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Crete Smaller Resorts (A-Z)

Adelianos - Crete

Adele Studios II - Adelianos Kampos

Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - September 2005 

Opinion submitted in Jan 2006 by :

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Adele Studios II is a lovely place to stay, bearing in mind there's little in Adele of interest if you're the exploring type. Just many "samey" tavernas catering mainly to people who want to eat so-so standard food and shops selling overpriced trashy souvenirs. There's plenty of supermarkets to get your daily supplies, the grapes and tomatoes are gorgeous and very sweet. Rethymnon is only a short drive away and it's a good base to explore the western side other island. It's also good to drive up into the mountains and find REAL Cretan tavernas where the food is cheaper and MUCH better quality.

The studios are clean and well maintained. The sheets were changed twice a week and the bins emptied almost every day. There was a bathtub and even a shower curtain in the bathroom. Almost unheard of in Greek accommodation! I was lucky enough to be placed at the front of the building, as the rooms on the back can be very noisy from the main road behind them. The only problem I had with the room was the aging and VERY noisy fridge that I had to resort to switching off at night.

Nice sized pool and children's pool out the back. The beach is somewhat sharp pebbly, so buy some beach shoes if you intend to spend time there. If you drive out through Platainias though, the beach is much nicer between there and Rethymnon.

The owners were very friendly, and seemed to work every single hour of the day and night.

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Hotel Dias - Adelianos

Operator and Date: (Cosmos Direct) Cosmos-june2005

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : jane-george 41 44

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

nothing good to say about this hotel at all. 

booked a 2 week two centre holiday not cheap.spent the first 4 days in aghios nicolias in a 3 star hotel, fabulous, beautiful views from the hotel gorgeous resort, good food. then we traveled to the dias. what a disaster. you just new as soon as we pulled up in the coach this was not going to be anything like the last four days. the hotel was the dirtiest filthiest place i have ever stayed in during my 14 years of traveling. the food was not fit for a dog. if you like ice cream or jelly or tinned fruit you would be ok because you were offered only one of these on a nightly basis. the rest of the food i couldnt recognise what it could be. even the coffee or tea in a morning served to you from a warming flask were disguting. there was a fridge in our room that had so much filth and mould around it i could have sold my own penicillin and under the bed as i followed the local bugs one night to see where they were going, well i just wish i hadnt looked. this hotel had not been cleaned for months. the pool bar never open the pool was abismall dont go there its really bad.

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Jo-An Beach Hotel - Adelianos, Rethyymno

Operator and Date: Lastminute.com(Flightfinders & Accomodation 2U)

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Dee Kevan - Hampshire (45,49)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was a last minute booking, a get away from it all break for my husband and I..child free for the first time! Adelianos is a very small resort, brochure stated hotel was an ideal holiday for those wishing to get away from it all, and relax! The holiday started good, great friendly flight on Monarch,a taxi waiting at the airport for us, then an hour journey (close your eyes)as we drew up to the hotel (quoted as 4 star) we both sighed with relief, typical Greek style low rise, white,flowers/greenery everywhere,immaculate grounds.

Hotel receptionist told us that they given us a bigger room as a special favour! but then went on to say, that we may have to move after a few days if they need the room for a family! They only had one small room available for a couple and when I went to look at it I realised why it was left! It was over the Bar area...so we decided to take a chance and go for the bigger room. The room was a big disapointment, dated, dull and basic but clean, what a pity after the lovely outside and grounds!

Air conditioning..you have to pay deposit of 10 euros for the remote control..no problem, yet air conditioning constantly leaked,so we had to have towels on the floor..despite numerous requests (repair man v. busy but will come tomorrow) it was never seen too during our stay although I must say it did its job.
Safe in room cost us 20 euros for the week.

The room had 2 kids beds, sink and cupboard, with bathroom off, our beds were up some very wobbly stairs on a sort of mezzanie..If I had children with me I would not like them to use them! We had to use them very slowly which was a pain for a 49 yr old woman, bursting for the loo in the morning!
The balcony was quite large and more than adequate.

We went half board, but actually only ate in there for continental breakfast and one evening meal...food odd and boring,chips chips....so we ate out for the rest of the week..The White Lady in Adelianos is renowned for its atmosphere and excellent service, great food and the "whistling road waiter!" there are plenty of restaurants here, and of course the touts, but remain polite and say not tonight thank you and we found they accepted this with a friendly smile.

Anyone staying at the Jo-An should go self catering, eating out is very cheap.

There was a small pool with a smaller sectioned off for babies, but only normal upright seats...always empty..but direct access to beach right next to pool..with sunloungers and umbrellas, but they cost 5 euros per day for two.
Only complaint and which spoiled our days was the hotel beach bar...house/garage music blasting from 10 am until 7 pm everyday.We found out from other hotel guests that you can use any of the other hotel sunbeds along the beach for the same price, and no one else played music. We could always tell new guests as they would use the Jo An's sun loungers then the music would come on loud and they would pack up and move..a few of us did speak to the barman but he just shrugged and the music continued..so use other beds.
We did'nt sightsee,as we were only there for a much needed lazy week.

ANIMAL LOVERS..beware I found the attitude to the large number of stray dogs and cats upsetting, our taxi driver did not swerve when a small tatty dog ran out in front off him, he said they are better dead as there is so many..I found this attitude so upsetting...I only wished I could have brought this particular dog home but there were many more.The dogs that you see on the beach are very friendly, please give them some water and a biscuit,also the cats and kittens are friendly too.

Overall we had a great break but the Jo-An apartments are not 4 star as advertised, the outside maybe, inside 2 star. There was not many british here mostly German, Polish, Russian and Dutch. Although we met in the last few days two very nice couples from London and Liverpool, who were great fun.

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Agia Galini - Crete

Aparthotel Creta Palm Resort - Agia Galini

Operator and Date: Independent - Apr 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : R & A - Exeter (45, 49)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We didn't book this hotel but were moved here from the Agia Marina Beach to get us away from a large group of rowdy Greek students.

The worst thing about the resort is that it is strung along a busy road with intermittent pavements, although hotels on the right side of the road are right on the beach. The Creta Palm is on the wrong side of the road. The location did seem to be convenient for a bus service into Hania although we didn't use it because we had a car. It was fairly convenient for getting out of town and onto the "motorway". There is a small amount of free parking.

The hotel itself is hard to fault. We were in an enormous apartment, all newly fitted. We were staying half board and the buffet meals were good. However, the dining room was very small with most guests presumably being self-catering. One night we had a thunderstorm and the dining room was full, with people choosing not to go out! Some items ran out quickly and were not replenished.

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Hotel Irini Mare - Agia Galini

Operator and Date: Expedia - Apr 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : R & A - Exeter (45, 49)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had heard that Agia Galini was very touristy and noisy, but April is low season in Crete and it was quiet. It is a little town sloping down to a harbour, with a spectacular mountain backdrop, although the large car park on the harbourside spoils the environment.

If the town does get unbearable in summer, Irini Mare is in an excellent location. Although a couple of kilometres away by car, you can walk to the town in ten minutes along a level walkway at the foot of the cliffs.

We had a sea view room, and the view was a fine one across rooftops to the little bay. The room was spacious and newly refurbished, and very clean. The buffet dinner and breakfast were good - the menus were only in Greek and German, but with a buffet you can see for yourself what most things are! For those on a B and B option, there are plenty of restaurants nearby.

There is plenty of parking, and cars for hire as well.

The staff were very friendly. As English guests, I think we were a bit of a novelty when everyone else was German! All in all, a hotel we can recommend.

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Rooms Manos - Agia Galini

Operator and Date: independent sept 06

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : jackie smith(61,59)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

rooms Manos are well situated in the resort. they are very reasonable,spotless and run by alovely lady. Be sure to get abalcony room. Agia Galini is a nice resort as quiet or as busy as you want. 2 excellent restaurants-Ariston on taverna st-try the meatballs and Charlies place which is traditional. We had the best moussaka ever there and it was very cheap.There a couple of Greek bars which are nice and much cheaper than the poncy bars on the front.

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Tropica Studios - Agia Galini

Operator and Date: Kosmar - Sept 06

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Stuart Hewitson - Truro (62,57)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed at Tropica Studios, Agia Galini for two weeks at the end of September and first week of October.
Agia Galini is a really charming resort and Tropica Studios are ideally situated, being at the Eastern end of the village right on the beach.

The studios, whilst basic, are very clean and spacious, each with a reasonably sized balcony  or patio.
The swimming pool and pool bar complex was very relaxing with enough sun-loungers for all and some small trees to give some shade. Non-swimmers beware - apart from the entry steps, there is no shallow end!!!
The studios are a pleasant walk along the beach where there are several good tavernas and bars (try the Sunset Taverna mixed grill for two - complete with sparklers!!)to the main village which is set into the hillside, with more restaurants, tavernas and bars than you can shake a stick at!!!
Best of the tavernas is Charlies Place, great  food at great prices plus several free Rakis with Charlie at the end of the meal.

Best of the bars - a toss-up between Platias wine bar and Milestone where Gary plays some great jazz and blues.
We rented a car for 4 days and visited Rythymnon, Plakias, Matala and the mountains (quite a white knuckle ride)
We also walked the gorge at Imbros, absolutely stunning but shorter than the more famous Samaria gorge.
Now some gripes, the harbourside would be so much nicer if the car parking was removed and the beach is quite pebbly with some large boulders.
But overall a very lovely holiday......,

.....except our luggage was deliberately unloaded at Cardiff due to Kosmar over-booking( we flew from Exeter to Heraklion via Cardiff) - this is a completely different story and not for these reviews but just suffice to say if you are using Kosmar Holidays, you will find their reps and head office staff extremely un-helpful and un-sympathetic should anything go wrong, (which surely is the main reason for using a tour operator rather than booking direct.... something we shall be doing from now on)

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Almirida - Crete

Almyrida Beach Hotel - Almyrida

Operator and Date: A.1 Holidays-July 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Phil & Ann - North Wales

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Booked this holiday last minute on Teletex through A.1 Holidays. For what we paid we have no complaints whatsoever about the holiday. 

Arranged a transfer with A.1 and a taxi duly picked us up on arrival and whisked us straight to the door. The resort is ideal for anyone looking to chill out and have a good rest. Almyrida is a small village with about twenty bars and tavernas.There is a long narrow sandy beach and you can walk out to sea for a couple of hundred yards and the water is crystal clear and still only chest high. One warning is the section of sea opposite the hotel is very rocky and rough under-foot but walk fifty yards to the right and you'll find it nice and sandy,easy to walk on.If you are B.B. or S.C there is plenty of choice for eating out, we were H.B so only ate out once in the Chicago Bar, really good food and plenty of different choice at a reasonable price. The local tanernas were always packed so they must have been good also. 

