Armonia Bay Hotel

We have just returned from a two week break at this hotel - I had seen previous reviews and booked on the strength of those, however I feel that these reviews may not have been totally honest When we arrived at the hotel we did not receive any kind of welcome, just “passports please” - we were then escorted to our room and were given two keycards - one was inserted into the room’s electrics to work the air conditioning and the other for us to come in and out of the room - this was quite useful, not only to keep the air conditioning on all the time but also we were able to recharge our electrical items at any time We were in room 41 - The room appeared a little smaller than the photographs however it is large enough to sleep in and store our clothes and bits and pieces. The balcony area was spacious, with two sunloungers and a small table with two chairs.  This is a non smoking hotel but an ashtray was provided on the balcony table.  We also had an amazing view of the bay from our room It would have been useful for a few more hangers in the wardrobes, including the type on which you can hang vest tops. It would have been useful for a washing line to be rigged up on the balcony  - I did take a washing line but there wasn’t even anywhere that I could attach it to. The bathroom was very good, an excellent shower, a small supply of shower gels and soap and a hairdryer.  The hairdryer, however, is very weak -I did ask for it to be replaced however this request fell on deaf ears because “it is attached to the wall”. The bed was very comfortable, which was great because often the the beds are hard. The beds may have been changed daily (or every other day) - the sheets and blankets were all white - however we did notice that often the sheets that were used were stained - so I suspect that it is time that the management replace the sheets. It would have been good to have a waste paper bin in the bedroom (the only bin was in the bathroom) - there was a full length mirror opposite the French windows however this difficult to use due to the bright sunlight directly opposite.  There was a dressing table area, however as this did not have a mirror there I felt it was a wasted part of the room The mini bar was NOT a mini bar - it contained 2 small bottles of water so the website should say that the room has a fridge There was a kettle with tea bags and sweetener or sugar and no milk - I suspect very few English people book at the hotel but it would be helpful to have coffee sachets and some milk also. There is a safe in the room, we did work out how to use it but it wasn’t obvious how to do this. It was also situated in the cupboard above the tea making area so I found it difficult to use as I am not very tall. We had the air conditioning on 24/7 - this was necessary as temperatures were about 37-40 degrees outside. However the air conditioning system was not very effective it was displaying a temperature in the room of 19 degrees and it certainly wasn’t

Returned to this little gem after ten years to find it is as amazing as the first time we stayed. We had the Sea View suite which is a real treat - it having its own large terrace with your own sunbeds and umbrella as well as a table and chairs. The owners and staff here are wonderful and work very hard to ensure your stay is a happy and memorable one from the very warmest of welcomes to bidding you a genuinely fond farewell - nothing is too much trouble. Special mentions to the owner Ari and his son Alex and a huge shout out to the wonderful Eleni, Efi and Vicki (the talented chef)the stars of the show at breakfast (incidentally one of the best breakfasts you will find anywhere). These delightful, welcoming and very friendly ladies work so very hard to make breakfast a wonderful experience - which it is - sitting on the terrace looking out over the bay - they are without doubt a credit to Ari and we hope to see them there when we return. A special mention also to Vicki for the delicious fresh cake and cookies at breakfast - what a treat - I am now the proud owner of the cookie recipe which I intend to make at home. You also have the fabulous Mario and Fotis taking care of afternoons and the delicious evening meals and drinks. Again, very genuine and friendly,who go out of their way to help. We read with disbelief a previous review that we feel is no way representative of the experience you will have at Armonia Bay. It is a beautiful intimate boutique hotel, peaceful and relaxing, with very special staff, a very special atmosphere in a very special picturesque location. We can't wait to return