the breakfast was gorgeous and there was snack time from 3-4 serving cakes and tea
The entertainment:
The entertainment was exhilarating there was different varieties from fire eating to Greek dancing to the hotels very own animation team did a crazy show every Tuesday, which was extremely funny but it wasn't just making people laugh, there was dancing too. In my opinion on the Greek dancing was ok but could have been better
The staff:
The animation team were good people to work with they all spoke very good English and Michelle was very fluent with all 5 languages she spoke. Dean was a great laugh to be around and Dora was excellent with the children
Overall I would go again definitely.

We stayed here the last week of Sept and had a lovely holiday. The weather was perfect - blue skies, 30 degrees and a gentle breeze.
We booked this holiday at a low price - £280 each for all inclusive, including transfers. Considering the price, we have no criticisms at all, but if we had paid more, we might not have been so pleased.
The food is a bit repetitive but there is a themed restaurant and snacks from the pool bar.
The inclusive drinks and wine are fine. The rooms could do with a revamp but they are kept very clean and are perfectly adequate.
The gardens and grounds are stunning - so pretty. The hotel has its own beach which could be a bit cleaner. The only place to walk to is the small village of Mastichari along the beach, so this is a very quiet holiday to just chill out and relax.
Would we go back - yes, as long as we can get it at a similar price.

I'll start with the transfer from the airport.. I was told that the transfer was included but when I got to the Airport, I was told we weren’t on the list and to get a taxi - 15 euro. There were 4 of us so it was cheap enough and we got to the hotel in 10 mins when everyone else was waiting for the coach to turn up!
Check in was quick and painless, nice friendly staff who carried my heavy backpack to the door of the room.
The Room:
Very basic - and not 4 star standard.. I would probably say its 2 star. The beds were very hard and pillows were like having a bag of coal under your head! Air Con had to be activated by reception at 6 euro a day but I have read another review that said you can turn it on manually on the side if you're feeling a bit sneaky. There was a TV in the room but you had to pay a deposit for the remote control but who wants to watch TV on your holiday anyway??. A very strange car stereo built into the head unit above the beds but it did the trick if you didn't bring a stereo with you. The safe is inside the wardrobe - again a deposit of 15 euro which you get back at the end. Bathroom was clean but the towels were awful - like drying off with a bit sandpaper! I advise you take a couple from home because it hurts if you are a bit sunburnt. The water was freezing most days - I think I had 1 warm shower while I was there.. The blocks that the rooms are in have solar heated tanks and once the water in there has been used - its cold cold cold! If you want a warm/hot shower have one early to avoid screams!
The Staff:
Most were friendly and helpful.. There were an animation team which were mainly for kids and a barman that thought he was Peter Andre and chatted up anything in a skirt - old or young but that’s hardly a shock...! Lots of glass collecting going on and everywhere was always clean and tidy.
The Food:
I am not usually a fussy eater but I got very very bored of the Food on offer. Bland pasta, chips, meat and potatoes every day. Breakfast was cold meat and cheese and there was some cereal. Fried eggs and German sausage with beans. Lunch - had a good selection of salad and cheese and a hot food selection but this food was the same as the evening which I thought was a bit crap. I went with 3 other friends who loved the food but then again, they were all ill at some point of the stay was an upset stomach and being sick. I don't think the food was to blame, but some of the sauces that they had on some dishes were a bit rich. Mastihari - a small fishing village is only 15 mins walk along the beach with some lovely restaurants so I would recommend a couple of nights there if you fancied a change.
Alcohol and Entertainment:
Hmmmm.. There was hardly anything going on in the evening for adults but we went at the end of Sep so I wasn't expecting it to be exactly kicking! The bar had no atmosphere at all - full of middle aged couples sipping a shandy and everyone seemed to be playing cards! The alcohol was rank - yukky watered down ouzo cocktails available on the AI plan and all the decent drinks were quite expensive - especially after 11pm. The beer was ok if you drank it quickly.
There was a disco 3 nights a week that was mainly full of staff and locals but again, this was practically the end of season - due to the location the hotel was popular with locals as there isn't a late club or bar for miles. Beware if you are a light sleeper or have kids.. This disco was LOUD! I was in room 411 which was quite near to the pool and all you could hear was music pumping - till past 4am on disco nights so take some earplugs or go down and join in!
Pool & Beach:
The pool was a huge Olympic size and the pool area was cleaned every morning which was good. Loads of sun loungers to choose from too. They did some activities in the day - water polo and some weird game with a ball and a glass bottle..? Watch out for the Germans as they got a bit carried away bless em! Snacks available through the day, rolls and cold pizza and they had a free hour of cake and ice cream. The beach was very close but a bit dirty and could get a little crowded - I would recommend a walk up to Mastihari as the beach is much nicer and clean with padded sunloungers for only 5 euro for 2 per day. You could also hire Windsurfing equipment for 35 euro a day. Watch out for the nudist beach halfway down though - not a pleasant site to see oldies with their bits out!
This was my first trip to Greece and also my first All Inclusive. I don't think it was too bad but it could have been a hell of a lot better. I feel I paid too much for this All Inclusive - If you are paying less than £300 for a week I would say that’s a fair deal. This hotel is great if you are a family with small children or a couple looking for a nice relaxing break. If you are looking for something lively, look elsewhere you will not find it here. Look at hotels in or near Kos town or Kardamena as they have good restaurants and bars to keep you occupied at night if you choose to leave the resort. A Taxi into Kardamena by the way is 20 euro each way and from Kos Town it’s about 25 euro each way.
If you want to hire a car - Hire a car from Mastihari as the rental place across the road from the hotel is a bit expensive. If you wanted a day trip to Turkey, again walk to Mastihari as its only 19 euro including transfers - our rep tried to charge 36 euro which is a rip off.
And finally - If you need to make a telephone call, don't use the phone at the hotel - I made a call to the UK and it cost me 13 euro for 8 mins! I was not happy.. There is no pay phone at the hotel so if you don't want to get ripped off by your mobile network or the hotel, get a phone card from Mastihari for 4 Euro and you will get a lot more for your money. The nearest cashpoint is at the airport - there is no cashpoint in Mastihari either.