Astir Odysseus Kos Resort & Spa is one of the most popular high-end properties on the island of Kos, and many travelers heading to the Dodecanese want to know one thing before they book: is it truly all inclusive, and what exactly does that mean in practice?
The answer is that Astir Odysseus does offer a genuine all inclusive plan, but it also sells half board packages and room rates without the full range of extras. Understanding the differences between these board types and what is actually included can help you decide whether the all inclusive upgrade is worth the extra cost for your style of vacation.
Is Astir Odysseus Kos Resort & Spa All Inclusive?
Astir Odysseus Kos Resort & Spa operates as a hybrid resort, with both half board and all inclusive options available across its 337 rooms and suites. The hotel is not exclusively all inclusive in the sense that every guest is automatically on that plan. Instead, all inclusive is a higher room category or add-on that you will see clearly labeled when you price your stay with tour operators or online travel agencies. If you book the cheaper half board or bed-and-breakfast rates, you will not have access to the full all inclusive benefits.
The all inclusive package here is a classic European resort model. When you book an all inclusive rate, your buffet meals, most snacks, a wide selection of drinks and many on-site activities are bundled into the upfront price. There are some important exceptions, such as premium-brand alcohol, certain à la carte dining experiences, spa treatments and motorized water sports, which remain extra. Guests who choose half board typically get breakfast and dinner in the main buffet restaurant, pay for drinks outside the basic inclusions, and pay full price for lunch and à la carte venues.
For travelers comparing hotels across Kos, it is worth noting that Astir Odysseus positions itself as an upscale, family-friendly resort with all inclusive available rather than a mass-market all inclusive complex where nearly everything on-site is free. The emphasis is on quality of food and facilities, with all inclusive designed to simplify spending and encourage guests to stay comfortably on property rather than to strip out every possible extra charge.
Board Options: All Inclusive vs Half Board
The two main board options at Astir Odysseus are half board and all inclusive. Half board includes breakfast and dinner in the main buffet restaurant, usually with a generous spread of hot and cold items, salads, grilled meats, local Greek specialties and international dishes.
Drinks with meals on half board are more limited and many alcoholic and branded drinks are charged to your room. You are free to eat lunch at the resort’s restaurants or snack outlets, but you pay from the regular menu, sometimes with small discounts depending on the package or promotion.
The all inclusive plan builds on that foundation by adding lunch, daytime snacks and a broader range of beverages throughout the day. It typically covers all buffet meals in the Achilles main restaurant, selected snacks at pool and beach outlets, local and some branded alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, coffees and teas. Guests on all inclusive usually receive at least one included dinner at Agos, the resort’s more casual à la carte restaurant, subject to reservation and availability, while the fine-dining Ithaka restaurant remains a paid experience even for all inclusive guests.
A good way to think about the difference is to imagine how you plan to spend your days. If you expect to spend most of your time off-site exploring Kos Town, visiting other beaches or taking boat trips, half board might be enough, as you will likely eat lunch out. If you prefer to base yourself at the resort, linger by the pools and beach and enjoy drinks throughout the day without constantly thinking about the bill, the all inclusive upgrade typically makes more sense and can represent better value.
Because rates and inclusions can vary slightly between operators and seasons, it is wise to double-check whether your chosen package is clearly labeled as all inclusive or half board when you book. If you arrive on half board and change your mind, previous guests report that upgrading to all inclusive at reception is often possible, with the supplement priced per person per day.
What the All Inclusive Package Typically Includes
The core of the all inclusive concept at Astir Odysseus is food and drink. All buffet meals in the Achilles main restaurant are included, covering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast tends to feature a mix of cooked items, an omelette or egg station, pastries, cereals, yogurts, fruit and cold cuts.
Lunch and dinner rotate through Greek specialties, international dishes and themed nights, with salads, grilled meats, fish and vegetarian choices. While buffet style can sometimes become repetitive, many recent guests comment favorably on the variety and quality, especially at dinner.
