Akti Olous Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: Independent travel, October 06
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Couple, late 50s.
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked in to the Akti Olous for the first 4 nights of our holiday, before touring the east of the island.
Good things about the hotel: smashing situation in a pleasant resort. Very clean, comfortable room, if a bit small. Roof garden with pool. Good swimming and snorkelling nearby.
Not-so-good things: there is now a new building (unfinished) built smack up close to the northern side of the hotel (right side as you look from the front). It's really only a few metres from the Akti Olous, leaving just a narrow passageway between the two buildings. This means that the rooms with balconies on that side now look out on to a blank, unfinished wall that blocks a lot of light and most of the views. You'd still be OK on the south side.
Breakfasts were OK but nothing was of good quality - coffee, juice, butter, yoghurt all seemed to be not quite what they should be. And I think it's about time they asked smokers to sit outdoors while they smoke, rather than in the restaurant. But that's Crete for you.
It was still excellent value for the (internet) price we paid.
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Akti Olous Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook September 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : k beadle huddersfield 50
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
my husband and i have just arrived back from our two week holiday in elounda crete.
We had a fantastic holiday and elounda was the perfect place for us to go for the total rest and relaxation we both needed. The hotel was clean rooms were spotless and were cleaned daily with clean sheets and towels every other day.The staff were very helpful.
We went bed and breakfast which was ample for us although the hotel does do half board. However from what we saw of the evening meal it didnt look too appetizing. We ate out every evening and for the first week walked into Elounda town where we had some tasty meals at Zorbas Place and the Calypso (the calypso was more up market and slightly more expensive. The second week we ate mostly at Thalassomylos which is found if you turn left out of the hotel and walk for about five minutes towards the town. Ask for Niko he is brilliant and we had a fantastic mixed fish platter there which consisted of a greek salad mixed fish platter to share between 2 plate of chips rice and vegetables each ice cream and a carafe of wine all for 30 euros. delicous !!!!!!!!!!!.
We would definately go to Elounda again . Dont forget to go to Spinalonga but book the tickets from the harbour its cheaper than through the tour operator.10 euros each.
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Akti Olounas - Elounda
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : David Eggleston Nottingham 55,55
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Night flights,no good,got to hotel 6am.(totally mullered) Said hello to guy on reception Bang,lights went out power cut for 4 hour's.Went to bed for 2 hr's up for breakfast and to pay for air con (essential)
Hotel super rooftop pool brilliant but beware, parasol's don't protect you from sunburn went 1/2 board meals excellent staff superb maid's clean every day at your convenience very helpful gave us a courtesy room till midnight pickup(free).
Drank most night's in Garden of Eden in town,Owner Mayos really looks after you without being pushy Had lunch one day in Thalassomylos great V.F.M. inc free carafe of wine.
All in all brilliant holiday enough to do without being rowdy.Very picturesque village nice sea breeze (very welcome) 1euro bus ride to Ag Nic very lively Returned home to strict diet
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Alikes Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: First Choice July 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : June & Colin - (53, 53)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Staff at Alikes were very friendly and the rooms kept spotlessly clean. Air con.(Cost 50 euros per week) only in living area not in bedroom. We had a one bedroom apartment to sleep 4 people but balcony only big enough to hold two people at a time. Beware non swimmers and young children pool has no shallow end and is 1.5 meters deep. Having said all that we would stay there again.
We found the tours provided by Victor Zorbas (road just behind Alikes) excellent and much cheaper than those provided by the reps.
Elounda is great for those who like to laze on the beach all day but quite some distance from other parts of Crete is you like to site-see.
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Alikes Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice-may 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : stuart brooks-manchester 39
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
elounda is a great resort with lots of shops beaches arent up to much though there is a great english cafe/bar right next door run by a lovely couple from oldham called oasis food is of a good standard and prices are good for resort.prices for eating out vary so be careful and look out for the fixed price menus some are really good value if hiring a car eagle hire on the main street just behind the apartments give great service at a fair price.if travelling with first choice though be aware that the transfers dont drop at the apartments and you have a bit of a walk with your luggage bear that it mind if you have any trouble carrying or walking other operators manage to get to the front of the apartments but both arriving and departing we were left to get our luggage to the collection point about 300m up hill going home .
alikes are clean well maintained and for greece are very luxurious but on a couple of occasions we had no hot water also pool bar prices are a bit hefty crete is a beautiful island with lots to see so get a hire car and explore theres lots to see
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Alykes Hotel / Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: First Choice - 2007
Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : J.Harrison - Newcastle (68,67)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The staff at the Alykes are very friendly, the rooms are clean. We travelled with First Choice and the drop off/collection point by the bus was a good 4mins,walk down and upto the main road so it you are not of good health be warned. there is no mention in the First Choice brochure as to the drop off.
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Aqua Sol Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: Med Hotels Direct - May 2004 / June 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Stephen Ball - Oldham 38,41
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Girlfriend went to hotel in May 04 with mother and decided to call back me with in june 04.
Hotel has had a bad press in thr past when it was called the Marmin.
It has since been taken over by a company in Cyprus who have done the Hotel up.
We went on an all inclusive package and was given a lovley sea view room even though we asked for an inland view.
We were the only english in the hotel which mainly comprised of French but that was not a problem. The Animation team of meryem,Fanny and Frederick plus others were brilliant. Got us involved in all types of activities. I even beat a French man in the final of the Ping Pong, ( that will teach them for beating us at Football!!).
Even went out with them all in the village on the night Greece won the football. I will not forget that night in a hurray.
Food was a very good standard and i have never seen a chef with a clip board and a food thermometer hovering around before.
Only little complaint was the snack food close to the pool during the day which was limited and not very hot.Other than that, Had a great holiday and would go back again.
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Despina Studios & Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic August 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Joanne Rotherham 55, 49, 45, 43, 40, 40, 16, 16, 16, 16, 12
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Despina Apartments have the best views over the bay of Elounda. The rooms are spacious but the kitchen area and bathroom leave a lot to be desired. We had to stop our toilet from emptying over the bathroom floor even after it had been reported and mended. The views from the balconies more than make up for the lack of luxury. Security of the apartments was a worry for me when I first arrived as you could access one of our bedrooms straight from the stairs via the balcony. Speaking to the rep later she explained that the lack of locks is normal in Crete and there is very little crime, the cars around the harbour all have their keys in the ignition and nobody worries.
Elounda is the type of resort for relaxing. There are plenty of tavernas and bars around the bay with a good mix of food. Prices do not vary greatly from one restaurant to another and are around the same price as in England (although the food is much nicer) Around the square is where the locals congregate in an evening and there are a couple of typically greek tavernas where the local gather to chat and drink.
There is no pressure from waiters to eat in their restaurant, nobody is pushy in the whole town, everything is so relaxed.
I wouldn't want to recommend any places to eat as I think whatever your tastes you will not make a bad choice. Not one of our party had a bad meal in the whole fortnight, not bad for 11 people eating out every meal!
Our party consisted of four teenagers who thought that the place was too quiet for them, although they never arrived home before 4.00am! As parents we felt safe letting them out on their own as we knew the Greeks would not let them come to any harm. Elounda is that kind of place.
We used to spend our days in the Lena bar which had a pool and as long as you buy a couple of drinks from the bar they are quite happy for you to use their pool all day. It is straight across the road from the beach and sunbeds always available even in August.
We booked a boat trip from one of the bars, the best 15 Euros we spent and also hired a car to drive around the island (£70 for four days with air conditioning).
Elounda is the place for a quiet relaxing holiday with no pressure from any direction and I would return with no hesitation.
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Elounda Bay Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
June 2004
Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Hannah, Norwich (50, 50, 23, 20)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This is an excellent hotel which is worth its 4/5* rating.
We went in June and the weather was brilliant for 10 days. The hotel staff are excellent and your room is normally cleaned/tidied twice a day. Numerous fresh towels and beach towels are avaiable so dont bother taking your own. We stayed in a bungalow near the pool but I have heard that the hotel rooms are also excellent (and you can get amazing views from these). The hotel is expensive to buy food drinks from, however when the waitresses come up to you by the pool and deliver your drinks to you it is hard to refuse.
As we were a family of four we did not eat in the hotel (due to expense) but there are loads of restaurants in the town centre and on the walk to the centre. We didnt ever feel the need to get a taxi as the most it takes is 20 minutes right into the centre.
I would definately recommend going here in 2005, my parents have been twice and found the hotel to be brilliant both times.
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Elounda Bay Palace Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: expedia May 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Avril Boyd Killyleagh Co.Down
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just superb from start to finish.
Opted to be collected by hotel at a return price of £116-cheaper than with holiday taxis.Water provided-very welcome !Arrived to sheer luxury and good taste.We stayed in a front sea view junior suite bungalow with shared pool.
The room had a steam room and whirlpool sunken bath with his and hers basins.Roses in bedroom and bathroom and a bottle of wine.Room service is prompt and served with tablecloths,napkins etc.Had a nice salad as it was late.Beautiful weather and the beach with watersports right in front of us.Breakfast served with wonderful seaviews and the scent of flowers everywhere,again service faultless.Couldnt complain about anything(apart from the price!)I think however its worth it.
On return journey a hotel employee checked us in so we didnt have to queque.Wonderful !!!!
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Elounda Bay Palace Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - Date Not Specified
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : 1,35,37,57,57
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Fantastic Holiday. Hotel excellent, service and standards 1st class and wonderful surroundings. Food and drink quite expensive in the hotel,would suggest ordering 1/2 bottles of their Olympia red or white wine as cheaper than full bottles for some strange reason! A very good, reasonably priced taverna within 5 minutes walk from hotel and lots of lovely restaurants in Elounda, approx. 20 mins walk away.
