Gaia Garden

In Greek mythology, Gaia is the ancestral mother of all life -- and the hotel does a good job of living up to its name. Set in gorgeous gardens and spread out between a main house and bungalows, the property is well-maintained throughout. Interiors have interesting relics and curios -- like shield plaques, small knights in shining armor, and medieval weapons along the walls in the lobby -- plus a good amount of seating for visitors. Gaia Garden draws mostly leisure travelers, including couples, honeymooners, groups of friends, and families. It's especially friendly for the latter, thanks to the children's pool, nearby beach, and amount of sports available to do on-site. The property is also equally good for those looking for a longer stay or those passing through en route to further island excursions from Kos Town's harbor. 

Located in Lambi, just outside of Kos Town, the hotel is great for those who want a place to stay that offers plenty to do, but isn't too cut off from the brighter lights and nightlife of the larger town. Lambi Beach is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, though it's pretty full of seaweed and stones detract from its otherwise sandy shores (however, the excellent Blue Phoenix restaurant is located there). For a more pleasant location to swim and sun, it might be better to take a taxi to Tigaki Beach, a 16-minute drive away. There's not a lot to do immediately around the property, though there are a few dive-y bars and tavernas. Only an eight-minute minute drive from Kos Town proper, there's a bus that makes regular trips to and from town. 

Spread between the hotel's main building and bungalows, the hotel offers 63 Double Rooms, 22 Triples, Four Singles, two Double Superior Rooms, and two rooms for honeymooners. There are also four Family Rooms. Each of the well-maintained units has a furnished balcony or veranda (Superior and Honeymoon Rooms) that looks out to the hotel gardens. However, rooms aren't the most romantic or stylish -- bland taupes and browns dominate the decor, which could use an update, and some double beds are two singles pushed together. 

Each room is air-conditioned and has a TV -- flat-screen in most, but old tube-style in Singles. Most room types lack fridges, but they're available for a charge, which is surprising given what's usually fairly warm weather. Honeymoon and Superior Rooms, however, come with a fridge and coffeemaker. There are no in-room safes, but those staying in the upper-tier rooms have individual boxes at reception. 

Bathrooms are adequately sized but unremarkable in their decor (more beige). Each has a shower and comes with a hairdryer. Only Honeymoon and Superior Rooms come with toiletries. 

Given the hotel's three-pearl rating, the addition of an all-inclusive program at its very good Mediterranean and international on-site restaurant, in addition to a cocktail bar and the pool bar, is a bit surprising. All-inclusive also extends to drinks, though some types of alcohol aren't included in the program. Breakfast is included for all guests, and the buffet offers choices like American-style waffles, though the warm dishes can sometimes go too long without reheating. The dining terrace is lovely, with tables and a slatted wooden roof for shade.  

Outside, there's a lovely and large freshwater swimming pool and a children's pool right next to it. Cushioned wooden loungers and umbrellas surround both on a terrace, where there's also a pool bar. The hotel is great for guests who love sports: There are beach volleyball, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, billiards, and ping-pong. Additionally, a well-equipped gym is located on the rooftop, though its open-air instead of in an air-conditioned room indoors, which can make workouts in the summer heat a bit challenging. 

Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property. Parking is also free and available on-site.