I would reccomend to Almyrida Beach hotel to anyone. The rooms are a reasonable size, all of the hotel is kept spotlessly clean and all of the staff are really friendly and go out of their way to help you.The only average thing was the food which is buffet style breakfast and evening meal. It's not brilliant but sufficient to keep you going for the week. If we go back to the hotel (which I certainly plan to do) I would go B.B. and eat out.The beach is about twenty yards from the hotel but if the pool is for you then you have three to choose from.It's certainly a resort I would recommend for couples and perhaps younger children, not a lot to do for teenagers.

If you have booked and are due to go there have no fears you are in for a truly great holiday.

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Almyrida Beach Hotel - Almyrida

Operator and Date: Independent - September 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Adam & Vanessa - Reading (26, 22)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were extremely pleased with the hotel.  It was modern, clean & fully maintained. The staff were very friendly and the maids were great. They'd even arrange your pyjamas neatly for you!

The pool was lovely (if a little cold to start with!) and there was plenty of sunbeds for the amount of demand at the time of visit.  Not too much of a problem with early morning 'towel reservations!'

The rooms were of a good size and comfortable. 

The location couldn't have been better!  Right on the beach front with only the village road separating it from the sand.  Several local tavernas within immediate walking distance and a good selection of small shops for day to day living.  There is car hire available in the resort too.  You'll probably need a car if you plan to use a larger supermarket or need a cash machine which are both in the village of Kalyves about 5-10 min drive.

The beach was nice although quite narrow and i can imagine that it would be packed in the peak season.  Not many facilities but has some watersports and a beach bar.

The resort is more suited for couples and i wouldnt recommend for families with small children.  Main reasons being 1. lack of childrens entertainment. 2. The road runs through the resort and is quite busy with no pavements & sometimes crazy drivers! 3. Strong currents within the sea if you wander out too far.

Food and drink is excellent.  Best taverna we found was in Plaka, which is the next village along.  It has fantastic views across to Almirida.  Very good value with a typical meal for 2 costing about 25 euros which includes drinks, large starters and main meal. 

Overall this was a very enjoyable holiday in a picturesque location.

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Almyrida Beach Hotel - Almyrida

Operator and Date: T/Clrs 2005

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Pam&Mike Jones Wirral. 58 , 60

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Looking for a quite holiday,with superb views,fantastic food,fabulous rooms,first class service,then the Almyrida Beach Hotel is the place.Our greeting at reception was warm and informative,nothing was to much trouble and from day one we felt like part of the hotel family,Fofi and Mikalous made sure that any requests we made were seen to right away,be it information on the surrounding villages,or which ouzo to buy.The dining room staff including the famous film star "Charlene"looked after us with a first class service,to match the food.The area would not suite those with walking problems,although there is a bus once a day to Chania,walking to the next villages is the usual mode of transport.

We enjoyed the Hotel so much that a return visit in September is planned.As a passing comment,the area and surrounds would not be suitable for the younger set looking for discos or wild nightlife.

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Blazis House - Almerida

Operator and Date: Direct Greece - July 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Suzanne ( 50, 48, 43, 43, 15

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Almerida is a small and very pretty beach resort surrounded by hills and mountains, you can stroll from one side of it to the other (flat area) within 10 minutes.

Blazis House Apt
These consist of about 8 apartment and studios.  We had a 2 bedroom apartment which was very spacious and clean. The pool area was small, but quiet most of the time we were there.  A pool bar would have been a welcome asset.
The beach and shops were about a 3 minute walk away.

The Beach
The main beach is sandy with clear shallow waters and tended to be busy particularly at weekend with greek and foreign holiday makers alike. There are 2 other small sandy coves and a stretch of pebble beach. On some days the sea was calm whilst on others there were quite large waves, which were great fun and enjoyed by all ages. That said, we were warned of strong undercurrents and there was always a life guard on duty.

Eating out
The beach front is lined with taverna's and cafes, (about 10-12 maximum) each looking out over the ocean and the views across the bay are lovely. Having visited many different parts of Greece we found the standard of food to be a little disappointing and much the same in each one. The curry night at the English owned Shell restuarant made a nice change and was very good.  The owners are lovely and make you very welcome.  We found an excellent restaurant called Medusa in Kalives (7 euro taxi ride away)

Bars
The are a couple of low key bars, the most popular being Atlantis. The staff were very friendly and there was a good mix of people. Personally a

Devlopment
 There is much property development in the area with sales geared toward the british, (there were at least 8 estate agents selling holiday homes)and it is to be hoped that over development does not spoil the area

All in all we had a enjoyable holiday and I would recommend the resort to families or couples looking for a quiet and relaxing

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Irini Studios - Almirida

Operator and Date: Direct Greece - May 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : John and Lesley - York (58)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We chose this accommodation because it was described as having a lovely sea view, but nothing could have prepared us for how fantastic it actually was - the resort laid out below us, the White Mountains in the background (still with snow on in mid-May) and a vast swathe of Souda Bay with islands, headlands, and a fabulous sunset every evening.  The studio itself was comfortable but nothing special inside, but the balcony was enormous so we enjoyed our breakfast outside every morning, and a quiet ouzp every evening watching the sun go down.

Almirida itself is a small, quiet resort with a pleasant beach and a range of bars and tavernas.  These were pleasant enough but not outstanding.  however we would recommend Francoise's bar for light lunches, delicious crepes and waffles and excellent coffee.  And for having a very quiet TV! 

Public transport isn't great so if you want to explore you'll need a hire car.  Almirida is an excellent base - we went up into the mountains, down to the south coast, to the far west coast and, closer to Almirida, visited Chania and the Akrotiri peninsula.

Definitely not the resort for you if you like a lively nightlife, or lots of entertainment for the kiddies.  Best for couples and people who enjoy walking, scenery and relaxation.

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Analipsi - Crete

Europa Beach Hotel - Analipsi

Operator and Date: Travel Bargains/Med Hotels - May 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Marcus Cobley - Leicester (32,24,1)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Europa Beach Hotel is like many AI hotels located away from any main resort centres. The small village of Analipsi is a 20 min stroll and well worth venturing out to visit frequently. It has a small numbers of bars & restaurants. We ate out 2 evenings and didn't experience a great culinary delight yet I'm confident they are there somewhere in the village with approx 8 restaurants to choose from. The bars were quiet yet the locals extremely friendly. Try Edam Garden & El Paradiso for superb cocktails. I talk about the village first as the hotel is no great shakes! 

The beach outside the hotel isn't wonderful and you will be charged for sun beds wich didn't go down too well with anyone staying at the hotel! Clearly the hotel don't own the beach nor have they made any kind of arrangement with the local chap who pounces within seconds as your towel touches the bed!

The hotel. Positives ~
Cleanliness. Spotless through the hotel with brilliant service in the rooms from the maids inc regular changes to towels & sheets.
The desserts in the restaurant. As mentioned by another guest on this site. They were sensational!!
It's supposedly a 4* hotel. It isn't in my book. The food was certainly varied with plenty of choice. When you consider they are catering for such large numbers you are never going to enjoy mouth tingling food but having said that it was okay.
As you'd expect beer was watered down and served in small plastic cups. Couldn't even get a pint of it! And the wine gave you a shiver as you tasted it! Definately great to escape in the evenings and experience a proper pint of Amstel/Mythos in the village! 

The pool areas were okay with 2 main pools and 2 children's pools.
I wouldn't say the staff were particularly happy except at reception where they were superb and keen to help you as much as possible.

In a nuthsell this is an average AI hotel which if you are looking for a short break away lounging around the pools then it is really is okay. More than that you might go crazy as it's clear for all to see that everything is delivered on the cheap. Costs are minimised in the quality of food & drinks particularly.     

We felt a bit disappointed but I think that was because we paid a fortune at half term break. Yet most of our holiday costs were for the flights. Which of course has nothing to do with the hotel! So as long as you are not paying out a load of money for a holiday here this is a decent hotel for a lovely relaxing break in the Cretan sunshine. As long as you venture out a little bit! There is a host of different activities you can get involved in inc ater polo & volleyball.

The weather was splendid in late May!
Would we return to this hotel? No.
But many poeple had a smashing time at this hotel according to this site and I can understand why. It just depends on what you are looking for from your holiday.

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Europa Beach Hotel - Analipsi

Operator and Date: Travel Bargains - 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Bev Hunt & Family Age 38, 34 & 9

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After reading some of the reviews already in existence on some sites about the Europa Beach, I was a little concerned about what we may find when we actually arrived, but our worries were completely unnecessary.

The Europa Beach Hotel was separated from the beach by a very quiet road.  The beach closest to the hotel was ok, but was very stony and rocky below the surface of the water, so we did tend to walk further along to bathe.  The village of Analipsis is about a 10-15 minute walk along the beach, and has far nicer sand, and is a nicer area to bathe in.

The hotel itself was very clean and well maintained, with a very large, well presented lobby area with plenty of seating.  The rooms were clean and smart, although basic.  The dining room was spacious and on no occasion during the entire week did we experience problems finding a table.  The food was great, and I was most impressed that chips did not appear on the menu on one single occasion, although they are available daily at the pool snack bars, along with pizza slices.  The labelling of the food could have been clearer, but I don't think this was any big problem.  My 9 year old son managed to find something that he liked every meal time, although specific kids items (burgers, chicken nuggets, etc) were not offered.  Not a bad thing, in my own opinion.  Packed lunches are also provided if you plan days away from the hotel.

The hotel grounds were immaculately kept and very well planted with beautiful shrubs.  Gardeners were evident daily tending to the grounds.  There were two pools both with free loungers.  The loungers were a source of irritation, as guests left towels on loungers from the first day they used them to the very end of their stay, as their was no requirement for them to be removed overnight.  I did point out to the hotel that this was an unacceptable practice.  Even so, loungers were not really in short supply, so it wasn't a big problem.  The pools themselves were clean, and one had a small tiled slope connecting a little kids pool to the main pool which the children could slide down on their inflatables.

Entertainment was provided every night.  English visitors were in the minority with guests being predominantly French.  Even so, the entertainment team did perform their turns in numerous languages, so it was watchable.

Overall, I think the Europa Beach was great.  A very quiet location............not suitable if it's nightlife you are looking for..........but great for families.  

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Europa Beach Hotel - Analipsi

Operator and Date: Sunstar - Sept 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : mel & Lee ( 43,43)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Fantastic hotel, friendy staff.
Food was aimed at Europeans not english but that said most days found something to eat. If you have picky kids dont go. Rooms good and bedding and towels changed every day.
Entertainment was entertaining and plenty to do throughout the day. The animation team worked hard.
We went in September so things were relaxed but weather was fantastic.

