Mitsis Summer Palace Beach Hotel in Kardamena, Kos, markets itself as a five‑star ultra all‑inclusive resort with a Blue Flag beach and panoramic Aegean views. This review draws on guest feedback from major platforms, tour operator descriptions, and an independent editorial assessment to help you decide whether the reality matches the marketing. We focus on the all‑inclusive offering, beach proximity, dining quality, and recurring guest themes.
Last checked: 2026-07-21
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Name: Mitsis Summer Palace · Location: Kardamena, Kos, Greece · Star rating: 5-star · Beach: Blue Flag awarded · Rooms: 244 · Buildings: 20
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-21.
Sources reviewed: Official hotel website, Expedia listing, British Airways Holidays, Broadway Travel, Oyster, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Trip.com.
We did not conduct an on‑site visit, interview staff, or independently verify prices. All claims are sourced from the listed materials.
Snapshot: Mitsis Summer Palace Beach Hotel
- Marketed as a 5‑star ultra all‑inclusive resort (Expedia)
- Blue Flag awarded beach on the Kardamena coast (Broadway Travel)
- Approximately 252 rooms (Oyster)
- 20‑minute drive from Kos International Airport (British Airways Holidays)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mitsis Summer Palace |
| Location | Kardamena, Kos, Greece |
| Star rating | 5‑star |
| Beach | Blue Flag awarded |
| Rooms | ~252 |
| Buildings | 20 |
| Floors | 3 |
| Airport transfer | 20 minutes from Kos International Airport |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Official name | Mitsis Summer Palace Beach Hotel |
| Address | Kardamena, Kos, 85302, Greece |
| Star rating (marketed) | 5‑star ultra all‑inclusive |
| All‑inclusive type | 24‑hour ultra all‑inclusive |
| Number of rooms | ~252 |
| Check‑in | 14:00 (official) / 15:00 (some tour operators) |
| Check‑out | 11:00–12:00 |
| Beach | Blue Flag pebble beach with sunbeds |
| Main restaurant | Panorama (buffet, open 24 h) |
| À la carte restaurants | 2 (included in all‑inclusive) |
| Bars | 7 (including pool bars, beach bar) |
| Pools | Saltwater infinity pools, kids’ pool with slides |
| Spa | Full‑service spa |
Pros and cons
What guests praise
- High standards of cleanliness and friendly staff
- Direct access to a Blue Flag beach with clear water
- Panoramic sea views from the hillside setting
- Generous 24‑hour ultra all‑inclusive programme
- Multiple pools, including infinity pools and a kids’ area
What guests criticise
- Steep hillside layout can be challenging for mobility‑impaired guests
- Pebble beach rather than sand; some prefer Kardamena’s sandy beach
- Competition for sun loungers around pools
- Queues at the buffet and limited à la carte access
- Dated furnishings in some rooms; overall feel more upper‑middle‑range than 5‑star
Location and getting there
Mitsis Summer Palace sits on a steep hillside in Kardamena, on the southern coast of Kos. The resort is a 20‑minute drive from Kos International Airport, according to British Airways Holidays. Kos Town lies about 18 miles (29 km) to the northeast, roughly a 30‑minute car journey.
The hotel’s hillside design means guests navigate steep paths and rely on lifts or a shuttle service to reach the beach, pools, and lower buildings. The setting offers far‑reaching Aegean Sea views, but it also warns that the walks can be tiring. The beach itself is a Blue Flag pebble beach, while Kardamena’s main beach, a short walk or drive away, is long and sandy.
Most package holiday operators include transfers from the airport. Direct bookings typically require a taxi or rental car; the journey from Kos Town takes about 30 minutes.
What do people say about Mitsis Summer Palace?
Guest reviews across platforms such as Tripadvisor and Booking.com consistently praise the resort’s cleanliness and staff friendliness. Many recent reviewers highlight the sea views and direct beach access as highlights. The hotel is described as a “rich ultra‑all‑inclusive 24h 5* resort” on Tripadvisor, and its location directly by a Blue Flag beach is frequently mentioned.
