Olive Garden Hotel

I wasn't sure what to rate olive garden to be honest as it's very mixed. And it's not average but not very good either. I think years ago this hotel would have been brilliant but it's certainly not a 4 star as advertised. When we arrived our first room wasn't great the balcony door didn't lock and the bunk bed was hanging on by bits of wood that had split due to the screws. We changed rooms the following morning and although alot better the toilet leaked, the door doesn't close properly at the bottom and the safe didn't work. Definitely a comfier bed! The cleaning in rooms isn't great - I'd rather they left a broom so we could have at least swept up! The pool areas are lovely it's nice to have the options of the 3 different pools - the waterpark needs more inflatables though I imagine when it's really busy it's a nightmare to get one as you have to use them in the lazy river but it's the same ones for the slide too. The bars, pizza, gyros and crepe are lovely in fact we just had those for lunch every day! Ankit is brilliant and the guy who runs the gyros bar! The food inside is as expected for all inclusive - very samey but we all ate no problems at all. Jody was lovely in the kids club. The beach is shingle down the road but beautiful water! Would I come back? Honestly no. For us personally it wasn't a good enough hotel for the price we paid I've stayed in alot better 3 stars but for a week in the sun it was fine! I think the hotel could be great with a few tweaks such as simple room upgrading (a towel dryer outside for definite) better cleaning in the rooms, entertainment needs to be better as the guy lacked any enthusiasm and just a bit of tlc in all areas really.

If you are looking for a quieter hotel with helpful staff & plenty of food options then the Olive Garden is for you. We travelled as a family with 3 children - 8,7 and 8 months. We arrived late evening and check in was straight forward. There was sandwiches, fruit & water available for us.

Room We stayed in block 2, which is a couple of minutes walk away from the main building, but ideal as the kids pool & quieter adults pool was right next to us. Our room was good for us & very clean, although the bunk bed climb is entertaining! We had a walk in shower, WC & the wash hand basin was outside the bathroom, which had recently been renovated. A/C worked great, although it was a bit chilly during the night!

Food The choice of food in the restaurant was excellent in our opinion. Always plenty of salad options as you would expect in Greece, and plenty of beige selection which delighted one of our picky eaters! They obviously have a weekly rotation, but every night there was at least 3 or 4 meat dishes, a pasta dish freshly cooked in front of you, veg and numerous sauces & oils. Dessert was our kids favourite - loads of various baklava, ice cream, cakes, fruit etc. I think our kids highlight was the chocolate fountain. Outside there are pizza & gyros stalls - freshly made - both delicious and served with a smile!

Staff Our little one is an early riser, so I witnessed impressive sights early morning! I have never seen so many staff members up and about cleaning everywhere - they were brushing, mopping and tidying anything that required it from the tennis court, to the walkways to the sunbeds - just continual cleaning! It is spotless, it's the guests who make the issues! Do not expect all staff to speak fluent English, but they will assist you if asked. There were many members of staff who we felt helped us - too many to mention! In particular, Stavros at the main reception is a fountain of knowledge and will assist you in any way possible, from recommending days out, ordering taxis, late check out etc. Ankit in the pool bar has a fantastic rapport with the kids - always smiling & joking with them. He's a brilliant asset to the Olive Garden, and such a friendly guy. Many others to mention Raj, Christina, Carlo, Artjon - all the staff at the Olive Garden make it feel one big family.

Facilities Waterpark is good, although you can tell some areas need their annual maintenance, but it's an entertainer for the kids. There is a beach volleyball area, small kids play park, tennis court, evening entertainment area, a few electronic amusements with a pool table, air hockey & table tennis. There is a 'kids club', but it's more of a drop in rather than drop off and see what's happening as there is no organised timetable of events. There was only one member of staff who looked after the kids. There are 3 pools kept clean & tidy, 2 bars and 1 restaurant. Huge grassy areas, and the odd banana/plantain plants dotted around.

Location It is not within a town/village, so not ideal if you like to go for a wander. However, Lardos is only a 5 minute taxi ride away and Pefkos & Lindos are 20 minutes away. There is a bus stop outside the hotel, turn left and it's on the main road on your right.

Negatives Everyone mentions it - unfortunately as the hotel sits on its own, it's septic tank is close by and it can be a bit whiffy only if you walk past it - but there's nothing you can do apart from hope the wind direction is in your favour! The only other negative is the minority of selfish guests - the ones who leave everything at their backside expecting staff to clear up after them instantly; put towels on sunbeds and disappear for hours; complain about the mosquito's - in fact complain about everything.

Would we return? Absolutely! It is a hidden gem. I suspect if the evening entertainment & kids club was enhanced then it will become even more popular.