Sunrise Resort Hotel

The Sunrise is a well-run complex of small blocks with a central reception/restaurant/bar, all set on a hillside with gorgeous views across the sea to the Turkish coast opposite. The grounds are full of trees and flowering shrubs with gardeners at work daily. Pools are nice - sparkling clean and well maintained, though the pool bar is a little overpriced for the food quality. There is a sauna, jacuzzi and gym next to the pool area though I didn’t investigate. When we went in September there were few Brits and less children, which were pluses in our book. A lot of visitors are Dutch. Rooms are good, we had a basic standard which was very clean and comfortable even though I paid for the deluxe (not sure if this was a hotel or Jet2 error). Staff bring your bags up for you - helpful as some are quite high with lots of steps. Lovely sea views from balcony. Beds are firm but comfortable with spare pillows and bedding in the wardrobe. Bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, tv, tea making facilities (bring your own if you like Tetley type!) and a well stocked mini bar. Rooms cleaned and towels changed daily if you wish. The hairdryer was not working when we arrived and was replaced the same morning when we mentioned it. Air conditioning and WiFi are included unlike many smaller Greek hotels where you pay extra. (Mandatory tourist eco tax is €10 per room per night.) Excellent self service buffet breakfast in roomy restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating options with all you could want - Greek and international: breads, pastries, cereals, yoghurt and preserves, cheese, fruit, salad, hot and cold meats etc etc. Evening meal is also a buffet but rather average - we only used it once (21€pp no drinks included). Useful if you don’t feel like going out but cheaper to buy as half board if you will use it often. However there is a free shuttle minibus 5 times a day to the nearby village Molyvos where there are many very good and reasonably priced tavernas - we especially liked the seafront Triena - and several by the harbour such as the Octopus (very popular) and the Sea Horse. Taxi is 7€ (from the same drop off as the shuttle) if you want to return independently. It’s possible to walk from the hotel to the sea in 10 minutes though it’s a very small strip of shingle, as is the beach in Molyvos - bring beach shoes. The sea is lovely though, clean and warm as it shelves slowly. Sandy beaches are at nearby Petra and Anaxos, and you can catch a ‘village train’ to those, though they are more touristy. Efthalou is said to have lovely beaches but is a 30 minute walk and it was too hot to walk there. Lesvos is lovely! Have no second thoughts about visiting if you are looking for sun, peace and authentic food.