Hotel Norida Beach Reviews

My boyfriend and I booked a week's holiday in the Norida Beach Hotel last minute.
We arrived at the hotel at 2am local time and were put in a room that could only be described as a store room (no 50). It had no natural light, it had double doors that went out into the hallway which had a table and chairs to sit on whilst everyone walked past you. There was no privacy. We instantly went back to the desk to complain but because of the time the receptionist was unable to change the room until the morning. The next 6 hours felt like a lifetime. Wednesday night/Thursday morning was the main arrival day from the UK; the room we were put in echoed every noise through the hotel. By 9am and a lot of arguments we were put into a different room.

We went down to the pool at 10am and there was nowhere to sit so we went down to the beach. The beach is nice but it isn't all sand it has small pebbles amongst it and it really hurts your feet. The sea is freezing but once you're in you don't feel it, (not sure if that's because you are numb?!). The food in the hotel is fantastic, especially as everyone says the pizza. The soup is also lovely. The Chinese is fantastic but you do have to book a couple of days before you eat.

The facilities are adequate however they are basic. I would rate this hotel 3*.

The Kardemina town is a 7-euro taxi journey or just under 1 euro on the bus. The nightlife in town is electric. Everything is open until way into the morning.

The entertainment staffs are very friendly but the entertainment finishes at 11pm. Drinks are very strong and if you ask for the labelled drinks they do give them to you.

Overall it was a good holiday but I wouldn't go to the same hotel again. The views were beautiful and the food was fantastic. The entertainment was funny but mainly child orientated.

We had the most wonderful time here. Our only regret is that we didn't book two weeks!!! The hotel is big, busy and loud. Ideal for familys and couples. We arrived 1st August 2004. Many people had gone home so to start with it was a little quiet, but by the time we left it was absolutly buzzing, so if you want peace and quiet this hotel is not for you!!!

If you are coming here with small chidren you will most probably be put in the Family Village up the hill which is a bit of a teck but not that bad.It very clean and always being cleaned even late at night.All the staff were great, always smiling and happy to help.

Our rooms were basic, but very clean with lots of space for clothes (there was only two of us per room)There is a tv which was wasn't much use because it was mainly in other languages, but that never bothered us as we didn't watch it anyway. In the bathroom there is a hairdryer and you must put toilet paper in the bin. there is a shower, but there isn't a hook for it so it has to be held.

If your on the hillside view of the hotel, be prepared for late night coaches bringing people back from trips and people arriving or departing. This shouldn't affect you if you have your windows shut and air condictoning on.

Meal times are buffet style, waiters/waitresses will bring you your drinks. the food is FANTASTIC a wide choice and loads of it, kids will love the pizzas, all cooked in front of you. The chefs work really hard and are always happy which we found amazing. you can have their ice as it is imported and is put through filters, but do not drink their water. It is high in minerals and will give you a upset tummy. There is small super market across the road from the hotel where you can buy water. There is also a small shop in the hotel.

There are plenty of places to sit in the shade, but if you want a sunbed and umbrella then you you have to be quick!!! The pool is salt water.The beach is lovely its not sandy its more tiny shingle, which has a cool breeze some of the time, you will have to be quick here too for beds and umbrellas. There is a small snack bar and bar. Water sports have to be paid for. the entertainment staff provide things to to in the day, if you like taking part in those sort of things. Its great for the kids, stops them from getting bored. In the evening there is a show for kids and then more for adults later (its more like Butlins but all good fun). The bar shuts at 12 midnight.( God Damn it!!! LOL) There is a disco on the hill which is from 11-2 drinks have to be paid for. If that isn,t late enough for you go by taxi into Kardamena where there are loads of bars open into the early hours.

If you want to go into town during the day there is a free bus which runs to and fro from the hotel you get tickets for it from reception also there is a local bus which costs 90c each way make sure you check times because there not like our bus service!!! If you want to do trips then compare prices from your reps to the ones in town. The ones in town can be much cheaper. If you fancy a change from the hotel food (god know's why)it wont break the bank if you go into town, but some people did. You can also walk from the hotel into town via the seafront it takes about an hour very hot to do in the day but much more pleasant in the evening.

