Mandola Rosa at Riviera Olympia, A Grecotel Resort to Live

We stayed at the Mandola Rosa last month with our family. On one hand, the location is absolutely idyllic — the views, the beach, and the setting are genuinely stunning. The hotel sits within a wider complex of the Grecotel Riviera resort and the complex itself is tired and in need of real investment, and service can be hit-and-miss. Our arrival set the tone: after a long journey, my partner kept mentioning we’d like a drink, but instead of offering any sort of welcome refreshment, we were simply handed a room service menu once we reached our room. Not exactly the warm reception we were hoping for. The property shows clear signs of wear — from stained furnishings to rusty beach tables (one of which actually damaged my handbag). I complained and was compensated as the bag was completely ruined, however the rusty beach tables remained no-one thought to replace them or attempt to clean them. The aqua park was a disappointment, with pieces of the pool floor coming off and floating around. Other pools within the resort are stained with lots of broken tiles and generally a feeling of being worn and unloved. Beach service for drinks was virtually non-existent. The breakfast at Mandola Rosa was excellent, and we also ate at Cap Voyage once which was excellent, but very rich. Too heavy to eat there every night. The Souvlaki concept was promising, but sadly the food fell short. The buffet at La Riviera was very good quality, and as we have young children, we found ourselves dining there most evenings. Overall, Mandola Rosa could be truly exceptional with some refurbishment and more consistent service. For now, it’s a beautiful setting that doesn’t quite live up to its full potential.

The exclusive boutique hotel in mainland of Greece. 3 highlights: privacy, luxury accomodation, stunning beach Hotel is built in classic greek style. Area is pretty big and you feel privacy almost everywhere. You can choose to stay in Suite or Villa. They are fully renovated, spacious and extra clean. In villa you even find glassed atrium which brings natural light to all rooms and with fontaine in the middle it makes really “wow” effect. Cleaning is made twice a day and it is simply 100%professional work. There is nothing better than start a day with great breakfast. This is what you fully enjoy here. Fresh food with a lot of choices and excellent service. The place for breakfast is superb, you have nice view to the ocean and you can enjoy breakfast in relaxed and very private atmosphere. We are experienced travellers mostly in 5* hotels and this is no doubt one of the best breakfast we have ever had. Beach is amazing. To be honest much better than i was expecting. As the hotel is at the top of the rock you must walk down the steps and there is huge, long and wide beach with soft sand. Ideal place for kids or walking around. Water is super clean, deep water is far away, so again the best deal for kids. If you stay in villa there is private cabanas for you, but there is also enough sunbeds for everyone from hotel. In whole beach you probably meet only few people and it makes you thinking to be alone there. Really the privacy and a space just for you is amazing. Dining options are broad, but i would recommend to visit either fine dining restaurant Cap Voyage or Asian style restaurant L´Orient. Other choices from two grecotels around Mandola Rosa are fine, lets say it meets the expectations, but level lower compare to these two mentioned (lot of people, worse service, not so fancy food). For lunch we would recommemd Sea Dunes with fresh catches. Mandola Rosa is exclusive private place. Special thanks to Alexander O. and superb service by Avi, Anna.