Matilda Hotel

Nestled in the mountainside location above Vassilikoss we arrived at this magnificent Hotel. We were welcomed warmly and had food arranged for us even though our arrival was after 10pm. The attitude of nothing is to much to ask is very prevalent at the Matilda. I felt my wife and I were guests of a family as we slipped into a lovely daily routine of delicious local food and hospitality. The Matilda hotel is old school, meaning they are committed to making your stay a memorable one. For breath-taking views and scenery this location will be very hard to top. I have never had such a swift trouble free Car rental arranged by the wonderful George Adam a titan of a hotelier. This man has trained and worked at the best European Hotels and he knows a thing or two about being customer facing. Expect excellent service, expect attention to detail and expect a superb stay. We will be returning to this fabulous Hotel and we fully encourage others to as well. Aidan Townend UK

We stayed for four nights in June. At the time of our visit, the only option available was all-inclusive.

The hotel is set in a remote location on a hill overlooking the sea, with wonderful views. I would imagine most rooms benefit from these views, apart from those at pool level. It is ideal for a quiet, relaxing getaway in a rustic, traditional Greek hotel. By modern standards, it is not comparable to a contemporary four-star hotel, so expect old-world charm rather than modern amenities.

A rocky outcrop by the sea can be reached in 5–10 minutes via a steep path, and Zorro Beach is around 15–20 minutes away, either by road or, for the more adventurous, around the edge of the rocky outcrop. The nearest supermarket is about a mile uphill along a road without a pavement, so care is needed when walking there.

The pool and pool bar area are lovely; however, the drinks offering is not of four-star standard and the quality was disappointing. The food in the restaurant was average and inconsistent. Staff were generally only present to replenish food and clear tables. Guests help themselves to cutlery and may occasionally need to wait for crockery. Air conditioning is available at only a few tables, which quickly become popular. I imagine the restaurant would become quite uncomfortable during the height of the season.

The hotel would suit adults seeking rest and relaxation away from the crowds. It is not suitable for children or those with mobility issues. There are many steps throughout the hotel and pool area, which could be hazardous if care is not taken.

The bedrooms are dated in style. While the beds were comfortable, the patio door was difficult to open and close, and some of the décor was peeling from the walls. Ants were also regularly visible near the fridge. The bathroom was basic but functional.

The staff we approached for directions and local recommendations were not particularly familiar with the surrounding area. Given the hotel's remote location, better local knowledge would have been beneficial for guests.

The manager greeted us on arrival and offered assistance if needed, which was a nice touch. Unfortunately, an issue we raised three times over two days was never resolved, despite repeated assurances that it would be addressed and updates provided. Although we do not usually watch television on holiday, we wanted to watch a World Cup match. As there were no screens elsewhere in the hotel, we planned to watch it in our room, but the television did not work and there was no remote control. Reception and the manager were informed two days in advance, and despite following up twice more, the issue remained unresolved. We did not want to pay for an expensive return taxi journey to a busy resort simply to watch the game.

Despite these issues, we still enjoyed our holiday. Would we recommend the hotel? At present, probably not, although it has plenty of potential. I do not think the all-inclusive model works particularly well here. In my view, the hotel would be better suited to offering bed and breakfast or half-board options. The bar offering, facilities, and overall service standards all need improvement.

Definitely visit Zorro Beach.