Samian Mare Hotel, Suites & Spa

We chose a quieter island with TUI as needed a week of no thinking and rest. This all inclusive hotel was perfect. Exceptional staff; especially Katrina for whom nothing was too much trouble (& Marina on the bar; so patient!) Lengthy airport transfer (approx 90 mins) but got to see the island! An earthquake 3 years ago has devastated many of the older buildings and churches but as we weren’t after clubs and tourist shops anyway it’s fine. Samos and its locals are wonderful and we plan to come back and maybe be more active next time to check out the walks (the island day tour was excellent and also visit Metaxa; our cab driver was brilliant; almost a 1:1 tour)

Booked this as a late deal through TUI. We had a deluxe suite which included a giant balcony and jacuzzi in the room. It seems that the English are the minority in this hotel and more Dutch/German/Turkish people staying there. We had a few problems trying to speak to the reception staff as they struggled to understand us. The room was lovely and the cleaners do a fantastic job. They spend most of the day cleaning, there is one lady that spends her entire day cleaning the floors and glass by the pool and she does a great job. The pool area is small for the amount of rooms in the hotel. You are not allowed out to the sun-beds before 10.30am and people queue up to get them. However, the reception staff were very good at removing towels which had been left to reserve sun-beds so that was very good. Other people seemed to get annoyed that our children were in the pool (they were not misbehaving, just swimming) it’s like the pool was not suitable for children. There is a smaller pool ideal for children but it’s in the shade so the water is very cold. The all inclusive options for drinks was very basic with only wine, soft drinks, breakfast drinks and alcoholic cocktails included. Everything else was pay extra. I don’t know why but the plastic cups from the bar area were almost always dirty, every day our cups had old lipstick on. The food was nice, but very boring, pizza, chips and burgers. Typical of what you’d expect for an all inclusive hotel. We wanted some authentic Greek food which on ‘Greek night’ we did have but only for one night. There is a sign to say no swimwear or bare feet in the restaurant area but not everybody pays attention to this. The area of Karlovasi is very derelict which is a shame. I have never been to a place with some many derelict buildings. There are about 5 bars in the port area, two souvenirs shops and one AB supermarket about 500m down the road. There is not much to do outside of the hotel, we wanted to do a boat trip but could not find any leaving from Karlovasi. We did walk to Potami beach 1.2 miles away which was lovely. There is also a hotel beach over the road which you can use the sun-beds free of charge. The beach is very stony and I would recommend proper beach shoes. Shame that there is only live music on some nights as this was very good. No proper entertainment for children. Overall the hotel is nice but I would not return again, mostly due to the area being so sparse.

Excellent hotel, high standard rooms, we loved our suite with jacuzzi, and very helpful, professional staff who go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. Katerina, guest relations manager is exceptional, always ready to help and always with a smile, as indeed was each and every member of staff we encountered. AI was good, we particularly loved the range of Greek cakes, ice cream and fruit selection. There were sufficient sun beds around the swimming pool and also at the beach across the road, which were free for the use of hotel guests. The resort is pretty and unspoilt, we enjoyed our walks to the Holy Trinity Church up the hill, along the harbour and from Paleo to Middle and then Neo Karlovasi. The views of the sunset we breathtaking. We visited for one week (end of May / early June) and the weather was hot and sunny making swimming in the pool and sea very enjoyable. Overall a wonderful holiday made very special by the very special hotel staff. Thank you all for everything, especially the surprise birthday cake , and your warm hospitality.