Ikos Reviews

We booked this hotel with some trepidation, we have tried all inclusive before with poor results.

We like NICE, and have travelled extensively including 23 cruises, so we have avoided all inclusive resorts as they in the past have not met our requirements for a NICE vacation.

We booked the hotel via Ikos Holidays on Travelzoo on a special deal, the ONLY reason we did so was the reviews were so good, but we're very sceptical, it was a season start-up price of about £900 for two in a upgraded suite and limousine transfers, with flights and ultra all-inclusive for a week mid April. We went, realising that a three and a half hour flight was expensive anyway, expecting to be very disappointed.

Well here is a truthfully balanced review.

Firstly, if you can get the deal we did, don't even hesitate, book it, do it now!

I arrived a bit grumpy and sceptical about transfers, and waited to start with a scruffy person pointing us to a private transfer battered bus to go around a load of hotels on our transfer to the hotel.

First WOW moment, a very pleasant elegant lady on arrival waiting for us to point us to our private, Mercedes Limousine to transfer to the hotel.

Still not quite convinced, we glided in air-con comfort towards the hotel through beautiful green farmland towards our hotel. The driver spoke English, was very polite and friendly and despite my usual wariness, he put me at ease.

Still VERY wary of European supposed five star hotels, we swept through a security barrier into a very fine looking hotel - second WOW moment.

First impressions were similar to a high level Marriott Resort ( we have been to many ).

I tipped the limousine driver, so no other reason but I wanted to, he was really kind, helpful and informative.

So, into reception on a beautifully sunny 25 Celsius day. Now here is something that impressed me, they are bombed with arrivals! Turns out they have loads of check in guests at same time- someone, unlike other hotels, took action, cases were tagged and we were all taken to a beautiful lounge bar to relax, given drinks and chill out whilst a good dozen well uniformed staff came around and did a slow check in, how lovely. I think one of the best "this is different " moments. We sat in this lounge and instantly felt, blimey, maybe it is a proper 4 or 5 start hotel.

We waited about 30 minutes or so for our turn, I am a businessman, and this was the first moment I noticed SOMEONE was doing something REALLY different here, the staff were beyond excellent, caring, helpful, happy, they were operating at RITZ standard, honestly, I was completely speechless, this is not what what was our balanced expectations.

I sipped my extra cold, excellent draft Greek beer, and started to mutter apologies to my wife, maybe it won't be bloody awful after all, many a moments during the week I would regret my preconceptions.

Check in process completed we walked to block 5, cases arrived in five minutes.

ROOM

We had a suite room upgrade at no extra charge gave a very nice sea view, private in hotel bar, private pool, private beach area. Other rooms also like very nice, private facilities did not mean that much extra because hotel was at startup I cannot say if upgrade is worth extra or not.

Room was spotless, big, comfortable big bed, balcony with beautiful views, air con, ironing board, fully stocked free bar, water, good wifi, I would say Marriott resort standard and more, I would usually pay £300 a night in some Marriott hotels for this, without extras.

So again, I eat humble pie, after a look around, went onto balcony, tables and chairs, and looked across towards the sea towards Mount Olympus, and exclaimed BLOODY HELL!, tell me again what this cost ?

THE HOTEL

Very well looked after, it reminded me of a five or six star cruise ship, spotless, glass being cleaned all the time, maintenance 100 percent, gardens perfect.

By this time I have given up being grumpy and told my wife it's the the best bloody decision she ever made!

POOLS

Run an international company selling pool water quality instruments, trust me, I am wary of swimming pools, they are run at perfect pool quality.

There are many lovely pools with infinity views, the best I have ever been in.

EATING

Food so so WAY above standards,

Room service

Main restaurant , in my views the best, unbelievable standard and variety of food. Loved it. Only reason we did not use it often is because of size and noise level, we preference more intimate.

Italian, evening restaurant, on terrace, lovely.

French, evening restaurants lovely.

Greek, lunch and dinner lovely

They also partner with local town restaurants which are included in the all inclusive package.

BEACH

Beautiful private beach with included loungers and shades.

Water clear, shallow walk into sea.

Inclusive water sports.

BARS

WOW, fully stocked with proper premium brand drinks, extensive wine list, waiters around beach, pools, bars, all the time!

PEOPLE

Guests during our visit were mainly British, middle aged, couples, discerning, we'll travelled, and expected high expectations.

FINALLY

Within 24 hours almost all people we talked with were trying to book to come back.

OK, we had a a great deal, but this hotel is REALLY punching at five stars.

