Marathon Beach Resort

A 74-room resort on the coast of Nea Makri, Marathon Beach Resort is built for days divided between the water, the pool and a meal that does not require a complicated expedition. You can move from beach to bar, then back to an air-conditioned room with a minibar when the Greek sun has done its work.

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian are spoken by the hotel team, which is useful when you are discussing an airport transfer, a late meal or the practical details that matter more than decorative hotel language. The setting is lively rather than monastic, with a cocktail bar, a pool bar, a disco and restaurants on site.

You are in Nea Makri, Greece, at 12 Poseidonos Avenue. The resort sits on the seafront, with direct access to a sandy beach equipped with sun loungers and parasols. The sea is about 0.03 miles away, so reaching the water does not require a taxi, a timetable or an expedition worthy of a misplaced pair of fins.

The town centre is only a short distance away, while the surrounding area gives you access to Rafina Port, the Athens Concert Hall and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Athens International Airport is 14 miles away, placing the resort within a practical arrival range for a Greek break that does not begin with half a day on the road.

The accommodation runs from simple rooms with shared bathrooms through private-bathroom rooms, suites, villas, cottages and bungalows. That range matters here: you can keep the arrangement straightforward for a solo stay, choose a double room for two, or move towards a family room or suite when you want more room around the people and luggage.

For a couple, a standard double with sea view brings together a private bathroom, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a minibar, a safe, a television, soundproofing and the practical extras you would expect for an uncomplicated night. Several double and superior categories add a balcony, while some rooms look towards the sea, pool, garden, water or town. The view is therefore part of the room choice, not a detail to leave to chance.

Suites and family suites carry a more substantial list of comforts in the categories where these are provided: air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, television, Wi-Fi, towels, toiletries and, in some cases, bathrobes and slippers. Selected family accommodation also includes a desk and soundproofing. Check the individual room card carefully, because facilities vary by category and the resort also includes rooms with shared bathrooms.

Breakfast is served as a buffet at the Pool Restaurant from 7:30 to 10:00, with local and international choices. The same poolside setting works for a coffee before heading out or a slower start when the sea can wait a little longer; the restaurant also offers breakfast in the room.

Lunch and dinner are covered by the Greek Taverna, open from midday until midnight, while Bayside Restaurant focuses on dinner outdoors, under the palms and candlelight, with international cuisine. Two bars keep the evening options clear: The Bar is a cocktail bar overlooking the marina, and the Pool Bar serves drinks, casual food, bites and cocktails through the day and into the evening.

Room service runs from 10:30 to 22:30, and the resort also has a café and snack bar for smaller appetites. Meal arrangements depend on the rate and room booking you select, rather than following one fixed pension formula.

The salt-water swimming pool is the obvious place for a non-diving day, with a separate children's pool alongside it. The beach is directly accessible and has loungers and parasols, so you can choose between a swim in the sea and a more controlled amount of splashing without leaving the resort.

The Wellness Area offers massages and facial treatments, while yoga and a tennis court provide a little structure for anyone who cannot quite manage a full day horizontal. Bicycle hire, an excursion service and a concierge give you ways to see more of the area, and the garden, terrace and sun terrace are there for the less ambitious plan: sit down, order something cold and let the day pass without trying to improve it.

Families have access to babysitting, a children's play area, a games room and the children's pool. Pets are welcome, and the resort also offers car hire, laundry, dry cleaning, luggage storage and a doctor on request.

The front desk is open around the clock, with check-in from 15:00 to 22:00 and check-out by 11:00. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and private on-site parking is available if you arrive by car. The property also offers luggage storage, concierge assistance, a safe at reception, laundry, dry cleaning and ironing services.

An airport transfer can be arranged with the hotel, either as a private service or a shuttle, and should be organised with the property before arrival. The airport is 14 miles away. Car hire is also available if you want to explore beyond Nea Makri and the nearby coastal area.

The resort accepts cash, Visa and Mastercard. Connecting or adjacent rooms may be available for stays that need them, and pets are accepted. Check the conditions attached to your selected room before booking, particularly where bathroom arrangements, included meals and extra sleeping arrangements are concerned.