The Mitsis Summer Palace Beach Hotel sits on a hillside near Kardamena on Kos, marketing itself as a 5-star ultra-all-inclusive resort with direct beach access. According to the official Mitsis website, the property is about 5 km from the village of Kardamena. This review draws on verified guest feedback and official sources to help you assess whether the experience matches the billing.
Last checked: 2026-07-21
Location: Kardamena, Kos, Greece · Hotel type: 5-star all-inclusive resort · Beach access: Direct access to Blue Flag beach · Room count: 244 rooms
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-21.
Sources reviewed: official property website (mitsis.com), Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, HolidayCheck profile, Expedia hotel page, Hotels.com guest reviews.
No on-site visit was conducted, no staff interviews were performed, and no independent price verification was possible.
Snapshot: Mitsis Summer Palace at a glance
- Marketed as a 5-star resort (Mitsis Hotels)
- Kardamena (Kardamaina), Kos, Greece (Booking.com)
- 252 rooms and suites (HolidayCheck)
- 8.3/10 from around 93 reviews (Booking.com reviews)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Kardamena, Kos, Greece |
| Hotel type | 5-star all-inclusive resort |
| Beach access | Direct access to Blue Flag beach (official description) |
| Room count | 244 rooms (official site: 252 per HolidayCheck) |
What do people say about Mitsis Summer Palace?
Guest sentiment on TripAdvisor is predominantly positive, with an overall rating of about 4.3 out of 5 based on roughly 2,900 reviews. The majority of ratings fall under “Excellent” or “Very Good,” though a noticeable minority report average or poor experiences. A May 2025 TripAdvisor review called the stay “a 10/10 holiday experience,” praising the spacious room and sea view.
On Booking.com, the hotel scores 8.3/10, with sub-scores of 8.7 for cleanliness and comfort, 8.5 for location and staff, and 8.0 for value for money. Guests frequently highlight the infinity pool, Aegean views, and the beachside pizza and drinks included in the all-inclusive package.
However, a minority of reviews point to inconsistent service, a steep hillside layout, and occasional maintenance issues such as loose bathroom fixtures. A 2024 TripAdvisor “Hotel’s favorite review” from a UK guest reported “really enjoyed my stay” and noted that the kids loved snorkelling and the beachside snacks.
Is Mitsis Summer Palace near the beach?
Yes, the hotel has direct access to a Blue Flag-certified beach. According to the TripAdvisor feature page, a cable car/lift takes guests down to a private beach where free watersports, pizza, and drinks are part of the all-inclusive offering. The beach is visually attractive, but one independent video reviewer advised water shoes because the sand is coarse and the sea entry rocky.
The property is located about 5 km from the village of Kardamena, as noted by HolidayCheck. Kos International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive away. The nearest town with additional restaurants, shops, and nightlife is Kardamena, but the hotel’s hillside setting means guests often feel somewhat isolated.
Kos town is about 30 km away, and the hotel’s position on the southwestern coast offers views over the Aegean Sea and the island of Nisyros. The official Mitsis website describes the setting as a 360° panorama.
Is the food good at Mitsis Summer Palace?
The main restaurant offers a buffet with a wide variety, and speciality dining is available at the Pan-Asian restaurant DUSK and other à la carte options. A Hotels.com review from June 2025 described the main buffet as “just ok” but highly praised DUSK and the Den Bar’s sunset atmosphere with live music. The all-inclusive package includes unlimited use of the main restaurant and bars, according to the Expedia listing.
Guest feedback on TripAdvisor often highlights the beachside pizza and drinks as a favourite, and the variety of food receives positive mentions. However, one May 2025 reviewer noted a desire for more seafood options. The 2024 featured review mentioned that children enjoyed the included pizza and gyros on the beach.
Overall, dining quality is a mixed bag: the buffet is adequate, the speciality restaurants stand out, and the beachside inclusions are a strong draw. But the limited breakfast hours and occasional inconsistencies in service temper the praise.
What does Mitsis all-inclusive include?
The hotel markets itself as a “rich ultra-all-inclusive 24h” resort. According to Expedia, the package covers à la carte meals, snacks, beverages, and an in-room minibar with all beverages, though some restrictions may apply. The TripAdvisor feature page lists free watersports, pizza, and drinks at the beach bar as part of the deal.
HolidayCheck notes an outdoor seawater pool, an indoor pool, a waterpark with large waterslides (for children over 8), tennis courts, beach volleyball, and a watersports centre. Evening entertainment is available, with live music and DJ sets at the Den Bar.
