Blue Bay Hotel Halkidiki

Good first impression from night reception. Beautiful location overlooking the sea, the room, dining room and pool areas were spotlessly clean. Friendly and efficient service and even a birthday surprise at breakfast. Very relaxing around both pools with excellent sunbeds. Short walk into Afitos. Lovely stay, thank you.

My husband and I stayed at this hotel for two weeks at the beginning of June, bed and breakfast. (The holiday was booked through Jet2 and as always it was well organised. I would like to mention Dee, one of the Jet2 reps, who provided us with a running commentary between the airport and the hotel and booked us on two excursions, she was passionate about Halkidiki.) Our room (414) was spacious and decorated in earthy colours, our room was on the ground floor with a side view of the sea and had a large terrace, where we enjoyed many glasses of wine. We experienced some issues with the electricity supply in the room but this was dealt with in a very prompt as well as amusing manner and caused great mirth to both my husband and myself. The bathroom is the largest one I have enjoyed whilst on holiday with two sinks and complimentary toiletries, plenty of hot water and powerful water pressure. The room was cleaned to a high standard every day and towels replaced when needed. Breakfast ranged from eggs and bacon, breads, feta cheese, olives, through to yoghurt and honey with plenty of fresh fruit; on Sundays there was sparkling wine as well as freshly made pancakes cooked to order. The staff from reception, cleaners and those working in the restaurant were very helpful and friendly. The beach is accessed via a number of steps (we were ambushed a number of time by begging cats who turned up their noses when I offered them cat food much to the amusement of my husband) and the sea is beautiful and clear with plenty of sun loungers, which are free as long as you purchase a drink or food. The only thing that spoilt the beach, we felt, was the loud music from the beach bars. The hotel also has two pools, one slightly smaller for adults only. The hotel was busy from what we could see at breakfast but it seemed very quiet and sedate. There was also a gym, not sure why - as all people had to do was run up and down the steps to the beach to maintain their fitness levels and waistlines. The hotel is situated between the village of Afitos and Kalithea: Afitos is extremely pretty, with a number of tavernas, bars and ice-cream parlours, as well as little shops selling souvenirs. We only visited Katlithea twice and may be doing it a great disservice but it felt a little like Blackpool. Afitos is about a ten minute walk from the hotel along a winding rood, we took a taxi to and from Kalithea as the walk seemed longer, payed 5 euros.

Fantastic location, but not necessarily ideal for those with limited mobility. The location is stunning, the room we booked had stunning sea views, the staff were wonderful, and the whole experience was relaxing and enjoyable. Beach was beautiful, with some lively seafront Restaurants, but a precipitous walk from the hotel, and probably not really suitable for older customers Can't comment on the food because we were bed and breakfast only (breakfast was adequate but not exciting), but the local village of Afitos was a lovely little spot full of nice bars, restaurants (check out "Corner" for traditional food) and cafes a ten/fifteen minute walk. Taxis were cheap and easily available. Can't praise the Hotel staff enough - they were helpful, friendly and efficient, All in all, a fantastic holiday, and we will return.