Platanista Hotel

This sprawling, villa-like hotel is built in a modern Aegean style with hints of Italian influences, though it's better looking from the outside than the inside. Grounds are immaculately kept, with the hotel's two pools surrounded by tropical plants and a large terra-cotta patio with ample seating in both the sun and shade. Also outside, a lovely patio has beautiful Grecian archways overlooking sets of tables and chairs and low, wood-slatted verandas. However, the hotel lacks atmosphere throughout and could do with a refresh to make it more modern -- and a little more beachy -- as glossy finishes on warm woods and orange and brown accents are growing dated. Guest-wise, the hotel is popular with couples, though there's a plethora of kid-friendly activities available. 

Located opposite the shore in the village of Psalidi, the hotel is technically outside Kos Town. However, it's about eight minutes away by taxi, so it's a good spot for those who want access to Kos' busy dining scene and nightlife, but would rather opt in than be in the thick of it. Bicycles are also available for hire (five- to 10-minute ride along a flat road), or there's a local bus just down the street that can take guests into town. Those preferring to stay in Psalidi will find a few good restaurants within walking distance. A public beach is a three-minute walk from the hotel. Guests heading on to the next island can get to the yacht marina in three minutes by taxi, Kos' harbor in six, and the airport in 35. 

Many of the hotel's rooms could use an update: The main theme is peach -- walls, tiled floors, curtains -- with warm reddish woods and drab bedding. They're divided between the main building or a newer annex where rooms are more modern, but still lackluster due to a primarily gray color scheme. 

Some rooms have double beds, while others are two singles pushed together, so be sure to specify either way. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces with garden or pool views. Bathrooms come with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries, and like the rooms, are much more modern in the annex. There are some changes depending on room type: Superior Rooms come with jetted baths, bathrobes, and slippers; Deluxe Rooms swap the tub for a walk-in rainfall shower and have nicer toiletries. Rooms that have tea- and coffee-making facilities surprisingly don't come with creamer or milk. 

All rooms come with air-conditioning, a minibar, and flat-screen satellite TV with few English-language channels. Safes come at a charge for all rooms but deluxe units. 

Hotel Platanista offers a good array of leisure and recreational facilities, though expect to pay for some of them. There's a private beach with sunbeds available at an additional charge; it's somewhat pebbly, especially going into the water, so water shoes are a must. A better bet might be to go to the free sandy public beach a short three-minute walk away. There are two pools on-site: One main one and then a smaller, quieter one with a hot tub and swim-up bar. Towels are available for a charge, not a deposit. 

Breakfast is a generous spread, with hot foods like pancakes and eggs cooked-to-order. Dinner in the main restaurant is buffet-style Greek and international food, and although it's not fine dining, produce is fresh and food is kept hot. There's not a lot of ambience -- think outdated colors, orange chairs, and glossy finishes dominating the dining room -- and sometimes diners have to wait awhile in line for a table. The taverna's open terrace near the pool, which serves excellent food, is a more attractive spot for eating.

The spa area's facilities, which include a sauna, hammam, and hot tub, require an additional charge, which is disappointing. The spa itself, part of Aegeo's portfolio, offers a large menu of massages and facials, including after-sun treatments, though its beige tones don't have much atmosphere. A gym in the wellness area is, thankfully, free, but there's no ventilation or air-conditioning. 

Kids have their own pool, as well as a playground and activities organized just for then. Other activities, like a game room, ping-pong, and darts, suit a broader range of ages. Mini-golf and rarely busy tennis course are also available on-site, though again, these come at an extra charge. There's also nightly entertainment in the amphitheater, though it's reportedly underwhelming; the animation team's efforts are better in the daytime with organized Pilates, volleyball, and petanque. There's also a mini-market at the hotel. 

Wi-Fi is available and free throughout the property, including in a conference center that holds up to 280, but the strength of the signal varies from area to area. Free parking is available nearby, with no reservation required.