I arrived sceptical and in 24 hours I was demanding we came back. I have travelled the world on business and pleasure, stayed at the Ritz, Claridges, eaten in Michelin restaurants and I know what NICE is, well done IKOS

The manager I came to meet, his names Savass, if this was my my business, I would be bloody proud of it, well done to you and all your team.

Will we return....... Without hesitation

Bruce and Carol, from Stratford Upon Avon.

Absolutely amazing best holiday we had , hotel is fabulous staff are amazing Thankyou so much to Maria , Vangelis mr savas, beach bar manager and security manger and all other staff who were also wonderful when my husband was ill . Can't wait to return 10 out 10 Thankyou to oceania and staff

On our arrival in glorious sunshine our welcome was second to none and so it continued throughout our week long stay. This totally amazing hotel is truly a 5* experience. We have stayed in many 5* hotels around the world and the Oceania achieves this standard even though it is fully inclusive. Being a family holiday...... ourselves being old age pensioners, along with our 2 daughters, and a 5 year old granddaughter, this was a perfect environment with everything we could wish for in a beautiful setting. We spent lazy days on the beach and around the pools being pandered to with anything we desired. Wonderful memories of the different evenings having international cuisine and first class service. We will be booking to return very soon and for many more years to come.

This is an amazing hotel. We had never stayed at a fully inclusive hotel before so were wary, but we had heard good reports so decided to try it with our 2 daughters and 5 year old granddaughter. All the lovely staff, from management down, could not be more kind and caring. We were spoilt for food and drink with choices of restaurants all day long. This is truly 5* and our only negative is that we didn't stay longer. We are definitely returning.

Wonderful holiday. The staff are so helpful and friendly from the cleaners up to management.. The food choice is amazing and of excellent quality. The location is ideal with a lovely beach and a choice of heated swimming pools.

Immaculate, Amazing hotel cant wait for our next holiday in 2017. Staff are amazing friendly and help full the staffs names are rafalia lady Lena iveta theadouras and miny club is perfect for children swimming pools were heated room service is incredible there is 5 restaurants to those from this hotel cant get better it is a true 5star hotel1

My wife and I have just had a new experience by stopping in the best hotel of this type ever. The all inclusive has taken on a new meaning for us. every thing you could imagine and more. The staff could not be bettered anywhere, so helpful and nice and friendly, nothing to much trouble. The food, restaurants, and bars, the best ever.

From the moment we arrived at the Olivia we knew it was going to be a special holiday. Sparkling wine on arrival and a full explanation of facilities available. On arrival at our one bed family suite sea view first floor (reserved for 2 x adults) we were very impressed. The attention to detail was excellent, bedding, pillows, towels, shampoo, conditioner, bathrobes & slippers of high quality. Furnishings and lay out of the suite was stunning and the balcony was spacious. The mini bar was stocked daily and a good supply of Nespresso in the room. It was spotless when we arrived and the maid service and turn down service ensured it remained the same throughout our stay. On the night of arrival we ordered room service which was prompt and the food was excellent.

The waiter service by the pool and beach was fabulous as was the service in EVERY restaurant. The food was of an exceptional standard. It was difficult to choose a favourite restaurant - they were all so different in décor but all stunning. The grounds are very well kept and although the rooms were full it remained spacious and never appeared to be busy.

Do take advantage of the dine out, it is authentic Greek and well worth a couple of visits if you are there for 2 weeks. The village is small with a few bars and eateries but more were opening on a weekly basis. We took a car for a day and drove around various parts of Halkidiki, it was worthwhile. This is a true 5* Hotel offering impeccable service and hospitality, perhaps the best I have stayed in Europe. I do not have any reservations about returning and look forward to my next visit.

At first we thought it was great but it just got better and better. The staff the food the roomes all perfect. The help they offer for old or disabled people is 110%. We will be back with my 90 year old brother this year. But 1 week is just not long enough.

Could not fault the hotel. Would recommend the deluxe bungalows on the beach. Wonderful holiday best ever.

Have been places but this is the best.. everything was just spot on. amazing place and staff.

My wife and I have just returned from a week in IKOS Oceania, with 2 friends. On our last evening there, one of our friends asked us all, "What was the highlight of your holiday"?

Now ordinarily that would not be a difficult question to answer, however, in this instance, it was because this probably rates as the best hotel we have stayed in. Not only is it ideal for families with all of the amenities and children's club provided but adults without children will find this exceptional too, for just plain relaxing...

