Hotel Alkyon (Skiathos Town, Greece)

Rooms with sea views are somewhat more expensive, but they are of better quality and - of course - come with that desired sea view. Worth the extra if the budget will allow.

You are in the middle of the town, so shops, bars and restaurants are within strollable distance. In the old town, try Anderson's Bar and the Primavera Italian restaurant. Fantastic! The Amaretto Café is near to the hotel and you can almost touch the aeroplanes as the come in to land or take off. Really impressive.

Yes, rooms are not the bees' knees when it comes to comfort and they could benefit from some TLC. But, from a value angle, they are great. Very clean. Staff members too are impressive and friendly, particularly those who come round to clean the rooms. The air conditioning seems to be new and very effective.

Finish up in the basement and the room stinks of damp and decay. Can't be far from the main sewer! Furnishings are equally uninspiring and the experience is distinctly unpleasant.

The pool is OK but the surrounding area is very cramped. You'll probably get in to the pool but take a nose-dive when looking for somewhere to relax afterwards.

At some times, the bath can't be used (*due to water shortages) and when you use the shower, the water doesn't drain away. There are plumbing and drainage issues here.