Crete Reviews - Georgioupolis Hotels and Apartments

Georgioupolis Hotels and Apartments A - Z

Hotel Fereniki - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Manos Direct) Manos - 2006 / 2007

Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : D Fell 63, 64.

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

We had a womderful holiday in Georgeopoulis.The town was full of good tavernas.The cotton club was excellant for coffee,sandwhiches and small snacks including icecream sundaes, all beautifully presented .The staff were so friendly and caring and scrupilously clean. The music was fantastic, ranging from the 60's to Sinatra, Ella, all easy listening and not blasting your ears out.Definately the place for a laid back hour or so in comfotable surroundings.We stayed in the Fereniki had no complaints, our friends changed rooms because they were over the boiler room and it was noisey,it was no trouble doing so and they had a choice of rooms. We asked the maid for clean towels daily which we were provided with. The only fly in the ointment was the fish Taverna out on a limb on the edge of the sea it was stainless steel tables no cloths, expensive fish just thrown on a plate with chips if you ask,it was too much trouble for the lady to serve you.she was pleasenter to the Germans but the food was still the same.

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Hotel Fereniki - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: Med Hotels Excel Airways October 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Marie and Brian Tear 50,55

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

After visiting this site before departure we were concerned about the negative comments about the Fereniki. We were pleasently surprised to find the location was perfectly placed for the beach and that the breakfast room was a short stroll from our apartment and that it faced the sea with wonderful views. The pool and pool bar was spotless and there was a most helpful young girl who served your drinks and snacks and also brought them to your sunbed. The beaches are beautiful, especially the one to the left as you look at the sea, soft sand and no shingle. Elafonissi is a must to visit. The hotel staff were very helpful.

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Hotel Fereniki - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: No operator August 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Steven Hutchinson (29-33)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

I arrived at the fereniki complex on the early morning of August the 12 and left on the 20th i am Italian and we chose this complex because it had the lowest prices in town, i travelled a lot and saw many diffrent places but i don't agree with the many bad reviews on the Fereniki. For all the stay the personell of the fereniki where very kind and gave us all the help we needed the complex is great you have breakfast buffet on the sea, the sea is beautifull there, there is non need to go to the pool but i saw them any way and they were clean, their time is diffrent from us that come from the caotic city, they are very slow in every thing they do but they do it.

The room was clean when we got there the day afer they did not come and the towels were changed every week, we did not like that and we went and told them that we wanted our room cleand every day and the towels every two days, they did it and every thing was ok, some times all you need to do is ask! Perfect location right on the sea, i would go back for the warm ospitality and the good service for the price you pay. Ciao.

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Hotel Fereniki - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: September 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Eve Cahalin (54) Sharon Edwards (35)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

The resort is lovely but the Feriniki Complex is very poor. Main complaint is the standards of cleanliness in the rooms and the swimming pool. There was a smell of sewerage in and around the pool and a thick layer of scum around the top of the pool itself. Some of the rooms are O.K. (we looked at 4 before agreeing to one) but a lot of them are old, some have balconies facing a mound of earth below ground level.

Excellent resort but I would avoid this accommodation.

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Hotel Fereniki - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: Med Hotels - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : J Broe - Liverpool (38,36,9,3)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Review:

We booked a late deal to the Fereniki Complex, and after reading some reviews we were looking forward to a week half board in one of 6 hotel blocks which made up the complex. When we arrived we were allocated a filthy 1 bed apartment next to a stinking field full of goats and chickens. After complaining we were told we needed to wait for 2 days until we could move. We ended up staying in this filthy room with no running water and wires sticking out of the wall for 2 days and were then moved to the managers sons room as there was still no room available - all of his posessions were left in the room but at least we managed to have our first shower in 3 days!! The next day we were finally moved to the foudoulis hotel which is one of the newer hotels in the complex.

If you go B&B or half board you will be expected to walk about 10-15 minutes to the beach where you eat your meals in a taverna there. The food was ok but there was nothing suitable for kids to eat apart from chips. We ended up eating out most nights and if you don't mind standing around waiting for a free table then the breakfast was ok.

The reception staff were extremely rude and unhelpful and don't really seem to know exactly who is staying in what room and for how long. They checked people in and out by writing their details down in a book in pencil. I now realise that this is because so many people move during their stay with them!! The Med hotels rep told us she knew the accomodation was sub standard but "there was nothing she could do about it" I can honestly say that every time we visited reception there was a queue of people ready to complain.

The resort is really nice and would suit all ages and the beach was lovely and safe for the kids. There is a little "train" which takes you on a number of trips - one was to a place called Kournas. This is not far and is well worth the 6 Euros each. You arrive in Kournas and there is a large freshwater lake completely surrounded by mountains. You can eat there in a selection of tavernas and you can hire pedalos or canoes to cross the lake. The children enjoyed swimming with the fishes but going in to the water is quite rocky so try and wear some shoes to protect you!

All in all we would recommend the resort to anyone but the Fereniki complex should be avoided.

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Hotel Fereniki - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: Freedom/Med Hotels August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Karen Burbage - Cornwall (43, 75)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Review:

Crete itself is a lovely laid back, safe, and very relaxing island.

BUT The Fereniki Hotel Complex in Georgioupolis Crete is far from worthy of its 3*, the rooms are located in various buildings with only the basic facilities, sheets are only changed once a week inc. towels, the bathrooms are antiquated, without baths, hot water is solar heated so is only available in the afternoons (first come, first served), the shower cubicle is 28inches wide, curtain is plastic, and the tiled floors in the bathrooms are lethal when wet, toilet paper is put in a bin not down toilets, most balconies are just one chair wide, you are unable to pass another person (certainly unsafe for children).

The Hotel boasts 3 pools, 1st pool and the largest has a scum line 6" wide and stinks, very slippy surround, pool 2 is between two blocks, very small, with a limited number of sunbeds approx 20, the other pool is behind the restaurant no sunbeds, and nobody ever went in, the water cloudy, smelly.

We stayed on a HB basis and all meals are served in a building looking onto the beach 500 yards from hotel block, with about 100 tables serving 1000 guests, food is self service, breakfast is definately continental, cheese,processed ham, big bowls of yoghurt fresh bread, boiled eggs, nothing else, and swarming with wasps. Evening meal is unedible, We stayed for 1 week and never ate there.

The resort itself of Georgioupolis is lovely, quiet, with plenty of restaurants and tavernas, the beach is a horseshoe shape, white sand, safe for children, plently of sunbeds ranging from 3/5 euros a day each, there is a river at one end of the beach where boat trips are available, we found the small beach at the other side of the river is the best with two tavernas, serving lovely food and drinks , the sea is slightly colder here, a car or scooter is definately needed to explore the island, the Rep for Med hotels is called Josephine who meets on Thursdays but don't expect any help.

If you don't mind basic accommodation, no entertainment, lously food, this hotel is for you!

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Hotel Fereniki - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: Media Travel - August 05

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Geoff, Helen, Miriam, Elizabeth, David - Chester (42, 43, 15, 12, 9)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Review:

The hotel was once five different establishments all swallowed up by the Fereniki. As such 'the hotel' in terms of a one-site building doesn't exist. A drawback of this is that there is little by way of atmosphere and even less (none at all) entertainment. The complex is spread over five sites with at least three swimming pools. As such the accommodation is very variable.

The rooms that we were offered first (in the Fereniki itself) left room for improvement to say the least. The toilets were in constant flush mode, there were only very tiny windows, the rooms were dirty and next to all the hotel's services rooms (dirty linen store, workmen's rooms etc.). They were also in the direct line of fire of the coaches that picked up and dropped off holidaymakers from this establishment.

You had to have a great deal of patience when going to reception as complainants were usually three/four deep! Once you got to the desk the staff were empathetic ('I understand', 'sorry but I only work here', etc) but not very active ('you'll have to come back tomorrow', we can't do anything because we are over-booked', etc). The manageress doesn't seem to speak English if you are complaining but seems to be able to converse when you are settling up the bill at the end of your stay.

We were moved to an apartment in the Fountoulis block which was OK (but we had booked and would have preferred two rooms). The apartment was spacious and comfortable with a fridge which came in very handy. Air-con is available at an extra cost as was the safe. Be warned though there are some apartments in this block to avoid especially the ground floor ones adjacent to the swimming pool as their patio areas (and sometimes their rooms) were always flooded by water from the pool. Cleanliness could be improved. Make contact with the cleaners yourself and (unofficially) for a few Euros you can have towels and bed sheets changed more regularly that the routine 5 days. Yes FIVE days before sheets or towels are supposed to be changed!!

The taverna where meals are taken is right on the beach. This was just as well as it serves to take your mind off the food. Even the children got fed up of chips! There are no 'starters' or sweets or tea/coffee after the meal unless you pay extra. We decided to eat out after two meals. There are plenty of good restaurants offering good food to choose from.

The complex itself is in a very good position in the resort. Some blocks are almost on the beach with others only a very short stroll away. The complex is at the edge of the village of Georgioupolis. This is good as it is a bit quieter but only a pleasant five minute walk to the centre of the village with entertainment and amenities.

We found Georgioupolis a very nice small village/resort. If you are looking for discos etc. don't bother but if you are looking for a small place with enough to do for a week's stay then this is a reasonable option. Transfer from the airport was a very slow 2 hours. I'm sure it could be done in less than one hour in a car.

There are two beaches. One is linear, very busy and goes on for miles. The best beach however is a fifteen minute walk away just beyond the harbour.