Well on the whole, this place is fantasic, but what i did notice there are no facilities for the disabled as there are steps everywhere. There are two lifts, but are very small you maybe able to get a wheelchair and one other standing person in them, and these are only any good if you are going to your room.

We went in peak season, so be prepared for changes at certain times of the year. Hope you have a really happy holiday and find it as enjoyable as we did

we have just come back from norida beach and we really enjoyed it. the entertainment through the day was great and there was always something to do. the animation team were very friendly. our favourite animaters were ronnie,franceasca and max. we miss you !

the food was absolutely lovely. anything for anyone. pancakes were lovely!!
beach bar was lovely, had snacks, slushes,cocktails. GREAT!!
there was alot of english people there which was suprising!! met some nice
friendly people.

there were 3 pools: main pool where all the entertainment was, the baby pool and the slides which was great fun for the kids it even had a bar and chairs so you could sit down and have a drink while the kids were havin the time of their lives on the slides!!! the main pool is salty water, you soon get use to it-supposedly it makes you tan better!
we got a sea view which we didn't have to pay any extra for!

at the night time there was a mini disco for the children then the bingo would come on then the main show. there was a disco on for the older ones started at midnight finished at 2. families also went.
the sun was beaming all the time!! but there was a lovely breeze.

fab holiday we really enjoyed it.
we would go back tomorrow!!!

On arriving we were put in room's over the reception, we had requested pool view, we could not open the windows on to the balcony because of the fumes from the buses, I complaind and was move 2 days later.

On average the hotel is clean there is a hike up a hill to the bunglows so be aware, the hotel pool is salt water and we found a broken class in it, we informed th hotel they did nothing, the food is lovely although its the same thing every other day the rooms are cleaned every day, but the hotel was not cleaned from the night before till about 9.00am.

the rooms are air conditioned but the hotel is not there are a lot of flyes to contened with when trying to relax on the sofas, there is a fresh warter pool a short walk up the hill this has some slides for the kids.

the entertainment team were great they work so hard but do tend to be in your face for you to join in but its all good fun, I would recommend this hotel we had fun an thats what hols are all about. the staff are all willing to help, there is a shop, the internet cafe is 2 computers in a room the beach is shingle but lovely there is plenty of water sports if you want that sort of thing, kardamena is lovely there was more there than in Kos town, if you get a bus they run from 8.30am till 11.00am the they stop till 3.00pm a good thing to remember.

I'm usually a sceptic, so when I read a bad review of this hotel I was not prepared for the best. However, the holiday was more than we could have dreamed for!

Sunstar were very efficient in their transfers, 10 minutes after landing we were departing the airport in a rather smart mini-bus, and the Norida Beach was only 15minutes drive.
The hotel has rather a grand lobby with little fountain and lots of comfy sofas.
They give you green wrist bands which let you have access to the all inclusive facilities. you can't take them off though.

Our rooms weren't anything extravagant, but were very clean and simple. Having everything we needed. Bath, shower, basic hair dryer. Toilet facilities very clean and cleaned daily (settling my worries about the poor drainage system and the hygeine level of putting toilet paper in the bin.

The saltwater pool is huge and suprisingly deep, (up to 3metres) there's not much shallow water for children though there is a baby pool and 2 minutes walk away are 3 waterslides which has a poolside bar serving drinks and hotdogs.
The beach is in sight of the hotel, sand is quite coarse. Free loungers and umbrellas by pool and on beach (we found them to be nearly all reserved with towels by lunchtime which was quite annoying). Nice beach hut bar on the beach with drinks and cake.
Water is not too cold but is rather fresh!!

