Gaia Palace Hotel

Gaia Palace Hotel has a total of six pools and 7.2 acres (2.9 hectares) of lush gardens. which is good since there's little to do in the area. The hotel's Greek-style structures form a low-rise spread amid various-sized pools with fountain features or bridged structures. Interiors, unfortunately, are less impressive, particularly in the rooms. The cream-hued lobby has dated tan armchairs, though columns, a small tree display, and a blue-painted dome ceiling are quaint. All-inclusive packages are convenient, though beware of extra fees for some amenities. Families are the primary clientele, though couple are a close second. Note, the hotel is only open April through October.

Occupying a peaceful spot on Kos' northern coast, garden settings here are relaxing, but remote. It's a five-minute walk to a gorgeous sandy beach with horizon views and a small playground. The cabana beach bar here serves drinks and snacks, plus it hosts weekly parties, but loungers, umbrellas, and food/drink consumption aren't covered by all-inclusive packages. A bus stops outside the hotel and runs to Mastirachi in about 20 minutes, while Kos' town, castle, port, and Ancient Agora are 10 minutes farther. Taxis are available for those without cars. A small supermarket and quad bike/car rental store are all that's nearby, alongside the Gaia Royal Hotel, with which the hotel shares some facilities. Kos International Airport is a 12-minute drive. 

Spread amid grounds and pools, spacious rooms have tiled floors and earth-toned decor that's in need of a refresh. Expect basic wood furniture, accent walls with sponge-effect paint or floral-print paper, neutral bed linens, and patterned curtains. Generic artwork hangs on the walls. A pleasant surprise, modern bathrooms have jetted tubs, though they're cheapened with plastic shower curtains, scuffed floors, and wall-mounted soap dispensers. Family Rooms and Villas can sleep five or more. Although lacking kettles, comforts include phones, desks, mini-fridges, individual climate control, flat-screen TVs with limited English-language channels, hairdryers, and laptop-compatible safes. Balconies or terraces are furnished under pretty wood trellises, and those farther from the pool bar are more tranquil. Wi-Fi is free but spotty.

Features here are good for the affordable rate, but mediocre food and entertainment are letdowns. On the upside, three, good-sized pools each have a kiddy pool, alongside fountain, bridged, or float-effect island features. White-painted balustrades or wood-accented gazebos, cabanas, and cushioned loungers under umbrellas adorn sunny terraces. The largest pool has a whirlpool, all-day snack bar, and weekly Greek/barbecue nights. Guests can use the nearby beach's facilities for a fee. The well-reviewed kids' club has indoor and outdoor play areas, activities, mini-discos, and a petting zoo with rabbits and deer. There are also tennis, basketball, volleyball, and mini-golf available, the latter of which incurs fees.

The attractive spa is outfitted in Grecian pillars and exposed brick, and features a lounger-surrounded indoor pool, sauna (at a fee), hair salon, and treatment rooms with pampering menus. There's also a bright, fully equipped gym. Housing pool tables, hammocks, and swing seating, outdoor bar areas are more alluring than drab indoor counterparts. Expect similar disparages between the restaurant's pleasant al fresco seating and underwhelming interiors. The all-day buffet restaurant has themed nights, and alongside, snacks, drinks, and ice cream, it's covered by all-inclusive packages. Lobby computers and parking are free, as is property-wide Wi-Fi.