Recommend the Greek night at the hotel (90 Euros per person, but worth it).Our 15 month old daughter thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Hotel ideal for couples and families with young children, but wouldn't recommend it for teenagers.
We will certainly return to this hotel one day!
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Elounda Blue Bay Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: Last Minute.Com /First Choice/Apollo Travel July 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : 30/31
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned in the last couple of days from Elounda Blue Bay, my first time in Greece. I would agree with other peoples comments that this is not a 4* hotel, more of a 3*. The room was very basic but extremely clean, Unfortunately we didn't manage to have a hot shower in the week that we were there!
The room that we had had a partial sea view which was lovely, over Spinalonga island. We had a patio area with table and two chairs so it was really nice to sit out on an evening admiring the view.
We found the hotel pool a little cold, but there was a very strong wind which may have caused this. The pool area had a lovely view over the sea, as did the bar and restaurant.
We only used the hotel pool once but didn't have any problem finding sunbeds. We found a diving centre called Blue Dolphin which is based in a 5* hotel at the other end of Elounda (about £10 in a taxi), called the Grecotel. My partner had several scuba dives with Blue Dolphin which he enjoyed. The beach at the Grecotel is lovely, and there's a nice breeze. Snorkelling of the beach here was lovely, the sea was really clean, warm and lots of fish to see.
We only ate in the hotel once, as we didn't like the food very much.
Elounda itself is a lovely fishing village, with quite a number of restaurants and bars. The hotel is about 20 minutes walk into Elounda. On the way into Elounda there's a restaurant sign posted off to the right up a hill - we went and had a Meze - would definately recommend. I would also recommend walking all the way around the port and there are a number of nice bars and restaurants which are set out on the sea, rather than going to the first ones that you arrive at.
We hired a car for a day and had a ride around some of the island, we went to Agios Nicoliais which is worth a visit. Walk up into town, and there's a lake surrounded by restaurants, we had a very pleasant meal whilst watching the world go by.
One word of warning, as part of our package we had a transfer from the airport to the hotel. This took three and a half hours as Elounda is the last drop off point.
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Elounda Blue Bay Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - July 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Peter, Susan, Jackie, John (58, 56, 55, 52)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Booked a weeks stay at the Blue Bay Hotel advertised as 4 star in the Airtours brochure. Blue Bay Hotel definitely doesn't warrant a 4 star rating, more like a 3 star.
Hotel was spotlessly clean with good room service, although rooms basic, lacked any of the comfort you would normally expect from 4 star. Hotel staff very friendly and helpful.
No entertainment at all in the hotel the week that we were there and very limited seating in the bar/lounge area. Nice pool area but with limited number of sunbeds available you struggled to get a bed somedays.
Food was hit and miss, limited choice for breakfast, evening meal better choice but if you were vegetarian or had spefic dietry needs you would struggle to have a hot meal and just a basic salad choice.
Hotel built into the hillside and is accessd via a steep drive - not suitable for the less able. A nice 25 minute walk along the seafront takes you into Elounda Village which has a variety of restaurants and bars. Worth taking a taxi back to the hotel to save climbing the drive - just 4 euros.
Loved the resort of Elounda but would not go back to the Blue Bay Hotel - not worth paying for a 4 star hotel when you don't get the facilities that you would usually expect for this rate of accommodation.
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Elounda Blue Bay Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: med hotels-sep 2005
Opinion submitted in Feb 2006 by : jane-sheffield (38,32,2)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
I would say the Elounda Blue Bay hotel was probably more of a 3star than a 4. We stayed on a half board basis and the food was good (we are not fussy eaters and enjoy greek food) there was only a couple of nights when we werent keen on anything on the menu, there is a choice although it got a little repetitive on second week. and we always found something for our 2 year old.
The rooms were clean, air conditioning, although a little cramped with a cot.
We mainly went to the beach but the pool area was very nice and we always managed to get a sunbed. We used the indoor childrens playroom quite a few times which my son really enjoyed.
The hotel is situated on a hill which at first we didnt think was too bad as we live on a hill but after walking back from the beach with a buggy & bags it soon became nicknamed heart attack hill my partner would have to have a lay down when we got to our room. But we managed it for 2 weeks and it wouldnt be so bad without a buggy. There is a small beach at the bottom of the hill but the beach is better in Elounda and if you need the toilet its back up the hill to hotel.
Elounda itself is a good 20 minute walk which is a pleasant walk along sea front there is a pavement so no dogding traffic and there was usually a nice sea breeze.
Eloundas main beach was sandy but rocky as you go into sea. Elounda itself was very pretty with plenty of restaurants around the harbour. A childrens playground which they were in the process of updating and lots of shops. Although we were half board we had a couple of meals in Elounda which were excellant about same price as home.
All in all we had a good time and i would go to Elounda again but perhaps to a hotel a bit more central
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Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites - Elounda
Operator and Date: Amatheus - 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Caroline Vaughan - Surrey (48, 42, 14, 10)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
It was vastly over-priced and in our opinion should not be listed as a 'Small Luxury Hotel of the World'. We have stayed on many luxurious holidays, but hearts sank on arrival here. Complaints were made by 10 people in our fortnight of staying. It is on a steep hillside so one needs to be fit if staying there, to cope with the slopes and steps.
The restaurant Manager bent over backwards to help us during our stay, but the restaurant, bar pool area is short-staffed. No one was at the bar most of the time and you had to hunt someone down for a drink or if you needed a fresh towel later in the day. The rug in our Suite had squashed dried-in fruit on the corner which remained there for two weeks. Our hairdryer broke in the bathroom, not to be fixed (although was replaced with a spare). An air conditioning unit leaked all over my daughter's shoes. The bathroom floor flooded and I cleared it with the white dressing gown provided, which was never replaced.
One night we were told we couldn't have room service because there was a gourmet dinner in action. The food in the evenings was excellent though which we really enjoyed if we decided not to venture out. All in all accommodation not worth £8000 for two weeks. Two out of ten.
Elounda was fun. We hired a car and explored round the island, but did personally feel that two weeks was too long. It lacked the character to the east and middle of the island that other prettier places in Greece have. The taxis coming out of Elounda at night are very few and a long queue of people waited in the evenings (one night about 60 people) we were given a lift home by the Manager of the taverna we ate in one night ! If I compare this to the 'Cliff Bay Hotel', which is almost half the price and the most wonderful luxurious place, it completely baffles me.
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Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites - Elounda
Operator and Date: independant - october 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : chris 46,35,11months
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Elounda Gulf Villas and suites
Date visited October 2004
The suites consist of 3 rooms, Bathroom, bedroom and lounge area. The rooms are very clean and the quality of the furnishings are high. The lounge has a small table, with 4 chairs, and a settee. There is a small sink and microwave, hidden in a large cupboard in one corner of the room. Just enough to make up food for a baby, or heat up a snack. TV/Cd player. TV is via satellite, and is the usual poor mix of channels that you get in most Mediterranean hotels. The bed is about 5ft wide, and very comfortable.
The bathroom is very impressive. There is a his and hers wash basin. All marble surfaces. A shower area, separate bath, with jacuzzi, and loo. The bath is very slippery, so if you are bathing a child, you will need a bath mat. Showers are powerful and hot. There is also storage for your case and some clothes. A little short on storage space. The bathroom entrance is in the bedroom. There is also a small balcony. A room on the first or second floor is the best choice, then you get a very good sea view.
There are only 10 suites, so you will not see many people at breakfast or by the main pool. They are very quiet. Feels 'exclusive'. This complex does not have access to a beach. You are up a hill side, near some other large, but quiet hotels. The gardens are maintained to a high standard. The main pool, has a small waterfall and kiddies section. Beautiful to look at. The restaurant is expensive compared to others in Elounda. The quality of the food and service is very high. In England it would deserve a star of some kind. You'll appreciate the restaurant better if you eat in Elounda for a few nights. They offer a baby sitting service, at 9 euros an hour. You won't need this if you eat in as the suites are very close. The staff are very friendly.
To get a good price here you will need to go through a tour operator, or perhaps, phone them up and negotiate, this won't work at all in August!
The villas
They are not villas, that is , they are not single houses in their own grounds as you would find in France or Spain. They are mostly cleverly designed and well fitted out multi room apartments. Each has its own small swimming pool (not heated) and courtyard area. This area is not completely private, but the design and clever placing of plants means its not overlooked.
The rooms are furnished to the same high standard as the suites, with a few bits of extra furniture. The main double bed is larger. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. There are excellent view of the nearby island and sea.There is a small kitchen with oven, microwave and the usual cooking essentials. The 'executive' villas have their own small gym, with small sauna and steam room and various bits of fitness equipment, which are fun to play with. A/C throughout, adjustable in each room.The villas could be more child friendly than they are. A gate over the bottom of the stairs would be nice. Cots are available. There is a great feeling of space in these 'villas', however, if you planning to stay there , it would be a good idea to look around those 'villas' that are available and choose the one that best suits you, as they are all slightly different.
The area - Elounda is a small touristy town, with a small fishing / tourist port. There are NO beaches of any significance. Plenty of places to eat.
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Elounda Gulf Villas - Elounda
Operator and Date: CreteTravel.COM
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : David Galbraith
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just superb villa.
The villas are clustered but privacy is good.
Most luxurious we have ever stayed in with electically triggered stair lights and far above avaerge furniture and decor.
