Ionian Emerald Resort

The view from our room was 5*, it was disappointing to find that half board certainly wasn't. We were presented with a menu on our first evening and discovered that it remained the same for the duration of our stay. The food was fine albeit poor erratic service. However after 3 nights it became monotonous and the main course choice in particular bland and boring. The hotel was unwilling to improve or alter the restricted menu so we gave up and walked 20 minutes along a stony path to Sami where there was a vast array of restaurants to choose from. We felt hard done to as there was an a la carte menu for b& b guests to select from which had much more choice. The restaurant and bar lacked atmosphere and guests were few and far between on the nights we were staying. The pool was good with comfortable beds which had stained mattresses and we weren't impressed by the neighbouring guests at a cheaper hotel using the facilities for which we had paid a 5* price. W3e used to watch them first thing in the morning making a bee line for what they considered to be the beds in the best position. The room could have had more storage and there was little point in having a safe that wasn't attached and could have been picked up and carried away. The bathroom needed a refurbishment. Each time the shower was used water ended up over the floor causing a puddle in front of the toilet. Thank goodness for the view we really enjoyed that but won't be returning to the hotel.

The hotel is situated about 20 mins walk along a well lit coastal path from Sami town centre where you'll find a good selection of restaurants and tavernas and a few traditional shops. Our hotel room was clean and spacious with toiletries supplied. The hotel pool is large, clean and there doesn't seem to be a problem finding a sunbed whatever time of day you go down to the pool area. The only issue with the pool is people throwing balls at each other and seemingly not caring who they hit. The views from the hotel over to Ithica are spectacular. We only stayed B&B so cant comment on the evening meals but the breakfast is best described as adequate. Overall this is a very nice hotel but isnt really a 5 star.

We came to the hotel on the 2nd of July 2025. The hotel is excellent. It is ideally situated next to a small but beautiful beach, with lovely clear water. The staff have been very friendly and especially Alfredo who is always smiling, happy and very helpful . 5 star for Alfredo ( Fredi ) Will definitely recommend and return.

The hotel is set in a stunning five star location with a beautiful large swimming pool. That’s where it ended for us. The hotel lacked any kind of local charm and when we booked we were never told that the pool is shared with a larger and cheaper hotel just up the road with the inevitable consequences. We expect a five star hotel to be exclusive so felt rather mislead and cheated. The menu was very mediocre and one evening we had to send our food back. We were quite disappointed.

Like all med resorts, they are happy to throw stars at their hotel rankings, and whilst officially ranked as 5 star, this is a 4 star hotel. That said, the rooms, staff and food are excellent. We upgraded our bedroom and had a lovely spacious room that looked out to sea. The bed was huge and there was plenty of space. The wardrobe isn’t that well designed and my wife struggled to hang her dresses properly. The shower sits above the bath, so if you prefer or require a walk in shower, it’s best to ask in advance, otherwise you will have to clamber over the side of the bath to shower. The pool is nice and quiet and we never had an issue getting a sunbed. The pool bar is well stocked and food is available from midday. The small town of Sami has a number of really nice restaurants on the sea front and it is a 15 minute from the hotel. Taxis can also be arranged and they will charge €10 for the quick drive. Sami itself closes down around midnight, as does the hotel bar, which keeps the area pleasantly quiet and peaceful. We didn’t bother with drinks in the hotel bar, because frankly it lacked atmosphere and was also pretty expensive compared to other bars nearby. I would definitely return to this lovely hotel

Beautiful hotel - fab location on the sea front and easy walking distance to Sami town. Clean and spacious rooms . Lovely pool area with excellent food and juicy cocktails. The staff were great and Helena ( the manager ) was extremely helpful. Highly recommended.