Alidian Bay Suites Leros

What a disappointment. Can this really be marketed as a " luxury" hotel? Arrived from the ferry; no-one on reception. Lovely cleaning lady came to our assistance , phoned someone, and showed us to our room. We realised immediately it was not the room we'd booked ( it was a better, seaview room) so didn't unpack but waited until the boss eventually turned up at reception. He immediately became cross, accusing us of entering a room that wasn't ours when we had had to wait 20 minutes to tell him that! He then also gave the cleaner a dressing down in front of us and other staff. Not a good start. The room we were allocated was a " mountain view" room. It had no balcony and the windows were filthy and with aircon condensation running down them. It was largely taken up with a kitchenette full of empty cupboards and no hob. Absolutely pointless waste of space. It did have a coffee pod machine and a kettle but no complementary pods, coffee or teas. We did express our disappointment only to receive a response that it was our fault for not checking the room details properly when we booked. The hotel is of a modern design but completely lacks functionality. NIce bathroom but no hot water for showering. A pool/bar/breakfast area which is impossible to accomodate all functions. Ok for breakfast. Tiny pool with uncomfy chairs perched on the edge for lack of space, two throne like sunbeds putting any potential user " on show". No-one on duty in the bar so it was never used. Constant drone of " chill" music from the speakers. The pool and bar are, understandably, just never used by guests. The owner/manager was pretty grumpy throughout. It feels like he has designed the hotel ( he did it himself he told us ) in the hope of a Mykonos vibe for the 18-35 crowd ( Alinda is never going to have a Mykonos vibe ) and is disappointed that he's getting oldies like us. He was overheard complaining that he was fed up of handling constant phone calls so going off to the beach to get away from them. Reception was only staffed for check outs most days and there was rarely anyone about. We were offered no help in dragging luggage up and down the two flights of stairs. No communication with the boss on checking out - I expect he doesn't enjoy the response if he asks guests if they have enjoyed their stay. The only saving grace was the breakfast and cleaning staff who were a great laugh and very helpful. Oh, and it does have beach sunbeds. Alinda is ok but simply a long bay road with beach one side and hotels, shops the other. Nice tavernas, some with seating on the beach, but no obvious heart. Rather characterless. Buses run mornings only to each end of the island making expensive taxi journeys the only way to return. Aghia Marina is just about walkable in, maybe, 40 minutes if you're fit.

The hotel has great location, at the end of Alinda Bay so it is quieter than the other ones along the bay. The rooms are clean, well decorated and comfortable. There is also a kitchen in the room so you can cook yourself. The breakfast is ok. It is a beachfront hotel so you can use sunbeds and chill all day long. The sea is generally calm and warm. In the ground floor room, the shower part has no cover like walls, doors, curtains etc. so you can be seen by anybody in the room while you are showering. If you are not couples, this can be a problem. Plus the shower is facing the room door. One day while I was showering, the room service entered the room unintentionally. No harm done but why should we experience such a thing? I think some other solution can be found for this issue.

It’s hard to find anything negative to say. The location is stunning with a beautiful view across the bay.. comfortable sunbeds and parasols are on the beach … and there’s great swimming here. There’s also a stylish pool with sun loungers and chairs around it. The rooms are stylish and comfortable. There’s evidence of stylish design and attention to detail everywhere - inside and out. A good range of toiletries are provided, there is a coffee machine and pods and the shower is hot and powerful. The family owner and staff are always available and are very helpful and friendly. We hired a car from the hotel which was so easy and a great way to see Leros. The breakfast is delicious and plentiful … all tastes catered for. We had a really lovely week here.