The village is fine for a one week stay. There is traditional entertainment on most evenings in the various bars and the small 'shopping' area is pleasant enough to pass a couple of hours browsing and strolling after evening meal. We would go back to Georgioupolis but wouldn't touch the Fereniki with a barge pole. Hope this has helped.

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Hotel Fereniki - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: Apollo - July 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Dave - Worcester (42,39,14,14,7)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Review:

The resort itself is fantastic, with plenty of places to eat out, many catering for children, which suited us.

The town square at night is a great place to go for a drink and ice cream, my kids loved it.

The beach is close to the town, so all accommodation is within easy reach of the beach. We spent most of our time at the beach by the Edem Park, a swimming pool built next the the seafront, with use of sunbeds by this pool, or on the beach for 5 euros, including two free drinks. We thought this was great.

The sea was lovely and warm, safe for the kids and there are some areas of rock for the snorkeling enthusiasts.

Care hire seems to be competetive, wehired a 5 seater Hyundi Getz for 85 euros for 3 days. Spent three great days out in Chania, at the Ancient ruins of Knossos and at the Water Park outside Chania.

Our hotel accommodation was poor and dirty. The swimming pool which waqs by our block had lifted tiles around the edge which people tripped over.

The hotel appeared to be massively overbooked, as no body i spoke got the accomodation they booked. Many people, including oursevles, having to change rooms. There were many thing wrong with our accomodation, but the hotel management seemed not bothered to rectify these.

Having had a taste of Crete, we will not return , having had an experinece of the Fereniki we would urge caution!!!!

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Foundoulis Apartments - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Manos Direct) Manos - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Bob and Jo - Wiltshire (52 and 52)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Review:

This was my second stay in Georgioupolis and I would not hesitate to return. I first stayed there in 2004, returned again to spend 14 nights from 5 - 19 Sep 06.

Foundoulis Apartments are a little aged and would benefit from a minor refurbishment or even at the very least a decoration, having said that they were OK, quiet and reasonably clean. We opted for an apartment and paid the under occupancy, this in order to have a little more room than a studio.

Never used the pool, few did. Not that I have anything adverse to say on it.

The resport of Georgy P is great, that is if all you want is a beach, good tavernas and a relatively quiet stay. A big advantage is that you are reasonbly close to the main coastal road if you intend to hire a car and get about!

Nothing better though than a day on the beach, a meal in a great Taverna and a drink later within one of the village bars in the square.

The one down side were the 4 Brits who constantly moaned about the sand, the food, the wind, its too hot, the sea is cold, or worse still their afternoon quizzes, one of the females singing mid afternoon and thinking she had some operatic talent! I nearly committed murder on three occasions! Worst still was their reserving of beach sun beds from 0700 and turning up at noon, the joke always used to be that it was the Germans, in this case no! Why do these anti social animals choose to behave in this way and have the nerve to occupy the sun bed at 1100 or 1200 without any embarrassment! And, these folk were not youngsters, all middle aged (55+)!

Dont however let spiteful and a few ill mannered oldies put you off, if its a quiet place you want with good quality Tavernas, then Georgy P is ideal for you. The best tavernas I found after two holidays here are; Valentinos, Nostos, Georgio and a new one which far exceeds the others Neorio, but then I havent tried them all.

There is also a great beach front bar/taverna called Summertime, never full but always busy with great and helpful staff.

Anyone choosing Georgy P for the first time, you have made a good selection!

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Foundoulis Apartments - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Manos Discounts) Manos - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Paul lacey - Chadwell Heath (50, 53)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

Have just returned from a wonderful holiday in Georgioupolis.

Our apartment was good, clean and reasonably furnished and was cleaned every day (except Sunday) and the linen and towels changed every 2-3 days. The pool was rather small and you had to get up early to secure a sunbed, but you could use the pools at the Metropol and Fereniki close by)so that was not a problem.

The Manos rep (who lives on Crete)was a mine of useful information, very approachable and extremely helpful (Thanks Abbie). However don't be misled by the brochure, Georgioupolis is NOT 30 minutes from the airport, more like 90 minutes (come on Manos you should know better!)

The resort is lovely, quiet and unspoilt. Lots of good tavernas serving good food (we did not have a bad meal in the two weeks we were there)and the local wine was very drinkable, and only 2.50 euros for a half litre. Would recommend Georgia,s for good Cretan food, also the taverna on the corner in the square, opposite the tourist info place (don't remember its name but you will know which one when you see it!)

Would also recommend the Cotton Club, just off the seafront opposite the Edem Taverna. It is run by the nicest, friendliest couple, Matthew and Erieta, who play good music (Greek music is fine but can become a bit boring, especially if you like your music as Matthew does!)serve good honest food (although not typically cretan food)with style and will greet you with a warmth and friendliness I have yet to come across anywhere else. They certainly made our holiday and made our last evening particulary memorable.

The beaches are very good and the sea lovely and warm. There were however, too many sunbeds on the beach for our liking, but the small beach (Kavalaki beach)on the other side of the river was a lot quieter, but note that the water is colder because two rivers run into it.

There is a small train that will take you to Lake Kounas or to Argrioupolis, both well worth a vist, as is taking a paddle boat up the river for a very peaceful trip to see the wildlife, turtles, fish, birds and lots of irridenscent blue dragon-flies.

We would definately go back, but don't tell too many people, we would hate to see it become spoilt!

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Gialos Apartments - Georgiopoulis

Operator and Date: Kosmar - August 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Margaret Johnson-Bolton(48,45,11)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

Had a lovely time in Georgioupolis,the village had lots of tavernas and we ate at nine of them and can particularly recommend Georgias,Mythos on the square and Valentinos but overall we found the standard of food and menus excellent.

There are plenty of bars around the square but we were particularly made welcome at the Cotton Club down near the beach which served excellent cocktails and delicious waffles.Overall there were plenty of watering holes to keep you happy.

The Gialos apartments were situated a stones throw from the beach in the centre of the village and were in an excellent position.The apartments were basic as you would expect for Greece but were fine for our needs.They were cleaned every day except Sunday and the towels and bedding were changed regularly.Ellie the owner was on hand for any assistance as they also ran the pizza place attached to the apts.There is a reasonable supermarket at the apartment entrance which catered for all essentials.Air conditioning was a must in August but was quite pricey at 8 euros/day.

The beach in the centre was not the best and was busy and quite narrow but we found that the smaller beach the other side of the river was lovely and was served by a couple of good tavernas and the main beach up past the carpark and across a small river was much better with nice soft sand and again backed by some nice bars.

AS the apartments had no pool we used the Edem Centre across the road this was good but you do have to pay 5 euros for 2 sunbeds and a brolly but this does entitle you to 2 free drinks so it is not too bad.

Overall we had a good holiday and I WOULD NOT HESTITATE TO RETURN.

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Gialos and Nirvana Studios and Apartments - Georgiopoulis

Operator and Date: Kosmar-June 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Martin,Jane,Zac.(50,34,16months)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Review:

Lets get the bad stuff out of the way first as there is not to much of it.The room we had (7) was very basic we don't expect 5* but a kettle and toaster are things most people in s/c accommodation would expect,this said it was cleaned well and all most people will need as a base for a great holiday.The owners are just great, always friendly and willing to help,a credit to Crete.

The resort is smallish and very easy going,the beach is long thin and spotless 5 euro gets you 2 beds, table,brolly and depending where you go 2 free drinks.DO PLEASE pay attention to the Life guards as if the wind gets up the sea can cover the(few) small rocks as my wife and her scratched tummy will pay tribute to.FOOD my favourite,we ate out every lunch time and night,I cannot remember a bad meal,for a light and tasty lunch try sardines at Deep Blue Sea on the front,and for some of the best traditional Greek food give Babis a go, out of this world! I asked Rula(the lovely owner) about a couple of the meals I had eaten and was taken to the kitchen shown all the herbs and spices and came home with a shopping bag full of them for free.PS(from my wife), Please watch the pharmacist in the main square the only one in the village, he had a remarkable talent for scanning goods not giving you a receipt and adding a nought to the price you've been warned! (He wanted 12 euro's for Bonjela. I told him forget it!)

Give Georgiopoulis a try not a football shirt in sight,NICE.

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Gialos and Nirvana Studios and Apartments - Georgiopoulis

Operator and Date: Kosmar - July 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Brian Dick, Nicola Cooper - Somerset (46, 41)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

Fantastic resort, a great find. Non-touristy, mix of all nationalities. Not an english bar or football shirt in site!!!

For younger people the square seems quite busy in the evening with a lively bar for younger people. 29 tavernas in all, well spread out around the resort.

Sun beds and parasols are all cheap at about 5 euro the set. At the Edem swimming pool you also get two free drinks and at the quiet beach the other side of the chapel you get a basket of fruit in the middle section of sunbeds. The quiet beach is much nicer, not too busy, nice friendly taverna with a toilet.

The best restaurants we found were Valentinos (nr centre) and stirtakis which is near the harbour, but we didnt have a bad meal while we were there. The fish restaurant is also worth visiting, Poseidon. Just past the bank is an alleyway and there is a sign. You go into the kitchen and pick the fish you want which is all on display and they cook it for you. There is no menu. We had swordfish, shark and the most delicious massive prawns. Cost about 33 euro with wine and beer for two with a greek salad. A bit more expensive than others but well worth a visit if you like fish.

Best bar is definitely The Cotton Club right on seafront between sunlight taverna and edem taverna. This bar has a touch of class and nice relaxing english music. Matthew and Erieta are great and also the rest of the staff and David the waiter. Went to this bar daily. Very relaxing, nice interior and spotlessly clean.

