Skion Palace Beach Hotel

The hotel offers direct beach access and a large pool, making it a memorable destination for many. While some guests found it a peaceful and relaxing retreat, others expressed significant disappointment, feeling it did not meet the standards of a 4-star establishment due to maintenance and cleanliness issues. It is particularly well-suited for families seeking a quiet getaway with children, offering dedicated facilities and a safe environment. Couples can also find it ideal for a serene escape, enjoying quality time together by the sea. Additionally, its pet-friendly policy makes it a viable option for pet owners traveling with their companions. To enhance your stay, guests recommend bringing water shoes for the often rocky beach and considering a rental car to explore the surrounding area, as the hotel is somewhat isolated. Managing expectations regarding the hotel's star rating is also advisable.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a large pool that is highly praised by many guests as excellent for both children and adults, with some describing it as huge. A dedicated kids' pool is also available, contributing to its family-friendly appeal. Guests appreciate the private beach access, complete with complimentary sunbeds and umbrellas, providing a convenient spot for relaxation by the sea. While air conditioning is present in rooms, its effectiveness received mixed reviews, with some finding it adequate and others reporting it as weak or non-functional. However, several guests noted significant issues with the overall maintenance of facilities, including concerns about the pool's cleanliness, with reports of strong chlorine smells, dirty bottoms, and even green water in the children's pool. Wi-Fi connectivity is a notable drawback, as it is generally unavailable in rooms and only accessible in common areas like the bar or restaurant, with some guests struggling to get a mobile signal. Furthermore, the limited number of working outlets in rooms and the presence of old, broken furniture were frequently mentioned.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly varied. Some guests found their rooms to be clean and spacious, appreciating the comfortable beds and the frequency of bedding changes every two to three days. However, a significant number of reviews describe rooms as notably dirty, with complaints ranging from unclean floors, walls, and furniture to stained towels and the presence of moldy shower curtains. Issues with the bathroom were common, including chipped shower tubs, low water pressure, and a frequent lack of hot water, particularly during peak occupancy. The furniture is consistently described as old and often broken, with some guests reporting items breaking upon use. Many found the beds and pillows to be uncomfortable. Additionally, the absence of basic in-room amenities like soap, conditioner, glasses, or cups, along with non-functional outlets, contributed to a less than satisfactory experience for many. Some also reported insect issues and a general bad smell or humidity in the rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options, particularly breakfast and dinner, is predominantly negative. While a few guests found the evening meal at the hotel bar/restaurant to be good and some described the breakfast as satisfactory or plentiful, the overwhelming majority expressed strong dissatisfaction. Breakfast was frequently criticized for its poor variety, repetitive offerings, dry bread, and low-quality beverages such as bad juice and coffee. Guests also noted the use of small plates and the occasional presence of rotten fruit. Dinner received even harsher criticism, with many describing it as bad, lacking variety, and often consisting of leftovers. Common complaints included cold food, excessive saltiness, and extremely small portions. Guests reported exceptionally long wait times, sometimes up to two hours, for their meals, which were occasionally deemed inedible. The absence of self-service options, fresh fruit, or desserts at dinner was also a recurring point of contention. Some guests were also surprised to find that drinks at dinner incurred an additional charge.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant draw for many guests, often described as excellent, quiet, and peaceful. Its proximity to the beach is a major highlight, with many rooms offering sea views and direct access to a private beach area. Guests appreciate the convenience of having sunbeds and umbrellas readily available on this private stretch. However, the beach itself received mixed reviews; while the sea is often described as clear, the immediate entry is frequently noted as rocky, making it painful to walk barefoot and necessitating water shoes for comfort. Some guests also found the beach to be unorganized or difficult to access. The hotel's somewhat isolated position means it is far from everything, with no markets or other amenities within walking distance, making a car highly recommended for exploring the surrounding area. Parking is available within the complex, though some found the entrance to be narrow.

Staff & Service
Most guests praise the staff, describing them as friendly, polite, helpful, attentive, and enthusiastic. Many highlighted the excellent service provided, noting the staff's willingness to assist with requests and their positive interactions with children. The check-in process was generally smooth for many. However, some guests reported negative experiences, including instances of rude staff and a perceived lack of professionalism, with some staff members not wearing uniforms. Slow service was a recurring complaint, particularly at the pool bar, where guests experienced long waits for food and drinks. The reception setup also caused confusion, as the main building is closed, and reception duties are handled from a small booth near the bar, which is not always manned. Furthermore, room cleaning and towel changes are not performed daily but only upon request, which some guests found inconvenient. A few isolated incidents of passports being held were also reported.

Additional Information
The hotel is widely described as outdated and in significant need of renovation and maintenance, with many guests feeling it no longer justifies a 4-star rating. The reception setup is unusual, with the main building closed and check-in handled from a small, often unmanned booth near the bar, leading to initial confusion for arrivals. A notable policy is that room cleaning and towel changes are only performed upon request, rather than daily. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a significant advantage for guests traveling with animals. However, guests frequently noted the lack of basic in-room amenities, such as coffee/tea makers, glasses, or cups, requiring them to purchase plastic alternatives. Some guests also reported issues with prepayment and non-refundable deposits, leading to financial disputes.