Grecotel Cape Sounio - Sounion, Greece 

Having read the previous reviews, some highly critical, I approached Cape Sounion with considerable trepidation. Was very pleasantly surprised. In summary: Pros Gorgeous location not far from Athens. The sunsets over the temple of Poseidon are truly breathtaking. Lovely, clean sea. Nicely kept beach, good service. Constant light breeze that helps enormously in the hot summer days. Lovely sea-water pool. Good architecture. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious, nicely laid out, most with good views. Excellent aircon. Nice (basic) restaurant by pool, better than most tavernas, with a good selection for all ages, excellent drinks, including delicious fruit punches. Marginally understaffed. Excellent main restaurant serving delicious fresh fish, excellent service. Good and spacious gathering areas Large (complimentary) breakfast. Cons Huge prices. As quests are essentially “captive” with nowhere else to go, everything gets charged and the mark-ups are huge. As a seasonal business, they are entitled to charge what the market will bear. Need to pay for internet connection. At these prices, it should be free. One phone only, in bedroom. If you want to use it and your better half is still sleeping, you are out of luck. In my case, it didn’t work at all, was changed twice and still didn’t work. Marginally slow room service but due to the spread-out layout, not surprising. Some traffic noise General The Hotel was staffed largely by young Eastern Europeans who try their very best but don't have the experience and service attitude one expects from more seasoned staff. Service problems, especially at the beginning of the season, are inevitable. Can count my three day stay as extremely pleasant, at probably the nicest location within a rearsonable driving distance from Athens. Closest competitor is the Astir in Vouliagmeni (now Westin) which superior in terms of location, but lags in terms of sea quality, architecture, restaurants or overall ambiance and whose prices are broadly similar. Perhaps not a five star in terms of value for money and the minor inconveniences, but the beach and especially the views, go a very long way to compensate. Sitting on the beach at midnight, under a full moon, looking at the sea and the temple, with a glass of champagne was wonderful. I’d very happily visit Cape Sounion again and recommend it.

Overall, the setting for this hotel is quite magnificent, but after seeing the pricing and experiencing the facilities, service and food, I agree completely with the previous reviewers that this hotel is seriously overpriced and over-rated. Appointments in the room are dysfunctional, the beds are only mid-grade, and the fit-and-finish are second-rate, at best. Hiding behind the title of "eco-resort" doesn't give hotel management the excuse to allow the weeds to grow, nor to let this place look shabby and unkempt. Avoid this hotel!!!!