However, a critical 2026 YouTube review claimed that the minibar is not automatically stocked – guests must call reception, and only water, soft drinks, and one local beer are included; other items incur extra charges. The same reviewer noted that the late breakfast window is very tight and that a Greek government stay tax of about €4 per night is charged in cash at check-in.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Direct access to a Blue Flag beach with free watersports and beachside snacks (TripAdvisor feature)
- Multiple pools, including an infinity pool with Aegean views (TripAdvisor feature)
- Spacious, modern rooms with good sea views (Booking.com reviews)
- Evening entertainment and live music at Den Bar (Hotels.com review)
Cons
- Steep hillside location – challenging for guests with mobility issues (TripAdvisor feature)
- Inconsistent service at reception and main lobby bar (Hotels.com review)
- Minibar not automatically stocked; limited free items (YouTube review)
- Late breakfast window only 10:00–10:30, after which snacks may cost extra (YouTube review)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Star rating | 5-star (official classification) |
| All-inclusive type | Ultra all-inclusive 24h |
| Room count | 244 (official) / 252 (HolidayCheck) |
| Check-in / Check-out | 14:00 / 12:00 |
| Pools | Outdoor seawater pool, indoor pool, infinity pool, waterpark with slides |
| Beach | Direct access, Blue Flag, private beach with cable car |
| Evening entertainment | Live music, DJ sets, Den Bar |
| Distance to airport | About 20 minutes by car |
Location and getting there
Mitsis Summer Palace is situated on the southwestern coast of Kos, near the village of Kardamena. The address is Kardamaina 853 02, Greece. The hotel is approximately 5 km from the centre of Kardamena, where you’ll find tavernas, shops, and a lively harbour. From Kos International Airport (KGS), the drive takes about 20 minutes. Many guests rent a car to explore the island, as the hillside location makes walking to town impractical.
Alternatives in the Mitsis group
Mitsis Hotels operates several all-inclusive resorts in Greece. On Kos, the Mitsis Blue Domes and Mitsis Norida are other options, though the Summer Palace is specifically marketed for its beachfront position and 360° views. Travelers comparing Mitsis properties often weigh the Summer Palace’s direct beach access against the Blue Domes’ more modern design. For a detailed comparison, you can explore our Kos Aktis Art Hotel Review or the Sani Beach Hotel Review for alternative beachfront stays in Greece.
Sample day at Mitsis Summer Palace
Here’s how a typical day could unfold for a guest:
- Morning: Breakfast at the main buffet (until 10:30). Then head to the infinity pool or take the cable car to the private beach. Watersports are included.
- Lunch: Beachside pizza and drinks from the bar, or grab a snack at the pool bar.
- Afternoon: Relax by the indoor pool or try the waterpark slides. Junior suites with private plunge pools offer a quieter alternative.
- Evening: Dinner at the main buffet or book a table at DUSK for Pan-Asian cuisine. End the night at Den Bar with live music and sunset views over the Aegean.
This rhythm reflects the most common guest patterns reported in reviews, balancing relaxation and activity.
Our recommendation
Based on the evidence gathered, Mitsis Summer Palace suits couples seeking a beachfront escape, families who want multiple pools and entertainment, and travelers who prioritise all-inclusive value. The direct beach access and included watersports are genuine differentiators, while the hillside isolation and service inconsistencies may be drawbacks for some. We recommend booking a junior suite with a private plunge pool for the best experience, and confirming the all-inclusive minibar terms before arrival.
tripadvisor.com, hotels.com, booking.com, youtube.com, booking.com
For families seeking a different vibe, the Mitsis Family Village Beach Hotel offers a dedicated kids’ club and splash zone that complement the Summer Palace’s own family-friendly amenities.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best Mitsis hotel in Greece for a beach holiday?
Opinions vary, but the Mitsis Summer Palace is a strong contender thanks to its direct Blue Flag beach, multiple pools, and comprehensive all-inclusive package. Other Mitsis properties like Blue Domes offer more modern design, but the Summer Palace’s beachfront location is a key draw.
Is there evening entertainment at Mitsis Summer Palace?
Yes, the hotel offers evening entertainment including live music, DJ sets, and a vibrant atmosphere at the Den Bar, as noted in multiple guest reviews and the official property description.
Is there a restaurant at Mitsis Summer Palace?
Yes, the main buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Speciality dining is available at the Pan-Asian restaurant DUSK and other à la carte options, which can be booked via the Mitsis app.
What is there to do near Mitsis Summer Palace?
The village of Kardamena, about 5 km away, offers tavernas, shops, and a harbour. Kos town, with its ancient ruins and castle, is about 30 km away. Many guests rent a car or use the hotel’s shuttle to explore the island.
How far is Mitsis Summer Palace from Kos town?
Kos town is approximately 30 km from the hotel, which is about a 30–40 minute drive. The hotel is located near Kardamena, which is closer (about 5 km).
Are there junior suites available at Mitsis Summer Palace?
Yes, the hotel offers junior suites, some of which include private plunge pools. These are often recommended by guests for added privacy and to avoid morning sunbed competition, as noted in a Hotels.com review.