Beyond the buffet, all inclusive covers many snacks and light bites at the pool and beach bars, which may include items such as sandwiches, salads or simple hot options depending on the day and season. Soft drinks, filtered coffee, tea, local beer, house wines by the glass and a selection of basic mixed drinks and spirits are generally part of the included list.
There is also an important perk at this resort that stands out compared to some competitors: in many all inclusive rate descriptions, the in-room minibar is stocked with beverages and included, although premium brands or specific items could still carry a charge.
On the activity side, the all inclusive plan includes use of most sporting facilities and participation in organized activities run by the animation team. This typically covers access to multiple outdoor pools, the indoor pool for hotel guests, tennis courts during daylight hours, beach volleyball, the climbing wall and fitness classes such as aqua aerobics. Non-motorized water activities may also be available during the season. Children’s club activities and playground access are included, although babysitting services outside regular kids’ club hours are charged extra.
It is important to understand that all inclusive does not mean every experience on the property is free. Premium cocktails, imported top-shelf spirits and extensive wine lists are usually not fully covered, though there is often a discount compared to walk-in pricing.
Motorized water sports, excursions, bicycle rentals and spa treatments, including use of certain spa facilities without a booked treatment, are typically charged separately. However, for many guests the included meals, drinks and amenities are more than sufficient to enjoy a week without feeling nickeled and dimed.
Restaurants, Bars and Dining Upgrades
Astir Odysseus has a small but varied dining scene built around three main restaurants and several bars. The Achilles main buffet restaurant is the hub of daily dining, serving all three main meals for both all inclusive and half board guests. Expect a bright, resort-style setting with outdoor seating options and rotating themed evenings. Breakfast can be busy at peak times but the service is generally efficient, and there are made-to-order stations for eggs or pancakes in addition to standard buffet fare.
Argo is the resort’s more relaxed, poolside or beachfront venue that often serves as the primary lunch spot. For all inclusive guests, Argo typically offers a buffet lunch included in the package, sometimes alongside a menu of freshly prepared à la carte items available either free or at reduced prices depending on your board basis and current policy. Half board guests can dine here at regular menu prices. Because of its position close to the water and pool, Argo is popular for mid-day breaks, drinks and informal dinners when offered.
Ithaka is the signature à la carte restaurant, often described by guests as the setting for special evenings, anniversaries or romantic dinners. It focuses on more refined Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, plated dishes and a higher level of service, often with sunset views towards the sea.
Even for all inclusive guests, Ithaka generally sits outside the standard package, meaning food and drinks here are charged separately. Some direct-booking promotions or top-tier suites may include a credit or one complimentary dinner, but this is not the norm and should not be assumed without written confirmation in your reservation details.
The resort’s bars include a lobby bar, pool bar and beach bar. For all inclusive guests, house wines, local beers, soft drinks, basic spirits and many standard cocktails are available throughout the day and into the evening, subject to daily operating hours.
Branded international spirits and more complex cocktails are sometimes included and sometimes attract a supplement. Guests on half board can of course use all bars but pay per drink. Astir Odysseus often provides an on-site app that lets guests order drinks directly to their sun loungers, an increasingly popular feature for all inclusive properties seeking to add convenience without compromising service.
Rooms, Families and Who All Inclusive Suits Best
With a range of room types from standard doubles to family suites and bungalows with sharing pools or private pools, Astir Odysseus appeals to both couples and families. Many families choose all inclusive because it makes it easier to manage children’s constant snacking, soft drinks and ice creams without worrying about the daily bill. The kids’ club, playground, wading pools and shallow areas of the lagoon-style pool all make this an inviting environment for younger travelers, while the main restaurant’s buffets ensure even picky eaters find something they like.
Couples, particularly those traveling outside school holidays, often have a different calculus. Some prefer half board so they can explore dining in Kos Town and nearby villages and use the resort primarily for breakfast, dinner and relaxation. Others enjoy the freedom of all inclusive, especially if they plan a low-key week focused on the beach, pools and spa. For honeymooners and special occasions, upgrading to rooms with sharing pools or private pools can make the resort feel more exclusive, though these room upgrades are a separate cost from the all inclusive supplement.