Overall good holiday but its what you make it of it youselves. Join in with activities and have a laugh, we played boules alot and got to know Italians, Germans and French.
The only downside is that the nearest shops are quite away from the hotel so not good for little legs.

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Europa Beach Hotel - Analipsi

Operator and Date: Argo Travel - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Charlie, Sal,Zoe, Dan,Katie,Nikki,Stacie -Birmingham (37,34,15,13,10,8,6)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

What a fantastic holiday we had at the Europa Beach, having 5 kids we where worried about going to a quiet location like Analipsi but I have to say come the last day of our holiday we where very sad to be leaving.
Accomadation-
Although it is rated 4 stars the rooms are quite basic but clean, infact the rooms are cleaned every day with a change of towels, satelite TV, air con, hair dryer,
radio.
FOOD & DRINK
The Europa is All Inclusive and offers a good selection of greek food, THANK GOD not a hamburger in site, so if all you like eating is junk food I would'nt recommend you stay at this Hotel.
Unlimited local drinks all day.
Staff -
I can honestly say the staff at Europa were always friendly & very helpfull to us.
OTHER QUESTS -
As always there seems to be people who are never happy & we did hear a few moans mainly about food / staff but I can only let you know about my experience.
ENTE

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Holiday Village - Analipsi

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Tony & Pat - Liverpool

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Holiday Village in Analipsi comprises of  old and new accomodation units. The room we stayed at was one of the modern ones, it was very spacious with air conditioning,bathroom with bath and shower, television (no English channels)and both a double and a single bed. There was maid service daily, with fresh towels.

The hotel has three swimming pools,with one pool designed for younger children, adjacent to the kids club. The food was a buffet, and in my opinion dissapointing.
breakfast was mainly Continental,however there was a limited choice of cooked foods,omlette,frankfurters,etc that where often luke warm. We only tried the evening meal on one occasion, and decided to buy our dinner in the village restaraunts where at least the food is served hot.

The best Taverna by far is the Marina, it is located by turning right out of the hotel and taking the second road on the right, the Marina is the first Taverna that you come to about 200yds on the left hand side of the road.

Be warned, if you are looking for a lively resort give Analipsi a miss,When we were thre in Sept, it was very quiet,with the main attraction being a parade up and down the seafront by our continental cousins taking in the sea air.

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Kritikos Asteras - Analipsi

Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - July 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Richard Gill - West Yorkshire (34)

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Olympic Holidays certainly didn't describe the correct resort & accommodation details, it was described as being in the resort of Hersonnissos when in fact it was in the middle of nowhere - with nothing for the adults to do (let alone the 6 children that came with us).The nearest place to buy essentials required when on a self catering holiday was a 25 min walk away (not at all ideal). 

The hotel itself was shabby and dangerous - we were expecting basic but not to the degree it was. Furniture was broken, windows smashed,patio door handle came off so we were unable to sit on the terrace. The bathroom door jammed leaving my wife panic stricken for 20 mins until myself & brother in law kicked and pushed it open.Electrical wires were showing from the light fittings and shower.The baby pool was slimey and stagnant with a huge hole which unfortuately my two year old son found when he fell down it.For your safety and the safety of your children DO NOT get tricked into going to this resort or hotel!!!

£3000.00 later we booked another hotel in Rethymnon at our own expense (with no help from the rep or olympic in general)and managed to have an ok holiday which was otherwise a disaster.

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Nana Angela Apartments - Analipsis

Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra - Sept 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Tracey & Vince, Exeter (26, 28)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just spent two weeks at the Nana Angela Apartments.  The apartments itself were very nice and clean, maid attended everyday(apart from her day off) and we had clean towels and bedding every other day.  Angela was friendly for the first few days but i think we upset her by not going to the weekly bbq so she didnt really speak to us much then!

The swimming pool is lovely and clean with plenty of beds and the food from the pool bar was excellent too.

Beach wasnt brilliant but not bad either.  There was quite alot of seaweed about. 6 euros for two beds and an umbrella, plus a bowl of water to wash you feet off and they bring round free watermelon too!

There are about 10 restaurants to choose from and our favourite was Volcano - They did fantastic pizzas and pastas and the best moussaka ever!  Also La famila was excellent too.

We also recommend the train tour which picks you up from the beach for 9 euros which takes you on an hour and half journey around a couple of nearby resorts including hersonissos.

The resort itself is very quiet so only suitable if you are looking for a very relaxing holiday.

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Nana Angela Apartments - Analipsis

Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra Holidays - September 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : S.Barton - London (26, 26)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from a weeks visit to Analipsi, Crete and had a fantastic holiday.
This was our second visit to Crete and we loved it even more this time around. We will definately be returning again one day.

Analipsi is a village resort with plenty of tavernas, restaurants and shops aswell as a few cocktail bars. No young lovely crowds, more for couples and families.
Everyone in Crete is so friendly and will do all they can to make you welcome.

The beach is sandy with both spots for sunlounger and shade hire (6 euros for 2 beds and a shade all day) aswell as space for those who just wish to put their towels down onto the sand.
Water is clean and clear and when we went in September, very warm.

The Nana Angela are one of the better locations for self catering accomodation in Analipsi, 2 mins from the beach and ammenities of the resort.
The Nana Angela is a small apartment complex with good clean accomodation, although basic but then everywhere in Greece is unless you are in a big hotel complex. The Nana Angela have a pool, pool bar serving food and apartments with either patio or balcony. We stayed in a studio apartment which had 2 single beds, table and chairs, wardrobes, small balcony with table and 2 chairs on and a bathroom with shower.
Please remember the greeks rarely have shower curtains, this is not a fault with the accomodation, its quite regular out there.

The Kitchenette was basic, with only fridge and 2 ring cooker but the food in the village is lovely and good value.
The rooms also have air conditioning and safety deposit boxes available at a local charge. In the summer months you WILL need the air con so please take a few extra euros if you wish to hire it. I think it was 35 euros for a week or something like that?!

One of the best recommendations for the Nana Angela I would say was that alot of the guests we spoke to were returning visitors. The couple in the apartment next to us had returned for 2 weeks after enjoying their stay in June so much!!!!

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Nana Angela Apartments - Analipsis

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

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Rod & Sheila (57,58)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Before I booked the holiday, I only read 2 reviews in here on the Nana Angela apartments and both were positive.
From our own experience I am left wondering if we stayed at the same place!

On arrival at the accomodation we were horrified to find that our allocated dingy room was tucked away in a corner no more than 5 yards from the bar. I asked immediately to swap to other accomodation. This was turned down. We were resigned to stay in that room for 7 whole days - for which we should get medals!
First thing we found was when we tried to shower the drain backed up and the waste water flooded the floor, though this was fixed within a few hours.
Now noise during the daytime is fine - we expect that of course with many young children enjoying the pool - no objection to that all.
What we were shocked about was that some parents let their young kids run around squealing and shouting until 2am while they stood at the bar being loud mouthed - with no regard at all for anyone wanting to sleep at that time in the morning.
So if you like some quiet at 2am forget Nana's - go down to the beach and try to sleep there with only the crashing waves to keep you awake!

The village itself seems to be a bit run down with shops and businesses shuttered while other newly built units are left empty. As a stark contrast to this there is a magnificently ornate interior in a modern church in the main street.
A forlorn flickering light hung across the middle of the street by the apartments  seemed to sum up the whole feel of the area for me.
The beaches between Gouves and Hersonissos range from volcanic rocks throught to pebbles and fine sand with Analipsi beach having a good sandy stretch.
We would never go back but we talked to people who thought it was a wonderful place to stay - one woman even said that the idea of going home made her cry!

So families with small children who are just happy to stay round the pool all day may love it.
We do not and so made a mistake in going there, but we did enjoy the long walks long the beaches!

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Olga Ritsa - Analipsi

Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Every's and Harrigan's 44, 38, 13, 9 and 47, 37, 10, 8

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

BEWARE OF THE ROAD!!!

Analipsi is a quieter resort near to Hersonnisos (1 Euro bus ride) It has plenty of Tavernas and Bars but even in high season was not very busy. For those looking for lively nights, there were a couple of cocktail bars but I think most youngsters head for Hersonnisos or Malia.

The accomodation was "basic greek". Although the rooms were quite spacious, and the shower room even had a shower curtain, the standard of maintenance and cleanliness was poor. The pool was small by some standards, but as it only serves the 10 apartments it was not too bad. There is NO pool bar or anything else for that matter. What there is though is the main road. The road from Heraklion to Hersonnisos goes right past the apartments, and is raised from the ground level of the pool. Therefore you have the constant drone of traffic 24/7, combined with everyone driving past staring in at you while you are sunbathing, or sitting on your balcony (or in your room if you don't lcose the curtains)

I'd defiantely go back to Analipsi again, excellent food in La Familia, Poseidon and Mythos. Zoe's bar for cocktails and pool. And the best local bakery for fresh bread, pies, pastries and doughnuts ever. But we unfortunately wouldn't go to the Olga Ritsa again purely because of the road!

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Analipsis - Crete

Europa Beach Hotel - Analipsis

Operator and Date: (Golden Sun Discounts) Golden Sun - July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Phil, Essex (34, 33)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hotel.

This was in a remote location which was the type of thing both of us needed. Quite and relaxing is the two main themes this hotel offers you. It's an all inclusive only resort and thus makes it easy to get drinks and food when required. The staff are helpful and the poolside crew do their best to get you motivated (if you want to play any sports like volleyball or water polo). If you say 'NO' then they leave you alone, honest.

Food.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your price including all local drinks. If you ask for Bacardi and coke, you get Ricard and coke, and so on. The food is varied and even with my fussy pallet I found a good range of food to eat without ever going hungry. The poolside bars also offer pizza, chips and cakes throughout the day if you ever get peckish. The food in general, tastes milder than we expect over here in the UK in terms of spice and texture, but I was impressed with the choice. All rooms contain an air con (free) and TV. En-suite bathroom with shower.

Staff.

Can't fault them. Friendly from day one and very approachable.

Resort.

Remote. Nice beach and lovely blue waters. The weather when we went was scorching (between 30 and 37 degrees), making it impossible to sun bathe without seeking shade every 30 minutes. If bringing children during this period be cautious of this as I saw loads of children with bad sunburn.

Overall.

I would go again to the Europa when my daughter gets older as it gives you a nice break and the children who were there looked like they were really enjoying themselves with the staff activities laid on for them.

