Marilena Hotel Reviews

My partner and I stayed at the Marilena during September 2008, unfortunately for us, the precise week that Kosmar and XL (who we travelled with) went bust. On arrival the hotel seemed fine. The location is rural with pleasant views but out of the way (we are both in our twenties and walk a lot but it still took us 25 minutes down a long road to reach any of the restaurants of Molyvos). Provided you don't mind walking it's not a problem. The rooms are basic but clean enough and adequate, although I would advise against choosing this accommodation if you want to cook for yourselves - the self-catering facilities are extremely mininmal. The bathroom was fine although it only had a bath - no shower attachment.

On arrival the hoteliers seemed amiable enough. Upon hearing that XL had gone bankrupt however this immediately changed. Our presence at a meeting was demanded and when we attended we were told that we would have to pay for our own accommodation as Kosmar had not yet paid. Upon advice from the CAA and ATOL we refused to do this as they were already paying the hotel to accommodate the guests and this would amount to double payment. At this point Katerina, the allegedly hospitable and amiable hotelier became aggressive and threatening. She threatened to evict us if we did not pay and, when alternative accommodation was found, she threatened that we would not be allowed to leave. She involved local police and the local mayor, leaving her guests frightened and extremely vulnerable. Ultimately, 22 people were forced to flee to other accommodation.

It was only upon departure from the hotel that the height of Katerina's vindictiveness towards us (innocent holiday makers who had already paid and were caught in an extremely difficult situation) became apparent. She turned away taxis who came to pick us up and faxed and called other hoteliers telling them to refuse us admittance to their hotels. It took considerable negotiation on the part of Thomas Cook reps to ensure we found alternative accommodation.

We sympathised for the Marilena's predicament as a result of the XL crash and were willing to give her significant custom at the bar and restaurant. Further, some of us were repeat customers. Ultimately however this situation demonstrated the superficiality of the 'hospitality' provided at the Marilena and as such we would urge any holiday maker to avoid it at all costs.

We were a family of 5 in 2 appartments, including an 8 year old boy and 2 older teenagers. We loved the larhe (25m) pool, the weather was hot, but not unbearable in august, due mainly to the hillside location. The hotel has lovely views of Molyvos and surrounding mountains but the website photos don't do the hotel justise. The rooms were cleaned daily to a good standard, and although the self catering facilities were basic, we managed breakfast and a cooked lunch everyday. Overall, a fantastic place to relax, with the poolside had a wonderfully friendly atmosphere but bever overcrowded, good for over 4s, but quite close to the road.

The Hotel is located outside Molyvos. It takes a minimum of 20 minutes to walk down to the start of Molyvos. Allow longer to walk back up. Taxis are 4 Euros for the journey. There is a hotel minibus (free) which operates 4 times a day (promptly), but not necessarily at the most convenient times. 1st run is at 09:30 (good for boat trip), but second one is at 12:00 which means either an early breakfast or a long wait. The 12:00 one does connect nicely with the bus to Eftalou.

The hotel rooms are big, clean and well but simply decorated. Nothing really to fault here, and certainly better than many in Greece. We were on self-catering, and the kitchen facilities were basic but quite adequate including a large fridge. Meals are available on-site from a menu. The 'full' breaksfast is NOT a full english, but full Greek breakfast of hard boiled egg, fruit, bread, buter, jams, cheese and ham-like slices with one cup of tea or coffee and an orange 'drink' (not juice).

Bottled water is available for purchase. Prices for food and water are similar to Moylvos.

There is a large pool which was frequented by many.

Besides people from the UK, there were others from Holand and Italy staying. In the lobby there is a pile of paperback books and magazines to read (mainly English and some Dutch).

I would be more than happy to stay here again. Only thing you need to be aware of is the 'extras' such as taxi fares and breakfast which can make what at first sight is a cheap deal become not so quite good value.

The last night of our stay was spoilt by a small number of 'guests' who partied well beyond 2am. This is not the norm, and I would not let this put me off staying at an otherwise excellent and quiet hotel.

The holiday started horrendously with a 6 hour delay at Manchester Airport, thanks to FlyJet, and I can honestly say that, in 30 years of air travel, they are the worst airline we have ever travelled with. On our return flight, my seat was broken and my wife's tray was broken off. The pilot landed with such force at Manchester that he temporary lost control of the aircraft on the runway. We will NEVER fly with them again.

Moan over!!

That was the only bad side of the holiday. We stayed at the Marilenna; which is a family run operation just outside Molyvos. The walk into Molyvos takes about 20/30 mins and its all downhill. The Marilenna operates a minibus down into the resort several times a day and taxis are 4 Euros. Molyvos is built on a hillside rising to a fortress at the top. It is quite hilly and the streets are cobbled but the scenery is breathtaking and the sunsets superb. There are numerous restaurants of good quality and some late bars near to the harbour. Some good restaurants include the Olive Press, the Captain's Table and the Italian Restaurant, near the harbour, run by Richard from the UK and his Russian wife which is excellent. The shops are a little different from the norm and are worth a look.

The Marilenna is owned by Katerina and Stalis who are delightful. It has a massive pool in well-kept gardens. The bar/snack bar is well stocked and the service excellent. The rooms are as good as we have had in numerous visits to Greece. Try the Greek Night on Mondays. It is a laugh and very relaxed.

There are 3 ATMs at the enterence to Molyvos which all worked perfectly during our 2 week stay.

I can definitely recommend Mplyvos and the Marilenna for a relaxing holiday.

Our 4th visit to Lesvos which tells you a story.You will have heard all the cliches very Greek,friendly,unspolit,picturesque etc ..but it is!!
Stayed at the Marilena Hotel this time which is a family run hotel just outside Molyvos and it was fantastic (the father is a character).

Molyvos is the best place to stay and try the following restaurants.. Sensibal,Tropicana and the Barracuda in the town aswell as the Captains Table on the harbour.The town beach is rocky and you can always go Greek by making use of the shade from the trees as the getrs hotter or nip in to the Trident for a good lunch and a cheeky Mythos.The Olive Press is good for lunch but they need to practise the dinners.
In the evening all the bars are tastefully done(no bass music fracturing your ribs or 18/30,s fracturing theirs)so it is a great place for couples of all ages but not really kids.

So if you fancy having your spine removed for a week or two ..this is the place.