There's never a dull moment at the Kipriotis Village, where sprawling grounds, pools, sports facilities, and 709 rooms form a huge complex adjoining the Kipriotis International Convention Center and the pebbly Psalidi Beach. Endless dining or lounger -equipped terraces and palm trees surround a total of seven pools, including an Olympic-sized one, kiddy and toddler options, and one with waterslides and a fun pirate ship. Accompanying music, water aerobics, animation for all ages, and a kids' club offer daytime entertainment, and continue into the evening's live amphitheater shows. Decor is a mix of dated and contemporary, largely done in earth tones and lacking embellishment, though the lobby has a chandelier, swirl-print gold wallpaper, and statement mirrors. This property serves its purpose as a family-friendly spot for fun in the sun, though expect crowds, and some maintenance or cleanliness issues. Note that the hotel is only open May through October.

Numerous on-site activities and the adjacent beach give little incentive to leave the resort. But for those that do, the region's flat terrain is great for cycling (kids can bike around the resort itself), and bicycle routes to Kos' town, castle, and port begin right outside -- a bus stop here can shorten journeys. Drives to Kos take nine minutes, while therapeutically renowned Thermes Beach is five minutes farther. Kipriotis International Convention Center and the chain's other hotels are part of the complex. Kos International Airport is a 34-minute drive.

Spread amid grounds and featuring furnished balconies or terraces, the rooms overlook pools, gardens, or the sea (in upgraded categories). They start at 258 square feet (24 square meters), and have a dated, bland design of light walls, wood floors and paneling, orange-leather or black-fabric headboards, and gray bedspreads with red or orange runners. Also on the downside, some guests have complained of hard beds and certain rooms still have old tube-style TVs, instead of the flat-screens found in other. Upgraded units have more attractive marble flooring and artwork. Multiple categories can fit families, as Suites span 431 to 1335 square feet (40 to 124 square meters), offering fireplace-equipped living rooms or pools. Phones, desks, mini-fridges, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, safes, and air-conditioning come standard. Gray-tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries. Wi-Fi access is at a fee.

Features are extensive here, and most are covered by the all-inclusive packages. Themed, Italian, and international buffet restaurants are average and they get crowded, but al fresco terraces are pleasant. There are also a poolside snack bar, hot dog spot, and barbecue grills. Poseidon Beach Bar is popular, but watch out for evening charges here. Also be aware that loungers at the pebbly beach require a fee.

Outdoor pools are vast -- as are surrounding terraces with loungers and umbrellas -- and they include kiddy and toddler pools, waterslides, a pirate ship, and an outdoor whirlpool. Sports include tennis, basketball, mini-golf, water aerobics, a diving center, and bicycle rentals (the latter two at a fee). The kids' club, playground, and animation teams are well-reviewed, especially the evening mini-discos. Adult amphitheater shows are live every evening, and generally well-received. The spa offers pampering treatments, but its indoor pool is unheated, sauna use is at a fee, and the gym here is tiny. Full fitness facilities are free-to-use at the neighboring hotel. The hotel has meeting rooms. Pets are not permitted. Parking and Wi-Fi in common areas are free.