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Nana Angela - Analipsis

Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra - Aug 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Sharon Callow (45,44,16,13)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The nana angela appartments were owned and run by a fabulous family, all the guests were made to feel like one of the family, it was fantastic for my 2 children aged 13 and 16 they made lots of new friends in the appartments,most people in the appartments were english and mostly famalies.  The town of Analipsis was clean and friendly and there were numerous resteraunts and bars but to our joy no discos or rowdy bars, all in all we made lots of new friends and most people in the appartments cant wait to go again next year, a definate 10 out of 10 for us at the Nana Angela. p.s look out for Zoes bar and la Familie italian resteraunt.

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Nana Angela - Analipsis

Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra - June 2004

Opinion submitted in Apr 2005 by : Kim O'Neill & Julie Linnen

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked our holiday at the last minute and we were slightly worried that we would end up in a rough hotel. We needn't have worried. The Nana Angela is a lovely place to stay. 

The owners, Angela & Nikos are great hosts. Extremely friendly. The apartments are quite basic but immaculately clean and the pool is wonderful. The apartments are within a stones throw of the beach and there are plenty of bars and tavernas to choose from. All in all we had a lovely holiday and we would definitely go back there. Had we known how nice it was going to be we would have booked a fortnight instead of a week! In fact we raved about it so much my sister and brother in law booked to go a month after we returned home. They thoroughly enjoyed it too

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Stella Village Hotel - Analipsis

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in March 2007 by : Sid Richardson - (61,58,)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Quiet location not much nearby,will get worse due to bars competing with All Inclusive Deals.
Accomodation very basic, beds consist of a mattress on a concrete base.
The accomodation in the new Stella Palace is far superior.
The bar prices are much more expensive than the local bars,and we did consider upgrading to all inclusive until we tried the food.We finished up eating out at local bars most nights as the quality and choice of food on site was poor.
The entertainment seemed to be geared towards the French and Germans,who were by far in the majority, and was conducted in about five languages, it was embarrassing to watch.
Will not be making a return trip here.

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Stella Village Hotel - Analipsis

Operator and Date: Sunset - 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Sharon Edwards - Basingstoke (43, 35, 7,4)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

When we tried to get a review of this hotel we couldn't because 2006 was the first year that a British tour operator had used the hotel.  We had looked at the hotel's official website and from this we knew that the hotel mainly catered for German guests (approx 70% of guests were German, along with French, Spanish, Italian and approx 10% British).  

The only problem with this is that the entertainment team ("Animation Team" as they like to be called) had to translate every announcement, instruction, script into 5 different languages which, after a few days can be quite irritating.  However, the Animation Team did extremely well to accommodate all nationalities as best they could.  The kids club was always very busy and the team did their best to include British kids but it wasn't really the same as having a British entertainer due to the communication barriers.  However, the kids shows were superb. The Animation Team did all the hotel's entertainment and worked very hard but it would have been nice to have outside entertainers such as a singer or dancers just so that you had at least a couple of nights away from the same voices constantly translating. 

The accommodation was very good.  The appartments were basic, clean and air conditioned and situated in lovely maintained gardens. Not one mosi bite all holiday just a few small lizards running across the ceiling!  We overlooked the sea and were very impressed with the accommodation.  As for the sunbeds - there were plenty - and there was none of the usual reserving of beds at ridiculous hours of the morning to which we have become used to when we stay in mainly British occupied accommodation.  It made me think this is now a British thing!  Most days there were plenty of spare beds scattered around the choice of FIVE pools.  The pools were excellent.  Our kids loved the pool with the flumes but were also safe in the two kids pools and shallow ends of the larger pools.  Very clean too.

We stayed all inclusive and my only complaint was the fact that the drinks did not include bacardi or vodka it was just local brands of beer and local drinks such as raki and ouzo - yuk. It was a bit of a rip off too because all inclusive drinks were served in small glasses and with no straws for kids etc, whereas paying guests had large glasses and much better service in order for the staff to gain tips.  This was also the case in the restaurant where you didn't get the same service as the non all inclusive guests.  Other than that I thought the food was very good.  It may not have always looked appetising as it was pretty similar food each day, however I made the effort and tried something different every day and thoroughly enjoyed every meal.  There was always plenty of choice (meat, pasta, fish, lasagne, mousaka etc) and lovely fresh salads.  The desserts were gorgeous ( if you like pastries such as baklava). There were a few British people who commented on the lack of chips and chicken nuggets for the kids but personally I thought that was a good thing!  Breakfast was OK but the same every day.  Not exactly our idea of a good cooked breakfast.  

The resort itself is quiet but is not too far away from Hersonnisis (10 - 15E) by taxi.  We caught a local bus to Aghios Niklaus which was well worth it.  Livelier resorts are not far away if you wish to hire a car.  In summary if you are looking for a lively, bustling holiday then this probably isn't for you.  However, if like us you have young children and just want a relaxing holiday with great weather, a beach across the road (which incidentally was nothing to look at but was very safe for kids and free sunbeds) then this is ideal.   

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Stella Village Hotel / Stella Palace - Analipsis

Operator and Date: Sunset August 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : 31,30

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The resort was nicknamed Hella Village after the first few days. This is the first year that the hotel has been available to Brits. Approx 70% are German with the remainder being made up by French, Italian and about 20 brits were there during our stay.

As a result of this theres the usual no queueing system adopted by the Germans at the bar along with the morning fight for sunbeds. The bar staff along with serving beer in 250ml glasses with 1 inch heads on are rude and feel agrieved that they have to serve you drink at all. The all-inclusive drinks package DOES NOT include spirits. Its beer, soft drinks, raki, ouzo, red & white wine and thats it. Much to our surprise when we ordered a vodka we had to pay? Also on 3 of the nights the all inclusive bar finished 15 minutes early at 10.45. The bar clock stated 11pm but it was clearly 10.45 with everyone I checked with. The barman said it was 11pm as he had started 15 minutes early that day! Unbelievable. I have never seen this on holiday before.

The food was rubbish. During our 7 day stay we ate out on 3 occasions. I have been since told that the food is the usual for Greek resorts. There was no toast for breakfast just bread. Breakfast was fried egg or omellete with beans on some days and those dodgy mini sausages. Dinner was a selection of left overs from the tea the previous day and then evening was stodge. I can reccommend the Anilipsi Steak House some 10 minutes walk in the direction of Stalis. Monday night is best as its a Cretan night for 20 euros including a meal and dancing and plate throwing etc. The staff are friendly and cant do enough for you which is more than can be said for Stella Village.

The hotel is also in the main flight path for Heraklion airport and theres one flight every 5 minutes including throught the night.

I have to say that the accommodation itself is excellent. Clean & the air conditioning is brand new and the main argument in our room was that the room was too cold as you can set it to whatever temperature you want. The pools are great with slides etc for the kids and theres the new Stella Palace facility next door on the same complex which has a massive pool, new wooden sunbeds (very hard to lie on) and a swim up bar. unfortunately the swim up bar is not yet open but I'm sure it'll be great when it does. The accommodation at the Palace looked really nice.

Kids club - its in German as is the entertainment at night which is conducted by the hotels animations team.

Would we go again...no. It was the attitude of the staff and the food that would stop us going. This hotel will not be in the Sunset brochure next year with the rate of complaints. One brit couple spent 3 days asking for reallocation only to find that our sunset rep had not even informed the head office on the island then he went on the sick. Ask the office for a change not the rep as he wasnt very good.

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Anissaras - Crete

Paradise Bungalows - Anissaras

Operator and Date: on the beach travel - aug 17th - 1st sept

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : terry revill - 38,( mrs revill, 36, Kim, 14, Jamie, 8, ) notts

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Me, My Wife, our daughter, Kimberley aged 14 and our son Jamie aged 8, enjoyed our stay at this hotel,

The Food was so good, my wife wanted to take the chef home. (well he does make a mean Chicken Soup!!!)

Vicky the Entertainer,  was very good, she is at the hotel 6 days a week, and has a varied selection of things to do during your stay. (Personally... I enjoyed the balloon darts!)  and there is always  a kids club on, during the late afternoon.
with  general entertainment on in an evening for every one!

there's a pool table room at 2 euros a time

Billy the barman always was very polite and helpful (His real name is Vasilis, but preferred to be called Billy)

the rooms are cleaned every day, the pools are very clean and well maintained  too.

fresh towelling and bedding at least 5 - 6 times a week.

and there is a bus from the hotel that leaves for anissaras beach at 10.00 am and picks you up at 2.00pm that is provided by the hotel (which is nice!) and a bar called 'captains' is a nice place on anissaras beach for a a drink or a bite to eat.

a great time was had by all

if i was to add anything that was a minus for this hotel, it would probably be the location,  however  the brochure for this hotel did state that it was in a quite location, so we were warned. so i'm not complaining :- }

bus fares are very cheap, there is a bus stop about 10 minutes away from the hotel, and if you are prepared to travel and explore the island of Crete you will find it is very easy and economical to do.

would recommend to families and couples alike.

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Paradise Bungalows - Anissaras

Operator and Date: Med Hotels - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Susan Dickson 35, Sarah Andrews 38

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We wanted a relaxing, peaceful holiday and that is exactly what we got!

Paradise bungalows are set off a main road up on a hill with stunning views of the mountains and the sea.  A quiet location, it is perfect if you want to escape for a week or so and lounge around in beautiful surroundings.
Rooms are clean and spacious with Satellite TV, Hairdryer, Fridge, Air Con, Balcony. Clean towels every day, sheets changed twice a week.

Restaurant is excellent with a wide and varied choice for evening meal.  Breakfast was a bit repatitive but then it usually is. Both pools were very clean with plenty of sun loungers to choose from!
The bungalows are set in acres of beautiful gardens with fruit & nut trees growing right outside your windows.  We especially enjoyed the freshly picked almonds from our balcony!

This is a family run hotel, with everyone making you feel very welcome.

For a cheap but excellent meal out, go into Old Hersonissos town and experience a traditional greek meal. The two of us ate and drank a substantial meal for only 29Euro for us both.  If you eat out in the evening, the hotel will supply you with a lunch pack free of charge. This was excellent, with bread, salad, meat and water complete with plate & cutlery.

We would definitely visit again.

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Serita Beach Hotel - Anissaras

Operator and Date: sun star leisure - june 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : gavin - jarrow (23,20)

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Where do I start..  overall hotel itself was very nice clean and modern.

we were all inclusive and would never go AI again.  food was the same avery night and was never hot - only warm.  the drinks were poor, cheap wine and beer.there was only one bar in the hotel and it had a queue a mile long.

As for sun beds - think again - you'll have to get up at 0600hrs to get one- never enough to go around.

beach - pebbles and about 10 metres wide and 50 long. poor.

i'll never return.

