The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Kos is the sort of place that gives 3* Hotels in Greece a very good name.
We went on a 7-day half board package with Jet 2 com which was a great experience, very well organised. Queues no longer than usual (in fact quite short) at either airport (BHX) going out or coming back. Plenty of friendly and helpful Jet2com staff around, especially at Kos. Both flights good – aircraft comfortable, meal pre-ordered on the late night flight back was quite OK. Smooth transfer to hotel which took c40 mins. Border control; took 5 mins at each end..
The Hotel is in a great location set back from the road from the north tip of the island, about 1m into Kos. There’s a bus stop immediately outside. Taxis are €7 to Dolphin Square in Kos centre. There are 3 shops, one immediately opposite. 3 cycle /scooter hire places. Road is flat and there are cycle lanes into town.
Our room was on the top floor with a sea view. It was absolutely fine. Cleaned and made up every day. Good bathroom with walk in shower, comfortable beds (a bit low), plenty of electrical sockets, efficient aircon. Excellent large fridge (but bring your own ice tray). There is a coffee maker (Krups pods at €1 each). We had brought our own kettle for tea. TV very good, but only English language channel is SKY News. Balcony was comfortable with a view to the sea and Bodrum.
Within the limits of their budget fora very reasonably priced half board deal the food is very good. Lots of choice at breakfast (hot and cold) and in the evening different main courses each day. The salads are excellent.
The whole place looks contemporary and is sparkling clean all the time. Only one lift was working, (perhaps on purpose) but absolutely no problem at all.
Swimming pool very good (a bit cool in May but most people swam anyway) and an excellent pool bar for drinks and good snack meals presided over by the smiling and efficient Tony. Lots of sunbeds (free) and plenty of shady spots. However, if the hotel is full in July and August there might not be enough places for everyone. In low season no problems at all. Grounds are well maintained (Palms could do with a trim!)
15 mins away at my very slow walking pace is Mylos beach bar at Lambi Beach which is a lovely spot. Sunbeds and umbrellas are free providing you buy their reasonably priced drinks and food, waiter delivered. A very popular place – gets particularly busy with local bright young people on Sundays but you can settle down on the beach at the water’s edge to avoid the rather loud music in the bar. Sandy beach, but pebbles in the sea. Modern, clean lavatories.
The hotel clientele is definitely cosmopolitan – we noticed people from UK, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Finland, Poland and Turkey. In May, mostly polite middle aged couples.
We took a tour of the Island (tickets €35 from reception) which was good value, especially the Asklepion shrine. The tour guide Kosta (chairman of Dodecanese tour guides) was excellent.
However, as others have remarked, the outstanding feature of the hotel is the friendliness and efficiency of the staff – always with a cheerful greeting remembering people’s names and anxious to be of help. Special mentions due to Alison (Mrs Tony) and Tina in the restaurant, Tony at the pool and Maria and Virginia on reception.
We wanted a week’s quiet relaxation with sunshine in a comfortable, welcoming hotel with all the facilities that you could reasonably want: that’s exactly what we got and we really couldn’t fault the experience.!
Downsides? In the hotel - none. Outside? There’s a small junk yard in the field next to the hotel as you look towards Turkey and the sea, but it’s not the hotel’s fault and it really isn’t a problem; You soon find yourself literally overlooking it.
Would we go again. Yes, like a shot, preferably in spring or autumn. Very warmly recommended.