We were looking for several things when we booked the Elounda Bay Palace, aside from the obvious in a 5 star hotel. (1). Good swimming - I'd give it 11 out of 10 for this. A large indoor pool, a large outdoor pool, and the best safe sea swimming ever in a sheltered sandy bay - we loved that. (2). Location - places to walk to (safely) from the hotel, no need to get a taxi or drive. 8 out of 10 for this. There are several excellent walks to explore the local area - along the pavement to Elounda village & harbour along the sea shore (turn right down the path where there's a big sign saying 'Nina's Organic House, don't continue down the main road). Also out via the causeway to the island, where there's a more challenging circular walk around a good part of the island ( some of this is on donkey tracks that donkeys would have found challenging - good footwear needed). (3) Location - a good range of local restaurants available within walking distance, plus supermarkets to buy snacks and a bottle of wine without having to pay hotel prices. 9 out of 10 for this. The Elounda area has lots of fairly well-off and well-behaved tourists (it's definitely not a cheap, noisy holiday destination) , and these tourists have generated a large number of restaurants in Elounda to choose from - at reasonable prices. (4) Also, it's really nice to have a hotel set in attractive grounds - I really love all the ancient olive trees and well-kept gardens. Yes, drinks at the hotel are expensive, and the buffet evening meal provided by half board isn't at the level of a Michelin star - but there were a very wide range of food options and we were rarely disappointed. Good food options for kids, vegetarians. The staff were friendly and helpful (our room cleaner was exceptional!), and our room was modern and well kitted out. The abandoned fortress/settlement on Spinalonga island - you can get a ferry from Elounda - is well worth a visit. We had an excellent time over a week's stay, and felt we had chosen our hotel well. Thanks to everyone at the hotel.
Wonderful stay! Not far from the city center, the pools are nice and the staffs are friendly. Breakfast was so good and they even have live musician playing for dinner. Amazing, would definitely recommend to others!
Bus station is just ten minutes away from the hotel. Very easy to get here from Agios Nikolaos station. The bus costs only 7.8€ from Héraklion city.
Loved every single second of my stay!
We stayed in this lovely independent hotel for 10 night in September. The town is beautiful, and the hotel had a comfortable suite with good facilities and was perfectly located by the lake. It is a fairly basic hotel in that it has no restaurant and the rooms are also quite basic, but the staff were lovely and we wanted for nothing. A special mention for the concierge, Angel, who went out of his way to help us, with information on travelling around using the buses as we weren’t driving, and places worth visiting. When I became ill on our last full day he was so helpful in sorting out a taxi to the hospital, and when my wife came back to collect a couple of things I needed he gave her a lift back so she wouldn’t have to walk in the heat or wait for another taxi. He is a real asset to the hotel and such a lovely man, I hope the owners appreciate him.
Very relaxed apartments, private pool and view to die for. I loved the whole experience. So chilled, staff available if you need anything but are non-interfering, which I liked as have stayed in a neighbouring apartment complex and found it quite overwhelming and cliquey, if you wanted to keep to yourself. The pool area is really nice and sometimes we had the pool to ourselves. Cute little cat would pop by. Good balcony area looking at the view, essential appliances available. We ate out every day so didn't really need much. Also can't comment on the breakfast but other guests appeared to enjoy it. Fab area, easy access to Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Nice tavernas close by. Yvonne from reception was very approachable and helpful. Only downside was leaving.
Exquisite facilities, new materials, daily housekeeping in a small 5-room hotel at the quiet side of the city. There's easy access of city centre by local bus every 30mins or if you prefer 15min on foot. Rooms are clean, spacious with artistic illumination. Free parking & a playground at the basement are surely assets. Congrats to Mrs Xanthi for her warm hospitality! We'll be back!