Weather in June - was lovely except for one day of rain and another of cloud. Was windy on these and on one other day.
BEWARE of mosquitos! They swarmed out at night time and although not everyone got bitten I did many times so arm yourselves with repellent when you go out in the evenings, even in the hotel. (can be bought there).
TV was in German but did screen the footie whilst we were there and a music channel.
Food was lovely! Really big choice for lunch and dinner - including freshly made pizzas, and grill. We tried several new dishes every day. Breakfast disappointed at the lack of exotic fruit i expected (except watermelon) but was still nice and plentiful.

Gorgeous Chinese restaurant which you have to book a table at the morning before you wish to eat (places fill quick). Meals cooked to order.
Wanting to try a lot we ordered an extra starter and main course which they were happy to serve. Waitresses very friendly.
Packed lunches can be ordered the day before and are basic - a few rolls, meat, cheese, apples, eggs and cucumber. But are worth getting for the 2 bottles of water.
Mini bar in room is good but only filled on every 3rd day. NOTE - take a bottle opener unless you don't mind buying one for 2.50e in the shop.
Drinks at the hotel are plentiful - lots of alcoholic choice and cocktails, including international spirits. Can't praise the cocktails enough. (very strong though!)
Beer on tap was Lowenbrau. Lots of different juices which did taste a bit more like concentrated squash but in cocktails or with lemonade are great.
One bar you collect drinks yourself, the other is table waitress service inside and outside which is nice.
Day time snacks - cakes, ice cream is help yourself. sometimes messy but always nice, and rolls.

Didn't take part in the entertainment much. Lots for children and later some cheesey entertainment you normally get at resorts! Day time by the pool they offer you lots - water polo, golf, dancing etc.

The only negative was the balcony door which I didn't think were very secure and the safety deposit box costs 20e to use. We didn't use this but felt that our stuff was ok in the rooms. I didn't like the way they kept our passports behind reception though they obviously can't have had any problems with it or they wouldn't do it.
It's 30e to keep your room until 6pm as you have to check out by noon, but you don't need to - it was hot enough to stay poolside till nearly 7 and there are shower rooms for you to use. (note- advisable to book a time unless you don't mind up to a couple of hours wait!)
Luggage is kept in reception area on departure day which did make me feel a bit wary but it was ok in the end as everybody was doing it.

Day trips - we went to paradise beach to see the ";bubbles";, supposedly gorgeous but didn't see anything. Full of sunbeds to hire. Literally only a beach and taverna there though.
We missed trip to the volcanic island which sounded good, walking in the crater of a dormant volcano you can see the mud bubble from the heat and hear the hollowness of the ground below you.
Trips to Turkey (Bodrum) are also on offer as it's not far away.
Zia is very small. lots of stalls and shops for tourists, and bars and restaurants overlooking fabulous view over the island. wouldn't spend a day there though. our short visit was long enough.

We hired bicycles for 5e a day, it is pretty much up hill on the way anywhere, after a 25km cycle we found a lovely secluded beach so it was worth it.
We also hired a quad bike e30. Recommended as you lose lots of the scenery in a car. The island is very small. We visited Kos Town and Zia (mountain village). You can get free use of Ramida Beach hotel facilites in Kos Town with your Norida wrist band so we got lunch there free.
Bike hire by Norida is slightly dearer than in Kardemena and don't like you hiring if you haven't done it before (no quad bikes either). In Kardemena there are plenty. Our one stressed we wore helmets for safety (and to avoid police fine) and bikes were new. Don't forget your driving licence and passport number.

Kardemena town is supposedly an hour walk away (not recommended too late as it is a very dark road) but the hotel do free buses regularly, and there are local buses too at only 90c. last bus back at 10pm but taxis aren't too much if you want to stay for the nightlife.

Small supermarket opposite hotel, but in regards to alcohol then go to Kardemena. The one opposite the bus stop even offers a discount if you pay in pounds.

It's worth going to a beach in Kardemena to get to the fine sand. Water sports are available, free pedaloes but need a deposit. It was too windy whilst we were there to do it on most days. Parascending, skis, rings etc also available at a price.

