Royal Ariston Hotel

This hotel offers a memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its breathtaking sea views and direct access to the Adriatic coastline, making it an iconic destination for relaxation. Its unique position within a larger complex of hotels provides guests with an extensive array of shared facilities. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic escape with stunning sunsets, and families who appreciate spacious accommodations and multiple swimming options. Sightseers and explorers will find its location convenient for accessing the Old Town via efficient public transport or ride-sharing services, while still enjoying a peaceful retreat. To maximize your experience, guests highly recommend securing a room with a sea view, ideally on a higher floor, and taking advantage of the readily available bus service for city excursions.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides an impressive range of facilities designed for guest enjoyment and relaxation. Guests have access to numerous outdoor pools, including a stunning rooftop infinity pool that offers spectacular views, though some pools may be seasonal. There is also a well-maintained indoor pool and a comprehensive spa center featuring a sauna, steam room, and hot tub. Direct sea access is available from various rock platforms, complete with sunbeds for lounging by the water. While the Wi-Fi connection is generally reliable, some guests noted occasional slowness. The hotel’s expansive layout, being part of a larger complex, can sometimes make navigation challenging, with some guests mentioning confusing elevators or inconvenient access from parking areas.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its exceptional cleanliness, describing rooms and common areas as spotless and well-maintained. The spacious rooms are a highlight, often featuring generous layouts and ample storage. Many rooms boast balconies with stunning sea views, allowing guests to enjoy the sound of the waves. Comfortable beds with high-quality linens contribute to a restful sleep, though some found the mattresses a bit soft. The bathrooms are typically large and clean, equipped with good showers and premium toiletries. While most rooms are quiet, some minor issues like damaged headboards or curtains have been noted. In-room amenities such as slippers, robes, and air conditioning are appreciated, though some guests desired a better coffee maker or found the minibar offerings limited.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet receives mixed but generally positive feedback for its variety and extensive options, including hot and cold selections, pastries, and an omelette station. However, it can become very busy and chaotic during peak hours, with occasional queues for coffee machines and some food items not being consistently hot. The hotel complex offers multiple restaurants, including a pizza restaurant and a steakhouse, with overall food quality and pricing receiving varied reviews; some guests found it good value, while others felt it did not always meet a five-star standard. Drink quality, particularly for juices and cocktails, also garnered mixed opinions, with many finding them expensive. Room service availability and promptness were occasionally inconsistent.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is highly praised for its peaceful and natural setting, offering a tranquil escape from the city's hustle. While not within walking distance of Old Town, it provides excellent accessibility via the frequent number 6 bus service or readily available ride-sharing options like Uber, typically a 10-15 minute journey. A beautiful promenade stretches along the coastline, perfect for leisurely walks and leading to nearby bars and restaurants in the Lapad area. Guests appreciate the convenience of the nearby bus stop. Parking is available, though some guests noted it could be expensive or inconveniently located, requiring a walk to the hotel entrance. The proximity to Sunset Beach and other local eateries adds to the appeal.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel are largely commended for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Many guests highlight the professional staff who go out of their way to assist with requests and ensure a pleasant stay. While the check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, some guests experienced slower or less informative arrivals. Housekeeping is consistently praised for its thoroughness and daily room cleaning. Specific services like luggage assistance and prompt maintenance service for minor room issues are also frequently mentioned. However, a few guests noted some inconsistencies in service quality, particularly during off-peak seasons, and a lack of warmth from certain reception staff members.

Additional Information
The hotel is part of a larger complex of hotels, allowing guests to utilize shared facilities across the properties, which can be a significant advantage. However, guests should be aware that some amenities, such as certain pools and restaurants, may be closed during off-peak seasons. A recurring issue reported by several guests is the need for frequent room key recoding, which can be inconvenient. There have also been instances of false fire alarms, causing disruption. The hotel's secluded location means there is a notable lack of nearby convenience stores for purchasing snacks or essentials, requiring a longer walk or reliance on hotel services. Some guests also observed a common practice of sunbed reservation with towels, which can limit availability. Overall, opinions on value for money are mixed, with some guests feeling the experience justifies the cost, while others believe it falls short of a true five-star standard.