The all inclusive plan is likely to offer the best value if you anticipate spending the bulk of your time on-site and consuming several drinks a day, whether that is wine with lunch and dinner, poolside cocktails or evening digestifs at the lobby bar. If you tend to drink little alcohol, are happy with water and coffee, and want to eat many lunches or dinners off property, half board may deliver better overall value. Some guests start with half board and, after a day or two of tallying lunch and bar bills, find that upgrading to all inclusive saves money while eliminating mental arithmetic.
It is also helpful to consider the season. During hotter, busier months, when you are more inclined to stay near the pools and beach and drinks flow more freely, all inclusive can be particularly attractive. In shoulder seasons like late spring or October, when days might be cooler and you are more inclined to explore the island by car, half board keeps your options open without paying for inclusions you may not fully use.
Beach, Pools, Spa and Included Activities
Astir Odysseus occupies a beachfront position near Tigaki, with a narrow ribbon of sand and pebble fronting the Aegean. The resort provides free sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach for all guests, regardless of board basis, and all inclusive does not change your beach access.
The sea here has a somewhat pebbly entrance, which some guests love for its clear water and others find less comfortable underfoot. Many guests split their time between the beach and the resort’s standout feature: a meandering lagoon-style pool that curves around part of the property and creates several semi-private swimming areas.
There are multiple outdoor pools, including quieter zones, a more active area where entertainment staff organize games and aqua fitness, and shallow pools for children. Towels, loungers and umbrellas by the pools are free for all guests. All inclusive guests benefit from being able to order drinks and snacks at the pool bar without worrying about per-item charges, which enhances the overall resort feel. Families in particular value being able to provide their children with juices and snacks on demand as they rotate between pools and playground.
The spa at Astir Odysseus is a separate, adult-oriented sanctuary with treatment rooms, an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and hammam. While access to this wellness area is not generally part of the standard all inclusive package, guests on any board basis can book massages, facials and body treatments for a fee.
Sometimes, special packages or direct-booking offers may include limited spa access or credits, but this is promotional rather than core to the all inclusive plan. The fitness center, by contrast, is included for all guests and features a mix of cardio and strength equipment sufficient for vacation workouts.
Sports facilities, including tennis courts, beach volleyball, a climbing wall and organized group activities, are part of the resort’s broader leisure offering and are usually included in the room rate whether or not you are all inclusive. There may be modest charges for floodlit tennis in the evening or for private lessons. Non-motorized water sports, when available seasonally, are sometimes free for a set period each day or offered at reduced rates. Motorized water sports, external bike rentals and off-site excursions are almost always extra.
How to Decide if All Inclusive Is Worth It
Deciding whether to book Astir Odysseus on an all inclusive plan comes down to your travel habits, budget and expectations. Start by estimating how much you typically spend per day on food and drink when staying at a resort. Consider three meals a day if you do not intend to go out, plus a few coffees, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Compare this rough daily total with the price difference between half board and all inclusive for your dates. Because all inclusive also rolls in snacks and some leisure activities, the breakeven point is often lower than many travelers initially assume.
Another factor is how you like to explore destination cuisine. Kos Town, about an eight-minute drive away, has a good selection of tavernas, seafood restaurants and bars. If your vision of a Greek island holiday includes long evenings at family-run tavernas on the harbor or tasting menus at independent restaurants, then tying yourself to resort-based all inclusive might feel restrictive and financially wasteful. In that case, half board or even bed and breakfast might suit better, freeing your budget for external dining.
On the other hand, if your priority is simplicity, minimal daily decision-making and the comfort of knowing your core holiday costs are locked in upfront, all inclusive delivers peace of mind. This can be especially appealing for families with teenagers who snack frequently, multigenerational groups trying to avoid awkward bill-splitting conversations, or couples who want to relax without constantly signing checks.
Because Astir Odysseus is relatively self-contained and there is not much within a short walk, many guests naturally end up eating and drinking most of their meals on-site, which increases the value of all inclusive.
