Skiathos Palace Hotel

The hotel offers a truly memorable experience, primarily distinguished by its breathtaking panoramic views of Koukounaries Bay and the sparkling Aegean Sea, which guests consistently describe as stunning from various vantage points. This makes it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic escape and sightseers eager to immerse themselves in the island's natural beauty. The serene and peaceful atmosphere also appeals to travelers seeking relaxation. While the hotel is praised for its cleanliness and the generally helpful demeanor of its staff, prospective guests should be aware of the significant number of steps throughout the property and the absence of a lift, which may pose challenges for guests with mobility issues or those traveling with prams. To maximize your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to fully appreciate the magnificent vistas, and be prepared for a good workout when navigating the hotel's hilly terrain.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a large swimming pool that offers spectacular views, though many guests note its considerable depth, making it less suitable for small children or weak swimmers. While the pool area is generally well-maintained and provides ample sunbeds, some visitors report that these can be quickly reserved early in the morning. A significant point for guests to consider is the complete absence of an elevator throughout the multi-story building, meaning all access to rooms and common areas involves navigating numerous stairs. The hotel provides a convenient and reliable shuttle service to both nearby beaches and Skiathos Town, which is highly appreciated. There is also a rooftop restaurant offering exceptional views, and a pool bar where guests can enjoy beverages. Rooms are equipped with a mini-fridge and a safe for guest convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's cleanliness, with many describing rooms and common areas as spotlessly maintained through daily service. However, feedback on room comfort and condition is mixed. While some guests found their rooms to be comfortable, tastefully decorated, and even renovated, others described them as dated, basic, or dull, noting a need for modernization. Some "promo rooms" were specifically mentioned as being very small with limited or no usable balcony space. Views from many rooms are highly praised. Opinions on beds vary, with some finding them comfortable, while others reported sagging mattresses or two single beds pushed together. Bathrooms are generally clean, though some reviews noted issues such as mold, mildew, or older fixtures, and occasionally small shower screens leading to water leakage. Noise from corridors and ill-fitting doors can be an issue for some guests, impacting sleep quality. Rooms typically include a kettle and a mini-fridge, along with sufficient storage for belongings.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a buffet breakfast that receives varied feedback. Many guests found it extensive, with a good selection of hot and cold options, including fresh fruit, pastries, and an omelette station. However, some described it as basic, repetitive, or of inconsistent quality, with occasional concerns about flies near uncovered food and queues for the coffee machine. The dinner buffet also garners mixed reviews; while some guests enjoyed the delicious and varied choices, others found the food mediocre, tasteless, or lacking in traditional Greek options, sometimes feeling it was overpriced for the quality offered. The rooftop restaurant, White View, is highly recommended for its excellent food quality and spectacular views, making it a popular choice for a special meal. The pool bar serves a range of beverages, with cocktails often praised, though some guests found drink prices to be on the higher side. Live music is occasionally featured during evening meals, enhancing the dining atmosphere.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptional elevated location that provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding bay and sea, contributing significantly to its appeal. It is conveniently situated within walking distance of the beautiful Koukounaries Beach and Maratha Beach, though the path to both involves navigating steep terrain and numerous steps. For guests wishing to explore further, the hotel offers a complimentary and reliable shuttle service to these beaches and to Skiathos Town, which is approximately a 20 to 30-minute bus ride away. A public bus stop is also located very close to the hotel, providing frequent service. However, the hotel's position on a steep hill with many stairs and no lift makes it challenging for individuals with mobility issues, including those using prams or walking aids. While parking is available, the driveway leading to the reception is also very steep. Some guests noted a lack of nearby tavernas or shops within easy walking distance, contributing to a sense of isolation.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, contributing positively to the guest experience. Many guests highlighted the attentive service provided by the reception team, who are often described as welcoming and efficient during check-in and when assisting with various requests, such as calling taxis. The cleaning staff are consistently commended for their hard work and for maintaining the hotel and rooms in a spotlessly clean condition. While most interactions are positive, some guests reported mixed experiences with certain restaurant and bar staff, occasionally finding them less engaged or inconsistent in their service. Despite these isolated instances, the overall sentiment is that the staff are dedicated to ensuring a comfortable stay. The hotel's shuttle drivers are also frequently mentioned for their courtesy and reliability, enhancing guests' ability to navigate the local area.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain hotel policies and features that may impact their stay. The sunbeds on the hotel's affiliated Maratha Beach are subject to a daily charge, which some guests found unexpected given the hotel's overall cost. Despite the presence of a kettle in the rooms, complimentary tea, coffee, or cups are not consistently provided, requiring guests to bring their own or purchase them. Furthermore, a hotel policy restricts guests from using the mini-fridge in their rooms to store personal drinks or food. Some guests reported issues with ants in their rooms, which can be a minor inconvenience. The quality and availability of pool towels were also noted by several guests, with some describing them as small, old, or occasionally difficult to obtain. Guests often commented on the hotel's classification, noting that certain local taxes are applied based on a higher star rating than some felt was justified by the amenities provided.