However, complaints appear in multiple reviews: noise from nearby entertainment, queues at the buffet, and difficulty securing sun loungers around the pools. The Oyster editorial review concludes that the property “bills itself as a ‘dreamlike deluxe five‑star’ property, but it’s more of a family-friendly upper‑middle‑range hotel.” A YouTube reviewer similarly called it “a four‑star resort wearing a five‑star cologne,” noting dated furnishings and limited à la carte access.
The bottom line: Guest sentiment is generally positive, but the resort does not fully deliver the luxury implied by its 5‑star marketing; it performs best as a comfortable, family‑friendly all‑inclusive with a strong location.
Is Mitsis Summer Palace near the beach?
Yes, the resort sits directly on the coast. Broadway Travel confirms that the property has an “exclusive stretch of beach with parasols and sun loungers,” and the beach has been awarded Blue Flag status for water quality and environmental management. The beach is predominantly pebble, not sand, which some guests find less comfortable than the sandy beach in Kardamena town.
Because the hotel is built on a steep hillside, access to the beach involves walking down slopes or using lifts. Several reviewers on Booking.com mention that the walk can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Kos Town is about 18 miles away, so the Kardamena area is the main hub for restaurants, bars, and shops outside the resort. The hotel’s hillside layout means that even a trip to the beach requires effort, but the views across the Aegean and toward Nisyros Island are a trade‑off many guests accept.
Why this matters: If you prioritise instant, flat beach access, the hotel delivers on location but not on sand type. For guests who value scenic views over soft sand, the pebble beach and clear water are a strong asset.
Is the food good at Mitsis Summer Palace?
The main dining venue is the Panorama buffet restaurant, which Broadway Travel describes as “open 24 hours” and offering “a wide selection of buffet‑style dishes – everything from local Greek specialties to Italian classics.” The hotel also operates two à la carte restaurants and seven bars, all included in the ultra all‑inclusive programme.
Guest feedback on Tripadvisor and Booking.com generally rates the food as good for an all‑inclusive, with sufficient variety and freshly prepared options. However, some reviewers note that the buffet can become crowded during peak hours, leading to queues. The à la carte restaurants, while part of the package, may require advance booking and have limited availability.
Expedia clarifies that the all‑inclusive includes most onsite food and beverages, but premium items such as branded alcohol or spa treatments may incur extra charges. The quality of the buffet is consistently described as “good” rather than “gourmet.”
The trade-off: The variety and 24‑hour availability are strong points, but guests expecting fine dining may be disappointed. The buffet format works well for families but less so for couples seeking a romantic, high‑end culinary experience.
What does Mitsis all-inclusive include?
Mitsis Summer Palace operates on a 24‑hour ultra all‑inclusive basis, as listed on Expedia. This means that most onsite food and drinks are included in the room price, with some restrictions on premium items. The programme covers:
- Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Panorama restaurant
- Access to two à la carte restaurants (subject to reservation)
- Seven bars, including pool bars and a beach bar
- Unlimited local and international drinks (barring premium brands)
- Use of all pools, sunbeds, and beach facilities
- Evening entertainment and kids’ club
The resort also offers a full‑service spa, but treatments are not included in the all‑inclusive package. Broadway Travel notes that the Panorama buffet is open around the clock, which is a rare feature even among all‑inclusive resorts. The two infinity pools, wooden “nests” for lounging, and a kids’ pool with slides are all part of the standard offering.
British Airways Holidays emphasises that the resort’s hillside layout includes access to a neighbouring Mitsis property’s kids’ pool and water slides, effectively expanding the recreational options for families.
What to watch: The ultra all‑inclusive is generous but not unlimited. Check before booking whether your preferred à la carte restaurant or premium drinks require a surcharge. The 24‑hour buffet is a genuine perk, but the overall value depends on how much you use the extra facilities.
Sample three‑day itinerary for a family
This itinerary is based on typical guest feedback and the resort’s facilities, designed for a family of four staying at Mitsis Summer Palace.
Day 1: Arrival and beach time
- Check‑in (from 14:00) – settle into a junior suite with sea view.
- Afternoon: explore the beach – pebble, clear water, sunbeds provided. Snorkelling gear recommended.
