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Michalis Apartments Studios, Kos – Our Review & Birthday Experience
- Jenn & Leon
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Planning a stay in Kos and wondering if Michalis Apartments Studios is a good fit?
We spent a couple of nights here while celebrating Leon’s birthday and got a real feel for the property, the neighborhood, and the local hospitality.
In this post, we’ll cover: the atmosphere and style of Michalis Apartments Studios, how to get there, what the rooms and amenities are like, where to eat nearby, and our personal highlights – including a special birthday dinner.
We’ll also share our tips for future guests, nearby attractions to explore, and our overall experience rating.
In This Post...
Travel Resources
Hotel Atmosphere & Style
Michalis Apartments Studios is a family-run property with a warm and welcoming vibe. From the moment we arrived, we felt at home.
The owner shared her personal story of how she met her husband while staying here herself – in the very same room we were booked into!
That sense of history and family connection is woven into the hotel.
There’s a big focus on community, too, especially with their love of cats.
The owners actively look after local strays, and her mother even sells small handmade cat-themed crafts at reception to raise funds for their care. We’re cat lovers, so this made us smile instantly.
The reception area doubles as a small bar and lounge with a pool table and a light menu. It can get a little hot inside, but it’s a cozy place to hang out if you’re not by the pool.
Overall, Michalis feels less like a corporate hotel and more like staying at someone’s welcoming family home.
Location & Convenience
The property is located about 15 minutes away from the main action in Kos Town, which means it’s quieter and less touristy.
Just around the corner is a good coffee bar, and within five minutes, you’ll find a grocery store stocked with everything from snacks and toiletries to souvenirs.
A short walk further brings you to the waterfront and a row of eateries, including our favorite discovery: Mavromatis Taverna, which we ended up visiting both nights. We’ll share more on that later.
It’s worth noting that while everything you need is within walking distance, if you want to explore the rest of Kos, you’ll want to plan for taxis, a rental car, or bikes.
How to Get There
Getting from the ferry terminal to Michalis was trickier than expected. The taxi rank isn’t right outside the port.
Instead, you need to walk about 5–10 minutes along narrow pavements, dodging bicycles, until you reach a roundabout where an unassuming sign points toward the taxi stand.
Here’s the catch: Kos has only 72 taxis on the entire island. During peak times, expect long queues with no shelter, no shade, and no seating. We personally waited almost an hour in the blazing sun before getting a ride.
Thankfully, the hotel explained this to us on arrival and suggested booking our departure taxi straight away.
That advice saved us a lot of stress, and we strongly recommend future guests do the same.
Room & Amenities
Our second-floor studio was functional but a little dated. The bathroom was clean but basic, with a tiny shower tray and a curtain that didn’t quite do its job.
The main bedroom was simple, with fairly firm beds and, thankfully, well-working air conditioning.
The real perk was the balcony – a relaxing spot where we enjoyed sitting out and soaking up the Kos sunshine.
The small kitchen came with a fridge and a two-plate hob, enough for light cooking if you’re staying longer term. Just be aware it’s equipped with only the basics (cutlery, plates, bowls), and there are no extras like condiments.
The heart of Michalis isn’t the rooms, though – it’s the outdoor pool area and the bar. We loved being able to grab a club sandwich or their “special pizza” (both surprisingly good!) and relax poolside.
The prices are reasonable, but note that the bar closes at 4 pm and the pool shuts at 7 pm, which we found a little early.
Tips for Future Guests
A few things we learned during our stay that will help you make the most of Michalis Apartments Studios.
● Book your taxi in advance. Don’t wait until departure day – they fill up fast.
● Embrace the cats. They’re part of the Michalis charm, and one even tried sneaking into our room after we gave him some attention.
● Bring some cooking basics. Salt, oil, and condiments aren’t provided.
● Plan your evenings. With the pool closing at 7 pm and the bar at 4 pm, you’ll want to head out for dinner or explore the town afterward.