We visited Toplou monastery at creteTravel's suggestuon which was beautiful, went diving and visited the old leper colony at Spinaloa.
The food at elounda wes always fresh, well presented and a treat.
The children made some good friends with others staying at the villas.
We have also been booked a car and that was smooth.
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Elounda Heights - Elounda
Operator and Date: Kosmar - July 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Denise Grice - Rotherham (50, 45, 42, 42)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from two weeks at Elounda Heights and here are our comments.
Elounda itself is a beautiful place, with a mix of tourist and locals. It has a picturesque harbour, clock tower and church with a mix of restaurants and bars surrounding it. The beach is beautiful with water sports and boat trips (Spinalonga is a must and can be seen from most vantage points in Elounda). The sunbeds and umbrellas are 2E each.
Try Babel for drinks (and sports - they show all the football matches etc) and to watch the world go by. Camelot does a mean milkshake after the beach. Try Megaro (first one to the right of the harbour) and Anemomilos (just to the left of the harbour across from the beach), these were our favourite two restaurants - very good value for money and excellent food.
The Elounda Heights apartments themselves are set in a beautiful location with picturesque views, they are clean, modern and well kept in lovely gardens. They have little English touches like kettle, toaster, hairdryer and welcome pack on arrival. The cleaner was the best ever! Twice a week clean towels and bedding, but you never saw her!
On the downside the hill is a real killer! What the brochures don't tell you is that the coach does not take you up the hill and taxis do not like to take fares to Elounda Heights. When we arrived Vangelis and Eddie met us in the square and ferried us to the apartments, every day after that we were mountain goats twice a day up and down the hill. We consider ourselves fairly fit but in the heat of the day we had to stop halfway up for a breather and at night after that extra glass of wine it was two steps forward and one back. It will also ruin your shoes ladies, high heels are a no - it's an unfinished, very steep, slippy track. Although on the plus side it does only take about 15 mins to get to the harbour.
There is no supermarket at the top of the hill, so any provisions have also to be carried back up the hill.
We think because of Elounda Heights' location they are not connected to mains drains which means that YOU DON'T HAVE TO BIN YOUR TOILET ROLL!
We found the pool and bar area lovely, but quite small and unless you were prepared to run out with your towels early then you couldn't get a bed. With there being four of us, the only chance of us getting 4 beds together was on a Saturday when everyone goes on Vangelis' boat trip.
Ann runs a dog sanctuary and there are regularly three dogs running around the complex and they will join you on your balcony if you happen to be around when they're passing. This was absolutely no problem for us but if you are not a dog lover .. Also when we ate in the restaurant at the apartments (which was the most expensive meal of our holiday) the dogs were begging around the tables.
We would definitely go back to Elounda again, but not to the Elounda Heights...although this is only because of the hill.
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Elounda Heights - Elounda
Operator and Date: Kosmar - Oct 2006
Opinion submitted in November 2006 by : Thomson Holidays
- Edinburgh (45,46)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Elounda is a wonderful place, typically Greek, with lots of very good eating places and individual shops. I would recommend hiring a car to visit the surrounding area and the mountains. In October, car hire is very cheap.
Elounda Heights is up a very very steep unfinished road. I am in good health and I found the hill a real slog, especially after a good meal in the village. In my opinion anyone who is not fit could have their holiday spoilt as a consequence of the position of Elounda Heights.
The complex itself is very pleasant with a lovely elevated pool. However, in October the very basic apartment is very cold and dark. I should imagine very cool in the summer.
I would go back to Elounda, but not Elounda Heights.
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Elounda Heights - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - August 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : 36,39
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just come back from Elounda it was a lovely place, we would definately go back again we have been to a few greek islands and this one is definately one of my favourites.
The Elounda Heights apartments are spacious and clean the owners Vangellis and Anne are very friendly people they make you feel very welcome. Vangellis likes to play jokes on you and he likes his raki too my husband got the taste for it and brought a bottle home with him. You must go on his boat trip it is good fun. Anne runs an animal sanctuary for dogs <strays etc> she is also English but has lived there for a long time with her husband Vangellis. It is worth the walk up the hill because the views are great and the hill isn't that bad either. There are some lovely restaurants along the waters edge one of my favourites was The Ferryman the beef stifado was gorgeous there. Spinalonga island is worth takihg a trip to see it was very interesting but go along with the guide because she tells you a lot about what you are seeing.
Steve and Mel.
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Elounda Ilion Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic Holidays - September 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Mick and Chris - North Lincs (52, 54)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This hotel offers two types of accommodation, apartments and bungalows, and is situated approx 20 minutes walk from Elounda town, set back from the sea and built on the side of a hill. Taxi, arranged by reception is 6 Euros each way to Elounda and 10 Euros to Agios Nikolaos, although car hire is recommended.
Hotel:
The view across the bay is breathtaking. The public areas are well-maintained and of a good standard with a unique and charming layout. Possibly not suitable for wheelchairs as there are many steps to negotiate around the complex. Although there is a small children's pool and play area this hotel is geared mainly towards adults looking for a quiet, relaxing holiday in peaceful surroundings. Guests included English, French, German and Greeks and all tastes were catered for in the evening meals which were served buffet-style in two sittings with a choice of 3 seating areas: inside non-smoking, inside smoking and a large outdoor terrace which overlooks the pool and the bay. A BBQ/music evening takes place each Saturday.
There were always free sunbeds available around the pool and never a need to rush to reserve one. The hotel has direct access to the sea via a steep path leading onto a rocky platform with approx 12 sunbeds/umbrellas. The pool bar opens around 11-11.30 am and serves a variety of different meals and drinks; prawns with bacon was a favourite of ours, washed down with iced coffee!
Staff:
From previous experience on other holidays we have found that staff can become jaded towards the end of the season, however this was not the case with the Ilion staff. They were always friendly, cheerful, helpful and witty and would go out of their way to ensure everything was perfect for you, even to the extent of making us breakfast at 3am as we had an early departure flight.
Bungalows:
We paid a little bit extra for the bungalow but felt it was worth the expenditure as it was self-contained, spacious and airy; again with the amazing view across the bay to the islands from the balcony. Direct dial telephone, TV (good ol' BBC World), hairdryer, mini-bar/fridge and plenty of wardrobe space, bedroom area and seating area. You decide yourself when you need clean towels, you just place the dirty ones in the bath and they are exchanged. Only minor gripe we had was the bed, it was set in a concrete base and was a bit lumpy/uncomfortable for us. Can't comment on the other beds in the hotel as we only slept in that one!
Overall:
As a well-seasoned traveller this hotel/holiday was, in comparison to others taken, truly memorable. It might not be the "shiniest" of hotels or have the best beaches in the Med close at hand but the ambience and genuine friendliness of everyone there is unique and therefore priceless.
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Elounda Residence - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - Oct 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Pat Givnan - Liverpool 38
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Ok..I found the hotel Elounda Residence a perfect place to stay.
Pool & views from there were magnificent. Town although down a steep hill ( steeper coming back) was only 10 minutes walk away & really easy to get a taxi. Staff at the hotel were more than helpful..especially Patrick. There is a daily run to the resort & back at 10:00AM & 15:00AM daily. But I truly recommend the walk over the bridge (viewable from the pool balcony) to the island in front. Takes a good 1.5 hr brisk walk, if you're a nimble 38 year old like me, so take plenty of water but well worth it...the sea was so warm & clear even in October.
Also, try the restaurant at Elounda waterside were the water spouts out of pipes...food & service excellent (a cut above the rest as prices will reflect) but out & out fantastic!
All in all 5*holiday (as a seasoned traveller)!
Patrick Givnan
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Elounda Residence - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Elouda Crete
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
The hotel facilities seem very good but on arrival however there was no kettle in the room the pool tables were very old and the felt was like an unmade bed, the tv in the room only picks up cnn news and 24 hour BBC news. The air conditioning is not inclusive which the brochure does not state and is 56 euros a week. Unfortunately this did not work for the first 2 days although we did not get a refund and the attitude of the woman at the hotel reception was very dismissive.
The food in the hotel was basic and overpriced compared with restuarants in Elounda itself.There is very steep hill to climb to get back to the hotel. Taxis are 5 euros. The pool area is very nice and views are excellent. There is no entertainment in the hotel except on saturday night when there is a greek night and barbecue for 12 euros each. The weather reached a massive 40 degrees and was much too hot in August. The tranfer time from Heraklion Airport is 2 hours 30 minutes across very barren mountain landscape. supermarkets are anything but super and vary greatly in price so shop around.
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Elounda Residence - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : George McArthur - Lancashire (49,44,15,13)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
When we booked this holiday the Flight was due to leave Manchester at 8PM travelling with Monarch. Kosmar changed the flight time to 11.45PM and the carrier to EXCEL. Before I go onto review the resort and accomodation I must tell you readers that I would not recommend EXCEL and KOSMAR as they are as much use as a chocolate fireguard.
I had read 1 review (after we booked it)of the Elounda Residence on a German Website which was very critical of the apartments. When we arrived we were given an apartment which was quite frankly pathetic. You cannot usually determine from the outside what the apartment will look like on the inside, you could with this one, it was shabby, the air conditioning control was hanging of the wall and did'nt work. It was horrible.
We did get a move to a slight better apartment which in no way was 4 keys.
We did however have the stunning views over Elounda promised in the KOSMAR Brochure.
The brochure promised an internet cafe which turned out to be 1 old PC which did not work half the time, the pool was supposed to be enormous, congratulations to the photographer for his magic trick.