Kosmar were a great company and would travel with them again. All of their accommodations are nice and would stay in all of them. The only downside to our accommodation is ours only had a tiny balcony on a walkway which wasnt private and therefore didnt use during our stay. Air conditioning was 8 euro per day and safety deposit 15 euro for 1 week. The owner who runs the supermarket were great and let us keep on our room until 1700hrs without charge - very rare!!! Cleaner was also lovely and very efficient. Rooms cleaned every day except Sunday and towels changed midweek. There is also a book exchange where everyone leaves their books on the staircase for someone else.

One of the best resorts I have ever been to, a perfect holiday and would definitely go back. Try it you'll love it - and would recommend to all groups.

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Gialos and Nirvana Studios - Georgiopoulis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - September 2005

Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Vic Hatzfeld (63,56)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

The young owners, who run the hotel with a good staff, cannot do enough to help and are always accommodating and cheerful. Their two children are a delight.

The hotel is reached via a shady, marble-paved, alleyway that opens out opposite the public pool and park in the lower town. All parts of the town are within a five minute walk of the complex. There are many good tavernas close by and the two beaches are just a step away from the end of the alley.

The town features a large square commemorating King George, with bars and shops all round it. Anna's Supermarket is the largest and best-stocked of the grocery stores, although a smaller general shop in the road leading back down to the beach carries a huge selection of fresh fruit at very reasonable prices. You must visit Anna - she will keep you in stitches, particularly if you have an overbearing husband!!

The town is self-contained and for a couple or family not seeking wild night-life there is no reason why travel further abroad should be necessary - everything you need is available locally at moderate prices. A lovely Greek Orthodox church lies behind the shops and is the main meeting place and spiritual home of the town's residents.

The town has a beautiful fishing port (from which row boats, canoes and pedalos can be hired to explore the wildlife, including snoozing turtles, up the right hand arm of the little river).

The river runs out to sea and a causeway (good shoes needed and walk only on the bigger stones!) leads out to a beautiful little chapel that stands guard over the port itself. A Harbour Master is available for consultation if needed.

The town is close to the National Highway (Coast Road) and the major resorts/towns of Rethymnon and Chania are a 30 minute bus-ride from a well equipped bus station at the end of the Georgioupolis access road, a five mnute walk from the town square.

This was our first visit to Georgioupolis - but it certainly won't be our last and we thank Kosmar and the owners of the Gialos hotel for making our stay such a memorable and good experience.

The food is universally Greek by nature and first rate. English dishes are also available at some of the bars.

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Glaros Apartments - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar-August 2004

Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Martin&Carolyn - Shoreham by sea

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

This is the second time we have stayed at Glaros and it hasn't changed a bit.

The studios are huge and well furnished.They are cleaned every day except Sundays,linen and towel change twice weekly. The owner might even leave you a bunch of grapes or a piece of cake. The lawn is also beautifully kept. Don't be surprised if other foreign holidaymakers stop to admire the studios. They will even ask if they can rent them,no kidding.

As for the resort,nothing has changed much,everything revolves around the square,although there seem to be more cars & coaches there now. So be careful.

It has become slightly more popular since the telly programme''A Place in Greece'. Hence the increase in estate agents,we counted 4 compared to 1 two years ago.

Everyone asks where the two gay men live but no one knows. Possibly near lake Kournas. Talking of which the lake is not as amazing as some people make out. Fairly commercialised now with people fighting to hire you pedalos & canoes.It takes about an hour to walk there or you can be lazy and ride on the little red train.

The best place to sunbathe is at the public swimming pool(Edem). The lawn is beautiful and watered daily. Cost for 2 sunbeds with brolly is 5 Euro(half price for one person).This includes a soft drink or a small beer each.

Places to eat; Valentino,the best baked lamb or kleftiko ever.Sunlight Taverna on the seafront does stifado to die for and the chips are just like the ones your mum used to make. For fish lovers try the Poseidon,its down a side path and very easy to miss. It only does fish but you choose your own. No menu either, just greek salad ,tzaziki and fish but well worth it.

Nightlife is reduced to pleasant bars with very comfy seats:Annas Bar and Sunlight Bar toname a couple.

The best bar/snack bar by far though is situated near the beach although the name eludes me.Its near the Sunlight Taverna and you walk up four steps. It is run by Matthew and his lovely wife Erietta.He has to be the most freindliest Greek I have ever met. He has the biggest smile and is always bowing his head in thanks. During the day they serve breakfast,snacks and lunch and in the evening its mainly a bar,although they will serve food anytime. Every meal Matthew cooks and serves is a work of art,and he will continually ask if everything is ok.Try the English breakfast and you will be amazed.

To sum up,Georgioupoli is slowly increasing in size but hopefully its charm will remain. We'll be back

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Glaros Apartments - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : J McGoldrick - Leics (43, 16)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

This was our first holiday to Crete and we were very impressed.

However, starting with the one big negative, the flight home. As Kosmar does not have its own airline, it uses other airlines. In our case it was a company called Islandsflug. The jouney involved stopping at New Castle airport to drop off and pick up passengers. Therefore what should have been a three and a half hours flight ended up as six hours with no entertainment. The plane was also quite dirty. It would seem from reviews that this problem has mainly occurred with holidays this year and there is no way of knowing which airline is being used until people receive their tickets.

Otherwise, it was a very enjoyable holiday and an ideal resort for those who want to relax. The apartment was excellent we had one of two split-level maisonettes which was very spacious with two bathrooms and two balconies with sea views and attractive surroundings. It was cleaned daily, the owners were friendly and there was a safe deposit box in the room.

The resort had several souvenir shops and many places to eat. Our favourite taverna was Rodarias just off the main square. The food was excellent and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. They have a lovely conservatory at the rear. In many tavernas they have chips with the meals, however, if you ask for potatoes they are happy to cook them however you wish.

Reportedly, the cheapest place to exchange travellers cheques is at the office in one corner of the square with the "citibank" sign - 2% commission.

Chania and Rethymnon are both worth a visit and easy by bus. The public Gardens at these places are pretty and they have animals in pens.

Lake Kournas is easily reached either by road train or cheaper by taxi. We walked, which took about an hour and enjoyed the scenery.

The beach is great. To the right , it is more private, but to the left, the sand is better.

I would definitely recommend Georgioupolis and hope that Kosmar will review there travel arrangements.

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Glaros Apartments - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - May 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : John Strong-Bottesford (56,53)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Geogioupoli is a wonderful resort for people who like to sightsee, swim from a clean beach and have a quiet evening meal.

The Glaras appartments are clean spacious and have safes in the room.The garden is pleasant and the owner is friendly.Our favourite taverna was Valentino for Greek home cooking.We also enjoyed Paradise.

Mike's car rentals next door offer a reasonable price with good insurance, be careful driving in towns.The Sameria Gorge is best done on an organised trip we swam in the sea at the end it was wonderful.There are good bus links to Chania and Rethminon both worth a visit.

The down side was the travelling as there was a 2.5 hour delay then we waited at Chania for another flight to land to transport another couple to our resort.The aircraft had come to Birmingham via Newcastle, so on the way home we had to travel to Newcastle and then sit on the plane for 45mins before travelling on to Birmingham.There was no entertainment on the plane and althougth soft drinks were free alcohol was very expensive at £4 a miniture, there was no price list so this came as a shock to some people.

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Golden Bay Hotel - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - September 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Fiona and Michael - London (both 28)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

We stayed in Georgoupoli in the second week of a two centre holiday in Crete. The first week was spent on the South coast at Paleohora which was fabulous but found Georgoupoli really disappointing compared.

The resort felt as if it had very little character, dominated by dull, ugly touristy bars around a not very picturesque square that could be much improved. There was permanently a lot of rubbish on the side of the streets some of which had obviously been there for some time such as discarded freezers for ice creams.

Although some of the tourist shops were fine some were very makeshift and ugly. It is a real shame because I am sure that the place could be a lot more attractive as it is a lovely setting between the mountains and the sea and with two river tributaries and fantastic mature eucalyptas trees. I think that unfortunately it is never going to recapture its original character but it could be made at least a lot more attractive.

Two plus points were that there were a couple of very good tavernas in the roads off/towards the main road. We would particularly recommend Poseidon for its fresh fish. The town is also conveniently located on the bus route between Chania and Rethymon. Chania is a must to visit and we actually splashed out staying overnight for one night. If I went back I would stay in Kalyves or Almyrida which seemed like much better resorts.

The accomodation was of a good standard, clean and with some good views over the sea and if you spend a lot of time in the accomodation I would definitely recommend it if not the resort itself.

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Hydramis Palace Beach Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: findmytravel.co.uk - Date Not Specified

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Joanna Warr - Herts (34,36,5)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

we got an excellent last minute deal with findmytravel.co.uk and paid £340 per adult for 4* all inclusive package for 7 nights.

The hotel is new, and was spotlessly clean. Reception were polite and very helpful.

There was not a lot of choice when it came to food, and were surprised when they served chips for breakfast. I found that they did not cater for children at times and my 5 year old son survived on bread, croissants and melon. The hotel was not fully occupied during our stay, and we only saw 4 other english couples. When it came to the kids club my son was the only english speaking child, although he did mix with the other kids in the pool.

The pool is shallow at one end, so safe for kids to play and jump in. My son practically lived in there the entire duration of the holiday.

We did use the gym most days, where they had 2 treadmills, x trainer, bike machine and various weight machines.

There is also an internet room, but they charge 1 euro per 10 mins.

I would recommend this hotel to older couples, and maybe families with very very young children. Nearest town is 16kms away. There was no fighting for sunbeds, and atomosphere around the pool was good.

