"We stayed at Akti Beach Club in Kos at the end of May as part of a package holiday booked through TUI, and overall we had a very enjoyable stay. The resort has many strong points and, in our opinion, offers excellent value for money. That said, there are also a few areas for improvement which make it feel more like a very good 4-star resort than a true 5-star hotel.
Let's start with that point. Akti Beach Club is marketed as a 5-star property, but personally we feel it is closer to a well-maintained and comfortable 4-star resort. That may sound critical, but considering we paid around €1,800 for two people, including flights, we felt it was absolutely worth the money.
Check-in was quick and efficient, perhaps even a little too quick. Although the reception area was quiet when we arrived, very little information was provided about the resort, its facilities, or the various services available on site. We received our wristbands, an envelope containing our room and safe keys, an information leaflet, and were then taken to our room by golf cart.
We had booked a promotional room and requested a double bed, an upper floor, and a quiet location. All of these requests were respected. To our surprise, we were allocated a room in the adults-only section of the resort, which turned out to be a fantastic bonus. Unfortunately, this was never mentioned during check-in. We only discovered later that our orange wristband granted access to additional facilities, including the adults-only bar, a separate restaurant, and exclusive swimming pools. Clearer communication at arrival would have helped us make the most of these benefits from day one.
Our room was located in a quiet corner of the resort and provided everything needed for a comfortable stay. It was cleaned daily to a very high standard by the same housekeeper throughout our stay. However, there were a few details that prevented the room from feeling truly 5-star. There were no bathrobes, slippers, coffee machine, or premium toiletries. Only shampoo and shower gel dispensers were provided. The bed was also fairly low and the mattress felt somewhat worn. We did not report this during our stay, so the hotel may well have been able to offer a solution. On the positive side, extra pillows were provided immediately when requested.
One of the first things that stands out about Akti Beach Club is the beautiful resort grounds. The property is large, well maintained, and clearly cared for with attention to detail. The gardens were immaculate, and the hotel's location at the foot of a mountain provides some lovely views. There are a few larger open areas throughout the resort that, in our opinion, could be utilized more effectively.
The location is another strong point. The hotel is approximately ten minutes from the airport. We rented a car during our stay and would highly recommend doing so if you want to explore the island properly. The hotel also offers a shuttle service to Kardamena, a charming coastal town that is definitely worth visiting.
The beach is a typical Greek pebble beach with larger stones and rocks near the waterline. Water shoes are highly recommended, if not essential. There were always plenty of sunbeds available, and guests staying in the adults-only section also had access to a dedicated beach area.
The swimming pools are undoubtedly among the resort's strongest features. The water temperature was pleasant and the pools were clean and well maintained. The adults-only pools were wonderfully peaceful and ideal for relaxation. Perhaps a little background music could have added some extra atmosphere. During our stay there were always plenty of available sunbeds, making early reservations completely unnecessary.
We were also very satisfied with the food. There was sufficient variety and everything tasted fresh. Don't expect Michelin-star dining, but for an all-inclusive resort the quality was more than respectable. While there were no clearly advertised themed evenings, the menu changed enough from day to day to remain interesting.
The adults-only restaurant was a real highlight. Drinks were served directly at the table during lunch and dinner, which added an extra touch of comfort. Service here was consistently excellent.
The staff were generally friendly, though in a typically Greek way they tended to be somewhat reserved rather than proactively engaging with guests. However, when you greeted them warmly, that friendliness was always returned.
A special mention goes to the lady working at the adults-only bar. She genuinely took time for guests, was consistently friendly, and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We would also like to recognize the gentleman at the spa, who impressed us from the first interaction with his professionalism and hospitality. We booked a massage through the hotel and it was outstanding. While the spa itself is relatively simple and feels more like a cozy garden cabin than a luxury wellness centre, the quality of the treatment more than compensated for this.
Another special mention goes to one of the waiters in the adults-only restaurant. Unfortunately, we do not remember his name, but his enthusiasm, friendliness, and excellent service stood out every day. He made guests feel genuinely welcome and clearly took pride in ensuring everyone had an enjoyable experience.
There are still a few areas where the bars could improve. Cocktails are pre-made, meaning guests cannot request adjustments such as a stronger or lighter version of a drink. In addition, the adults-only bar offered only three non-alcoholic cocktail options. While the selection itself was acceptable, the names of these drinks felt surprisingly childish and somewhat out of place in an adults-only setting. It may seem like a minor detail, but it occasionally felt a little awkward ordering them, especially in an area specifically designed for adults seeking a more relaxed and mature atmosphere.
For us, however, the biggest area for improvement was communication. Throughout our stay, we repeatedly felt that guests were expected to discover many facilities, activities, and benefits on their own. Important information was often not proactively communicated. The advantages of the adults-only wristband were never explained upon arrival, activity schedules were not always easy to find, and practical information about facilities and events could have been presented much more clearly.
This lack of communication was noticeable enough that some guests could easily miss out on facilities or experiences simply because they were unaware they existed. A more informative check-in process, clearer signage, and an easy-to-follow daily schedule would significantly improve the overall guest experience. Given how many facilities the resort offers, better communication would make a surprisingly big difference.
In summary, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Akti Beach Club. The resort offers a beautiful setting, well-maintained grounds, pleasant swimming pools, good food, a peaceful adults-only area, and excellent value for money. Don't expect true five-star luxury, but do expect a comfortable and enjoyable resort where you can relax and enjoy your holiday without worries.
Would we return? Perhaps one day, but probably not within the next few years. Not because the hotel disappointed us—quite the opposite—but simply because there are still so many other destinations we would like to discover.
That being said, we would absolutely recommend Akti Beach Club to friends and family looking for a relaxing holiday in Kos."