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Villa Marina - Anissaras 

Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra AUGUST 2005

Opinion submitted in Feb 2006 by : JENNIFER 27, TONY 37

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Booked a holiday with libra to go to Crete.  The flights were terrible but the less said about that the better.  When we finally arrived in crete we were pleasantly suprised.  The Villa Marina apartments were set in lovely surrounding and were clean and spacious apartments.  The food at the bar was great the next morning after a few hours sleep!! 
We had a gorgeous view of the sea and sunset from ours.  

Although it is 15 minutes walk from the beach down a hill, when you get there you appreciate the quietness of the beach, it is lovely.  In the resort itself there isn't much to do but you do get the best of both worlds, a chilled out day on the beach and a if you are up for it, you can go up to Hersoniss for the night and stay out for as late as you like.  It is a quick 5 minute bus journey or taxi away.  There is loads to do!! The people who owned the apartments were lovely and waved us off when we left, I would recommend this apartment to anyone if they are looking for a holiday with the best of both worlds.

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Villa Marina - Anissaras 

Operator and Date: Libria - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : kate - Cambridge (29,26)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Villa Marina is a lovely set of apartments, it was just what we wanted as a couple going to Crete. The other people that stayed there were all english and were manily small groups of 20 somethings while we were there. We had a downstairs apartment and it was clean and as it was self catering it had various kitchen utensils such as pots pans plates and cuttlery. it had two hobs and a fridge and a electric kettle. the location of the vila was ideal for us, the beach was just a short 15min walk down the hill, and Hersonissos was about 15 mins away by car. We spent one evening out in Hersonissos and paid 6 euro for a taxi back in the early hours.

the surrounding gardens of the villa are lovely, the fruit growing around is really nice, there are grapes, oranges, lemons, pomegranate, limes, figs etc, the lemons came in handy when we had run out of a mixer for our vodka! if you are looking for a nice chilled out place to stay then this is ideal, it is in a good location to be away from the hectic town of  Hersonissos but you have the option to go into it if you like, 

two minor negative points are... the crickets in the grape vines outside our apartment were so loud you had to raise your voice to speak to eachother, one ended up dive bombing into our veranda and they are so horrible and ugly!! the other point is the villa is in a flight path so you do hear planes flying over but you get used to it very quickly. 

i couldnt find any pictures or reviews about these apartments so hope i have helped? 

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Bali - Crete

Amalia Apartments - Bali

Operator and Date: Kosmar - June 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Susan & Jerry - 40's

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Bali is a small laid back resort consisting of 4 beaches, 2 fairly large, 1 by the harbour and 1 quite small. All have sunbed and parasols at a cost of 6 euros for 2 beds and a parasol.

It would probably take about 30 minutes to stroll from one end of the resort to the other but if you do not wish to walk there is a small train which serves all areas of the resort.  I think it was 5 euros for a round trip.

Lots of tarvernas serving good food, our favourite being Psaropoula which was about 5 minutes walk from the Amalia studios. Enough supermakets and tourist shops to serve all your holiday needs and friendly locals.

The Amalia apts/studios are in a great spot approximately halfway through the resort making it easy to reach either end. They are clean and tidy with a lovely pool area and pool bar serving snacks throughout the day. The pool never seemed crowded and the staff were friendly and helpful. Air conditioning was available at a cost of 6 euros per day and there was also a room safe costing 2 euros per day.  Towels and linen were changed twice a week and bins emptied every day.

Hire cars are available and as Bali is not far from the National highway it was pretty easy to get all along the north coast. There are boat trips from the harbour and of course trips organised by Kosmar.

I would definatly return to Bali and would recommend the Amalia accommodation.

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Amalia Apartments - Bali

Operator and Date: Kosmar                August 06

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Debbie Brown       (40,30,27)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just read Mark's review for Bali August 06.
We too thought it was a lovely place to go for Sun,Sea and brilliant company.
We go on hoilday to relax, so we didn't do any sight seeing, although this is available, but mostly outside the resort. There is a local who leaves down the road who takes you to places of interest for a small sum of money, and of course the Tour operators excursions.
The pool area was lovely, very clean and peaceful.
As there are only about 10 appts, you get to know other holiday makers, which was nice.
As Mark said the staff are brilliant and great company. The rooms are very clean. Although the rooms are advertised as 2*, we felt they were more like 3*.
This was one of the best holidays we've had and we will be returning in August this year.
Just a warning to those of you who are thinking of trying the Amalia appts, Everytime 'Raki Time' is shouted out, everyone by the pool bar MUST drink it ( children excluded). So be warned and have fun !!

Oh and hi back to Pat, Mark, Catherine, James, the two teachers (sorry forgot your names)and everyone else whose names I've forgotten.

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Amalia Apartments - Bali

Operator and Date: Kosmar - Aug 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Mark Heron - Newcastle (40,36,12,7)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Bali ai a beautiful resort 50 minutes from Heraklion. It is a bit hilly but that just adds to its charm and beauty. It has four beaches. 3 small beaches and a large beach. All beaches are very clean. Not too much to do durnig day but relax.
The tavernas in Bali are all fantastic value for money serving traditional Greek cuisine. The resort is perfect for couples wishing to relax and families who like to laze by the pool or play in the sea.
I could go on about Bali - If like us you like places with no lager louts, Just meeting new friends in the Tavernas etc
then I highly reccomend you try this place. It is that good.

We stayed at the Amalia Studios and Apartments. The brochure said it was 15 minutes walk from main harbour area, but we found it was not that, probably a very leisurley 10 minutes. The apartments are probably ideally situated in my opinion dead centre of the village.
You can reach all beaches within 10 minutes going west and east. The apartments themselves are very well set out. Only about 10 apartments in all, this was great because the pool area was never overcrowded.
The pool was kept very clean. The pool area also had a pool bar serving food all day. The staff (Adonis, Niki and Tina) were very friendly. They became more like friends. They will stay open untill you go to bed. Remeber to shout ''Raki time''.
The apartments are cleaned everyday except Sunday. These apartments in our opinion were fantastic and the staff were too. A brilliant holiday in all and I  would say if you prefer self catering holidays in a nice environment - GO HERE.

Hello Adonis, Nikki, Tina and Manos

Hi - Gill, Nick, Ant, Tony, Kelly, Hollie, Tom, Paul, Sarah, Duncan, Tina
Charlie, Debbie, Simon, Amy, Angie and Mark.  Sorry if I missed anyone out.

Go to Bali and stay at the Amalia

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Atali Village Hotel - Bali

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar    august 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : keith pattison newcastle [39;37;8;6]

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

What a cracking little place. 

Apartments were immaculate with friendly staff (Adnois and Nikki) Five excellent sandy
beaches safe for kids. Low key nightlife aprox 20-30 restraunts and tavernas all serving excellent Greek cuisine. Car hire advisable as the bus stop is a 35 minute walk onto the main highway and taxi hire is very expensive.Best places to visit in the surrounding area include Rethymnon and Chania, both places a shoppers paradise. 

We would definatley go back again and would recommend it for anyone wanting a relaxing holiday in pleasant surroundings away from the hassle of Blackpool with sun resorts.

Finally a word of thanks to Marc the Kosmar rep top man plus a Geordie as well.

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Atali Village Hotel - Bali

Operator and Date: Sunstar - Sept 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Vanessa Lord - Hartlepool (49, 50)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Bali itself is quite pretty but extremely hilly and although the travel companies will say that it is not suitable for those with walking difficulties I would argue that it's not suitable for anyone who is unfit either. Beaches are generally good with safe swimming. Nightlife is very low key and centered either around the harbour at one end and along the beach at the other end (less than a mile away but seems like 5) with a few cafes, shops and bars in between. A shuttle bus would of been ideal to get from one end of the resort to the other but there was nothing like that when we were there.

The Atali Village like most of the hotels was up a steep hill. It is listed as 3 stars but I would only give it 2 at best. We have yet to meet our representative who just left us a phone number in case we wanted to get in touch for any info.  Rooms were basic but kept very clean by the maids who came in every day. The beds however were extremely hard and uncomfortable and the showers were never more than tepid. The hotel has a nice pool but it is mostly very deep, however there is a childs pool as well.

The food was awful most of the time, a very limited menu which was usually cold anyway (including the tea and coffee). For example, spaghetti bolognaise twice a day for fourteen days along with other sometimes indiscribable dishes. We ate out a lot of the time even though we were all inclusive. 

In addition, the bar closed at 11pm instead of 12:30pm which we had been told. The hotel obviously caters for the French (which Sunstar failed to mention) and was full of French people. In the full fortnight we never spoke to or heard any other English people in the hotel. Our stay was made worse by the fact that the animation team in the hotel never involved us in any of the dayly or nightly entertainments which were open to the French, even down to a game of bingo - we were never asked to take part and were always left out.

We would never go back to Bali as it is a little to quiet for us and certainly wouldnt recommend the Atali village to the British.  

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Hotel Bali Star - Bali

Operator and Date: Kosmar - July 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : John Curran - Glasgow ( 44, 39, 9)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I am surprised nobody has ever commented on this Hotel as I would highly recommend it.

Like the resort itself, the holet is laid back and very relaxing. Cleaned every day and FREE air conditioning + FREE fridge.
The room also has a radio and telephone.

FOOD: different food every night, something for everyone, from cooked meat/fish to pasta + salads

RESORT: the hotel leads onto the beach via their garden. Very laid back and so friendly. Lots of car hire firms; usual tourist shops, tavernas etc.

I would highly recommend The Hotel Bali Star to anyone wanting a relaxing , clean and friendly holiday

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Hotel Bali Star - Bali

Operator and Date: Kosmar - May 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Pam  and Chris - Cheshire

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We went to this hotel the first week of the season ( 2nd May 2007) What a warm welcome we got from everyone! Dimitre and George took our cases off the bus and up to our room,We have never had that before! Room over looked the garden towards the sea. What a view WOW. The room was spotless with TV Fridge and telephone. We only went for a week and the bed linen and towels were changed every day and the room also cleaned every day. The food we found quite basic but adequate. The grounds and pubic areas spotless again and very welcoming. 

A super hotel SUPER people and a charming resort to chill out and relax.A BIG HELLO TO ALL especially SANDRA and JOHN who work in the real estate office.

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Elpis Studios & Apartments - Bali

Operator and Date: Kosmar June 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : James Clark -Edinburgh ( 47, 41 )

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Fantastic value for money apts, very spacious 3 storey nice pool and pool bar with very friendly bar staff. The owners Dimitri and Poppy are always on hand and make their guests very welcome. They also have their own car hire company which is very competively priced with further discounts for Elpis/Kosmar guests.Nearest beach is only 2 or 3 minutes walk and the main beach with watersports and lots of bar/cafe/taverna type establishments is less than 10 minutes away, the harbour where most of the main bars and restaurants and another beach is situated is around 10/15 minutes walk ( quite hilly) Bali is perfect for those looking for a typical greek resort ( not a British bar in sight ) and has a fantastic mix of nationalities who enjoy good food and fairly low key nightlife although their are a couple of nightclubs in the resort if your are travelling in a party of mixed ages. 

