Sandalis Hotel And Apartments Reviews

We've been to about 15 different Greek Islands but this was our first time in Samos and it must rate amongst the best. The (George) Sandalis Hotel is family run and we were warmly greeted by Angelo and Maria. They lived in the US for many years and speak English very well. If you get a room at the back it is very quiet but even at the front it won't be loud because they drive slowly just at that point (it's next door to the Cop Shop). The family also run a bar in the harbour called Enplo where their son George will ensure you have plenty to drink, also make sure not to miss the nights when Enplo has live Greek music.

There's several beaches in easy walking distance but good tip is to walk down to the harbour, turn left and carry on till you reach the end. There you will find the Faros Restaurant run by the very friendly and easy-going Kristos and Rudulla. Providing you have your breakfast or lunch there you can make use of the sunbeds on their beach all day at no extra cost. If you get a little thirsty just shout and you'll be told to stay put while the drink is brought to you. It's a clean, pebble beach and turns to sand as soon as you get into the water. For an evening meal, the Faros Restaurant also happens to be one of the best in the resort and often has live bouzouki music to accompany your meal.

When you are ready for a change take a boat trip to some of the sandy beaches. We went with 'Kaptains' Gerasimus and Andreas to Psili Amos and Samiopoula. They are both great characters and will drag you off the street during the evenings to buy you a drink, don't refuse because you'll be missing some good laughs.

Normally, we would also explore the island by car and I'm sure there's lots of other good things to see but Pythagorio is so good that we didn't actually find time to do this.

Finally, don't be put off by the reports you may read of the ";scary"; landing, it's just a bit different to normal because they have to make turn instead of a straight glide in. It's nothing to worry about and if you fly frequently you will have been on similar approaches.

This was our first visit to Samos although we have visited other Greek Islands. The Sandalis studios were well furnished, spotlessly clean and well maintained.We had a room at the back of the hotel with a balcony which looked on to the mountain at the back and down to the sea. Angelo the owner came out to greet the bus, carried suitcases in, explained evrything we needed to know about safety deposit boxes, air conditioning etc. and generally made us feel very welcome. There was a lounge and bar area where you could purchase water, drinks etc. Incidentally they were cheaper than the supermarket down the road!

The brochure stated that he hotel was next to a busy road, this almost put us off booking but in fact the road was perfectly safe to walk down. The main street was just about 50 metres away. This was pedestrianised in the evenings with only taxis alowwed access. The harbour is pretty with wall to wall bars and restaurants. We didn't have a poor meal in any of the restaurants, but we did choose mainly traditional Greek dishes, Mousakka, Lamb Kleftico etc. etc. Try the Yoghurt with honey and nuts for breakfast or dessert.

Try the restaurants on the side streets these gave excellent service and value for money. We hired a car for five days. We booked this via our Thomson rep (Anne) who got us five days for the price of four. We toured all round the island. Koukkari was very nice. Samos town good for shopping and people watching. Psilli Amoss was great for lazing about on the beach. Try the Aquarias Restaurant. Where the ducks and ducklings wander around. The food was excellent and the ducks enjoyed the leftovers.We will definitely be visiting the Island again.Highly recommended. If you stay at the Sandalis give our love to Angelo and the rest of the family.

p.s. The airport must have had a facelift since some of the reviews There are now two turntables for luggage. Coming back the lounge was spacious and airy. Our flight left twenty mins. early