Airport - You get your luggage quickly on the way in, but have to queue outside the building until your check in desk opens.
BE CAREFUL in the airport with your hand luggage. We slept and our digital camera went missing between the waiting area and the aeroplane!
Thomas Cook planes are quite small - lack of leg room. Journey times were both quicker than the ticket stated but the journey home was uncomfortable and long as a night flight. Ask to sit together as seats are in 3s so you may have an aisle between you.

All in all, the hotel was lovely and all we wanted for a relaxing break. Not a lot to do at the resort if it rains, but a beautiful hotel, a lovely island well worth visiting. We'd definately go again!

we have just arived from our holiday in kos at the norida beach hotel,we enjoyes the hotel but it was no where near any shops,if you like walking this isn't the hotel for you as you had to get a bus from the hotel and it tokk 5 10 minutes on a bus to the nearest town (KARDAMEENA)wich was full of bars and clubs,

the food in the hotel there wasnt muych choice,in the internet cafe the lady who was there was sweet i like her she was dead friendly, the salt water pool was disgusting they should change the water,EVEN THE SEA WASN'T AS SALTY,the diso la boom was a waste of time it was tiny every night i went up with my boy at 15 and there was only about 22 people there at the most,the shoot pool was well good and we also like the sea,the sea sports was good for your money,the chinese wasnt that good after all there will be something you will like,

the go-karts is awsome we went every 2nd day it cost alot of money but it was worth it my son had taken 3oo euros and he came bk with 15o euros because there wasnt much shops there is 2 supermarkets in the hotel wich were ok,the drinks at the bar wasnt the best that wasnt our best all inclusive hotel afterall the holiday wasnt mega good it was okay

After reading very negative reviews of this hotel on this and various other websites, I was dreading this holiday and in fact tried to cancel it!But we got back yesterday and wish we were still there";!I won't go into detail as the most recent reviews are very accurate, all I can say is that if you have booked this holiday you'll have a great time.

The standard of food, cleanliness and friendliness of the staff surpassed all expectations, in fact you have to be careful there not to put on weight as the food is so good and there is so much of it! We were there first week in July and although the hotel seemed fairly full,we couldn't complain , apart from a queue in the bar in the afternoon and evening.

Reps and waiters really friendly and they really put effort into the entertainment. We were so tired with the heat that we were in bed before 12 most nights, but went into Kardamena town twice, very English and you get hassled to go in all the bars! For any Geordies, visit Quayside bar run by Eddy and Lorraine for a great welcome!

Turkey was great for designer labels, but even hotter than Kos as there was no wind!But definitely worth a visit, book in Kardamena to save money and take euros or sterling as you get better prices there!

Pool cold at first but you get used to it and it was so hot that this was very
refreshing! Also the sea was gorgeous, although got really deep just about 1.5 metres from beach!Its definitely worth buying a snorkel as sea is so clear and lots of fish are actually swimming underneath you!

We enjoyed the hotel so much we only left it twice at night and once to go to turkey.

I had heard bad things about Sunstar, but although we only saw the reps once at welcome meeting, everything went smoothly and transfers etc were on time. Hadalso heard drinks were watered down, but this wasnt true you just havce to ask for branded alcohol and you get it, spirits were served very strongly and cocktails too!Only thing was coke was really flat but you can avoid it as theres lots of other drinks!

We had been expecting a lot less of the hotel and were pleasantly surprised!I would say good for couples or families who want a relaxing time n the sun, there were a lot of kids but also quite a few couples!

We heard from some of the people working in bars at Kardamena that Norida had been worse at the start of the season, but I honestly have no complaints, the only thing I wouldnt recxomment the night flights, we got back at 8am and plane ver cramped!

Enjpy if youre going!!!We'll be going back!

This holiday was absolutely amazing, I went with my family and we were all really sad to leave!