There was also the promise of video games and a supermarket. Dont make me laugh.
We ate in the apartments 1 evening and the food was poor.
As we had to be out of the apartments at 12 noon and our flight was at 3AM the following morning we paid 40 Euros for a villa for the day. The villa was very nice with its own sunbeds and plunge pool.
We had a 20 stroll from the apartments to Elounda which was pleasant enough, although a bit wearing after a few days. It was a hike back up so we usually got a taxi which were plentyful in the evening but impossible to find at any other time. We were told that this was due to the preference for airports runs etc.
Elounda was very pretty and the trip to Spinalonga a highlight but the restaurants all served the same food which includes frozen vegetables, rice, chips and salad with each meal. In other words the only difference was the meat or fish you had with it. The Greeks have absolutaly no idea about presentation. The food in general was pretty poor especially in a couple of Tavarnas on the front whose names escape me where the food was inedible.
There are a number of cocktails bars in Eounda. I would say we tried a fair sample and did not through the 2 weeks find one which seemed to have any alchohol in it. We did find a British Snack bar called Bees which was Okay.
I have been going abroad for the last 30 years and apart from a disaster in Turkey when my son got Salmanella poisoning at the Kaya Belak this was by far the worst.
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Eri Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: olympic- july 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : karen- wales (48,44,17,17,17
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
the resort is lovely and that is why i have been there four times but this is the first time i have stayed at the eri..there is no air conditioning!- which in heat of 40-45 degrees- was unbearable...
and no safe deposit boxes..
the ground floor accommodation was below path level and everyone that walks past gets a good view into your apartment..
the maid was the laziest person i have ever come across!!she moaned and groaned at the slightest thing and even moaned when we asked for bath towels( you only get one lot for the whole week)..she moaned cos she had to walk to get there and she moaned that my girls weren't up so i said i would clean their apartment( which i did).
she moaned cos the people upstairs had a bit of sand on the floor( we were right by the beach)
anyway- you get the picture..
the bar/cafe just down the road was lovely( the oasis) very handy for having a cold mythos on the way back from the beach..
Elounda is lovely but the eri weren't up to it- sorry.x
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Eri Studios - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - July 2006
Opinion submitted in February 2007 by : Catteralls - Lancashire. (52,45,17,14)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
A good family holiday, but we had 2 studios, 1 ground floor and 1 on 1st floor. Ground floor appartment was not suitable for our 2 teenage boys, Dark, we needed light on at all times, was below footpath level wih no balacony to sit out on. Faced a stone wall, lovely view to left, but view to right was scrap cars, unmade path and lots of wild cats, and no lights at night. Beds only changed once in 2 weeks, maid said they are only changed once a week and towels (2 each,- 1 bath & 1 hand, were changed every 4 days)One son slept in double bed and other son slept in single bed, but maid said only one bed would be changed, because they should have both slept in same bed!!! Beware of the local church services and bells ringing at all hours and services on loud speakers blasting out in early hours of morning, on religious days and Sundays!!!!Beging a long way from the airport,we were one of the first to be picked up, 6 hours before we were due to fly.
Elounda was lovely, plenty of good bars and restaurants, lots of choice to eat out and excellent service in all tavernas we went in. Lovely people.Hired a car from Ag. Nick and saw quite a bit of the island, which was great.Beaches great in that area. Weather was brilliant while we were there, not too hot and a lovely breeze.
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Eri Studios - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic Sept 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Steve Baker -Ilkeston (58'52'54)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Whilst our appartment was roomy,with a balcony,and clean though basic,we would not return to Eri,due to the possability of finding yourself with a ground floor appartment.
During our 2 week stay,whilst we were happy enough,the poor rep was repetedly getting complaints from those on the ground floor.
The main problems being,the "balcony" was alongside a pathway,giving no privacy,and there is barely any window light,making it necessary to have the light on,even in daylight.
Indeed,one poor couple on honeymoon,after one night said if they were not moved,they would go home!
I do not say this as a critisism,but as a caution to prospective clients.As I say,our room was fine.
As for Elounda,I think most people,find it a nice enough place,with a few interesting shops,but the harbour itself suffers from an over-kill of tavernas.
Personaly,I find Ag.Nik a much more relaxed and interesting place to spend an evening,with the 2 best places to eat,undoubtably "La Strada" in town or Taverna Avra on the road into town.
However,those more adventurous,and prepared to drive,for a real Cretan meal,head for the village of Exo Laconia(Off the Kritsa road)and find the taverna"Stavrokakis",its the one covered from end to end with Beganvilia
A "meze" there is a meal you will long remember!
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Eri Studios - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - May 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Jones - Cheshire (30/31)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Went to Elounda for 1 week in May 2005, we arrived at the Eri Studios and was really happy with the studios. They are really clean and spacious and are in a great location.
When you are at the studios there are two roads that you can take into Elounda Sq both take approx 5 minutes and both have great tavernas on them, 1 is the main road into the sq so is busy with traffic, the other 1 is next to the sea and is very picturesque.
We ate out every evening and most nights we tried a diffrent taverna, we did find 1 called MAMS which we went to on 3 occasions and found the food here excellent, you will find this on the main road into Elounda.
The beach is a 10 minute walk from the Studios & is very quiet and very clean.
We both had a great time.
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Eri Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - September 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Steve Marchant - West Midlands ( 55,55 )
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Very spacious 1 bedroom apartment at ground floor level,3 apartments on each of 3 storeys. All equipment and furnishings were in good condition and maid service first class. Well done Maria!
The brochure description states not suitable for disabled, this is due to the walk from the coach down a very rutted dirt path. Having said that, there is a paved road 20 metres from the accommodation to the sea front which leads to the main road into Elounda Square, a 10 to 15 minute stroll.
A small sand beach with large pebbles on the sea bed is 5 minutes walk away or the town beach with sandy beach, showers,toilets,changing rooms is just past the Square in the opposite direction.
The best tavernas in our opinion were;
Mellisos, 2 minutes from the rooms, good food and lovely setting.
Megaro, on the corner of the Square next to Kalidon.
Mams House, On the road into Elounda next door to the Symbol disco.
Nicos, the owner and his staff will provide you with excellent food and entertainment, large portions are the norm and you may well be given a free top up of drinks, fresh fruit salad and a shot of RAKI to finish off with.
Elounda is a wonderfully relaxing place for couples, plenty of shops for the evening stroll and a good choice of bars and tavernas. Finally the highlight for us one day on the beach was seeing a Kingfisher swooping down from a parasol into the waters edge and coming back with his fish supper. Superb!
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Garden Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook- May 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Heather 41, Katy16 Sam 12- Kimpton
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
we arrived fairly late at night so we just wanted to run in the apartment, freshen up and [pop out to get something to eat. I was with my two kids aged 16yrs and 12yrs, they are not very fussy kids but the accomodation was very disappointing. We all know greek hotels etc are very basic, but this was a joke. We had no water in our apartment and not enough beds made up. the whole place stank of mothballs and looked a litle dingy.
But i have to say it did seem better after a meal and a bottle of wine.
In the morning the water came back on so that was fine. I was there two weeks and unlike other guest i had no problems with my hot water supply (Lucky me) The owner was said to be friendly, but i am afriad that i did not find this to be the case, he did not seem to like children and when the kids were in the pool he told them to be quiet several times. this spolit the kids holiday and made me very uncomfortable. On the upside we went in early may and had the pool to ourselves most of the time.
The maid changed the towels regularly (But towels smelt of mothballs too, but did little else, except move all our shampoos etc.
Be very careful of the marble steps by the defunct pool bar as they are very slippy when wet (I had the bruises to prove this)
The beach on the resort is very stony, but a short bus ride away is Ag Nic and that has some nice small beaches. We went on a jeep safari and that was fun, do not bother doing the whole spinalonga bar-b-q thing as it was not very good value. It cost 30 euros and you can catch a boat from the harbour for 8 euros.
resturants are very good in Elounda, we liked Vasso and the one on the corner by the harbour, just before the floating one, Can';t remember the name, but i think it began with M ( Not MaMas)the family that run it are very polite and great with kids. For day tiome snacks try Camelot as they are friendly, clean and good value.
The apartments are very near to the resort with its shop etc, so it is very handy.
Do go on the little train, but make sure you use the cheaper one as it does exactly the same route as the pricey one.
I would not say this is a resort for teenagers as it is a little boring, but on the whole the resort is lovely.
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Grecotel Elounda Village - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- June 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Sarah Varney - Warks (30, 27)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Elounda Village has recently been upgraded from a 4star Hotel to a 5 star Hotel. This is thoroughly deserved. The standard of the accommodation is excellent and the grounds of the Hotel are the best we have seen. The Elounda Village is a large complex, with the reception and main restaurant in the main building. There are at least 4 swimming pools, of varying size. There is a very lovely lido area with a man made beach. There are plenty of watersports available - at an extra cost, quite reasonable though!
The food in the restaurant is excellent - the service totally without fault.
We stayed in room 650, this is a garden bungalow with a totally amazing sea view. I would definately recommend booking a sea view room, as this is what sets this Hotel apart from others!
If you do get tired of the buffet Hotel food, we can recommend the Ferry Man restaurant in Elounda - as this is was definately the best of the best!
A taxi from the Hotel to Elounda is 6 Euros and is a fixed price - a taxi to Aghios Nikolias is 11 Euros again fixed!
You can walk into Elounda, this is fairly flat although can take approx 1/2 hour. I would not recommend this in the midday heat!