Bar staff around the pool were friendly and spoke pretty good English. Majority of clientele were German and French.

It is situated right on the front of a beach, and they have sunbeds on the sand.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: kosmar -octber 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : gail gilbert-dorset (56,42,59,64,65,66)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

the resort and accomodation are great.

roula and her family welcome everybody and will do anything for you.

sladjana (their employee)is fantastic and works very hard.

the rooms are spotlessly clean and roula cooks a lovely 'special breakfast'.

the resort is really nice.plenty of tavernas to choose from and the people are very friendly,you could not ask for more.

this was our second time back here,and we have already booked for next year.

this is the only time we have gone back to a resort and accomodation more than once on a greek island.

anybody who does not like the kokalas apartments must be mad.

cannot wait for next year!!!!

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: kosmar - Oct 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : helen and ian varley and girls (33/38/6/3)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

were do i start. just got back from a brilliant holiday in crete. i dont want to tell you how good it was because id like to keep it all to myself. we stayed at the kokolas appartments in georgioupolis. the appartment were very clean and spacious.

fab maids kept the place very clean,i,d also like to put the record straight on other reviews i have read. firstly we were on the ground floor, so called dungeon appartment. it was really big and perfect for access to pool and bar. the girls loved the fact that they could walk out and get straight in to the pool. i didnt think it was that dark and was cool in the evening which helped us all have a great nights sleep.

everyone was great slajenna , rula, nikos, eliene and grand father.yanni was also a delight . cake and raki was given all the time and i felt that nothing was to much trouble. we will definatley be going back soon ,thanks to all of you for making it a holiday to remember.lots of love helen. ian, katie and litle blonde lucy.keep up the good work your the best.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: kosmar-september 2006

Opinion submitted in April 2007 by : sara,craig,oliver and jacob heath(33,37,6,4.)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

I have only just around to writing this report even though our holiday was last september as we were so miserable when we got back to talk about it.In fact my husband was refusing to come home and i had to practically drag him to the airport.This was our first visit to crete and the kokalos resort and we came with our friends(the varley family). I dont really want to go on about how wonderful this place is and how welcome we were made to feel but the fact remains that its very true.We had the most relaxing holiday and our children loved the pool to the point were we had to force them out every evening.You are spoilt for choice when it comes to food but we partically enjoyed Neorio,Valentinos and the owners taverna on the square called Platias, which if you feel like a night in at the bar by the poolside you can order from Platias and they will deliver to you.

Our favourite beach was kavalaki beach on the left as you look out to sea and yes the water is a little cooler here but it didnt bother us.In fact it was quite refreshing after you,ve lay in the sun for a while.Lake Kournas is a must,we took the land train and hired a pedlo on the lake to look for the turtles.We also did the excursion to Grandvousa which was one of the highlights of our holiday.It was really beautiful with crystal clear water and great for snorkling.

The kokalos resort itself is excellent, maid sevices every day except sunday(well they do deserve one day of rest as they work very hard).We were made to feel very welcome from the minute we arrived and elenis endless supply of cake, rula,s hospitality and slajena,s friendly face from dusk till dawn at the bar is what you need when tou come on holiday.anyway i think i have said too much already and i want to keep a little of it for myself so thank you very much to Rula, nikkos,slajena,,eleni,grandfather and of coure little yarni and we will definatly see you all again. Sara,Craig,Oliver and Jacob.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: kosmar July 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Sam & Neil Wain & kids 36,36, 16,14.9

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

It was our first time to Crete, and the kokolas studio's and as many have said in previous reviews it will deffinately not be our last.

From the moment we arrived we were greeted as old friends by Nicko's and Sladj with a very welcoming drink.( Raki for the adults slush for the kids)We were shown to our 2 bedroomed appartment ( not the only one in the complex as commented on by one review) It was spacious and the balcony looked out to the sea. the appartment was well equipt and spotlessly clean all thanks to the hard working cleaner who works every day apart from Sunday's, and yes she does remake the beds!! the children loved the pool and we loved the relaxed atmosphere of being able to let them go and get drinks from the bar when they wanted and be able to pay later for them. Our 16 year old regularly sat in the bar at night whilst we put the younger kids to bed and sladj always kept a watchfull eye on her and sent her up to the appartment and the arranged time. She also found the internet cafe in the main square. We have nothing but positive comments for the way Rula, Nicko's, Sladj and the rest of the family made us feel welcome and nothing was to much trouble.

The cretean night is fantastic and yes they do ask to borrow some of your chairs for the many people who attend the kids enjoyed helping to set up and it added to the fun of the night.

We made many friends at Kokalas, some had been revisiting for a number of years and we too will be back. I know you will read this Rula as you feel pastionately about Kokalas and providing excellent service - you are the best and i feel that we now have friends in both you and Nicko's.

We will be back if we can get in!!! if not 2007 it will be 2008 with friends.

If you visit Kokolas you will have the best holiday ever. all the best.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: Kosmar May 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Rob Loz - Sheffield 39, 36

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

What a fantastic place Kokalas is. The rooms were cleaned every day with sheets changed twice a week. When we got there Rula showed us round the apartment and nothing was too much trouble for her.

The food there was fantastic. All home cooked and even their restaurant in the main square was brill. Sly the barmaid was brill life and soul of the party. She served drinks until everybody went to bed and never complained.

The resort was clean, beautiful beach, lots of nice shops and boutiques. Many different restaurants to try. The train to the Lake is worth a day out. Beautiful scenery and plenty of tavernas to eat at.

We will definitely be going back. Everybody who we spoke to will be going back because once again this place is FANTASTIC.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar- May 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Colin & Vera Briggs. Tynemouth 63 and 63.

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Well this was our first visit to the Kokalas and will not be our last. This is without doubt the friendliest place we have stayed in. I can only echo what others have said before. The owners are very much hands on and Sladjana is always happy and bubbly and copes with everything when she is on duty at the bar.Make sure you give her tips if you can as she's worth it, as is the cleaner who is always on the go and keeps the place spotless. Whilst there we met quite a lot of guests who were making return visits, so that in itself is a good recommendation. There are many taverna's in the village, too many to mention, but no matter which one you go to be assured of a warm welcome. Nicos & Rula we will be back and until then. YAMASS to you all.

Colin & Vera.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar September 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Heather and Tom Quinn (41, 67)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

This was our 6th visit to Georgioupolis and our 4th visit to Kokalas, as you can see we are hooked! Here are just a few of the reasons:

LOCATION- the village itself is wonderful, lots of good tavernas, several bars and NO night clubs. Love the combination of mountains and sea/sandy beach. The Kokalas apartments are situated in a peaceful area of the resort,even though there is a petrol station we have never noticed any petrol smells or noise.

ACCOMODATION- the Kokalas is the best accomodation in Greece we have ever stayed in. The rooms are very spacious and light with quality fittings and furnishings and hot water at any time of the day! The are cleaned every day except Sunday and what a good job they do. Most rooms have fantastic views out to sea. The pool is always very clean and there is never any problem with getting a sunbed. The poolside bar serves lovely snacks and lunches, some of which come from the family taverna in the village and are delivered by scooter, that's what I call service! The bar is never too intrusive at night(for noise. We have always found the majority of guests to be a very friendly bunch and have made quite a few new friends.

OWNERS/STAFF - So far what you have read could apply to a fair number of holidays but what makes the Kokalas so special are Nikos, Rula, Sladjana, Yorgos and Eleni. The are a local family who started out with their excellent taverna Platias and then had this hotel built You are made to feel a part of their family, they will do anything for you that they can, including help with my greek homework - thanks Rula.

They are very friendly and hard working and have a gem in Sladjana - Hi Sladj.

CONCLUSION - If you want a holiday to appreciate the hospitality, peace, beautiful locations and rural lifestyle of Crete and have fun then this is the place for you. If you are unsociable and want so called 'First World'conveniences then don't bother. This is not a 'third world country' as someone has inexplicably described!

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Louise,Tony,Rachel,Josh,Bec

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Having recently returned from a wonderful holiday in the Kokalas apartments we felt moved to leave a favourable report, having read a previous less favourable report we would like to redress the balance.

We were welcomed by Rula with a long cold drink which was much appreciated after the 2 hour flight delay. Rula was charming, personally showing us our accommodation and explaining how items operated.

Being first timers at Kokalas and having booked through a travel agents we are always nervous about how the accommodation actually lives up to the brochures description. We booked a two bedroom apartment and hoped the apartment would satisfy our needs. We were delighted at the spacious, airy, well equipped apartment. The two bedrooms were twin bedded and ample for our requirements. The lounge/diner was enormous accommodating 2 beds, dining table and four chairs, sofa and kitchenette. The bathroom had a shower over a bath as well as the toilet and hand basin. The apartment was cleaned every day, beds made (don't bother making the beds the maids only redo it to their own high standards). Towels and bedding were changed twice a week. The maids were always pleasant with a cheery smile (if they were exploited then they covered the fact very well).

We were advised of the family restaurant in the town and did eat there a few times, however we never felt pressurised in any way, we sampled quite a few of the restaurants in the resort and never received anything other than delicious food. We attended the Cretan evening which was well organised (yes children and adults helped move tables and chairs which added to the sense of occasion). A good evening was had by all with almost everybody joining in, the food was plentiful and delicious, the wine jug was never allowed to run dry, Greeks and British interacted to produce a very enjoyable evening. I cannot fault the family who run this apartment complex Nicos and Rula along with their parents were always ready with a welcoming smile.

