Pelagos Suites Hotel & Spa

Minimalist and modern, the Pelagos Suites Hotel is a chic, resort-style property with sprawling grounds and multiple buildings and wings. The hotel is undergoing renovations, resulting in some rooms having older decor in need of a refresh. Refurbishments are expected to be completed in spring 2018. The hotel caters well to families: More than 25 percent of their rooms are Family Suites, and there's plenty going on for adults and kids to enjoy together (or separately). Despite the activity, the property is more lively than rowdy -- thanks, partly, to the on-site bars that stop serving fairly early (the lobby bar, however, is open until late). Guests consistently note that the staff go above and beyond when it comes to hospitality and helpfulness. 

The hotel is set in a quiet area outside of Kos Town, with just a few shops and restaurants nearby. A bus stop is right outside the hotel and the journey into town takes about 10 to 15 minutes by bus or car. The hotel is well-located for day trips to Kefalos (45 minutes by car) and Tigaki beach (15 minutes by car). Also nearby are the Zia mountains and their hot springs, which are about a 30-minute drive away. For getting in and out, Kos Island International Airport is 30 minutes away by car. The harbor, from which tourists can catch ferries to other islands like Leros and Rhodes, also in the Dodecanese archipelago, is about 10 minutes away by car. 

Each of the property's 175 rooms and suites have a balcony or terrace looking out onto the sea or Asia Minor. Some rooms, like the 50 spacious Family Suites, have been renovated between 2015 and 2017, and have stylish, modern decor in serene ivories; those that are still waiting their turn are less contemporary  -- think taupe walls, curtains, and floors, and heavy wooden beds. Superior and Grand Suites come with beautiful terraces and immaculate private pools. The adequately sized bathrooms -- they get larger as rooms get pricier -- are monotone and modern in restful taupes and browns, and they come stocked with hotel-brand toiletries. Upper-tier rooms have jetted tubs in addition to rainfall showers. Some units come with kitchenettes supplied with pans and other cooking utensils. All rooms are cleaned every day and have air-conditioning, mini-fridges, safes, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen satellite TVs.

The hotel has three well-maintained, unheated pools for all ages -- two of which have beach-style sand or pebble bottoms. There are also two hot tubs, one of which is attached to the largest pool. Some guests complain that the property's beach is un-manicured and not the best to spend time at, but according to staff, it's because it's in an ecologically sensitive area, so interfering with it too much is prohibited. 

Reviews are mixed on the nightly entertainment like dance shows and karaoke, and those staying longer than a week might experience repeats. Activities like tennis, ping-pong, five-a-side soccer, basketball, yoga, Pilates, water polo, horse riding, and diving are available. Bike hires are also available at a very reasonable per-day rate, and hiring a quad is an convenient way to get around. For kids, there are a playground, a kids' club for ages 4 to 12, a water park, dedicated pools (one with waterslides), and babysitting by request. 

Pelagos' beautiful spa offers packages and excellent individual treatments, including massages and after-sun treatments. The on-site fitness center is small and needs renovating, but it has the basics and a sauna. Additionally, there are a mini-market with snacks and cold beverages and small boutique selling pool essentials. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property, however, the large crowds during the high season can overtax its reliability. A paid, higher-speed version is also available, but it's pricey. On-site parking is free. 

Lots of board options are available, including all-inclusive; however, the buffet breakfast, with waffles, hot dishes, fruit, and other choices, is always free for guests. Lunch and dinner at the restaurant offers similar international foods and quite a few traditional Greek choices, plus themed menus, though guests on longer stays might find that, like the entertainment, it can get a bit repetitive. Inside, the dining room's ivory and anthracite tones are elegant for adults, and kids can eat in a separate area. Outside, the dining terrace attractively appears to float above a section of the pool.

There's also an a la carte Italian restaurant on-site that's quite good, though interiors are a bit drab compared to the beautiful modernism of the rest of the hotel. In addition to two minimalist poolside bars, a lobby bar is available until late (unlike the other bars on the property).