Mitsis Summer Palace Beach Hot

Overlooking the Aegean Sea, the Mitsis Summer Palace is part of a three-hotel complex of the company's properties, but guests who have visited all of them generally rate the other two as better. Overall, the property looks a little run-down and dated throughout its common areas and rooms, but it still offers a decent amount for families to do. The hotel makes a point to say that it's not ideal for guests who have mobility difficulties, due to lots of steps and some of the rooms being quite far away from the main building.  

The hotel is suitable for guests who plan on staying on-site. The distance to and from the airport (about 20 minutes each way by taxi) makes it easy to get in and out when the time comes, but, there's not much to do in the surrounding area. Although the hotel is technically located in the resort area of Kardamena, the town center is an 11-minute taxi drive away. The only things around are two sister hotels (guests are welcome to use the spa at the Mitsis Blue Domes, a 10-minute walk away). Kos Town's harbor is a 40-minute drive from the property, which could be a hassle for those with onward travel to other islands. 

The hotel's 252 air-conditioned rooms are large and clean, and each has a furnished balcony or terrace -- some with excellent views of the sea (definitely worth the upgrade). Despite the calming, traditional light-blue-and-white color scheme, they're dated to the point where the satellite TVs are the old tube-style. Additionally, tiled hallways means that noise from the corridor can echo into the rooms. Family suites come with shared pools. Rooms all come with free minibars that are refilled every other day, though they're not well-stocked to begin with. Bathrooms aren't anything special, outfitted with yellow and blue tile and standard shower/tub combos. Toiletries and hose-style hairdryers are provided.  

The main restaurant, Panorama, is where guests can have an American-style breakfast (though it's quite repetitive), and it occasionally has themed dinners. The other two restaurants serve Greek and Italian food, but guests give these spots mixed reviews. Five other bars on the property are by the beach, indoor and outdoor pools, and in the lobby, and they serve snacks, light lunches, and drinks. Some guests complain that the quality of the alcohol isn't very good -- many of the brands aren't major labels. 

The property's beach is a mix of pebble and sand, and there's an outdoor seawater pool, but it's surprisingly small for the size of the property. There's also a waterpark-style pool with slides for adults to use. Inside, next to the mini-market, there's a child-free relaxation area with a large indoor pool and bar, though the adult-only policy isn't enforced. Kids have their own (very small) seawater pool and waterpark, playground, and age-appropriate kids' clubs, as well as a disco that's open each day. Babysitting is available at an extra charge. 

The hotel's excellent animation team puts on shows at the on-site, open-air theater, which holds up to 750 people and is shared between the three Mitsis properties. The property's two tennis courts, volleyball and beach soccer courts are all free to use, and canoes, pedal boats, and windsurfing boards are also on hand. The fitness center is basic.  

There's no spa on-site, but guests are welcome to use the one at the Mitsis Blue Domes Hotel, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Guests also have access to the facilities at the Mitsis Ramera Beach Hotel in Kos Town proper. Wi-Fi is only available for free in the lobby; around the rest of the property, including rooms, it's available for a pretty steep fee. Free parking is available.