As a travel agent with 30 years experience I would consider myself to be fairly well travelled and Bali is certainly up there as one of my favourite destinations.    

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Elpis Studios & Apartments - Bali

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar September 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Lynne and Roger Palin (52, 54)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were very pleasantly surprised at how clean and spacious our apartment was. The sheets and towels were changed twice a week. We hired a Kia Sportage for 65 Euros for the day from the car hire office at the apartment. Be aware that if you go into the foothills of the mountains it is very hairy driving! The evening boat trip was well worth going on as was the coach trip to Rethymnon and Chania (the guide, Miranda was a mine of information)
We disagree with the other reviewers about the local beaches, finding the nearest one ideal to go swimming in the sea being of soft sand and gently shelving.

By far the best taverna was "Psaropoula" overlooking the first beach, the food was excellent and the staff were friendly especially Eleni who very quickly treated us like friends and who spoke fluent English. You must try the "Pink Panther" cocktail if you fancy something non-alcoholic.

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Elpis Studios & Apartments - Bali

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

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Suzi Barr - Glasgow (42,38,11,7)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was probably our favourite holiday to date.

Resort -

Although not very well known it is not a small resort.It has at least 4 beaches and loads of bars/tavernas.

This is not really a negative but advice only - for girls - DO NOT TAKE HIGH HEELS!It is a very steep,hilly resort with one hill being known as "cardiac hill!"

Accomodation -

This accomodation was very clean and well maintained.The pool area was also very clean.

Fave restaurants -

The best we found, although we never had a bad meal, was Porto Paradiso.The pizzas were amazing!!!!!and it was really cheap!

All in all a fab holiday - the people are really friendly, the resort was unspoilt and very "greek" and it was great value for money too which is exactly what we wanted.We will definitely be going back to Bali!

P.S. The catamarran trip is well worth the money - a great day out!   

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Elpis Studios & Apartments - Bali

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

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : adrian and sandie butcher

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

the apartments were excellent value for money, clean and spacious.we had the biggest balcony ever! everyone one was friendly and helpful.we were there the week before half-term so it was quite and peaceful and plenty of sunbeds available.the pool is far to deep for a non-swimmer and children .the resort is very quite but this was just what we were looking for.it is fairly hilly but we didn`t find this a problem. 

we hired a car from the apartments which was good value and having travelled around other resorts in crete we thought we had found one of the best.

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Elpis Studios & Apartments - Bali

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Lynda Yuill , Anglesy (45,45,13)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had not travelled with Kosmar before, and having chosen probably the cheapest holiday in the brochure, were very surprised and impressed with the studios and the resort of Bali. 

The apartments were spacious, very clean and modern, the whole complex was in immaculate condition.  The pool even though it was very deep was kept clean every day.  Nicos and Fortis at the pool bar were very friendy and kept both adults and children amused by throwing any willing person in the pool.  Dimitri and Poppy the owners are excellent hosts.

The resort of Bali is a fifteen minute walk from the apartments, where the hub of the nightlife goes on.  The tavernas are all very good, standards and prices are all similar.  Our favourites were the Panorama, and Valentinos.

Car hire is a must, there are numerous reputable car hire firms in the resort and prices similar.

This unexpected holiday turned out to be great fun, we met a great bunch of people who really made our holiday. 

Bali will always be remembered with fond memories and a place we would visit again.  

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Elpis Studios & Apartments - Bali

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

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Barbara and Juliet - Bristol (52 40)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This holiday was a present for my friends 40th birthday, so I wanted everything to go well.

After an 8 hour delay at Bristol Airport, with no one giving us any information, we were very tired when we finally arrived. We then found the Rep was no where to be found, the owner having to go and find him.

Our apartment was situated on the top floor, which was quite a climb with the suitcases.  However the Rep did redeem himself by helping up the last flight. Our apartment was spacious and very clean, having a separate bedroom and living/kitche area,  The kitchen is typically Greek with the normal two cooking rings and no kettle.  The bathroom was a fair size with a shower and curtain.

We had a lovely large balcony with a partial sea view, this had the normal furniture with the added benefit of a large clothes drier.

The pool area was very nice with loungers and umbrellas.  The pool is a little small and was freezing, however as we did travel in May, this will hopefully warm up later in the season. Snacks were limited at the Pool Bar, but the toasted sandwich was very nice.

The resort is very hilly and was let down by the beaches, which were small and shingle, although there is a better beach about 20 minutes walk away. The tavernas by the front were very alike, but the food was always excellent and good value for money, as were the drinks (especially the cocktails.)

We hired a car from the apartments and travelled all over the island. I do not think there is enough to occupy you in Bali for a week.

I have travelled to many of the Greek Islands, including Crete,  and this was not my favourite resort.  Having said that, it was perfect for a relaxing holiday.

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Nostos Hotel - Bali

Operator and Date: Kosmar Holidays September 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Sue & John Nicholls ( 50 somethings)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was the second time we have stayed with Eleni & Yiannis at Nostos Hotel in Bali, Crete, and on our arrival we were greeted like old friends.

The 12 room hotel is very much a family run business, with newest addition Harry (18 months old) a regular presence. The rooms are cleaned i.e bins emptied and floor swept, every day. Linen is changed once a week. Towels are provided but if you like big bath towels - take your own, as those provided are on the small side.
Remember, this is Greece, so if you want a hot shower - have it early as water is heated by solar power.
Check out time is 12 noon, but if you have a late flight you can reserve the room for an additional payment of 5 euros per hour, up to about 10 at night, depending on occupancy of the room the next day.

Bali itself is lovely, very steep hills, so ladies don't bother with high heels. This also means that it's not really child friendly, or suitable for those who are not so good with, or who don't like, walking. Taxis are few and far between. Having said that, the 25 min walk to the main harbour is well worth it, as there are loads of lovely restaurants, offering every kind of food you can imagine - even Greek! We also found a great mix of nationalities, Eastern European, French, German, Dutch, which made for a great laid back, cosmopolitan feel.
The bakery sells the most wonderful cakes, bread and snacks, and is open seemingly 24 hours - with food served by the  diminutive and ever smiling lady owner. The place is spotlessly clean and smells divine - try it!!

All in all, a great place for a relaxing holiday, don't go there if you are after wild nightlife or the usual "holiday rep" entertainment - it ain't that kinda place!

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Nostos Hotel - Bali

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

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Catherine Williams - North Devon (27, 27)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed in Bali for a week at the end of May. It was an extremely relaxing and peaceful place and we really enjoyed ourselves. The resort is friendly and relaxed, full of tavernas serving delicious food at really reasonable prices. It also contains various shops to buy the essentials, postcards, etc.

The resort is spread along the coast within a bay which is surrounded by mountains. It takes about 20 minutes to get from one end to the other, and the Nostos Hotel is situated at one end, with the harbour being at the other. The road which leads through the village is winding and steep in places, but just take your time and you really shouldn't find a problem, you can always stop off at one of the many bars for a drink on the way!

The hotel is almost ontop of the largest beach, which consists of course dark sand and some rocks at either end. 2 sunbeds and a parasol cost 6 euros a day to hire, but we stayed by the pool most of the time, only visiting the beach to go snorkelling. The pool is deep enough to dive into at one end, and there is a child's pool at the other. There are not a lot of sun loungers, but we never found that a problem, even at 10 am. Between the pool and the beach is a bar which serves lovely drinks and food, and the owners can be found there most of the time, and they are really friendly. The other side of the pool are the rooms, approx 18. 

Our room was at the back of the hotel so we didn't hear any noise coming from the pool or the bar. It was fantastically clean and had everything we needed (except a kettle.) Air-con was 6 euros a night and there was a safety deposit box if you want one, but the whole place felt so safe that we didn't bother. Sometimes the water was cold in the shower (and sometimes non-existent) but that's greek plumbing.

A couple of good excursions to take would be Knossos near Heraklion, and the boat trip from the harbour to Rethymnon. There are plenty of others, and you can always hire a car and go exploring.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Bali and the Nostos Hotel, and would recommend it to anyone who wants a relaxing holiday and doesn't mind walking up the odd slope.

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Sofia Mythos Beach Hotel - Bali

Operator and Date: Sunmaster - Sept. 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Barbara Hanford - Redditch (53,54)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayned in Hotel Sofia which is a family run basic but typically Greek hotel. The room was clean and we had free use of a fridge and air-conditioning which was good but the best part was the wonderful view across the bay.(Well worth the climb of lots of steps)
We had a small private balcony which extended into a larger one shared with 3 other rooms.  The sun set (and moon rise!)
over the hills and sea was fantastic!
We were half board and the food was a buffet service for which the people staying at Mythos Beach over the road also joined us.It was very laid back - sit anywhere - alongside the pool and a lovely veranda with the same view as our room.

The food was basic and only Greek style (if you dont like Greek food dont have evening meal!) There were lots of salads and lovely fresh vegetables, always pastas,rice, potatoes and a choice of meat - usually lamb chops, chicken or fish. Desserts were usually fresh fruit - very healthy!
The resort of Bali is very traditional - fishing boats in the harbour sorting out the catch each morning - we went on the Calypso to Reythymon - good value, and there were lots of other boat rides available from the harbour.
The beaches were small but nice and sandy and the sea shallow and quite warm.
As the resort is built on a hill there are steps or slopes to get down to the beach/harbour area but we didnt find them a problem. Obviously not suitable if your're not so mobile.

Nighlife is very low key - mainly bars and tavernas playing music but no dancing unfortunately! We were a bit disappointed the hotel didnt have a "Greek Night".
The liveliest bar was the Pirates Bar (built like an old galleon into the side of the cliff) mainly because of the "buy 2 get one free" offer.
We also went to Chania which was a lovely old Venetian style city - again with a nice harbour/tavernas.  
We enjoyed our holiday and wished we had 2 weeks intead of one!

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Sofia Mythos Beach Hotel - Bali

Operator and Date: Med Hotels - July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : C Cooke 46, G Cooke 47

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Bali is a fairly small resort and more geared toward the continental European than the British holiday maker. The harbour area is almost entirely without British visitors who tend to stay in the areas just outside of the harbour. The town consists of five coves each with a beach. The two harbour beaches are very small and rather crowded but the waters there are always calm and without obstacles in the water. The bigger beaches are less crowded but may have some rocks on the sea bed. the sand is dark and can discolour clothing but is generally clean and well cared for.