Upon arrival, our car pulled up outside the main entrance behind a lovely fountain. Several members of staff were on hand to assist us out of the vehicle and handle our luggage. We were escorted inside to what I can only describe as an impressive reception area, shown to a comfortable set of armchairs/sofa's and given some champagne while we were informed about everything we needed to be aware of, in order to enjoy our stay, during this time, our luggage was being delivered to our rooms. This "booking in" experience was the most impressive and enjoyable we have experienced and was painless, quick and relaxed.

The back of the reception area boasts a huge and impressive sun deck with a wonderful uninterrupted sea view and the most comfortable outdoor furniture. The bar is situated opposite the reception desk and runs the whole length of the wall.

Although we were in Promo rooms, they were excellent and contained not only the usual bathroom shampoo, conditioner, etc but also bath robes, slippers, plenty of towels, kettle, Krupps coffee machine, fully stocked mini bar fridge (restocked every day). There are many other things in the room which you can find out about on the website.

As well as the main buffet restaurant, there are 4 other restaurants on site (French, Asian, Italian, Greek) plus a traditional Greek Taverna (off-site) all available for your use, although you must book these in advance. If you visit the off-site Taverna, you will be taken by one of the many drivers, such as Tilemachos and they will pick you up when you are ready to return.The on-site Greek restaurant run by Theo is excellent and was our favourite. He and his staff are very friendly and efficient and a joy to talk to.

There are several infinity pools (again see the website) but we mostly used the main pool area where the staff will come round and deliver your drinks without you having to move a muscle or interfere with your sunbathing. The servers here are excellent and the ever smiling Katarina is a shining star, loved by both the children and adults alike.

If you have any questions you can speak to Vangelis, Anna or Rafailia who are Guest Services in the reception area on the 6th floor. They are always on hand to help and are delightful just to stop and talk to.

You can use the Adults only bar or main bar in the reception area where there are many sofa's and armchairs. Among others, Georgia, Stella and Thekla will deliver any drink your heart desires (all branded drinks, no "local brands" here) with huge smiles on their faces and the aim of ensuring you are happy and relaxed.

Also, they do not employ the use of those awful wristbands that other hotels seem to want to inflict on their guests, here you just quote your room number.

There is a Spa/Gym and Indoor pool at your disposal, however, you do have pay for any massage/spa treatments you may choose.

This is a large resort and for your comfort and use, there are golf buggies at your disposal and you can be driven wherever you want.

What more should I say. The food is excellent and there is incredible choice, 24 hour Room service, rooms cleaned daily, wonderful staff who GENUINELY cannot do enough for you. In short, nothing is too much trouble...

It's very rare to find a hotel full of genuine staff who are happy to do anything it takes to ensure that you have the best holiday imaginable. There are no hidden charges, you could arrive from the airport with absolutely no money, eat and drink the very best and enjoy all of the amenities with no extra charge. There are so many activities, that it would be wise to check the website.

At this hotel, All Inclusive really is All Inclusive........

Oh and bye the way - "what was the highlight of my holiday"?

Without doubt, for me it was arrival and booking in process, which upon your arrival is conducted in such a way as to make you feel not only special but VERY special which carries on throughout your stay. What a way to begin your holiday...... so good that we have already re-booked to return in October

Room Tip: All rooms are good

I cannot rate this place high enough. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff and anything you want they get it for you. Everything is included including ALL drinks and food and 24 hour room service in case the 5 restaurants are not enough. The hotel is very clean and they even give you towels around the pool so you don't have to carry your own. Only small downside is lack of kids entertainment in the evening but you can choose from loads of dvd's to play in your room and they have kids clubs in the day. A true 5 star experience and I will definitely be coming back next year. Special shout out to Maria who answered all our prayers!

My wife and I had already been to the Oceania which was great so we thought we would try The Olivia..

The staff treat you like family and the Manager Timoleon Antonakis cannot do enough for his guests.. Highly recommended. Great relaxing holiday..

Ikos Olivia is now our favourite.. After going last May we returned in October. Our daughter has since been over with her partner.. We are all returning this April.

This was our first family holiday with a 2 & 6 year old so we were apprehensive, but we shouldn't have been!

A perfect holiday, great facilities, clean, wonderful food and drink and the staff were fantastic, they were great with the children, made us feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble.

Our eldest has asked to go back ever since and this year we are and can't wait!

We couldn't stretch to the deluxe rooms this time, so are hoping to experience a holiday as fantastic as last time.