Penélope Hotel

I thought it was really important to share my experience visiting in the last week of the season and leaving on the day the hotel actually closes as if I had known some of the things I no now I probably would have chosen a different hotel. I have stayed in many places in October at the end of the season and I still expect the same level of service as I am still paying (maybe that is just me) we were looking forward to eating and drinking in the hotel as the recommendations of food looked great - when we arrived on our first night we wanted Stifado but the hotel was already at a limited menu so we had to choose gyros instead (which was very nice) after our first night the restaurant no longer opened after 3pm each day which meant we had to venture out finding other restaurants. The breakfast menu had less options than it would in peak season but this is really not an issue and I did expect this. I asked for my room to have the sun on the balcony and was told it would have lots of sun and the sun disappeared from the balcony before 9am and did not return all day - again in peak season not an issue but in October when the temperature are lower it would have been nice to sit on the balcony. In room itself was very clean and the cleaners did a good job - I think the bathroom needs some improvements (dirty sealant and parts of the sink peeling off etc) again maybe it was not like this at the beginning of the season but in other hotel stays this would not have changed with it being the end of the season. We were much looking forward to sitting around the pool on the comfy sunbeds and we did utilise them once or twice however they were dirty. The pool water was just stagnant so my partner got bit several times. The scum line around the top of the pool put me off going in and I usually love the pool water. Again maybe it is not like this in peak season but I am a paying customer I should be able to expect these things to be useable. All staff were friendly and they let us keep our room on for free bearing in mind it was there last night and everyone had left and all furniture moved by the time we left. All in all we had a great time but I think it’s important to share an experience for anyone wanting to book around the end of the season.

I'm quite surprised about the 5 star reviews here- I have given 4 stars due to the excellent value for money, comfy sun loungers and clean rooms. The negative aspects are an unfriendly lady with long blonde hair, we felt we were a big inconvenience with every question we asked. To add the other staff all seemed very friendly. One particular negative encounter happened when our friend was feeling unwell so was spending the night in bed. We were a room of 3 people sharing one key, which also supplies the electricity to the room. Had we taken the key out with us, she would have been in total darkness with no access to lights, air conditioning or electric in general. We politely explained at reception and asked for a spare key for the night- we were told they did not have any. If there are no spare keys, how do cleaners access the room? Or if a key was lost, what would happen? We felt this was really poor for something so simple. The pool area and sun loungers are very nice, however on occasions the pool was dirty and full of bugs, we felt it needed to be cleaned more (we never saw it cleaned). It was also cold but this is typical in Greece. The location is quiet and a walk of 15 minutes each way to reach Ialyssos Village or the main road into Ixia for plenty of bars and restaurants. The room was clean and fine for our needs, a kettle, microwave, hairdryer and shampoo were supplied which was nice to see. Our terrace on the ground floor overlooked the side of the hotel which was pretty overgrown and could be tidied up. Breakfast was also really pleasant and the hotel represents great value for money. On our last day, we were supplied a spare key when asked, so we really aren't sure why it was such an issue the first time around! Penelope hotel is definitely value for money, but our experience was tainted by one particular staff member unfortunately.

Long waiting. Could be a good sign. The personal doesn't know about food allergies. Serve Turkish rice, which have gluten, and the supposed chef says there is no pasta in it when one of ingredients is Orzo. No humbleness, give Greek food bad name. Should keek to gyros. Rude and non professional employee, should keep to street food.

If providing the most friendly, helpful and kind staff was an Olympic event, the Penelope hotel would be a sure fire contender for the gold medal. The pervading atmosphere of calm and tranquility that is a direct result of the incredible service that all guests receive from Penelope and her wonderful team leaves you feeling so calm and relaxed. I am 76 next month and I have never experienced better or kinder service! 10/10 to Penelope and every single one of her amazing team. Terry Regan