The swimming pool was well maintained with Nicos taking samples regularly. How you can have a swimming pool without any water being splashed around it I cannot imagine, even my children who are all very slim could not enter the pool without a small splash which of course splashes onto the path leading around the pool, however this is textured and we didn't witness anyone slip up.

Now to the site of the apartments, yes there is a petrol station just down the road, but we never smelt the fumes referred to or heard the constant traffic noise. The apartments look out to the front onto vacant grass land leading to a small church on a nearby hill, to one side views to the mountains and to the other side the sea. At the back of the apartments are other apartment blocks. I cannot see what is wrong with the views (maybe the absence of a McDonalds sign or neon lights could upset some people!!).

Georgioupolis is a wonderful resort with mile upon mile of sandy beaches and gently shelving crystal clear water. The chapel on the jetty is especially charming. A fresh water river flows into the sea by the chapel, pedolos and canoes can be hired to explore this river where fresh water turtles live. The centre of the town is based around the square with many restaurants and bars. An internet café was also handy for the children. The resort is quite small but provides ample supermarkets, banks, post office and shops without being too commercial.

What really made our holiday was the evenings, a late leisurely meal in one of the restaurants and then back to the bar for a few drinks before bed. Sladgana was on duty in the evenings, she made our holiday complete, she was wonderful with the children and always joking with us and never took herself seriously, if you could bottle and sell her she would be just the tonic. Sladgana rocks (added by the children they also say don't play snakes and ladders as she plays by Serbian rules).

If you want a laid back holiday in clean, well equipped, well appointed family run accommodation then you won't go wrong with this one.

If you want a holiday where you don't want to immerse yourself in the very Cretan hospitality of this accommodation then I suggest that you book to go to a British Holiday camp.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - august - 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : nigel,jackie,mick,pauline,mark,debi,drew,jayne,jake,kyle,paige,chloe,jenna,holly(38,39,66,60,35,37,34,33,13,6,4,5,4,2)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

i am so glad that i checked out my choice of accommodation on holidays uncovered. As you can see with a party of 14 it had to be right.

Well thanks to all at Kokolas

this has been the best holiday we have had for quite afew years, HI to Nicos Rula Yanni Slydjna i know you will be reading this sorry if i spelled your names wrong.

When we arrived we had an amazing welcome from Rula and Slydjna within 2 mins we all had a welcome drink (RAKI one of many some of us actually liked it) we were shown to our rooms and told how everything worked.

As the family also run a taverna (PLATIA) you can have food delivered to your apt or you can eat it at the bar which we did a number of times during our 2wk stay.

The pool was amazing it kept all the kids very happy which means happy parents, we always managed to get a sun bed.

The rooms were kept very clean always had hot water and the beds very comfy.There are 2 electric rings for cooking no kettle though but you can manage with the milk pan.

Theres no need to cook in any way so many tavernas all very good and not expensive.We ate at the family taverna twice all 14 of us it was my daughters 4th we told Rula a day before we had a long table in the middle of the room Nicos greated us the meal was great we even had a birthday cake that they got for us no charge the whole place sang to my daughter what a memory.

These apts are on the out skirts of the village, short walk to beach and town square, views of the mountains and sea from most of the rooms.

if you have kids then go to childrens world bouncy castles, slides, basketball, football and crazy golf 3euro each kid allday heaven.

THE beach is very nice plenty of bars and sunbeds no toilet at some beach bars so look out.

The only entertainment at Kokolas (apart from sat tv & radio)Was the CRETAN night BRILL lots of dancing & plenty of WINE.

The atmosphere and the fact everyone is made so welcome you make your own entertainmet at the bar.

WE all will be returning to the Kokolas very soon ,i would Highly recomend a visit

THANK YOU ALL AT THE KOKOLAS WHAT A WOUNDERFUL PLACE

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Louise Boxall - West Sussex -43, 44, 16, 14, 10

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

We were welcomed by Rula with a long cold drink which was much appreciated after the 2 hour flight delay. Rula was charming, personally showing us our accommodation and explaining how items operated.

If you want a laid back holiday in clean, well equipped, well appointed family run accommodation then you won't go wrong with this one.

If you want a holiday where you don't want to immerse yourself in the very Cretan hospitality of this accommodation then I suggest that you book to go to a British Holiday camp.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Adrian Webster - Kent (46, 39, 7, 5)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

We've found it! My family have been searching for years to find the perfect family holiday resort and this place is it.

Kokalas resort is a hidden gem of a place run by a wonderfully warm and extremely friendly local family. It provides great hospitality, lovely clean apartments, a fabulous location, a fantastic family atmosphere and top quality food - it's the ideal place for a family to get away together and unwind - we just can't wait to go back next year!

We really can't say enough about it. Staying there is like staying with old friends, you get the warmest of welcomes, it has a real big family feel to it and nothing is too much trouble for the 'Kokalas Team' -Rula, Nikos, Sladjana and family.

The Kokalas studios are situated in a great location, just on the edge of the vibrant and extremely beautiful fishing village of Georgioupolis. The village square is literally wall to wall with superb tavernas. The stunning beach is but a very short stroll away and just up the road is Crete's only fresh water lake - Lake Kournas - which is simply stunning and lovely to swim in.

With views to both the sea and mountains the accommodation consists of only twenty or so clean and spacious apartments situated in a quiet location around a good sized swimming pool. This pool also includes what for us was a very useful kids paddling pool.

Alongside the pool in a pleasantly elevated position is the poolside bar which all day long serves up a wide variety of good quality food and refreshments for those in need. You can order a wide range of drinks, meals, childrens meals, snacks, ice creams etc etc. At night time it's a great place to relax and if the mood takes you to socialise with other guests and the owner's family and friends.

The owners of Kokalas resort also own the Platia restaurant in Georgioupolis, it's run by Rula's husband Nikos anf his brother Frank. It's wonderful atmosphere and delicious fresh local produce make it, as far as we're concerned, the best restaurant in the village.

If you're staying at Kokalas and can't be bothered to venture out Nikos and Frank are more than happy to jump on a scooter and deliver your order direct to Kokalas's poolside bar.

Every other Sunday there is a Cretan evening at Kokalas, it's not to be missed and well worth the ticket price! Everybody joins in, it's great entertainment and a lot of fun for all ages. It's also a perfect opportunity to acquire the mother of hangovers!

Kokalas resort is indeed a very special place.. roll on next August!

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Peter Peasgood - Liverpool (50,43)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

We had such a relaxing holiday in August 2004 at Kokolas that we booked the same week again this year. The owners, Rula and Nikos, and Sladjana, their assistant, are lovely people who will do almost anything to help you to enjoy your holiday. I can well understand why people return year after year; when we arrived we were met with a hug by Sladjana and Rula who recognised us immediately.

I can recommend the Platia, Valentinos and Sirtakis tavernas for good honest Greek food and the Anna Bar for the after dinner beer (and cocktails if so desired).

All the best to everyone in Georgioupolis - we had another very relaxing week this year - hope to see you again next year

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Rita Puschnik Oxford 52,50

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

What a fantastic holiday.We were made welcome from the minute we arrived. Free drink and shown around our appartment. This is something we have never had before. The apartment was excellent,kept spotless and the most comfy beds we have ever had.As for Rula and her family they are so friendly we were really sad to leave. Georgiopulis is a great resort lovely beach and the Edam lido is great something for everyone. Great tavernas especially Platia which is run by Nico Rulas husband. We will be returning to Kokalas and highly reccomend it.

Rula and her family made our holiday special.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar, august 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : david, sue,tom,jack,joe dadson (41,38,12,10,8)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Our 2nd time at Kokalas and it has still not lost any of its charm. You are greeted by Nicos & Rula and welcomed with a RAKI(local firewater)before being shown to your room and given a personal tour of the apartment and details of how the windows/doors open, safety deposit box,air con,tv etc. The apartments are spotlessly clean and the cleaners do an excellent job inside and out. The family atmosphere is genuine and not pure show for the customers, our three sons are greatly impressed with Janis (rula's and nicos's little boy).

Nothing is too much trouble for the staff at kokalas, sladjana is very happy to help and is always smiling, she played many times with our youngest child at snakes and ladders ( it took him 2 weeks and his lucky dice to beat her!), she also seems to have an endless supply of cake,nuts,watermelon and shots all on the house and if you don't want these they will find an alternative.

The cretan night is a delightful evening well worth 15 euro's per adult and the children was at discount. everybody joins in and no one is forced to dance if they do not want to, the food was excellent and the free wine was always being re-filled.

we have often thought that people who return to the same resort year after year to be quite boring. However, we have visited different greek islands over the past 10 years and in our opinion there is none better than Georgioupolis and Kokalas.

We have already booked for 2006 so see you next year

Tha se tho too chronoo

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar- July/August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : McGuffie Family -Dumfries-Scotland

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

From the moment we arrived to the moment we left Rula,Nicos and Sladjana were wonderful hosts.

On arrival Rula personally showed us to our apartment ( after a welcoming glass of raki)

The apartments were clean and spacious. The pool and sunbeds were ideal for either cooling off in or lying and enjoying the Cretan sunshine.The poolbar served snacks at dinner time at reasonable prices, nothing seemed a problem to either Rula or Sladjana to make. Chips were even delivered by motorbike from their restaurant(Platia)

in the village, if requested.Every day there was either free water melon or freshly baked cake.

All the people staying at the apartments were so friendly. ( I think this was down to the atmosphere created by Rula,Nicos and Sladjana)

The Cretan night on the Sunday was good fun with everyone joining in. Tables round the pool, good food and copious amounts of white and red wine.

Georgioupolis, still retains some of authentic Crete but it will be difficult to hold on it as it becomes more popular.