There are plenty of 5 star Hotels to pick from in Elounda - having worked in travel for the last 10 years, i can state that the Elounda Village has a intimate setting and is perfect for couples and young families. We will definately return.
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Grecotel Elounda Village - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Lesley & Mike - Surrey (53,62)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We couldn't find a review for this hotel so here goes. The hotel describes itself as 'a luxurious cocktail of captivating views, blissful serenity and Cretan hospitality.' A bit ambitious and fairly accurate - but not the whole picture.
We expected Elounda to be the Porto Banus of Crete but it is in fact just a charming little fishing harbour and very picturesque. There may well be some top class hotels here but the people we saw in town looked like ordinary holiday makers shopping in the usual type of touristy gift shops and eating in very ordinary restaurants.
We did not get off to a very good start here as we had booked a twin
room and got a double. The hotel was full and we couldn't face unpacking
everything only to pack it up again in a day or two when they had
another room - we were only there for a week. When we went to dinner I
was shocked at the amount of flies all over the food in the restaurant.
We contacted Thomson Holidays
and they told us the hotel was aware of the problem
and were calling in professionals to deal with it. We just ate the hot
food. We did not get ill and neither to our knowledge did anyone else -
it was just a bit offputting.
The hotel staff were charming, on the case for us and did their best to be helpful. This was typical,we found, of Cretan people in general who were so lovely and friendly. The island is relatively unspoilt, probably because of it's large size and many areas untouched by tourism.
Thomson Holidays
offered various excursions, only two of which we were
interested in doing - the catamaran to Santorini and the 'select' trip
to Knossos. The catamaran trip didn't run on the Wednesday we were
there, and we were the only people interested in the select trip to
Knossos, so we hired a car. We had intended doing this anyway but as
driving on Greek roads is inviting heart failure, we didn't want to do
it every day.
We drove to Knossos and an English speaking guide found us and said she needed several people at 8 euros each or it would be 120 euros if we had her to ourselves. We hung around but she was struggling to get a group together so we did it ourselves. Knossos is very interesting but although it's hardly the pyramids we would have learnt more with a guide. We took a taxi into Heraklion and went to the museum which was very good but you need good guide books for both.
We took the recommendation of other reviewers to visit Spinalonga, not from Elounda but from Ag Nik on the Venus with Lana the guide. She is English and really knows her stuff. Don't go on any trips other than this one. She makes it all come to life.
The hotel room was spacious and contemporary but curiously had no chair and no drawers. The air conditioning unit was fairly inadequate and needed manual boosting every 15 minutes or so, a real pain if you're there in 40 degree heat in the middle of August. The bathroom was very modern.
This hotel was let down by it's poor public areas. The reception/lobby is the first thing you see, obviously, and was frankly awful for a four star hotel in a major chain. There was no welcoming ambience, no nice chairs to sit in, an awful old cabinet which I think was meant to be an antique medicine chest, but the piece de resistance was the bunch of flowers (which looked like a two quid bunch of chrysanths from a petrol station) stuck on a table.
The restaurant was nice though with lots of plants, cats and flies. I love cats and apparently so did most of the other guests as we were all surreptitiously feeding them. But if you are a cat hater, this is not for you.
The bar, t.v. and seating areas were full of furniture that looked like it was from an old people's home. They need to look at modernising it with sofas, large lamps, decent curtains or blinds and a few pot plants. It needs the House Doctor but even I could improve it! The outside bar area could do with a pergola over it and some climbing plants and outdoor lighting - it was very stark.
This sounds like a whinge fest but the people were so lovely they more than made up for the building's shortcomings. Be warned - this hotel makes the Knossos labyrinth look like a walk in the park. It is full of little flights of steps and nooks and crannies and it was only on the last day I found our room in the grounds without getting lost! It is very picturesque and the pools were great. The 'beach' is tiny but the beach bar has lovely views and the lady called Zia who runs it is the hotel's best asset.
This was not our best holiday (that has to be the Riu Palace in Playacar, Mexico) but it was a nice break. Please, Grecotel, do something about those public rooms!
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Hera Village Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: Sept 2006 (Planet Travel)
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : FB - Wigan
Resort Rating: Below Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hera Village
(Goods)
Freindly staff
Most meals
(not so good)
Loctions (on hill side)
lots of steps (unsuitable for poor walkers,wheelchairs,pushchairs,kiddies,)
beach (800 yrds down an uncovered rd very steap,no sand just a layer of concrete 10ft above the sea, access and egress to the water very hard due to rocky shore)
Pool side (limited beds be early!)
Entertainment (poor)
Taxi's (elonda or Ag Nic beach or town 7 euro's each way, Mallia 40 euro's,)
There is no other entertainment near by (2 miles min)Roadway very busy with no pavement greek law states drivers have right of way on all roads,
If you want a place to just chill and do nothing you have hit the jackpot, For an AI we spent a lot of money on taxi's on going to the beach and town for some entertainment,
Think before you book.
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Hera Village Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: medhotels - 2006
Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : Tom and Jo 52 , 43
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We went on Honeymoon to Hera Village with high expectations of all that Crete had to offer. Boy were we disappointed with Hera Village!!
This all inclusive Hotel was NOT all incusive. The accommodation was very basic to say the least. Food was abominable - with pork on the menu every day, food from lunch time being re-heated for dinner in the evening, and daytime snacks being cold left-over pizza or dry cake! The pool was sea water and not at all clean. The pool bar was dirty and unhygienic.
Our understanding of All Inclusive was certainly not what was offered by this Hotel. The pool bar opened at 10.30am and closed at 6.00pm. This was the only place to get drink in the day time. From 6.00pm until 6.30pm if you wanted a drink you had to pay for it!! The hotel bar opened at 6.30pm and then closed at 11.00pm for free drinks, after 11.00pm everything had to be paid for. Guests were only allowed to order drinks on an individual basis, ie, if you were sitting with a group everyone had to go to the bar for their own drinks. We did try talking to the management and the medhotels rep about this but neither seemed to understand the concept of all inclusive. In fact the only time the medhotel rep was helpful or happy was when we were booking the excursions.
There was no entertainment and for a first time visitor to Greece, I can honestly say that the Hera Village offered no Greek culture at all - not even basic Greek cuisine. The layout of the hotel was very steep with lots of steps which were totally unsuitable for my husband who has walking difficulties. We did read brochures about this hotel before we booked but no-where was it mentioned that there would be so many steps.
The location of the hotel in relation to the actual town of Elounda is such that we spent a lot of money of bus fares and taxis to and from Elound and Agios Nicholaos. We made many friends whilst at Hera Village however, none of them were happy with the faciities provided and all have said that they will definitely NOT recommend it or indeed go back.
All in all the whole episode spoilt what promised to be a wonderful honeymoon; so much so that this year wherever we go we are going to regard it as a honeymoon and try to forget the whole sorry experience.
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Hera Village Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: Medhotels.com - 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Mrs D Price (39,34,34,8)
Resort Rating: Poor
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked this hotel based on the fact that it was a 4* all inclusive hotel. What we got was at most a 2*
The only plus I can honestly say about this place is the views. Absolutely amazing, over looking the sea and Agios Nikoloas.
As for the hotel, well the short version goes like this.
Accommodation was extremely basic, and not all that clean.
The pool was sea water and really quite unpleasant.
The all inclusive drinks very poor, weekest beer I think I've ever tasted, everything else so cheap it had a funny taste to it.
The food, oh the food. In 7 days we never had a hot meal. There was no real choice, the same everyday. We took our 8 yr old nephew with us and basically all he could eat was the bread and a few chips or pasta.
There was no childrens or evening entertainment (It had all finished the month before).
There was meant to be a beach, there is not. Just a very steep walk down to some rocks.
We were meant to be in walking distance of Elounda, we were not. Unless you didn't mind walking along a busy main road for an hour or so.
Basically this hotel on the web site looked amazing, we came away thinking it was amazing for all the wrong reasons. It could be such a nice place, but at the moment it appears like it's about to be permanently closed down or knocked down.
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Irene Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: kosmar july 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : tommy susan cameron- aberdeen (50,49,10)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
got a cheapo from kosmar flying from manchester.Read some bad reports re kosmar and poor accommodation, but delighted with accommodation. apartments spacious,cleaned every day, laundry 2 or three times during 2 weeks, pool area cleaned regularly. bar staff/pool staff very friendly, welcoming and very helpful.one very minor niggle was the balcony which was on the main walkway and very small, otherwise very good accommodation.the rep was good, and was there when she said she would be and asnt pushy about trips,very helpful when asked/needed.
the apartments are about 100 yds from the centre, handy and no noise late at night, excellent location.
Elounda itself is a lovely little village with a very picturesque harbour.nearly all the bars/restaurants are congregated around the harbour area along with the local beach. some good restaurants ,zorbas place,elanis good for breakfast,but a special accolade to the english bar Sea breeze run by barbara and her husband(sorry memory very poor). Being a philistine i find greek food not much cop so i ate here a lot. if you are after brit food this is the place a special mention for the mixed grill which i was struggling with,an unusual occurence. it is a little way out of town but worth it.i would like to thank them for their friendliness and help and the way they took time to play and talk to the bairn, it made him feel good especially when he beat the all at pool.
I would reccommend elounda highly,particularly for couples or families with older kids,not much to do for younger ones, although all the bars welcome them.the garden of eden has some games,free internet,and a toddlers playground out back. it was my sons favourite.