The harbour area is already over developed with apartment blocks and can be claustrophobic. We visited the last week of June and the first week of July and it was laready very crowded. I would imagine that it would bea lmost unbearable in the high season and school holidays. All beaches are provided with sunbeds and parasols for which a standard fee of 2 euros per bed or parasol is payable per day. (ie 2 beds 1 parasol - 6 euros. The resort is fairly wide spread and it takes approximately 25 minutes gentle walk from the harbour to the eastern end of the resort. The largest beach is at the eastern end and has been recently, and quite tastefully developed with beach side bars and cafes in open style. Cafe Del Mare is particularly friendly. There are numerous small supermarket and souvenir shops and an abundance of restaurants and tavernas. The supermarkets can be expensive and a 17km drive to the larger supermarket on the outskirts of Perama will save you a considerable amount on shopping (ten euros less for a bottle of Jack Daniels for example). 

Driving in the area as in the whole of Crete is what one could call "an adventure" and definitely not for the faint hearted. Be extremely careful when driving on the island as double white lines and no overtaking signs, along with speed limits and other traffic regulations, appear to be there to be ignored. It seems normal practise to overtake a vehicle which is already overtaking another vehicle whilst negotiating a blind bend with double white lines. The National Road is the only motorway type road on the island and has one and a half lanes in each direction. The half lane is a hard shouloder, picnic area, parking area, vendors selling pitch and, most important of all, for you to use to get out of the way of the lunatics who seem hell bent on beating you to the finish line or killing someone in the process. 

The Hotel: I am afraid my advice in relation to the Sofia Mythos Beach Hotel is stay away. My wife and I stayed on a half board basis. The hotle is split into two. The Mythos part is apartments upion which I cannot comment however, the Sofia is a subject on which I coulod talk for hours. It is, I am afraid to say, the worst I have ever stayed in. 

The three star rating is, to put it mildly, a joke. The rooms are poorly finished and badly furnished. Ours had exposed wiring and old plumbing hanging out of the walls. The rooms are in blocks which are reached by an extremely steep slope or by steps. We were only two thirds of the way up the hill and it was 76 steps from the pool area to our room. The pool was small and only maintained to the minimum standard. The cleanliness of the rooms was reasonable if you didn't mind waiting until 6pm for the maid to appear and you are not averse to a double bed being made using three single sheets. It would appear that the hotel have a shortage of double bed linen. 

The overriding factor is the food which is, to put it mildly, a disgrace. It is bland, tasteless, unrecognisable and, to be honest, unhygienic. Breakfast foods are left out overnight at the mercy of the flies. Dinner is served in unheated displays, again open to the flies, and is unpalletable. No drinks of any kind are available with dinner unless purchased, even water. I have never in my life smelt or tasted food so foul (and I spent 15 years in the services) and my wife and I spent the majority of our holiday eating out rather than suffer further stomach upsets. The hotel also seem to be suffering from a toilet tissue famine as, despite requests we were left without any and finally had to purchase our own. 

The air conditioning is extra outside high season at a cost of approximately 60 euros. The satellite TV is also extra but onlyu has german and Russian channels. Safe deposit boxes are in rooms but again are charged as an extra. We were the only English people in the hotel which appears to cater for the Eastern European traveller. With regard to the hotel, my letter of complaint is in the post. If you have booked a holiday at this hotel my honest suggestion is to make all efforts to change it. In general cretan people are extremely friendly and warm, I don't know what hapened to those who run the Sofia Hotel. STAY AWAY IF YOU CAN!

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Troulis Apartments - Bali

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

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Tina Sleeman-Ross-on-wye(46,39,13,10)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Heraklion airport is not the best welcome to Crete! It was chaotic. Short transfer of an hour to Bali.

Apartments-
Very spacious, cleaned every day, linen changed every other day. Very basic kitchen (but who needs to do cooking?)! Small deep pool on terrace outside apartment but wasn't cleaned for the 2 weeks we were there. There is a larger pool in the main complex which we did see cleaned every day. The views from the terrace have to be seen to be believed. We overlooked two beautiful beaches with a backdrop of spectacular mountains. Worth going just to wake up to that every morning!

Resort-
Very hilly and sprawling, don't take high heels! Lots of very good tavernas serving excellent food and drink at reasonable prices. Our favourites were Valentinos and Alexanders by the harbour and Porto Paradiso cocktail bar whose cocktails included non-alcholic ones for the children. The sand on the beaches is very grey and gritty but the sea is clear and blue. Plenty of water sports (paracending, jet skis, pedaloes, sailing etc) to keep everybody happy.
Recommend hiring a car (We used Safe Rental towards the harbour) and a trip to Water City in Anopolis is a must. Try booking trips and car hire through one of the many agents around as much cheaper than through your rep.
Be warned!!!!

At the end of every meal most tavernas will bring you a shot glass of complimentary RAKI! This is their home brew and very strong. If you tell them you like it they will bring you more and then you'll have trouble negotiating the hills to go back to your apartment.

Thoroughly recommend it especially for families.

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Fodele - Crete

Fodele Beach Hotel - Fodele

Operator and Date: Expedia/British Airways - May 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Jill - London (53)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hotel in beautiful setting - built on the side of a hill. Unfortunately most of the accommodation is a long walk from the main facilities/beach(up many stairs) - not good for the unfit (or slightly inebriated!)  Rooms clean & spacious; linen/towels changed daily.  A new swimming pool complex was being constructed just behind our accommodation during our stay - a little noisy first thing. Food ok & varied - although not enough 'real' Greek dishes for us! Weather was ok for May - mid 70's - couple of dull/rainy days.  You'll need a light jacket/jumper for evenings. Nearest town is Fodele - about 2 miles away - pleasant walk if you're feeling energetic. A few tavernas & shops selling crochet - not much else.  Agia Pelagia has more to offer although you'll need transport.

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Fodele Beach Hotel - Fodele

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Christine Goodaire - Hull (45, 47, 14, 12)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have travelled extensiveley as a family and have been to many hotels ranging from a 3* to 4* so we decided to go mad this year and asked our local travel agent to find us a dream holiday in Europe.  We wanted 4* or above so our travel agent booked the FODELE BEACH HOTEL which is a 5* Ultra All Inclusive according to their web site.  

We went onto the web site and was blown away by how lovely it looked.  We travelled on the 16th August and were due to stay for 2 weeks.  When we arrived at the hotel we thought the reception area was loveley but that was all about to change.  

We were told where our room was but finding it was a different matter.  We were up and down steps for at least 15 minutes and then when we eventually found our room I nearly died of shock.  We were told we would be getting a 2 roomed apartment but what we actually got was the most basic room even by Greek standards.  There were 3 shabby wooden beds and a fold away bed for our son.  The curtain was hanging off the rail and there was a rusty old empty fridge stuck in the middle of two of the beds.  There were broken tiles and the shower was mouldy and rusty.  Were were supposed to have a fully stocked fridge and fresh fruit in the fruit bowl. 

We went down to reception to complain but were told that there were no more rooms available.  We spoke to many people who were having the same problem as us and they were told they would be able to move when another room became available.  Our rep was a total waste of space and also she said we had not gone through her when we complained about the room.She was also seen by a Belgium couple actually pulling faces behind my back when I had gone to see her about something.  What does that say about our British mentallity.  

We eventually got moved three days later but were shocked to find that we had been charged a further 1500 euros which we had to put on our credit card.As we were on an all inclusive holiday  we didn't think we would need to bring much money with us.  

As for the rest of the complex it is stuck in the middle of no where and if you want to travel to fodele village you get ripped off by the taxi driver who charged us 10 euros for a five minute ride.  The main pool was nice but you had to get to it by crossing a steep arched bridge which was so slippery you had to hold on to the rail with two hands.  It did have anti slip strips on the floor but they had come off.  

You have the same problem that you have every year which is bed hogging.  You had to get up pretty early to beat the 80% Italian resort population who took over the entire hotel.  They were rude and ignorant and even getting food from the restaurant was like being in a cattle market. The beds by the pool were very old and ragged and the free towels were also looking a little tired.  The area was very dirty and there was always broken glass by the pool and snack bar.  There was a sign in the snack bar telling people not to take glasses outside but this was ignored.  The beach was filthy with cigarette ends strewn across the sand.  The beach was not cleaned when we were there. The beach bar was taken over by wasps and bees, you couldn't sit on your sun bed without being bombarded with the things.  The free drinks were disgusting. Everything was made from tap water.  There was coke, orange, lemon, and soda water but all you could taste was chlorine.  The food was actually quite nice but it was a bit monotinous. I have to say that the only thing that this hotel had going for it was the stunning view.  I thought the entertainment was very good and the animators worked very hard.  

This hotel is definately not a 5* hotel and I don't even think you could rate it as a 4* either.  The Hotel needs a great deal of work and money spending on it to get it to a standard which would be suitable.  Our holiday actually ended up costing us nearly £5000.00.  I could have gone to Florida for that.  

Would I go again NO.  Would I recommend it YES but only to those people whose expectations are not too high and who like to eat and drink them selves stupid so that when they get back to there rooms they fall asleep immediately and are not bothered about high standards and who love rude Italians and dirty beaches.  Anybody interested????????????

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Fodele Beach Hotel - Fodele

Operator and Date: Med Hotels - May/June 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Melanie tutty - Yorkshire 41,39,9,7

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

Flying into and out of Heraklion airport is painful. Going in we had to queue outside until passport control opened. Once through and into luggage collection, we queued and queued, and then luggage from two different flights was on the same belt, which took ages to come through. Coming back, the queues to get into the airport were horrendous, the tour company's reps were masterminding our 'evacuation', but if you were to come back through daylight, the heat would be bad, we came back early hours so not too hot. Once through into the departure lounge, animals would be treated better, there were around 300/400 seats, and a conservative estimate would be for around 700/800 people in that place, it was terrible.  I know there is another departure lounge (we used it last year), but it was closed this year. For that reason alone we would have to think hard about going back to Crete.  The tour companies should have insisted it was used.

As for transfers, we learnt for previous holidays to transfer by taxi as we arrived into Crete at 2am (cretean time), and transfers by coach could take 2/3 hours, our transfer from pre booked taxi (30 euros) was about half an hour, hence ahead of the coaches too for check in. And returning by taxi meant we could choose what time we left the hotel. But word of warning, remember to leave enough time to get through the checks at the airport!

