We have been to Greece several times but this was our first all inclusive holiday and after reading some reviews prior to going I was apprehensive to say the least- wish I hadn't worried! We travelled as a family of 4 (5yr old & 2yr old) for 9 nights. We decided to stay all inclusive largely due to the poor Euro, little did I realise how relaxing it would be. The aim of our holiday was to spend family time together.
The Room:
We stayed in a one bedroom room (brochure says sleeps 3) which was very spacious. It was two rooms really. The two z beds we moved into the main sleeping area so we all could be together (didn't want the children in a separate room). It also came in handy for watching a DVD together before bed! (NB You can hire DVDs in reception for 1 Euro for a 24 hour period). The room had air conditioning, shutters, two large wardrobes. It also had a hair dryer and a bath- yes a bath in Greece a definite plus with young children.
The room was kept clean by friendly maids.
The Pools/ Beach:
Fantastic, yes I did see the odd bug as I would expect in an outdoor pool near the beach. The slides and the wave pool were great, we all enjoyed them. The only thing better than them was Iqbal! I echo all the comments made by other reviews. I would also like to add that the safety of the children are clearly his priority. He ensured I was at the bottom of a slide before letting my child go. There are inflatable rings to use in the wave pool which are a hit so not guaranteed to get one. The shop below reception sells various inflatables but are quiet expensive. My tip would be to take a selection of inflatables with you.
We seemed to favour the quiet pool as a base and never had a problem getting loungers (and we weren't early rises!). Although around this pool there weren't very many parasols and in high season this might be an issue. Beside the quiet pool you can find the 'towel man' where you can change your beach towels every 3 days- saves room in your case!
Not much to say about the beach. Sandy area with loungers but approach to sea unsuitable for Young children- much better beaches in kos town / tingaki.
Out & About
This was our 2nd visit to Tingaki/Kos so we knew where we wanted to go. We initially had planned to hire a car for 2 days but ended up only hiring for 1 and that was having to 'force' ourselves- we were having fun by pools! We hired the car from Kos town one evening and they collected it from the hotel 24 hours later- which was perfect. It also was much cheaper than quoted by the company the hotel /reps use. It cost us 35 E for a small car. Fuel was 1.70 E a litre.
There is bike hire at the hotel 5 Euros a day, trailer & children seats available. Ideal for biking locally because its nice a flat. We didn't hire but probably would have if stayed longer.
A bus to Kos Town stops at the top of the road comes every hour and it approx 10-15 minute journey into Kos town. Costs 1.6 E per adult. Under 6's free. Ask at reception they will give you a timetable. In the Towns harbour there is various boat trips available.
Tingaki is 11 Euro in a taxi.
Food & Drink
We have never eaten so much on a holiday! It was fresh and plentiful we all found something lovely to eat. The dining room was large and all the activity did give the impression of a canteen. However, there was room to eat outside which was a little quieter.
Breakfast consisted or rolls, croissants, various jams, toast, dried fruit, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, cold meats, cheese, pancakes, cake, chocolate sauce, honey, sausage (sliced and small hot dog type), streaky bacon, mushrooms, beans, tomatoes with melted cheese, scrambled egg, fried egg. Tea & coffee, juices (apple, orange, & grapefruit)- these were quite weak but refreshing. along with water and fizzy pop (Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta Lemon, Fanta Orange, Sprite.
Lunch & Evening Meal- Usually 2 soups options, fresh bread, beautiful Salads, always a fish and veggie option, usually 2 meat option, 2 veg options, always chips and pasta (sauces usually bolognese and Neapolitan) usually rice, cakes, jelly, mouses, fruit and not forgetting the lovely ice cream. The children's selection is always chips, pasta and a choice between fish finger, nuggets, pizza and burgers. I think these are probably like supermarkets budget brands. To be far most Greek places we have eaten in have serve the same o the children's menu. The children liked it and we usually found something for them of the main selection too. Once the child's pasta was on the cool side but we didn't make a fuss they just choose something else. Beside the children's selection is a self service drinks machine with fizzy drinks and water. For the adults there was also self service wine (white and rose) and larger. Obtaining a high chair was not a problem.
Snacks were available in the afternoon which we only used on the day of arrival and was sandwiches, spinach pies and cheese pies.
Bars/Entertainment
The pool bar has self serve coffee and fizzy drink facilities. Ice cream available here. Yes occasional queue, although soon goes because there is no need for change etc. Various alcoholic or non alcoholic cocktails.
One bar beside reception which has an outside area. There are computers, pool tables, and air hockey near this bar. You have to pay for these.
Day time activities were available such as step, water polo, football, aqua fit etc. time table of these were displayed by the outdoor arena. These seemed to be enjoyed by those taking part but we never felt pressurised to take part. There is a small gym which is free. Massages are also available at a fee details can be found by reception.
Evening entertainment wasn't high on our agenda although some of it we did see we did find entertaining! The animation team clearly work very hard to entertain people of all ages and different nationalities. The Greek night in particular was good, the children enjoyed dancing around at the children's disco. Evening entertainment was either outside in the amphitheater (near the pools) or below reception.
A Kids club was available, there was a morning session and afternoon session, but cant comment on it- My 5 year old knew about it but wasn't bothered in going ( which pleased us)
There is also restaurant olive tree found above reception although didnt go so can not comment.
Top tip- if you are on a late flight home and thinking about keeping your room on with a minimum cost of 50 Euro think again. Check out is 12 noon but your all inclusive status finishes when your coach comes to pick you, there is a room below reception to store your luggage and you can book a 30 minute slot to have a shower (the earlier you book it the more choice you have). I expected this to be a small poky shower room and it was actually one of the empty guest rooms- which was great.
In summary we had a fantastic family holiday we found no faults but as a rule I believe if you look for faults you will find- were ever you go! If you are looking for a hotel where entertainment if high on your agenda or prefer to be in walking distance to a resort centre then this maybe isn't the place for you!