It has been years since we had been to greece and we would go back again,after years of surly,disinterested,and rude spaniards this was a shot in the arm, how holidays should be, with freindly and welcoming people,not just out to grab your cash. speaking of cash,bring sterling with you as you invariably get a better rate in greece.
happy hols
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Irene Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: 2006
Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : Speaking on behalf of about 30 13-20yr olds. well all go there every year.
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Right, well ive stayed in lots of different aparments, the irene is one that i remember well, despite it being about 10 years ago, however lots of my other friends go and stay there now too.
There is no real teenagers review on this website, so i thought i would add one, speaking on behalf of so many other teenagers who i no very well who are there every year too. We have the most amazing holiday there everyyy year, we love it! If you come to elounda theres plenty of people our age and you will get hooked on going to alygos every night [ganenteed] Even after 4 weeks of being there you may think that would be boring and repetivitve, but alygos music bar is really good and the owner is lovely!
There arent to many other bars to go to, but Eden is always good for pre-drinks, but we like to be so classy and by a bottle of something from the elounda market [aww the lady who works there is the sweetest thing!] and drink on the beach. So as u can imagine the beach is nearly as packed at night with us lot as it is in the day.
manos pool is basically the place to go during the day, as well as the town beach. Manos is the best tho, you dont have to pay for sunbeds and there is really friendly staff behind the bar and a good selection of yummy food too. However for exspecially bad hangovers try bar-bee! babel is another bar thats great for early evenings, its got the interent there too, and the musics not to bad, good atmosphere. By about 4.00am, after spending numerous hours around the town, the beach, alygos, eden etc we usually go onto the bar/club at the top of the hill which is pretty dead, we wount lie, but when we're all there it turns out to be fun, bar man is very quick to hand out free drinks to the girls ;) And of course then we have to go to symbols, oppisite that for a bit of kareoke! haha, too much fun!
i can't think of any bad things to say about elounda at all, i go there every year and never get tired of it, everyone i meet there is amazing! seriously!! and despite there being minimal places to go out at night, it just makes it easier to find everyone! If you end up on holiday in this report i can garentee you'll go home with at least 10 new friends you'll love to bits!
Things that arent AS good, too many other little small bars around town, so you will bump into the folks a bit lol... not always too good when you've had too many sambukkkaas!
Elounda is so safe, so even the little ones [13-14] get to come out with us and have a wkd time too!
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Irene Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - August 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Beth - Birmingham (41, 40, 12, 9)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Irene Apts are simple, self catering apartments in the lovely resort of Elounda. They are only a few minutes walk from the main square and the beach and so positioned in an excellent spot!
The apartments were slightly outdated, with cooking facilities being very basic. Simple utensils were also not included and we were lucky that we had brought some of our own items!
Air conditioning was a MUST HAVE, although expensive, definitely worth it! Other residents who had not paid for the air con had been bitten my many a bug thanks to leaving their windows open!
The swimming pool was great for the kids and there were always plenty of sunbeds to go around! There was also a handy pool bar with refreshments and ice creams. There was also a medium sized screen with various football games on.
The resort itself was fantastic with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to choose from.
restaurants we would recommend are 'Zorbas Place', great food and great value for money, 'Ferryman's Taverna', very expensive compared to most other places but lovely food and good portions, 'Megaro', next to the floating restaurant, good value and friendly, very good food, only downside is that the second time we went there we were subjected to a wait of 1.5 hours for our food because of lots of people being in the restaurant. 'Cypriana' and 'Leonardis' were also good although the other 3 were our favourites!
Good bars were the 'Garden of Eden' a quite modern bar with a very friendly and honest owner. They even do kids cocktails! This was definitely our fave! The 'Medeterranian' had a lovely view although it was not open late, (half past 11).
Overall it is a beautiful resort with a good beach with a few water activities and sports. great day trips booked with rep such as watercity and locally booked boat trip to spinalonga, both excellent. we really enjoyed our stay and the locals were very friendly. we would certainly consider going there again, if there was a better flight time.
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Irene Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: Date Not Specified
Opinion submitted in Feb 2004 by : Neil & Carol early 40 somthing's 20's at heart
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Great resort good accommodation bars superb, restaurants fantastic, Having visited Crete a number of times we happend to get a last minute deal to Elounda did not expect that much a i was last minute , but what a suprise we had the place looks like it has just arrived out of the holiday brochure.
As a couple with grown up ish children i would not take small children there as the ammount of things for them to do seemed very limited, did find one bar with a play area at the rear Eden bar opposite the harbour the host's Manos and Elana friendly to a fault as nothing was too much trouble, needless to say spent most evening there just watching life go by (chillin big style).
found a fantastic restaurant too Maxims at the end of the road behind church, very good service and friendly staff Bev fron Stoke the owner and Phil the chef, serve a menu of well cooked european and greek dishes at a price that was so reasonble i dont know how they make a living, if you are like us who will try anything food wise but still like a good breakfast(fry up) Maxims cannot be beat better than home.
All the locals are so friendly we even recived a going home gift of a couple of them, somthing that touched us both deeply, try getting that on the Costa's never happen.Elouna we found to a fantastic base to explore the eastern side of the island, if fact we have already booked this years holiday so as not to miss out on the what we can describe BRILL.
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Kavos Bay Studios/Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic September 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Mark - Exeter 43 & 40
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Elounda is the last drop on the transfer so prepare for 2.5 hr trip,the views from the coach are fantastic though, especially over the hill from ag. nik. to Elounda.
The resort is well developed but still maintains a Greek feel, the restaurants are almost all good one or two are excellent avoid Vachus though it is overpriced for what you get, we most enjoyed the place off the main beach, anemeno something, great food, prices and service with customers who had obviously been back year after year:highly recommended. Beaches are man made and there are loungers on all beaches so not a great place for kids. Spinalonga and Plaka are well worth a visit as is Ag. Nik which is a short bus trip away, buses are good in this region.Kavos Bay is a 20 minute walk from town along a lit path by the sea or a 4 euro taxi ride.
The apartment we had was spacious with good views of the bay and Spinalonga fom the balcony, it IS BASIC and not kept overly clean but bins were emptied every day and the pool area is generally quite mellow.Overall, for a good value package deal I feel most people would have a good time, especially older people, as the resort is flat and not full of loud music and the unsavoury drunken element some other resorts attract, we had a good time apart fom when we rolled the hire car on the way back from Sitia on the main coast road so if you do drive at night be more careful than you would be at home as there are many bends not all signed with arrows and seriously make sure you get a car with abs and airbags.
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Kavos Bay Studios/Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Conisbee Family 54,49,20,17
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had 7 nights at Kavos Bay apartments with Kosmar
This part of Crete is amazing.
The people are friendly and helpful.
Ag. Nic. Has nightlife, shops and beaches and is only a very short drive away.
Elounda is a small pretty village with lots of restaurants and bars (we thought the Ferryman the best). Lots of shops selling everything the tourist needs, from lilos to fur coats!!
There is a fishing boat harbour and an area with ferry boats to Spinalonga island (a must). We had a day trip to the island and on to a BBQ on a beautiful sandy beach, lots of other boats get there too but it was still fabulous place to sunbathe and swim.
We had a car for 2 days and went to Knossos and could not recommend it unless you do some background reading first. If you go use the big coach/car park next to the entrance which is free.
Kavos Bay Apt.:- Position is breathtaking
It is built into the hillside overlooking the bay. Most apartments were high enough to catch the breeze so did not need aircon, which was available in some apartments (at extra cost). We hired a fan from reception which made sleep easy. Our double bed was very comfortable, unusual for a holiday bed. The apartments are clean and fresh towels and bedding were supplied half way through our stay, the bathrooms are small and look well used but everything works and there is plenty of hot and cold water.
The pool area is not large but is a focal point for the residents who come and go all day.
Reception sells necessities and drinks. Costos, the owner/manager, is helpful, if something needs doing it is done quickly.
The 20 min stroll to town is fabulous along a new well lit path by the sea.
Downside:
Nobody would chose to go to Heraklion airport and Charter flights get the most uncivilised flight times but at least it is cooler to be there at night time.
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Kavos Bay Studios/Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - september 2004
Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : julie & stan smith newton-le-willows
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
The resort of Elounda was fantastic, we met loads of nice people, and especially the ex-pat`s we met at a quiz held every monday,can`t remember the name of the bar but it was just before you got to the main bars/restaurants etc.
They made us feel very welcome.
I would highly recommend a trip to Spinalonga, very interesting place.
I would strongly recommend a car aswell, as there are so many lovely places to vist.
The only down side was the accomodation, although we had a breath taking view of the island of Spinalonga, the studios were very small, not what we are used to but adequate.
The cleaning was much to be desired.
Also it would have been nice to have air con in the rooms as at night time it was very uncomfortable with the heat, and the constant buzzing of flies, and crickets which were attracted to our particular studio as we had the window open all night.
Apart from that i would strongly recommend Elounda, not affected by too mush tourism, But I would not recommend the accomodation.
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Kavos Bay Studios/Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - June 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Gillian - Newcastle (32)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Kavos Bay is set in the most gorgeous location imaginable. All Apts have a sea view and look out onto Spinalonga and the Bay. The pool is small but big enough to cool down from the intense heat. All of the staff are very friendly and the grounds are kept immaculate. The only downside is the owner is not around all day and therefore the shop is not always open. Also there is no longer a bar/cafe as the brochure states.
It's a 20 minute walk into Elounda along a winding path by the side of the sea. A beautiful walk but can be a bit scary as the cars drive extemely fast. A note to remember, if you book with Kosmar and there are 4 you, you get a free hire car for the duration of your holiday.
