Unbeatable Thalasso SPA, Delicious Greek Food, Serene Location .





This is my first stay here and honestly wished I could extend it for a few more days if I could. The hotel is huge and it stands out from a distance. Upon entering the remarkable stone construction main entrance there is no doubt that you won't have an enjoyable time here…and we did.

TIPS: One or two things guests should know before booking at Mare Nostrum is that the hotel is affiliated with a French vacation company. It is written on all reviews so I cannot understand how come some guests have no idea about it while others consider this a negative! This is how the situation is here, so it is either accepting it or checking elsewhere. If somebody finds it that frustrating to be around with French…what can I say!

The best option, is to book either H/B or All inclusive thus taking advantage of ALL services the hotel has to offer… .and believe me it is worth it.

CHECK IN: It was quick and efficient contrary to comments I read before coming here. It is logical to have to wait a bit if you arrive or are checking-out the time when a big group is around. This can happen anywhere. Out of my travel experience …making hotels my home lately, I believe that several guests take things for granted and when they come to a hotel they suddenly become extremely demanding, arrogant and selfish. I refer to the ones who no matter what they are offered they will always have something negative to say.

The 3 ladies behind the reception desk are doing their best to meet the needs of their guests and they have always a nice word to say. They will greet you with a smile and are discreet. There are times they feel lost only when a big group shows up and people like the ones I described above start the belly ache. The hotel is huge, very popular and family friendly .

LOCATION: A secluded location but I found it great. This is what I expected anyway. Now, there is of course a range of local restaurants and some stores in the nearby settlement which is not too far from the hotel if somebody wishes to take a stroll or dine outside. As for the local bus to Athens it is only steps away just a few metres from the main entrance. It is also a short cab ride to nightclubs to the nearby beach resorts of Loutsa and Artemida. Ask for a taxi through the reception.

STAFF/SERVICE: Impeccable service. I found the staff we came across positive, and very attentive.  

ANIMATION TEAM: There is a plethora of activities organized for children & adults daily. The team is a bunch of cheerful youngsters. BUT it should not be forgotten that the hotel hosts other nationalities too. Show some respect guys and ladies of the team and repeat what you say in English at least! If not, the management could consider excluding the rest of nationalities and accept French only, which personally I find very unfair .
We did find entertainment at its top though! We participated in dancing one of the nights as well, a But there were moments when we, like the rest who longed to hear at least a word in English felt totally ignored. I had the opportunity to get acquainted with 3 couples who shared the same feelings about this. It was as if the only important persons were the French and the programe was exclusively for them and nobody else. This is something significant, the management has to see in depth.

BUDGET ROOMS: Like every other hotel, this one is not an exception. There are rooms for every budget. Assure the kind of room you wish to book. Don’t forget that what we pay is what we get….so why grumbling about it later on? If you are asked to pay little, don’t think that it is THE great bargain…this might mean something! (This goes for all hotel bookings worldwide). The hotel is huge and not a new one, but the owners seem to refurbish and upgrade rooms continuously, like the beach area and gardens, several rooms, bungalows and the pool . It is simply impossible to have the whole structure refurbished at once. Let’s show some sympathy and understanding guys and be fair.

ROOM: We had the double sea view room #323, two singles, the sleep was non-interrupted and relaxing. There was some dragging of chairs and tables in the mornings coming from the upper floor but I carry along earplugs so that was not a problem.

Contemporary interior, impeccably clean and it was obvious one of those recently refurbished ones. The balcony overlooked the beautiful gardens and cove which was awesome. The huge mirror covering the wardrobe gave a feeling that the room was much bigger, but in general, it was not one of the small ones.

The locking of the safe was with no code and locked by the card key of the room. This makes people worry that the safe can be opened by any of the staff coming in. I know for sure that the master key cards the staff carries are for all rooms but with no access to safes . So there is nothing to worry about. However it is advisable to carry your key cards without the cover that shows the # of the room.

BATHROOM: Impeccably clean, simple and modern. A walk-in shower cabin instead of a bathtub with rain shower head above. Towels were new and bright. A Hair drier is provided. Toiletries include shampoo and bath gel only, with no body cream though. The plastic cap, robes and slippers which are usually in the room were missing, but of course since it is a Thalasso hotel, all these are provided when you get to the Spa.

THALASSO: The Highlight of the hotel. It exceeded by far my expectations. Its interior enjoys French standards and I urge everyone to visit it even for once, or better arrange that this is included with the stay upon booking if possible. There is no way to let you down.

The word "Thalassotherapy" or more familiar “Thalasso” derives from Greek 'sea’ and ‘treatment’ . It is about the healing and beneficial properties of the sea and the marine environment for health and wellbeing. It is as if one visits a Spa except the emphasis is not on relaxation and beauty but on healing as well. Even a one-off-treatment with jets will leave you feeling invigorated, revived and refreshed. This spot will become your favorite.

I felt that there was no need to have any extra treatment or massage and relied on the multi-jet bath (hydro-massage). The good thing is that jets are strong. The pools are great. This kind of baths in the beautiful pools of the hotel incorporates a gradual massage through the several jets which are programmed to target different areas of the body. There were 3 different pools to choose from and all this treatment relax muscles and joints and at the same time aid and improves circulation.

BEACH: No sandy beach as you would expect, but very organized steps leading straight into the sea… kind of peculiar feeling . The moment you get to the Spa though, you will never want to return to the sea, I bet.

RESTAURANT: Impressed with the taste and quality of the rich authentic Greek buffet which was different every night, it was ample and dishes were continuously replenished. The presentation was also eye catching depending on the theme each night. The chef, cooks, and waiters were extremely polite and efficient. Beer and wine come complimentary too. The open kitchens make the difference. I don’t remember tasting anything out here of minor quality, so the overall impression is excellent. I can assure that the food in the restaurant of the hotel is way better than in any tavern or restaurant in the round area.

GARDENS AND POOL: Impressive with one word. I scarcely get to pools in general but the whole seating is nice here around the pool and bar, and guests do have fun throughout the day till late afternoon. The pool bar offers cocktails and snacks and it is the place to go to for Beach towels as well . With a €5.00 deposit you get your towel and when you leave you take it back and get your money back…it is so simple and correct.

SIGHT-SEEING: Don’t miss visiting the nearby museum of Vrachati. Fee €3.00 and €2.00 if you are over 60. Personally I found it of great interest.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: I honestly loved every moment spent here as there is so much to keep one busy. We never thought of a second to leave the premises which were so inviting. It is a hotel that has it all. If you are after peace and quiet, this is not the place for you for sure. Book here if you are really in the true mood & spirit of holidays. Highly recommended!