There are plenty of restaurants in the village to chose from all serving various menus. Our favourites were Neorio ( not sure of the spelling!) Valentinos, Platia and Paradise.

We went on the Kosmar trips to Chania ( at night) and also Mountain,Sea and Sun which went over Levka Ori ( White Mountain ) to Sougia, a small village on the south coast. These trips were okay if you don`t intend to hire a car.

We also took the small train to Lake Kournas and walked out to the whitewashed chapel of Saint Nicholas ( both are must do`s when staying in Georgioupolis.}

On departure both Rula and Sladjana personally said their goodbyes to everyone and there were a lot of heavy hearts on departure, so sorry to be leaving such a friendly place

We had a wonderful holiday, met so many lovely people and would have no hesitation in recommending Kokalas to anyone thinking of going to Georgioupolis.

Once again THANKS for a wonderful time, Rula, Nicos and Sladjana.

P.S.We will be going back to Kokalas again!

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar- July 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Rachel & Alex Carr (43,42,16,14)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

We have just got back from our second year at the Kokalas Studios. We usually never go back to the same place twice, but after enjoying it so much last year we decided to return.

We cannot believe the bad review about these apartments. The reason we love these apartments so much is the warm, friendly atmosphere that the owners have worked hard to create. Rula and Nicos are brilliant hosts - nothing is too much trouble. Sladjana who works on the bar is great and recognised us as soon as we arrived.

The location of the apartments is good. Yes there is a petrol station close by, but it is barely visible from the apartments and contrary to an earlier review we have never smelt any petrol fumes or been aware of any noise from it during either of our stays.

The apartments are light and airy with excellent fixtures and fittings - all are cleaned to a high standard daily (except Sundays). The pool area is kept spotlessly clean and has a good supply of sunbeds and parasols. The pool bar offers a wide range of excellent snacks all day long - Grandma's home made cake is delicious!

Georgioupolis has plenty of lovely tavernas all within easy reach of the apartments - our favourites were Valentino's and Manoussos. The town square has a number of cocktail bars - our favourite was the Sunlight Bar - excellent for people watching!

We fully intend to return to these apartments again. We would like to thank all of the family and staff for another great holiday.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar july 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : michael urwin scotland ( 44, 47 ,17 ,16 ,13)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

kokolas resort had everything to make our holiday one of the most relaxing and pleasurable we have ever had. the owners nico and rula could not do enough to make this a great stay . would recommend this resort to anyone young and old. looking forward to returning next year

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - July 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Andrew Dell - Portsmouth

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

What a great holiday we've just had helped in no small part by Rula, Nikos & Sladjana who are very welcoming & friendly. From the moment we arrived till the time we left we were looked after very well, nothing was to much trouble, everything was spottlessly clean, the rooms were made up daily and sheets & towels were changed regularly. Our room was comfortably furnished with a kitchenet, living room, large bathroom with modern facilities and although our room was above the pool bar we had no trouble with noise at all.

I would recomend the Cretan night to anyone, it is extremly well organised, the food is excellent, the music & the dancers very good and people encouraged to join in if they want to.

The Kokalas is set in a quite location on the edge of the village but within easy walking distance to both the village centre and the beach.

Georgioupolis has miles of beautiful sandy beaches, lots of really nice taverna's and has easy access to both Chania & Reythmon. The people were very friendly and not once were we hustled to try and get us to eat in a particular taverna, hire a car or buy somthing.

We will be returning to Kokalas!

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - June 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Gelsomino Di Trolio - Chester (29, 26, 2)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

The Kokalas resort apartments were excellent. Best self catering apartments we've ever stayed in. Spacious with balcony views of the pool, bar and sea.

We were welcomed by the owners (Nikos and Rula) with Nikos' brother and father helping new guests with suitcases. As soon as the cases were put down, a drink was put in your hand to start the memorable holiday.

Nikos showed us to our room, helping with cases and gave us a brief tour of our room (cooker, safe, rules and regulations etc.)and how to use air-con (a reasonable 4 Euros per day).

The staff and family couldn't do enough for us or anybody else, giving us extra pillows, putting on sports events of interest on the tv on request(football, rugby, wimbledon,) and giving us ideas of places to visit in Chania and Rethymnon. Not to mention Nikos ordering fresh fish for me (1 days notice) which was caught by his cousin and then served up in the Platia family restaurant.

Cretan night was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Guests staying at Kokalas joined in with the family preparing for the Cretan night ahead helping move tables and chairs which none of the guests minded at all. Guests joined in with the dancing as did family members. Great night. Well worth 15 Euros.

On departure Rula and Father-in-law (Giorgos, great fella) were there to thank guests for staying there sending all families off with a bottle of Raki plus ourselves receiving a bottle of home made wine and olive oil too (which we now cook with, delicious)

We made so many friends there we'll definately go back. I think there'll be a reunion next year as all guests said they would return.

Georgioupolis is a great resort to relax, eat, drink and lie in the sun. Plenty of restaurants to choose from, great beach, great people.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - June 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Penny Fahy - Middlesex (36)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

I have just spent the third year at Kokalas with my husband. The reason we keep returning is that not only is Georgiouplolis beautiful and totally relaxing with extremely friendly locals but more importantly the owners of Kokalas and their family, friends and staff are not only helpful and friendly they really make you feel like you are coming home and visiting dear friends and even family. I could not imagine not going to this wonderful place at least once a year. Nikos and Rula have become very good friends of ours and they welcome us back each year with open arms.

The apartments themselves are spacious and pleasently furnished with the added benefit of air conditioning. You get wonderful views of the sea and the nearby mountains and even though the place itself is quite contained you are never disturbed by any noise from the bar. This year I only left Kokalas to go out to eat in the evening as sitting by the pool during the day was very relaxing and the lunches and snacks provided by Rula and her staff were lovely.

If you are reading these reviews to try and find a destination for next year I strongly recommend Kokalas as these people do everything in their power to make sure that you have a wonderful holiday.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar MAY 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : 3 PENSIONERS 64 TO 72 YEARS

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Review:

booked 2 Bedroom Apt (Note;One Only 2 Bed Apt and this is in the Basement)VERY Dark very little day light NOT Reccomended infact Mr Klarksons views are as we found it , infact we were a First time affender as he puts it.3 Elderly people we paid full price plus a big supplement to be offered this Cell, The person who took us to this Cell turned very nasty when we said we would not accept this Apt. Holiday was booked last year we had asked for a 1st Floor Apt. Kosmar did not tell us we would be in the Cell Be warned we ended up having to pay more money to be moved and ended up in a Studio.KOSMAR could not have cared less, They take your money but Do Not Complain, as they treat you with no respect.

Do not let this put you of this Resort we have had some lovely Holidays in Georgioupolis This was our 6th visit. It was spoilt by the Apt within the KOKALAS that Kosmar exspected us to stay in for a 14 Days Sentence.

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Kokalas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - May 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Jeremy Klarkson - Liverpool (56,54)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Review:

The Kokalas studios are situated on the outskirts of the village, near to the East entry point of the National Highway, being 800 metres or so from the village square, the Edam Lido, or the main section of beach.

The accommodation consists of around 20 studios and apartments contained in 3 blocks. Each block is uniquely styled to provide a variety of rooms on 3 levels. Each level provides studios and 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Not all rooms have balconies or patios. The popular rooms are allocated to "old friends", the dungeons to "first time offenders". The owner has the final word on room allocation, but some first time offenders may be rewarded with an early parole and be transferred to a higher room after a free-spending week at the poolside bar.

The accommodation is squeezed onto the family site, and sits alongside family and staff occupied property, separated from the holiday business by a small carpark for their BMW, Audi, Alpha Romeo, VW, and motorbikes. There are no views from 2 sides, views of property from side 3, and wasteland and distant sea and mountains from side 4.

Some noise can be heard: from the poolside bar (day time Greek channel TV, and late night smokers; from tethered dogs; and boy-racer cars. Some smells are common: drains, ashtrays, and petrol (the village petrol station is situated within 10 metres of Kokalas).

The room interiors are large but gloomy, due to the lack of natural light and dark colour scheme.

The Kokalas site is cramped by the construction of the swimming pool (5X10 metres?). The poolside pathways are frequently wet and slippery, and together with the site entry steps and ramp, present a risk of accidents.

Entry and exits are made by passing in front of the poolside bar, which is frequently used by the owners (and their extended family) as a recreation and dining area, - expect to be frequently outnumbered by the family as they have a lot of recreation time because most work is done by their Eastern European servants.

It is not uncommon for "escapees" to be reminded by the "camp guards" of the family taverna (Platia) and special, forthcoming events.

If enough "interns", guests of Platia, and other Kosmar-resort punters can be persuaded to part with 15 Euro, then a weekly barbecue may be held: grilled meat, unlimited local wine, 2 musicians, 2 dancers and other indigenous guests with "complimentary tickets". However, as tables and chairs are removed from rooms and balconies, those not attending are required to make alternative evening arrangements somewhere off-site. For those returning to the site, access to rooms can only be made by "gatecrashing" the party, crossing the dancing area (poolside tiles), and threading through the tables (from your room, and in the place of removed sunbeds). Partygoers are requested to join in the fun and help by setting up and clearing away tables, chairs and sunbeds.

Kokalas attracts a variety of guests: elderly couples and groups, grandparents with grandchildren, middle aged couples, and young families. The poolside bar attracts the elderly smokers, and the pool attracts the children. However, these groups don't spend much on beverages and alcohol, and are tolerated by their hosts. Unloved pool bar bores are discouraged by surly behaviour and the turning-up in volume of the Greek TV channel. Unfortunately, this encourages the 60-a-day fag-ash-Lil's to retire to their rooms, resulting in many rooms smelling like over-flowing ashtrays.

