Marathon Hotel

"We holidayed here for just a week for a quiet getaway just the two of us to this hotel. The hotel is based on a main strip but with little external noise from the road and the all-inclusive buffet providing indoor and outdoor seating to take in the sights and hustle and bustle. The hotel lies infront of a fantastic view of the mountains from both front and back with the beach, shops, restaurants and bars all within walking distance from it. The rooms were clean and provided cleaning service every day but our room (401) left some to be desired with the most painful shower which we navigated by using almost switched off to lower the extreme pressure of some jets, no net curtain only blackout or completely open and an exposed wire in the bathroom wall and some sockets quite loose. Luckily, we are both sensible individuals and this hotel is undergoing some renovation work by the look of some of the rooms and some tile cutting we witnessed whilst we were here so hopefully all rooms will be undergoing some updating. However, the rooms were always clean, plenty of storage space, a trustworthy safe and ample lighting. Our balcony was a lovely size with a perfect people watch spot too! With regards to the sunbeds, every morning by the main pool there were none at all by about 8am despite signs not to hold them. However, lots of chairs at tables around them. On our second day we found the pool at the back of the hotel which was quieter and had plenty of space so we went there every day. Sunbeds do leave something to be desired as they do look dirty and well used but were comfortable and clean but just needed updating. Plenty of parasols to keep out of the sun if you wished and away from the bar so less people traffic with gorgeous views of the hills and mountains from both sides. The staff here were lovely though- took the time to speak to you and were so polite and kind. It is a very German-heavy hotel we found and the staff do speak a variety of languages from bar men, to the restaurant staff (all of which absolutely gorgeous humans and so attentive- didn’t grumble at us for feeding the stray cats either which was a huge bonus for us) to the owner who actually complimented our tattoos as we walked into tea one evening. You can tell the hotel have high standards and I do hope the owners allow them the finances to keep updating the rooms and some facilities as this is all that is knocking any rating down for us. The food was not much to our taste with the Greek options each night being the absolute best we had ever had! Breakfast was also lovely but we found the main dishes to be quite limited. However, the hotel has a pizza counter on site as well as gyros in the evenings. We instead went outside of the hotel for food; local restaurants being cheap and lovely. With “Nando’s” doing a fantastic authentic gyros in the day to “Gelato di bello” behind the hotel (turning right on exit) to do fantastic ice cream, crepes and waffles through the day. The drinks also leave lots to be desired as it is carbonated juices rather than lemonade or orangeade and don’t serve alcoholic drinks until 6:30pm on the all inclusive so we went to the shop over the road for cheap bottles and cans of drinks for around the pool and in the room which barely ate into any budget. Ideal for if you have children but a bit of a miss for us. All in all we had a lovely holiday and the weather was great, room was clean and locals were very friendly and just left us to ourselves as we wished to."

"We are still here and enjoying every minute, lovely hotel all staff are very helpfull amd poilte and work very hard ,so you have a lovely time. Manager on site all the time very nice and chats to all guest. I emailed prior to arriving advising it was my my husband specail birthday and we got given a lovely room. The room is very modern with all you need and cleaned everyday , smart t.v and free safe and air con and wifi which is excellent. We have hired a car for a couple of days from the gentelmen in reception again he was very helpful and very reasonable price. I have never been to Greece and would deffianlty return it is stunning a bueatiful hotel and all the staff are great and also the entaitment man Max is great love it do not want to go home. No complaints at all the food is really good i have been to five star hotels in Cyprus and Turkey and the food here is much better. Will be returnting"

"The best holiday! The Marathon Hotel was a dream! ALL staff are lovely. Kind, warm, welcoming, polite, accomodating and helpful, they conduct themselves with such professionalism! The rooms are clean, tidy and comfortable with maid service daily! The food, is simply amazing! So much on offer and in abundance!!! So tasty too! Buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with fresh pizza being made by Gianni daily as a pool snack which are delicious and Gyros being made of an evening up until 11:50pm. You will not go hungry at this hotel! There is such an effort by all to keep things clean and tidy. I have to personally mention Max, who is the entertainment lead. He organises daily and evening entertainment solo and does a fantastic job! He is so much fun! We will miss him greatly as well as the pool bar staff Dennis and Asteris! People like them make your holiday, again they will be very much missed! We had a room issue when we arrived, had requested a ground floor due to my mums back disability but had been placed on the first floor with stairs, it was sorted with no problem, no hesitation! The manager Vissilis is a professional, polite man who holds the hotel to a high standard! I cannot say enough about this hotel, you will not be disappointed by this hotel! As for Kolymbia itself, I loved it! Some shops and tavernas along the street, a beautiful beach and beachside bar with views of the old St Nicholas Chapel which is a must see. We had meals at Ousaki and Carussel, both were lovely! Ousaki had a little more ambience and charm but both restaurants were great! Easy bus routes to attractions and places to visit. I will be back to visit! The Marathon and Kolymbia have my heart. Thank you xx"