We spent most our time on the beach because there is so much to do down there. The sea's lovely and clear, but gets deep really sudden so you can't touch the bottom about a meter from walking off shore. If you buy some goggles you can see little fish swimming all around your feet. Theres a variety of water sports to do on the beach, the peddalos and canoes are free, so I spent most of my time on them. The ringos are great fun (cut my elbows though). Theres a guy called Steve whos from manchester whos in charge of all the water sports and he's so fit! I forced myself to do parasending just so I'd drive out on the boat with him! It was well worth it though!

The reception area is stunning, marble floors, a fountain and lots of comfy couches to sit on.

The rooms are fairly simple but spacious. I wasn't too impressed with the bathroom -quite a lot of limescale round the taps. I used my parents shower coz there was yellow water coming out from mine (not nice!)

The entertainments directed at kid's but some nights it was quite amusing! ('Dream couple' - what a laugh!)

Lots of cocktails to choose from but they don't taste so good with squash in them rather than juice!

The food is brilliant! so much to choose from and tastes great. they have a
chinese retaurant which makes a change sometimes.

Overall this Hotel was brilliant, there is so so much to do for families, couples and friends. It's definitly worth going to Kardamena, (about 15 min drive - 7 euros) which is the lively resort of Kos is nice to visit one night. Full of young english though!

If you want to stay near by there is not much entertainment directly outside the hotel. ( No bars or Clubs) except for one small little club called 'disco a la boom'

On arrival at the Norida Beach, we found we had been booked into the bungalows up the hill and not the main building itself. We were a little disappointed but after 2 days of walking uphill, we got used to it and found the exercise useful for walking off our evening meal!

The room was large enough for 4 of us, mini bar re-stocked every other day, air con lovely and cold and the cleaners came every single day (even folded the kids PJ's) The views are fantastic, overlooking kos, the sea, neigbouring islands etc. The only complaints we have were: being accomodated between groups of youngsters who wanted to stay up till 4.30am partying! Ideally, they should have been placed away from families with young children, and the telephone in the room not working for the whole 2 weeks!

The food in the main restaurant was plentiful with a lot of variety. The pizza's, crepes and desserts were lovely. Restaurant staff were very helpful. We booked into the chinese restaurant twice with the 2nd visit being more enjoyable after being on a boat trip all day!

Beach cocktails and slushes from the beach bar were to die for! Kids (and adults) could help themselves to ice cream all day long) Beer, soft drinks and Hots dogs available from the bar at the water slides.

Beach is shingle, and the sea very clear although gets very deep very quickly.. Not suitable for small children. It is well worth a visit to 'Bubble beach' which is sandy and very shallow.. and you can really see the bubbles coming up from the sea bed! Costs 10 euros by boat or bus from Kardamena - book in town though as very expensive through rep. They wanted 39 euros for each adult on a 3 bay cruise with BBQ, when we booked in town for 17 euros each with kids half price.

We thought the activities were great. Something for everyone.. even prizes of champagne for the adults of which we won 2 on the apperatif game at noon. Animaters worked very hard all day and evening.

Taxi into Kardamena 7 euros, local bus 90 cents each or free bus from hotel, but ensure you get your bus ticket from reception in advance as the bus is almost full by the time it comes down from the Summer Palace. In Kardamena itself are lots of shops, bars and restaurants. We went in the evening as it was much cooler to walk around..

The weather was fantastic for most of the holiday, reaching 97 degrees F on our last day!

Norida Beach was a lovely place to stay, plenty to do! We wouldn't book again, but only because we never go to the same place twice..

First of all, don't believe the bad reports! We read them and were dreading the holiday, but found everything lovely.
May is definately the right time to go, as we were leaving it was getting very busy, and as the complex is so big it could get noisy.

We were in the bungalows opposite Family village, room was big and kept clean. Maids were very good considering language barrier, if you've got kids and they're sleeping let them know they'll come back later. Infact ALL staff were very helpful, especially if you have kids. Restaurant warms bottles for you, and the mini bus driver will run you up the hill!