Ultimately, there is no single right answer for everyone. Some guests book half board and decide mid-stay that they would have preferred all inclusive once they see their running tab. Others book all inclusive and still go out to Kos Town a couple of evenings, regarding the occasional extra spend as part of the holiday. The key is to understand clearly what each plan offers, read the fine print of your chosen package and make a realistic assessment of how you are likely to use the resort’s facilities.
The Takeaway
Astir Odysseus Kos Resort & Spa is not an automatic all inclusive resort, but it offers a well-developed all inclusive plan alongside half board rates. All inclusive here means that your main buffet meals, snacks, a broad selection of drinks and most on-site activities are covered in the upfront price, significantly reducing day-to-day spending decisions. Half board provides breakfast and dinner at the buffet, leaving lunch, most drinks and à la carte dining as optional extras.
For guests who intend to spend most of their time at the resort, relaxing by the pools and beach, enjoying several drinks each day and making full use of the facilities, the all inclusive option often represents good value and an appealingly seamless experience.
Families in particular benefit from not having to monitor every snack or soft drink. Travelers who plan to dine frequently in Kos Town or explore the island extensively may prefer half board, using the resort as a comfortable base while keeping more of their food and beverage budget flexible.
Whichever plan you choose, Astir Odysseus combines an attractive beachfront location, multiple pools, a competent spa and family-friendly amenities with a level of service that many guests rate highly. The crucial step is to read your package details carefully before booking, so you arrive with clear expectations about what is included, what is extra and how that aligns with the holiday you intend to have on the island of Kos.
FAQ
Q1. Is Astir Odysseus Kos Resort & Spa fully all inclusive for every guest?
Not automatically. Astir Odysseus offers both half board and all inclusive packages. Only guests who book an all inclusive rate receive the full range of included meals and drinks, while others are on half board or different board types.
Q2. What meals are included in the all inclusive package?
The all inclusive plan typically includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner in the Achilles main restaurant, plus selected snacks during the day at designated outlets such as the pool or beach bars.
Q3. Are drinks included for all inclusive guests?
Yes, a wide range of drinks is included, usually covering soft drinks, filtered coffee and tea, local beer, house wine and a selection of spirits and cocktails. Premium-brand alcohol and certain specialty drinks may carry a surcharge.
Q4. Is the minibar in my room free on all inclusive?
Many all inclusive rate descriptions indicate that the in-room minibar is included, often stocked with soft drinks, water and sometimes beer. Exact contents can vary, so it is best to confirm what is covered at check-in.
Q5. Are the à la carte restaurants included in the all inclusive plan?
Casual venues like Agos may offer one included visit or discounted dining for all inclusive guests, depending on current policy, but the fine-dining Ithaka restaurant is generally not included, and meals there are charged separately.
Q6. Can I upgrade from half board to all inclusive after arrival?
In most recent seasons the hotel has allowed guests to upgrade to all inclusive at reception, subject to availability, by paying a per-person, per-day supplement. Prices and conditions can change, so you should ask the front desk on arrival.
Q7. Are spa treatments and spa access included in all inclusive?
No. Spa treatments, and often access to certain spa facilities such as the hammam or whirlpool without a booked treatment, are charged separately for all guests, regardless of board basis. The fitness center, however, is included.
Q8. Do children get good value from the all inclusive package?
Families often find all inclusive very convenient because children can enjoy multiple snacks, soft drinks and ice creams without parents worrying about a growing bill. Kids’ club activities, pools and playground access are also included.
Q9. Are beach sunbeds and umbrellas free for all inclusive guests only?
No. Sunbeds and umbrellas by the pools and on the resort’s beach are free for all hotel guests, regardless of whether they are on all inclusive or half board. The main difference is that all inclusive guests do not pay for most drinks ordered while relaxing there.
Q10. Is all inclusive still worthwhile if I plan to eat out in Kos Town?
If you plan to dine out several nights and spend much of your day away from the resort, half board may be more cost-effective. All inclusive tends to be best value for guests who expect to eat most meals on-site and enjoy frequent drinks and snacks at the hotel.