- Evening: buffet dinner at Panorama, then live entertainment (check schedule).
Day 2: Pool hopping and Kardamena town
- Morning: infinity pool with views, kids’ pool with slides.
- Lunch: pool bar snacks or buffet.
- Afternoon: walk (or short taxi) to Kardamena town centre for sandy beach, souvenir shops, and ice cream.
- Dinner: à la carte restaurant (reserve in advance).
Day 3: Relaxation and departure
- Morning: spa treatments (extra charge) or final swim.
- Late breakfast at Panorama.
- Check‑out by 11:00–12:00, then transfer to airport.
For families, the proximity to Kardamena’s nightlife is a bonus for parents, while the kids’ club and water slides keep younger children entertained.
Our pick: who is this hotel best for?
Based on the evidence we gathered, Mitsis Summer Palace is best suited for:
- Families – the kids’ facilities, 24‑hour buffet, and family‑friendly atmosphere are clear strengths.
- All‑inclusive seekers – the ultra all‑inclusive package is comprehensive, with round‑the‑clock dining and multiple bars.
- Beach lovers – direct access to a Blue Flag beach, though the pebble texture may not suit everyone.
- Couples – if they value views and location over luxurious room finishes, the resort can work, but those expecting a truly 5‑star experience may feel the property falls short.
We do not recommend this hotel for travellers who insist on a pure luxury 5‑star stay, fine‑dining cuisine, or a flat, sandy beach without steps.
“The all-inclusive, 252-room Mitsis Summer Palace bills itself as a ‘dreamlike deluxe five-star’ property, but it’s more of a family-friendly upper-middle-range hotel.”
– Oyster editorial review, Independent hotel review outlet
For a different family-focused experience on the same island, consider the Mitsis Family Village Beach Hotel Kos for its dedicated kids’ amenities and beach access.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do near Mitsis Summer Palace?
Kardamena town, a 10‑ to 15‑minute walk or short taxi ride, offers restaurants, bars, shops, and a long sandy beach. Boat trips to nearby islands (Nisyros, Pserimos) depart from the harbour. The hotel itself provides evening entertainment, a games room, and a spa, but the main attraction is the Kardamena strip and coastline.
Is there evening entertainment at Mitsis Summer Palace?
Yes. The hotel runs a nightly entertainment programme that includes live music, shows, and themed nights. Tripadvisor reviews mention that the entertainment is family‑oriented and runs until late, though some guests find the noise level disruptive in rooms near the main bar.
What is the best Mitsis hotel in Kos?
Several Mitsis properties operate on Kos, including Mitsis Summer Palace, Mitsis Family Village, and Mitsis Blue Domes. According to Trip.com, Mitsis Summer Palace ranks No. 13 among premium hotels in Kos, suggesting it is a solid choice but not the brand’s top‑tier offering. The “best” depends on priorities: Mitsis Blue Domes is often considered more luxurious, while Mitsis Family Village is more budget‑friendly. Mitsis Summer Palace hits a middle ground with its hillside views and ultra all‑inclusive programme.
Is there a restaurant at Mitsis Summer Palace?
Yes. The main restaurant is the Panorama buffet, open 24 hours. There are also two à la carte restaurants (serving Greek and international cuisine) and seven bars, all included in the all‑inclusive package. Hotels.com confirms that the à la carte venues require advance booking but no extra charge.
How far is Mitsis Summer Palace from Kos town?
Approximately 18 miles (29 km) – about a 30‑minute drive by car or taxi. The nearest resort town, Kardamena, is within walking distance (10–15 minutes on foot).
How far is Mitsis Summer Palace from the airport?
Kos International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car, according to British Airways Holidays. Most package holidays include transfers.
Sources cited
- Expedia – Mitsis Summer Palace listing
- British Airways Holidays – Mitsis Summer Palace
- Broadway Travel – Mitsis Summer Palace
- Tripadvisor – Mitsis Summer Palace reviews
- Oyster – Mitsis Summer Palace review
- Booking.com – Mitsis Summer Palace
- Hotels.com – Mitsis Summer Palace
- Trip.com – Mitsis Summer Palace ranking