Sovereign Beach Hotel

Back on Kos again and we chose to stay at Sovereign Beach Hotel as during previous visits. We have always been satisfied there, both with the rooms, the staff and the food. This year they had built new swim-out rooms which we had to try. It was really nice to have access to a more private pool just outside the door. It was shared with a few other rooms but that never bothered us. The food in the restaurant has improved over the years and we like that they have different themes with different food every night. This is our favorite hotel in Kos.

Me & my family are just back from a week at the Sovereign beach hotel & all I can say is AMAZING We booked through easy jet and was all so smooth transfer was only a little mini bus with 3 families & only 12mins transfer time. The reception staff,Bar staff, Kitchen staff, Cleaners & restaurant staff they all work so hard especially the Annimations team they totally make the experience. The food is great the variety is brilliant & the pool bar crepes are fabulous & the Tavern at the beach is delish especially the Gyros. We stayed in the quad room with sea view was very spacious for us 4 & beds very comfortable & the balcony is huge. Only negative was our mini fridge wasn't very cold Make sure you ask for 2nd key if not given so you can leave your Aircon on during the day as rooms very warm. You can pay €10 per towel & they are changed every day & money giving back at the end of your stay, saves you taking pool towels. The private beach is very convenient right at the door step. There is a quad/Buggy hire shop right at the beach we didn't see it till last day but very reasonable if you'd like to venture out to see the island. Never once did we have to que or wait on a sun lounger at pool or beach even by midday there was still beds available. The pool is a salt water pool which is fabulous for the tan So clean & very big with separate kids section. There is a beautiful spa & If you get the chance 100% book in for a massage or facial I took 45mins out & was absolutely fabulous. The little shop had absolutely everything you need. The Kardamena Town is only 6min drive & only €6 in a taxi & you can book all excursions at the place right next to the taxi stop at the town highly recommend the Sunset cruise. The Stone Roses bar is a must visit while there & they recommended a fantastic pub grub restaurant only 5mins walk away. The town is simply beautiful with all its blue & white buildings & little hidden shops & bars so beautiful & lively in the evening.

Arrived about 9pm, reception staff ok, advised restaurant closing at 9 so go and get some food Checked in, was aware of the tax to pay but was wanting to pay by card. Was told as it goes to government has to be paid in cash. Would point out in all other hotels I have stayed in Kos, have always paid by card. 70e a lot to pay especially when there is no way this is 5* - probably 3, maybe 4. Was then directed to room and told to follow signs - now the bungalow was 69 - check the sign, which way would you go ??? Maybe it would be a good idea to have a map to hand out or when you scan the QR code. No one pointed out at check in where things were, and I knew nothing about the towels until I read it here - nothing on the QR code screen. Also I refuse to pay for a safe in a 5* hotel. Rooms - was ok, swim up room, sun beds heavy and difficult to move as the sun moves round. Chairs were dirty / stained and didn’t fancy sitting on them. Shower doesn’t drain quickly and no matter what angle the shower points at half the water ends up over the bathroom area. Smell of sewage in the area throughout the whole week. Recycling bins around, not many other bins Food - like most hotels all inclusive all the same. Omelette man didn’t seem happy, maybe been a long season or just not a morning person - in the wrong job then. Stay generally good in the restaurant. Found it weird that I couldn’t get a tea or coffee at lunch or dinner. Machines there but covered up. Also, drinks are all self service. For 5*, I would expect table service for breakfast tea/coffee and wine/beer in lunch and dinner. Taverna food not good, had the Club Gyras (I think that’s what it was called) was lukewarm, greasy and once again the guy who served it was not a happy chappy. Bars - staff really miserable. Similar to the omelette man, don’t work in customer facing roles. Similar hotels offer table service for drinks but here you have to go to bar. Seems hotel are really scrimping on staff to cut costs. Entertainment - limited, unsure what was happening where (e.g karaoke was in the outside theatre, never saw the disco 10:30-1100). I would say, the restaurant staff are generally happy and very helpful Also if you advertise as a 5* make it one. There are a lot of changes needed both in staff and amenities/ facilities to make it 5*