● Don’t expect modern luxury. Michalis is clean, comfortable, and welcoming, but it’s not about sleek design.
Breakfast & Bar
While there isn’t a set breakfast buffet, the bar menu offers snacks and light meals during the day.
We sampled their club sandwich and house pizza, both tasty and filling, and a good option if you want to stay poolside.
Just be aware that the bar closes mid-afternoon, so plan to grab drinks or food earlier in the day.
Exploring Kos
Kos is full of history, beaches, and scenic spots. Here are some top places to add to your list:
Kos Town & Ancient Agora
Explore ruins, historic sites, and the lively town center of Kos.
Asklepion
The ancient healing center, dedicated to Hippocrates, the father of medicine.
Places to Visit Nearby
● Mavromatis Taverna – Our standout dining spot, right on the beach. Over two nights, we tried lamb chops, kleftiko, pork ribs, shrimp cocktail, and more.
The food was excellent, portions generous, and service outstanding. Highly recommended for sunset dinners.
This family-run, super spot was so good, we even wrote a blog about it! Check it out for our full review:
👉 Mavromatis Taverna – Celebrating Leon’s Birthday with Authentic Greek Flavors [coming soon]
On the way to Mavromatis, check out:
Bikers Coffee Bar
Just around the corner, a good spot for your morning caffeine fix. The staff here are super friendly, and while no breakfast is served, there is a selection of snacks and treats.
Bam Bam Grocery Store
Just a short five-minute walk away, this supermarket is very handy for stocking up on essentials. It almost seems to go on forever, and genuinely has a bit of everything.
Personal Highlights
Our stay at Michalis Apartments Studios wasn’t just about the room; it was about the little moments that made the experience memorable.
● Leon’s birthday celebrations made our stay extra special.
● The warm welcome and personal stories from the owner.
● The cat-friendly ethos – a lovely touch that added to the homely vibe.
● Poolside afternoons with snacks and drinks.
● Sunset dinners at Mavromatis Taverna.
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Our Experience Rating:
Michalis Apartments Studios
We’d give Michalis Apartments Studios 3.5/5.
The rooms could use updating, and the early bar/pool closing times were a letdown. But the friendly service, welcoming family atmosphere, and the personal touches made it memorable – especially for a birthday stay.
⪢ Hotel Key Features
Michalis Apartments Studios may be simple, but it offers plenty of character and convenience for guests who value warmth over luxury.
● Family-run atmosphere with a personal touch
● Outdoor pool with loungers
● Pool table and lounge/bar area
● Cat-friendly, with a community care initiative
● Self-catering kitchen facilities
● Balcony rooms available
FAQ: Michalis Apartments Studios
Before booking, you might have a few questions about Michalis Apartments Studios. Here are the ones most travelers ask.
Does Michalis Apartments Studios have a pool?
Yes, there’s an outdoor pool with loungers, open until 7 pm daily.
Can you cook your own meals?
Yes, rooms come with a small kitchenette, fridge, and hob. Just bring your own basics.
How far is it from Kos Town?
About a 15-minute walk from the main action.
Is it good for long stays?
Yes, the kitchens and grocery store nearby make it practical for longer visits.
Do they accept pets?
No, but the property looks after local cats, and you’ll likely encounter some.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, with a pool, casual dining, and a welcoming environment.
Helpful Links
If you’re planning a trip to Kos, these links will help you get organized, book transport, and find the best places to stay.
● Kos Island Official Tourism Site: The official page with maps, events, and travel information.
● 12Go Transport in Greece: Compare and book ferries, trains, and buses across Greece.
● Kos Hotels Map: See available hotels and apartments in Kos with live pricing.
● Our Greece Travel Hub: Essential tips, guides, and blogs from our travels in Greece.
● Closer Lives Travel Resources Hub: Explore our handpicked tools for eSIMs, insurance, flights, and more.
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