Don't expect Kokalas problems to be resolved by the Kosmar rep.

If you are seeking a holiday to appreciate the hospitality, peace, beauty and simple rural lifestyle of Crete, then this holiday is not for you.

Kokalas epitomises the get-rich-quick, money-grubbing attitude of the Athens based "investors", who want a fast return by selling cheap alcohol to boozy Brits at UK city prices, in a Third World, low cost rural location.

You are unlikely to receive a warm send off from owners in this resort as they are conspicuously absent at departure times, as the rep struggles to assist the old and infirm struggle with luggage over steps and unmade, rutted tracks.

The best feature of Kokalas is the road leading to the airport.

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Kokolas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar- July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Alex Carr- Midlands (42,42,15,13)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Kokalas Studios were excellent, they had a great family atmosphere and the owner and his wife were extremely friendly! The apartments were quiet and in a great location- only a short walk away from the square and the beach! The apartments were cleaned dailly and the rooms were light and had very comfy beds!

Georgioupolis town was also great there was plenty of nice restaurants including;

*The Platia

*Valentinos

Which were our favourties whilst there. There was also many shops and other activities such as mini golf and water sports.

On one day we took a trip on the little train up to the lake, although there wasn't that much there we had a good time on the pedalos and then resting in a taverna.

Overall, our visit to Crete was brilliant- despite the 7 hour delay coming home- we have no complaints about either the town or our apartments.

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Kokolas Resort - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - May 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Pauline & Mike - Suffolk (50, 55)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

We arrived only an hour late after an uneventful if basic flight from Birmingham (be aware if flying with Kosmar, we had no duty free available on either journey, or film to watch).

Immediately on arrival we were given a welcome drink from Nico (the owner) and his wife Rula, before being shown personally to our room, and given a guided tour of the apartment. We were very lucky, our room was on the third floor and we had a wonderful pool and sea view ahead, with a view of the mountains to the side and a large furnished balcony.

The apartments are furnished to a very high standard, most comfortable holiday beds we have ever slept in! We had shower and bath, although no hot water for the first 3 days - but I think this was just a first week teething problem - Nico was soon up on the roof, sorting it out! Nico, Rula and their lovely employee Sladjana, seemed to be working hard from early in the morning until late at night - nothing was too much trouble for them - they would even have food delivered from their restaurant if you didn't fancy anything from their snack bar, or couldn't be bothered to go out. Most nights we did go to their family run restaurant, the Platia, which served excellent traditional Greek food and very acceptable wine at very reasonable prices - and at the end of the meal there was always a free glass of the inevitable raki and a piece of cake. I must admit that by the end of the week, we could manage the raki without pulling a face!

We did try two other restaurants in the evenings, but ended up back at our favourite. Nico worked in here too, along with his brother, and his mum did the cooking. All the staff were really friendly, and always welcoming and pleased to see you.

Georgioupolis is a lovely resort, still with a village feel, with a river and freshwater lake nearby - ideal for a relaxing holiday, but probably not a good choice for anyone looking for a good night life.

We did the Samaria Gorge trip, being picked up at the unearthly hour of 5.00 am, for a hair-raising ride over the mountains as the sun was just coming up - we were the first trip of the season - part of the road had been washed away, and actually it was just better not to look!! It was worth it at the end of the walk, although our legs took a good few days to recover!

Other than that, we did a lot of walking and used the local buses to Chania and Rethymnon, both with charming waterfronts, spoilt only somewhat by the irritating greeters trying to entice you in to their restaurants.

We had a horrendous day travelling back - we were picked up from our apartments at 02.40 and arrived at Chania airport at 0400 hrs, to find it locked up with nobody about. The police had to open the gates as it is a military airport, but it was obvious to all that as there were no staff there, and no planes, we would not be going anywhere very fast. We were given no information as to expected flight time, and just sat around waiting. Two hours later than scheduled we boarded the plane, but Kosmar had not enough people booked from Newcastle or Birmingham, resulting in us landing at Newcastle first to drop off and pick up, then landing at Birmingham to drop us off and also pick up more passengers before heading off back to Crete. The whole lot of Birmingham luggage was lost - first we were told it was on the domestic baggage reclaim, then that it was outside but no-one knew what to do with it, but finally it was admitted it was still on the plane! The Crete luggage had to be offloaded to remove the Birmingham luggage, and eventually nearly two hours after we had landed it turned up! Thank goodness the plane hadn't already taken off back to Crete!

Anyway, although this left a very bad taste, the actual holiday itself - the resort, the apartments and attention of Nico, Rula and Sladjana, and the warmth and welcome of all the Greek people were really superb. There are so many other islands to explore that we would always opt for trying somewhere new, but this was such a lovely place we would definitely consider returning.

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Leonidas Apartments / Studios - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: Kosmar - July 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Paul Hughes - North Wales (41,41,17 & 9)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

The Leonidas apartments are the best and cleanest we have stayed in, in over twenty years of traveling to Greece. Cleaned daily, linen changed several times and even supplied toilet paper.

Only slight quibble is the pool, because of its small size it can easily become overcrowded and noisy. Not really the owners fault just other inconsiderate guests, on at least one occasion the owner actually told a group to quieten and calm down.

Resort itself is very quiet, with a lovely sandy beach which on most days was cooled by a nice off shore breeze. Good selection of tavernas, shops and bars. We found the resort a bit too quiet especially at night.

Took the bus to Rethymnon, the old venetian part is very pretty, but unimpressed by the rest of the town.

Hired a car to visit the water park at Chania and then the old capital at night. Water park is excellent, though be prepared for the Germans trying to queue jump all day. Also went to the Go-Kart track opposite which is excellent value. Chania has a good selection of shops and harbour area is very pretty. Found the car hire prices to be very reasonable, all the companies were undercutting their brochure prices quite considerably.

All in all had a very good holiday, I think my wife summed up how we all felt when she said she wouldn't come back here but did not want to leave either.

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Leonidas Apartments / Studios - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: Kosmar - July 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Kim Baker - Melton Mowbray (49,47,14,10)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

We booked Leonidas as a last resort as the other holidays we wanted were all gone,THANK GOODNESS THEY WERE.The leonidas was fantastic and so was Georgeioupolis.

As soon as we turned up (after a long day because of stopping at Santorini,which we were not told about)George the owner was there to greet us and help with our luggage.Our apartment was unbelievable,we have been to many Greek islands and never had anything like this,it was a duplux apartment over two floors.There were two single beds on the first floor with a small kitchenette area(very basic but ok to do breakfast/lunch)off this was a bathroom with bath,power shower,toilet and sink there was also a balcony which overlooked the pool to the front and sea to the side,plenty of furniture in this room.You then went up the marble stairs to the top floor where there was a double bed,furniture and yet another bathroom with the same things and then another balcony.There was even unbrellas on each balcony.

The apartments were cleaned everyday apart from Sunday,EXCELLENT.Linen was changed 4 times in our two week stay.The maid is very helpful and got us extra pillows never had that before,on the last day she came round and told us we didn't have to leave our room until the bus turned up which was 2.1/2 hrs after check out.

The pool is small and we thought that this might be a problem,but as there are so little apartments we had two days where we had the pool to ourselves and when people did stay it still wasn't a problem.

There is a supermarket next door to the complex which stocks all you need.

The resort of Georgeioupolis is lovely,there are several tavernas scattered along the seafront and then lots around the Square in the centre of the resort.It was really nice to sit and have a drink watching life go by,with a local greek sitting socialising next to you.

The beach is fantastic in which ever direction you go,but our favourite was to the right of the Leonidas over the river mouth (clildren thought this was great fun as it was very shallow and flowed quickly into the sea,great to put an airbed on)there was alot more room on this part of the beach and our clildren played football,volleyball etc.The sunbeds were 4 euros for two + umbrella.The sea was beautiful,first week we had fantastic waves the second week it was like a pond.

We also visited Lake Kournas which is at the back of Georgeioupolis,we went on the little street train,lovely day out,children went on a pedalo around the lake then played in the clear shallow water.Then spend some time in one of the tavernas which overlook the lake,very relaxing.

Chania ia well worth a visit lots to see and lots of shops.

I could go on forever about this resort it was lovely,we have never gone back to the same place twice but am just going to book again for 2007.

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Leonidas Apartments / Studios - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar July 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : The Lee Family

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Excellent apartments! Very spacious,ours had two bathrooms and two balconys. The upstairs room was very large plenty of room for two more beds in there!The owner kept the pool area spotless and so did the maid in our room.

Georgioupolis is lovely,plenty of Tavernas around the village square,which is nice to sit and watch the world go by.

Go to the Mythos Taverna in the village square (it's the one with the tree growing round the front)Super meals all home cooked and served by Sophia and her family.We found the locals eating as well as tourists but make sure you get in before 9pm as it's allways full.

To sum up then, a super apartment in a lovely small village with a long golden beach.

Full marks go to Kosmar too and excell airways,our flight was 40 mins early!

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Leonidas Apartments / Studios - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Martin Slade - Yate (42,37,36, 34, 11,9,9,7)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Georgioupolis is a small town off the national highway between Chania and Rethymno, on the north coast where the river Samaria meets the sea.

The resort itself is great for both families and couples, being fairly quiet and family-oriented. The centre of the town is the main square, surrounded by cocktail bars, shops and restaurants and having eight roads leading into it. There is also an Internet cafe and pool tables bar that is very reasonable and both pool and internet are payable by the hour or less (1 Euro=15 mins internet, 6 Euro=1 hr pool table).