I found the resort extremely friendly. The best bars in towm are Friends. All the staff are lovely and Dimitris makes a mean cocktail and Alygos is also great for a late drink and a bit of a dance.
We ate in a different restaurant every night and can honestly say, every meal was excellent.
Although I went with a couple of people older than me and had a laid back time, I am already booked up for June 05. This time with 4 girls all around my age and I can't wait.
All in all I think Elounda has something for everyone. It's hot (mid thirties in June), friendly, fun and an all round great resort.
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Krini Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic June 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Chris bellwood Cannock staffs
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Had agreat stay at the Krini staff friendly Beer very drinkable
roooms abit small. Buffet food can be repetative after awhile but is well worth it for the price.
Town small can be looked round in 1 hour but enough there to keep you happy look out for the online internet cafe nice place Best toilets I have ever used abroard.
Chris Sharon and Jake.
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Krini Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic may 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : jill lornie
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had a wonderful time staying at the Krini. Anna was friendly and welcoming George Anna's husband didn't seem to do too much. Irini who works in the restaurant and reception during the day was exceptionally friendly and helpful. Manolis the night barman was friendly and the service was quick but keep him away from the bingo he won quite a few games and is now hooked.
The food was excellent.
Breakfast was a buffet with choice of cereal, salad, fresh bread , toast, jam, eggs (one day boiled next day scrambled) some days baked beans, Greek yoghurt ,cake, croissants
Lunch was waitress service with fresh bread and choice from Tuna salad, Greek salad, moussaka, spaghetti Bolognese, stuffed tomatoes, egg and chips, cheese omelette .followed by ice-cream
Evening meal was buffet again don't make the same mistake as most people did. Go up for one course at a time or you end up with 2 courses on one plate
Soup (self service )
Salad (self service )
Main course (served by Anna) veg., potatoes, pasta or rice, various meat each night including pork chop, chicken, meatballs, lamb, beef stew
Home made Greek dessert (self service)
Ice cream (served by Anna or Manolis (the barman)
Snacks were either Pizza which were really nice (and I don't usually like pizza) and toasted cheese and ham toasties.
The Cretan night was good for a laugh and Manolis got up and danced with the dancers.
The rep Sandra did the quiz night didn't go to that so don't know what it was like.
We had bingo most nights but that was because a great group of Scots took over the organising and called it themselves otherwise don't think there would have been any. Thank-you Tam.
Elounda itself is a beautiful place and the view of the bay and the mountains from the balcony is fantastic to wake up to.
A ten minute stroll will take you into the centre of Elounda and the harbour. Excursions are easily booked with the tour agencies in Elounda and are nearly half the price the rep was charging
We booked this holiday 3 weeks before departure and paid £283 each for 2 weeks. Most people seemed to have done the same with a few exceptions that had paid the brochure price. Would I pay the brochure price? No. Was really great deal at the price we paid but would have expected more entertainment for £500+
Pool was vacuumed daily but the bugs were always landing in it. Guests passed on the job of fly fishing but seemed to enjoy it.
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Krini Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic holiday may 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : John and Jill Lornie hampshre
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had a wonderful time staying at the Krini. Anna was friendly and welcoming George Anna's husband didn't seem to do too much. Irini who works in the restaurant and reception during the day was exceptionally friendly and helpful. Manolis the night barman was friendly and the service was quick but keep him away from the bingo he won quite a few games and is now hooked.
The food was excellent.
Breakfast was a buffet with choice of cereal, salad, fresh bread , toast, jam, eggs (one day boiled next day scrambled) some days baked beans, Greek yoghurt ,cake, croissants
Lunch was waitress service with fresh bread and choice from Tuna salad, Greek salad, moussaka, spaghetti Bolognese, stuffed tomatoes, egg and chips, cheese omelette .followed by ice-cream
Evening meal was buffet again don't make the same mistake as most people did. Go up for one course at a time or you end up with 2 courses on one plate
Soup (self service )
Salad (self service )
Main course (served by Anna) veg., potatoes, pasta or rice, various meat each night including pork chop, chicken, meatballs, lamb, beef stew
Home made Greek dessert (self service)
Ice cream (served by Anna or Manolis (the barman)
Snacks were either Pizza which were really nice (and I don't usually like pizza) and toasted cheese and ham toasties.
The Cretan night was good for a laugh and Manolis got up and danced with the dancers.
The rep Sandra did the quiz night didn't go to that so don't know what it was like.
We had bingo most nights but that was because a great group of Scots took over the organising and called it themselves otherwise don't think there would have been any. Thank-you Tam.
Elounda itself is a beautiful place and the view of the bay and the mountains from the balcony is fantastic to wake up to. A ten minute stroll will take you into the centre of Elounda and the harbour. Excursions are easily booked with the tour agencies in Elounda and are nearly half the price the rep was charging
We booked this holiday 3 weeks before departure and paid £283 each for 2 weeks. Most people seemed to have done the same with a few exceptions that had paid the brochure price. Would I pay the brochure price? No. Was really great deal at the price we paid but would have expected more entertainment for £500+
Pool was vacuumed daily but the bugs were always landing in it. Guests passed on the job of fly fishing but seemed to enjoy it.
We are sure you will have a great time here
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Krini Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - 2004 / 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : grahamblackburn-47 60
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
it was a basic 2 star hotel the breakfast was not very good but all the other meals and snacks where good staff work there socks off and the owner was very pleasent .we booked off internet it was £329 each ,we had a very relaxing week when we got there
my mate had told me to get a taxi to the resort as the transfer was about 3 hours i took his advice it cost us 55 euros and took 50 mins well worth it , in a morning the pool had lots of leave and flies some guests got the net and cleaned the away it took about 5 mins no matter how many times you did you could not do anything about as it is surrounded by olive trees we would certainly go there again . take some old trainers or boots to get in and out of sea its very pebbley
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Krini Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: August 2004
Opinion submitted in April 2005 by :
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Although Elounda itself is a lovely place, and well worth a visit steer clear of the Krini Hotel.
Admittedly we got a last minute deal, and didn't pay much, but I would have been even more gutted if we had.
The food was poor the drink served in tiny glasses, and the hotel management were very rude. We had the misfortune of being based in the main block, and were repeatedly woken up by new arrivals banging up, and down the stairs (mainly night flight arrivals) as there was no lift!!
My wife, and I who were always courteous of others had enough in the end of this as well as people coming up at gone 3 am shouting and hollering as they did. We should all enjoy our holidays but this took the biscuit. If I had a child with me I think I may have come to blows with someone before the end of the holiday.
We brought this to the attention of the rep who was about as interested in our plight as she was in getting a toothache.
I would go to Elounda again, but would not go near the Krini Hotel, and my advice to anyone reading this is to avoid it big time!
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Krini Hotel - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Bill Atkins - Ormskirk (49,50,14,12)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
On arrival the hotel looked welcoming, but the rooms were below our expectations, even for a 2 star.In the two weeks we stayed, our sheets only got changed twice and clean towels came every few days which wasn't enough if you like to shower daily. On one occasion, we were without towels for nearly 2 days-problem with the laundry, apparently.
The bathroom was dirty and in desperate need of refurbishment. The shower was cramped and the toilet seat was broken. We had two rooms, and in the next room the toilet seat was missing completely and only got replaced on the third day after several complaints to the less than interested reception staff. The rooms were not once cleaned thoroughly, only the beds made and occasionally if you were lucky the maids half heartedly swept, but no water came near the floors unless you count the leak from the back of the toilet!
The pool area was generally ok, except for all the broken sunbeds which were dangerous. Also the pool was topped up but not cleaned, as you can imagine dirt and insects (and god knows what else) built up at the bottom.The children took great delight in writing their names in the grime that built up around the inside!
Some Parents allowed their children to run around the pool all day noisily,annoying other guests, pushing and shoving each other dangerously into the water, even being sick in the pool, and the management did nothing about it!
The food was fine,although a bit repetetive.The salads were exceptional and there was fresh bread everyday. The evening meals were ok, but the unfriendly staff certainly wiped the smile off your face!It was a bit like having food unceremoniouslly slopped onto your plates by a disgruntled dinner lady. In fact the whole dining experience in the evening was just like queuing up for school dinners.
Most drinks tasted as if they were watered down, except for the wine. Coffee was undrinkable and unrecognisable as such. I think a lot of these things might have gone unnoticed if the owners and some of the staff had been more friendly. We really made an effort to smile and be polite and friendly to them but this was not reciprocated. They seem to have a few favourites amongst the guests, but the majority of us were either ignored or treated in a very dismissive manner.
We had no unreasonable expectations of our accommodation and were prepared to get what we payed for. Our stay at the Krini Hotel was bearable but even for a 2 star the accommodation was below average, and not somewhere that we would revisit. Elounda however is a lovely resort with very friendly people and nice restaurants and we had a good time in the resort bars and eating places!
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Lena - Elounda
Operator and Date: Manos - July 2007
Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Bev - Notts 50, 41, 12
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Spent a lovely week at the Lena in Elounda from 3 Jul to the 10th. Yiannis and his family made us feel really welcome. We had room 12 at the rear with 2 balconies, one gave us a fantastic view of the mountains and from the other (with a bit of neck stretching) we had a side sea view. The room was basic but very clean, previous reviewers have commented on the level of cleaning and I must agree on that point, the bed linen wasn't changed at all in our week and the bins were only emptied twice. However that didn't impact on us whatsoever.
We took a boat trip from the Harbour (10 Eur each) to Spinalonga, yes! I've read the book. However apart from that we didn't venture far, which means we will have to return for 2 weeks next time.