There are lots of swimming pools around whole complex, fresh and saltwater, we found them to cold for kids, good size though.
Entertainment not good, there is a kids disco, which mine loved, starts late though.
Would recommend car hire, they make you a picnic to take with you, beautiful island and beaches.
Would go back, but when baby doesn't need pushchair - there's a lack of ramps in complex - my only complaint!
Food very good, cater for all tastes, pudding are divine!
Take a jacket for evenings, gets windy and chilly.

If you are booked all inclusive in norida beach, you can use all facillities in familly village and summer palace, free of charge. There is also a free mini bar in room, filled every 3rd day.

This hotel is great, very very clean,The familey village is up a steep hill.
The hotel is about 1 hours walk along the beach into kardamena or get the free bus from the hotel.
the food was very good lots to choose from pasta,salad,grill meat,

The hotel staff where friendly and very helpful, the main pool at the hotel is salt water, and is very deep from 0.8m to 3m but goes deep fast,the pool with the slides is fresh water and only 1.2m deep.evan the big kids loved it(DADS)

the animation team tried their best to get everyone to join in and have fun in the day time but the entertainment at nigh was not that good but they tried their best.

its also the first AI hotel that we have been to where the branded drinks have been free too.

if you want to get out and about and see all of kos go and book the trips in kardamena they are alot cheaper than with the reps.

I WOULD REALLY RECOMMEND GOING TO THIS HOTEL JUST COULD NOT FAULT IT.
TAKING EVERYTHINK INTO ACCOUNT 9/10 JUST GREAT.

The hotel is set on the beach in a good location and the facilities are very good as is the food, good selection-something for everyone.

However- the hotel was full,very busy and is overrun with kids - they took over the place and were running riot.Buggys were parked outside the restaurant entrance in droves. There was no seating near the evening entertainment as most was taken up by children until midnight.It can get noisy i.e. doors slamming, riff raff shouting,etc. If you are looking for some peace this is not the right hotel to stay at.The sister hotel Summer Palace located up the steep hill next door is much better for couples.It is more select,quieterand has spectacular views.After looking around we wished we had booked in this hotel.

Don't get me wrong Norida is OK but in my opinion it is for families with kids - not for couples.

If you are looking for a family holiday at the beginning of the season, this all-inclusive hotel is ideal.

We stayed in the family village, which is situated a short walk from the hotel. The bungalow was clean, with adequate space for 2 adults and 2 children.The view from our room was spectacular with a panoramic outlook onto the seafront and parallel islands.

There were kids' clubs twice a day, refreshments and ice cream were readily available. The pebble beach was clean, with activities all day long. The pedaloes and canoes were at no additional cost, although if you wanted to be more adventurous, flyfish, paragliding and jet skis were available at a cost.

The main pool is salt water, so the kids preferred the fresh water pool with three slides, great entertainment.

Don't go on this holiday expecting good evening entertainment for adults, its not going to happen, but it was adequate for the kids.

The standard of food was very good, catering for both the authentic Greek and the more conventional tastes.

Overall the service was good, there are lots of East European staff and language is a problem, but the willingness was there.

Anyone not too keen on hot holidays would appreciate the wind here, it definitely cools you down!

We would definitely recommend this hotel to families who are happy to make their own evening entertainment and go to bed before 12!

we have just come back on 14 May 2004. chose the right time as the hotel was getting very full as we left. would not enjoy this hotel in high season. out of season, when we went it was excellent. excellent food, very helpful staff.

nice Chinese restuarant on site included in the All Inclusive deal. lovely bungalow overlooking the sea acroos to Nyssios and Turkey. excellent hotel to stay at out of season. would imagine it will be heaving by now, 16 May. definatley 3+ star hotel. if you want to go more up market go to Summer Palace Hotel on the same site with half board. very luxurious. also on same site is the Norida Family Village which could not use a lot of the Norida Beach Hotel facilities without paying extra. although pool here was beautiful. Highly recommend very early or very late season. slight walk up hill to our bungalow so no good if you cannot walk up hills. plenty of food choice, the pizza's and pancakes are excellent as well as the grill. house wine not up to much but very enjoyable and hospitable. nice rooms and staff were very helpful if you had any problems.