The restaurants are all top quality for Greece- clean, reasonable and friendly. Our favourite was Sunlight on the beach. You know the type of place - the staff remember your preferences even after a single visit such as table preference, condiments etc. Money can't buy that sort of service. It is also reasonable and you get really decent-sized servings.

The beach is narrow but long and the sea is shallow and varies greatly in temperature, due to the presence of natural springs that reach the sea all along the coastline.

After chilling out for a few days we realised that we'd become extremely secure about our property and kids- there really is NO crime at all here.

Leonidas appartments are owned by George and he lives in a small house next door with his large family. The rooms are spacious, light, airy, marble-floored and clean and there are three split-level 'duplexes' (our party stayed in two of them) with two bathrooms and two balconies!

They are kept spotless by a delightful maid who works her socks off for six months a year to give her kids back home in Romania a decent life. We tipped her well- she was a Godsend.

There is a pool with (too few) sunbeds and a few parasols, and we were happier there (having young kids) than at the beach because they were within earshot at all times.

Next door is a couple of grocer shops and the one nearest Leonidas is owned by another very friendly chap (free sweets for the kids, that sort of thing).

There is a delightful Greek Orthodox Church midway between Leonidas and town, which is all of a five minutes' stroll away. There is also a tiny chapel on a causeway in the sea at the river head. Wear stout shoes!

Catch the bus to Chania for its sights, Venetian harbour and shopping (visit the Leather Alley). Forget market day on Thursdays- it specialises in fruit and veg and some very cheap looking clothing. Cheap leather, Oakley, Levis, fake football shirts etc.

We loved it in Georgioupolis for its friendliness, accessability and convenience. We also met several people who had either returned from previous years or had moved there!

Recommended.

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Leonidas Apartments / Studios - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Bob & Josie Charlie & Lu (50, 50, 8 & 4)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

The one big let down for this holiday was the 7 hours crammed into an aircraft on what ought to have been a 4 hour flight (shame on you Kosmar). On arrival at Bristol we found that the aircraft was stopping at Santorini on the way, no advance notification of this by Kosamr, I wonder why!

We boarded the aircraft at 0900 and was informed by the pilot that we would be taking off at 0950, we took off at 1020! On arrival at Santorini we were left on the aircraft for over an hour whilst others got off and some returning to UK got on. During this stop I chose to stretch my legs in the aisle and was asked by a member of the cabin crew to sit down, I thought this a good time to bring DVT to the dopey ladys attention, her response was "dont be silly, thats only on flights lasting over 4 hours", hmmmmmmmmmmn! When all had boarded there had been a miscount of passengers, the same dopey cabin crew member then got on the PA system and asked "did anyone get off in Santorini who shouldnt have"! It probably explains and accopunts for her lack of awareness of DVT!

The resort of Georgioupolis was perfect for us and the 2 Grandchildren. Leonidas Appts and Studios is ideally placed and were the best in all my stays in Greece. Two bathrooms, lovely and clean Appt, linen and towels changed every 2 days and Maid service every day. A nice small pool which I would imagine gets busy in high season.

Its hard to single out any one Taverna as being the best as there are several very good ones. The only advice I would offer is to avoid eating at Kids World and watch the kids as they play with and on the equipment there, we saw some near misses and the food when served looked less than prepared with care!

Sun beds at Edam (central) on the beach (main resort) are at 5 Euros for 2, this allows access to the pool and its beds over the road and a couple of free/complimentary beers, good value.

Beds on the river beach (East/right) are at 4 Euros for 2 and are split according to the various Tavernas that serve reasonable food and drinks all day. Guess what though..............there are no toilet facilities.

The beach on the left/west (cant recall its name) has sun beds at 5 Euro for 2, a lovely idilic bay, a lovely Taverna and its extremely quiet. Its actually inbetween 2 rivers that empty into it which makes the water a little cooler! This beach is reached by crossing the bridge and is recommended.

The Square in the evening is pleasant and you can sit without the noise of rap and dance music.

By way of summary its a lovely resort, great holiday but Kosmar you really have got to start talking to people (your clients) and sort your PR out as it really is the worst!

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Metropol - Fereniki - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: Manos - June 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Steve Boronski (50,38,14,12)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

Georgiopoulis is a wonderful place to spend a holiday, I would recommend it to anyone.

The Metropol Hotel could use a touch of renovation but it isn't at all bad, in fact our room, was outstanding. The cleanliness left a bit to be desired but it must be difficult for the maids to clean around all our mess anyway. Again it wasn't bad, nothing to complain about.

The only down side is there is no space around the pool for sun loungers, if you look on their website there is, but they have built a new restaurant on the space which services other hotels too, so it gets busy.

The resort beach is so close it made no difference anyway.

Blue Boat beach bar is great fun, Stavros is very helpful and friendly. And there are numerous bars and restaurants to keep you busy, none loud, all serving great food, and for a family of 4 we spent around 30Euros a night including drinks, so very reasonably priced.

Take a trip to Samaria Gorge if you feel fit, spectacular.

The local bus service to Chania and rethymon is excellent, much better quality than we get at home. So you don't really need to hire car or pay for excursions if you dont want to. I went to Samaria on the Bus which cost only 12 Euro, but it took all day making a change both ways but it is more adventurous than the organised trips.

My daughters enjoyed the place too, great beach, wonderful mountain backdrop, swimming in warm water (if you stay out of the river's estuary), we will definately return.

Steve B.

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Nirvana - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: Kosmar - June 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Nigel and Liz - Newcastle (54,50)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Review:

This was our first time in Crete for a few years and after a fair bit of research Georgioupolis looked like the kind of resort we were looking for and it didn't disappoint.

The flights were good, with spare seats next to us both ways, which meant we could stretch out a bit, and there was only a slight delay taking off on the return journey.

Georgioupolis is a small compact resort with a friendly village feel. Fishing boats operate from one of 3 rivers running into the Cretan Sea, which means lovely fresh fish on the table at the restaurants and tavernas in the village.

Georgioupolis centres around a small square ringed by bars, shops and tavernas, with roads leading down about 200 metres to the river and the beach front. While we were there the beach front road and promenade were being tarmaced and block paved respectively as the resort continues to slowly develop. It will be important that the right balance is struck between development for tourism and retention of village character - unlike some other reviews I have seen though I don't think the current improvements spoil the resort.

As long as things don't go too far.

The beach is excellent with 3 distinct options. A narrowish stretch of about 300 metres in front of the resort, a quieter and smaller beach of finer sand on the other side of the river to the west with a lovely beach bar, and a wider beach stretching for miles to the east.

We found Georgioupolis the perfect place to chill - onto the sunbeds, read, sunbathe, swim, read, eat, drink, sunbathe, read, swim etc etc, then back to the studio, cool off, chill some more and get ready to go out. There are about 20 tavernas/restaurants and a dozen or so bars and we had only a couple of disappointing meals. Best tavernas for us were 'Sirtaki' near the port for oven baked fish and oven baked potatoes, 'Paradise Taverna' just off the square for kleftiko and meatballs, and 'Valentinos' on the road from the square to the port for stamna and stifado. We also had wonderful pizzas at a franchise restaurant under the Gialos studios next door to us.

Lake Kournas is only a 20 minute roadtrain ride away and is a nice place for peace and quiet, nature watching and an hours trip round the lake on a pedalo, then a spot of late lunch in one of the lakeside tavernas.

We hired a car for a day (at a very reasonable rate) and went down to Matala to look at the caves and try to find Joni Mitchells Mermaid Cafe (baby boomers will understand), and had a lovely drive back via the Minoan ruins at Phaestos and through the Amari Valley.

Both Chania and Rethymnon are about 40 minutes away on the bus and Chania must be one of the most beautiful harbour towns in Europe.

The accomodation was the usual basic Greek studio/apartment,nothing flash, just what we Greek Island veterans expect, and we had a balcony with a great sea view which meant only a 60 second walk to the beach.

The only drawbacks were the very noisy bin lorry at 5 o'clock every morning and a shortage of hot water for the showers at the end of the day. But anyone who allows such things to overshadow all the positives should stay at home as far as I'm concerned.

All in all we had a wonderful holiday in Georgioupolis and it's a place we will definitely go back to.

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Nirvana - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: Kosmar - May 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Derek Nattress - Durham (73,70)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Third visit to the resort after a five year gap we were a little apprehensive that the old atmosphere had been spoiled. We had no grounds to worry, there has been building of course but the village has not been swamped. Even the ongoing development of a promenade was being done as unobtrusively as possible, with no interference with our holiday. Tavernas all great, not an English/Irish/Scottish bar to be found, just great Greek food and hospitality. Not a disco in the village either, so peace and quiet after midnight. No place for the Faliraki crowd, unless they've grown up!

We'll be back next year, God willing.

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Nirvana - Georgioupolis

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar July 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Fiona Walsh Darwen Lancs 51 Alan 57

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Review:

Excellent resort with everything you need.

The Nirvana apts were basic but very comfortable and were cleaned every day except Sunday. A supermarket on your doorstep and the beach was a stones throw away. The square had eight bars to pick from and some of them did light snacks. Tito's was the one we went to the most but everybody was very friendly whichever one you went in. Valentino's, Babis, Nostos, to name but a few were excellent for food.

We enjoyed it so much that we have booked again for next July, something we don't usually do as we like to see other places. Chris the Kosmar rep. was brilliant and took the time to have a chat with you whenever she saw you.

Next year we are staying at the Papadakis Studios which are just round the corner from the Nirvana.

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