The Lena apartments are located right on the beachfront about 5 minutes walk from the harbour, there were plenty of sunbeds around the pool, but for 2 Eur each you could have one on the beach right at the waters edge.
We ate out every night and did not experience any bad meals/poor service; our favourite restaurant was The Ferryman, lovely location, nice food what more can you ask?
Elounda was a lovely resort, fairly quiet, a variety of nationalities and the people were so friendly. If you do visit the Lena I would recommend Yiannis's barbecue which is held on a Sunday evening, well worth it.
All in all we had a fantastic 7 days, met some really lovely people and look forward to returning. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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Lena - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Manos Direct) Manos - Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Marie Hill - Devon (36,36,15)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having just returned from our 1 weeks stay in Elounda at the Lena Apartments. I would like to comment on our opinions of the accomodation. We found these apartments, basic but clean. The cleaner came into our apartment 3 times during the week we had clean towels twice during our stay and the floors where swept, and mopped with disinfectant, which is better that some 4* apartments that I have stayed in, in Greece. The family that owned these apartments are very welcoming. The son and daughter(George and Elene) run the pool bar, which I could imagine would get very busy in the height of the season due to the location. The resort is very traditional, plenty of restuarants and bars. Not all are good but everyone has their own taste so worth taking a look at the menus and if you like it, try it. We found our stay totally relaxing. The beach is very safe and sandy and because it is an enclosed bay great for kids. The harbour area is a lovely place lots of activity, just sit and watch.
We could not fault this holiday at all apart from the weather, first rain during our stay since April, never mind can't have everything.
Don't buy your spirits in resort, it is much cheaper as duty free at airport.
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Lena - Elounda
Operator and Date: (Manos Direct) Manos - July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Andy & Paula (40, 38)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Elounda is a superb resort and has everything you need on your doorstep! The beach is clean, views superb, and there are plenty of taverna's and supermarkets.
The only real disappointment was our accommodation, the pool and snack bar were OK but our studio was not kept very clean. Bed linen was only changed once per week and the bin in the bathroom for loo paper only twice in a week along with other cleaning which was non-existant e.g. balcony not swept.
Normally wherever we have stayed in Greece the bins do at least get emptied everyday (for obvious hygienic reasons) bar a Sunday .
The real pluses apart from the beauty of the resort were the places to eat. We can highly recommend 'Bar Bee' (great breakfasts and a very friendly service) and 'Avli' a taverna where we spent several evenings in their courtyard enjoying some superb food and again with very friendly service.
Finally when either booking trips or hiring a car DON'T bother with the reps, checkout the agencies in the resort and you will save bucket loads of money. We hired a Seat Marbella for 3 days for only 50.00 euro's (about £30), yeas it was old and not trendy but great for running about in!!
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Manos Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: First Choice Oct 2006
Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : Mel Norris - Devon (52,53)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just a few words to add to the comments of the previous 2 reviews. Yes, we found the cleaning left a lot to be desired, although we found the rest of the services at these apartments to be good. I know we were there at the end of the season, but we found the poolside to be quiet and very civilised. As mentioned before, the service from the bar staff with both food and drinks was excellent - we can recommend the breakfasts!
Elounda itself is a quietly busy resort, with a wonderful choice of tavernas and harbour side cafes to eat and drink in. There are places to suite both taste and pocket. Elounda makes a good base to explore that side of the island, we hired a car for 5 days from Elounda Car Hire on the square and can recommend them. A tip : the price quoted will vary (he has different price lists in his draw!!) depending on the day you ask for a quote . It seems that if you ask for a quote on a saturday for say, 5 days from wednesday, you will pay more than if you ask on a tuesday for the same 5 days from wednesday.
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Manos Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: first choice september 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : donna & david 55,51
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
I aggree with the last comments on these apts the cleaning was no very thorough while we were there, but were very clean when we arrived.We also had a group of noisy 20 year olds around the pool during the day unfortunatly as it is open to the public theres not much you can do so we spent a lot of time on the beach which was lovely, although I must say the 2 people who ran the bar in the day were fantastic the area was kept very clean and they were very friendly.We do not aggree that the night bar man was so graet as the noisy 20 year olds used the bar all night encouraged by him, and tended to use it as if they were the apt's DJ very loud kareoke singing, changing the music whenever they decided they did not like what was playing and jumping in the pool early hrs of the morning. Not what we expected from the discription of these apts in the brochuer if we had wanted an 18-30 atmosphere we would have gone to Malia
Elounda is a beutiful place and we had a grat holiday we have booked to go back next year but not as these apts which is a pity because they are in a graet location but they need to decide what type of holiday makers they whant to appeal to.
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Manos Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: First Choice - Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Claire + Chris - Nottingham (30-ish)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
Elounda was a lovely resort and i would definitely recommend it. Lots of lovely tavernas serving good Greek food. People in the resort were very friendly. We hired a car for a few days (as we had been warned that if we went on any organised trips we'd spend most of our day on the bus!) Went to Agios Nikolaos which is also a lovely place for a stroll around the harbour.
I wouldn't recommend the Manos apartments. We paid more than we have for other holidays in Greece and like the previous reviewer our main gripe was that the rooms weren't clean enough. We were told they'd be cleaned 5 days a week - the cleaner came in 3 times. She barely cleaned the floor (and we found dirt/rubbish under the beds that had been there before us!) Also there are no mozzie screens so defintely take some spray/mozzie plug-in.
Pool is fine - fairly small but when we were there they never ran out of sunbeds. Was a bit surprised it was open to the public - I'd be upset if we'd paid to stay there (i.e. paying more to have somewhere with a pool) and others 'nabbed' our sunbeds.
All in all, a very nice holiday but could have been a bit better.
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Manos Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: First Choice 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Kate Hayes - Leicestershire
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We loved Elounda and would definately go back however we would not stay at Manos!
We found the rooms were not cleaned to a high enough standard, the apartment we were in was supposed to sleep 3 but the third bed was in the kitchen area was not very big at all and really should not have accomodated a third bed, the air con was definatley needed but was 40 euros a week, but the biggest thing for us was that THE POOL WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!! It was not a big pool and got crowded and the sunbeds were taken by people not staying at the apartments.
The two weeks we were there there was a group of young british lads that seemed to us were living in elounda and working so they were using our pool to entertain there female friends. This got intimidating especially the language that was used and having young kids with us. The weekends also bought the local kids in too.
I would never go on another first choice trip as the two we went on were really poor and took ages to get to as we had to pick up at what seem liked every hotel on the island, what should have been a 45 min trip took us over 2 hrs to the water park and was on very windy roads. we got a taxi back which cost us 50 euros as we could not bear to get back on the bus. This was never mentioned to us at the time of booking.
Lots of nice places to eat in elounda and found that the cypriana meze house just down the road a good one especially the breakfasts.
Well the holiday overall was good but the accomodation and trips let it down, however the BEST thing about the Manos apartments is STAVROS who works behind the bar in the evening, he is brill and loved by all.
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Manos Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Smith - Essex (47,42,14,11
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
If you're looking for reasonable accomodation - nothing too fancy - then Manos more than fits the bill. Rooms are basic but clean.
Rooms are set back away from road & bar area so reasonably quiet at night. Only a short walk to the main square around the harbour where most the the nightlife is situated
We stayed in a two bed apartment which the First Choice brochure reckons can sleep 6 although that would be pushing it in my view. Had a slight problemn with fridge that needed defrosting and a slightly dodgy light switch but can't complain.
Air con is on offer at 40 euros a week - absence of mossie screens on windows and doors makers this worth considering.
Need to be aware that the pool bar is open to all comers not just hotel guests and as a result can get a bit hectic in afternoon sessions.
The pool is not that big 15 metres (?) there is no shallow end in the pool - but it is kept clean. As the beach is literally only across the road there is not too much pressure on sun beds which seemed to be generally available up to the luchtime rush
Small beach just outside the hotel is quieter but sand & sunbeds not quite as a attractive as the main beach which less than 100 metres away.
The main beach has smarter looking sunbeds for the same price plus water sports.
Staff manning the bar very helpful and the food we had was basic but very good quality. They will also wrap food for the beach as well.
Restaurants: We enjoyed Zorba's on the main square. Very friendly, quality food, and made sure you were not pestered by street vendors etc. In all the restaurants its well worth trying the house wine - doesn't seem to be that different from the bottled - and almost half the price.
On advice from previous correspondent we arranged taxi to & from airport - cuts the transfer time in half
Vai beach is definately worth a trip - really clear water & stunning palm trees as a backdrop. Long journey though - it takes a good 2 hours depending on traffic.
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Manos Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Fiona & Owen - Essex - 33
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Cannot add much more than the previous reviewer. Two year on & it looks like nothing has changed! This was the perfect holiday to chill out, relax by the pool, and have great food in the evening in a lovely setting by the waterfront.
We went on trips to Spinalonga & Knossos, both of which were excellent, we booked through the rep & probably could have got better deals in town but it takes the hassle out of it & we were after a hassle-free holiday!
The atmosphere at the pool & bar was great, Stavros made the nightly night-cap a fun occasion & all of the staff were so friendly & helpful.
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Manos Apartments - Elounda
Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Mark Rawsthorne - Stockport (48,55)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our first holiday in Elounda, although we had been to Crete before.
The resort is excellent. Beautiful beach and sea, plenty of restaurants and bars, not much nightlife but that's not what we were looking for, good selection of shops, beautiful views. It also gives the impression of being a real lived-in