As for the Hotel, the negative bits were few that we encountered, the food was ok, but nothing special, we ate breakfast, which was typical for Crete, both hot and cold, but we are now used to having egg chefs for pancakes etc, these were not available, but for basic food it was ok. We used the snack bar for lunch, which was fried/ burgers/ fish fingers/ pizza/ rolls/ salad/ frankfurters etc that is all we required, so can't comment on the main lunch menu. We didn't use the Italian restaurant so again can't comment. The evening menu was again ok, struggled at times with the kids to get something for them, but never went hungry, changed every day, but very much samey menu, but that's what we have found in Greek hotels.

All the other negatives were small stuff, the gardens would be a lot better if they were weeded, the heated pool could do with a little better cleaning, and the entertainment at night could do with being outside (which was to happen shortly).

The good bits: the Hotel was spotlessly clean, the room we had was great clean/ spacious/ and all that we required. The Hotel itself was lovely, again clean /spacious/ and staff always courteous. Its very large and is has a lot small areas which to sit and enjoy the evening!  There is a huge piazza which is unutilised, and great to sit out in ( and kids to run around), the pools (three), the heated one the kids used and enjoyed, the smaller of the other two is on the ground floor beside the sea, which was great, and the main pool ( beside the Piazza), which was fantastic, cool, but large enough to enjoy. The only bar that was open while we were there was inside beside the snack bar, but they were getting the outside bar ready for the summer season, which would be good.

The kids club was fine, took the kids between 10 & 12.30 & 3 to 5, usual stuff there for the kids, but the animation team were really helpful. There seemed to be a lot of them around (all nationalities), and really great with the kids. We saw a couple of shows, which were ok in the evening.   There is a diving centre, and a beach activities area; we used the banana boat, which we thought was good, and the family (British) who run were really helpful. The non motorised sports ( canoes / wind surfing / peddles are free to use)   The beach is clean, and the water is great for kids, and  there is a lifeguard on duty

As for around the Hotel, very little!  The whole bay is surrounded by very high hills (perhaps they are mountains?).Around the bay which the hotel is situated there are a couple of beach taverns and a mini market but very small and plain. We went into Fodele village by taxi, which is approx 3km away. This is very very small, and sells lace mainly, some good bargains if you need that sort of thing, but nothing more to buy!  The 'front' men are little old ladies dressed in black, so they get the sympathy, and then once agreed the price (little negotiating cause you don't want to haggle with great grandmas), the youngsters come over to take the money.. be warned!    Also make sure you have a way back to the hotel, the whole village can be done within an hour, and there is only one taxi in the village to take you back!

We enjoyed our stay, and but for the food we may have gone back, but there are other places to go and see.

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Fodele Beach Hotel - Fodele

Operator and Date: lastminute.com - October 2004

Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : G.and S. Alexander - Fife, Scotland (54, 51)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Our recent holiday at Fodele Beach was very relaxing and gave us both a chance to enjoy an all-inclusive week in the sun.  The weather was hot and skies were blue - every day.

The hotel complex was situated on a steep hillside.  The rooms were reached by steps (I counted 160 to our room), which zig-zagged up through beautiful flowering bushes.  (don't worry, there's a porter)Each room was almost like an  apartment - with 2 twin beds, fitted wardrobe with ample amount of hangers, mini safe (at a supplement), mini fridge (containing welcome pack of filled rolls, water and fruit), ample space for luggage, dressing table and drawers, bathroom with shower over the bath, hairdryer and toiletries.  Towels were changed whenever you wished and beach towels were supplied.  The room had a balcony and a beautiful view over the bay - a great start to every day.

Our week was very relaxing because we wanted it to be, but if you were wanting to be energetic then there were a variety of activities and water sports at the beach and one or two beside the main pool area. As it was near the end of the season some of the facilities were not operating, but tour operators still had some trips on offer.
The service in the hotel was excellent - in every area - from maid service to the cocktail bar.  We found the food especially good at breakfast and lunch but began to find the evening meal becoming 'similar' in style but, despite this the food was always presented beautifully, the service was excellent and there was never a shortage.  The delight of eating al fresco in October was wonderful!!

We cannot comment on the evening entertainment, as we tended to spend the evening in the cocktail bar where the two barmen never stopped creating cocktails.
As we were at the hotel for one week we only ventured away for one day - on the daily bus into Heraklion, which you can get from the front of the hotel and dropped back at the hotel again in the afternoon.
Our holiday was therfore very enjoyable and very relaxing. It would not be considered 5* in the UK, but when you consider the 3*  self catering accommodation in Crete(where we have been in previous years) - then perhaps it could be called 5*.

Our only disappointment was the isolation - no little village or town nearby - so a car would be essential to see more of the island - especially if you were staying for a fornight.

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Fodele Beach Hotel - Fodele

Operator and Date: Medhotels - October 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Haylee & Richard (33)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just got back from a very relaxing week. 

Weather was hot with not a cloud in the sky. We found the hotel to be very clean and members of staff to be helpful and in the main cheerful.Rooms fairly basic,with air con and daily maid service. We both enjoyed the food in the main resteraunt, however being vegetarian it could be slightly limiting.

We found the evening entertainment poor, could be as we went off peak. However we spent most evenings in cocktail bar, which had a very good atmosphere.

The hotel has stunning views of the sea and mountains. Beach not the finest but plenty of watersports. We went out on the evening cruise to watch sunset, with local cheese and wine and had a very pleasant time.

We had a excellent holiday and would recommend if you wnt to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life as all you can do is eat drink and sunbath (heaven). If you like to walk in to town or local village this hotel would not be for you as there is no where to go, with out a car.

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Fodele Beach Hotel - Fodele

Operator and Date: lastminute.com - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Ann & Sarah Ashleigh (39, 15)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Star rating: more like a 3/4* rather than a 5*

Entertainment: Dire eg Bingo, The Lion King, Greek dancers.... no atmosphere, no audience participation. 

Disco: awful music, half a dozen people.

Restaurant: ok if you like canteen food.

Rooms: Basic but very clean and we had a lovely sea/mountain view.

Best thing: Cocktail bar.... excellent cocktails and the view from the balcony.  We watched the moon rise between the mountain peaks every evening.

Would we go back?  No, mainly due to the fact that there is nowhere within walking distance to go in the evenings and the food in the restaurant is very much the same most evenings.  The entertainment really is awful.

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Fodele Beach Hotel - Fodele

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

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Paul and Vicky - Leicestershire (40, 40, 12, 9)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have recently returned from the Fodele Beach hotel having had a wonderful, hot and sunny holiday (we didn't see one cloud all week!!) The main things to point out are that if you are looking for a holiday where you can walk into a town or busy night life, then this hotel would definitely not suit you.  

On the other hand, if you have children, want to relax by the pool or at the beach, while they are enjoying themselves, swimming in the choice of pools, then this is definitely the place to be!  It is completely relaxing, the children can eat all day if they wish, (included in the all inclusive price). The snack bar is open from 10.00am in the morning until 12midnight where, although the choice is limited, you can have ice cream, pizzas, melon,  chips, burgers, juices, water, beer, and as much coffee and tea as you want!!  

Down at the beach bar you can also drink until your heart's content, and at 5pm the cocktail bar opens, where you can enjoy a cocktail (or two!!)whilst taking in the beautiful views of the mountains and sea.  Some people, we noticed, gave the children their evening meal in the snack bar but we found it far better to take all meals in the main restaurant, where the choices of food, although sometimes repeated, was excellent.  You could have anything from salads, to pasta, meat, fish, vegetables, greek food and what we liked, was that during the entire week we were there, chips were NEVER served in the main restaurant. The children always enjoyed a good, healthy meal as well as snacks during the day....all free of charge!! There is also an a la carte restaurant, but we found it was booked up well in advance, so if you do go here, we recommend you book a meal in this restuarant on your first day!!

Having read some of the reviews on here, we were aware of the amount of steps leading to the bungalows, but although, because of the heat, this can be tiring, it isn't as bad as some people say.  They do run a train at busy times and when you first arrive you get a lift to your room (fairly basic rooms, but clean, air-conditioned and maid service every day)and your cases are brought up for you.  Some rooms are on the ground floor which would suit some people better, but we were about 136 steps up, and didn't find it too much of a problem. I would rather be on the side of a mountain looking at the beath taking views, than not having to go up a few steps and be surrounded by high rise hotels!!  There isn't another hotel in sight...peace, perfect peace!!

We hired a car for the day and were able to book it at the hotel. We chose a place from the brochure called "Moni Prevele" which was a beautiful place to go for an area of natural beauty.  Again, no town, just a beach and fresh water river surrounded by palm trees!!  On the way home we drove through a little village called "Spili", which was a nice place to stop the car and have a look around if you are missing shops!!  Don't go to Agia Pelagia.....too much like Blackpool!!

The Hotel also has an amphi theatre which put on shows most evenings.  While we were there we watched Lion King, Rocky Horror show, comedy show to name a few, which were very well organised and enjoyable.  You can also take the chidren on a pedalo, wind surfing and canoe free of charge.

All in all, a wonderful, relaxing holiday and we would recommend it to anyone needing a completely "chill-out", stress free holiday!!

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Gerani - Crete

Alpha Apartments - Gerani

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

Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Diana Mortimer - Plymouth (55,53)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Went back to Alpha again this year, so much enjoyed it last year.

Almost the end of the season,but it was still very hot and the pool so inviting.Our apartment was excellent for us,we self catered and everything needed was there,could do wih a bigger cooker,but it didn't really matter.We booked early,so we were able to get a 1st floor flat with a balcony,last year booked late so were on the ground floor.The appts were cleaned daily and the cleaners so friendly.We were so pleased to find Mike and Leah at the bar,they really made our holiday both times,sadly this was their last year,don't know who will be running it next year,they were the biggest asset to Alpha and I'm sure will be sadly missed.

The beach is at the end of the road,about 5 minutes away,East of Eden is at the end and fabulous,never tasted fish like theirs. The pool at the appts is great for a relaxing swim and sunbathe.There are so many supermarkets and restaurants nearby, you are spoiled for choice, but Chania only 14kms away,1.30euro single trip-bargain.We hired a car for the 1st week,beware,the Cretans are the maddest drivers and very impatient-next time we won't bother to hire.Gerani is small and lovely,especially the old village which we found by accident.There are so many restaurants and taverna's there you wonder how they can compete in such a small area,but they are great and cook such good food.

Can't promote Crete enough, the people,food and weather are all brilliant.The only bugbear was that we had our flight times changed 3 times before our holiday,we arived at Chania airport at about 19.10hrs(their time),we all got on the Kosmar bus after collecting luggage etc. very tired and hungry just wanting to get to our hotels etc (usually just over an hour to get to Gerani),BUT we were told we would have to wait for another flight to fill up the bus,imminent they said, they told a white lie,we got to Alpha at 22.45hrs,thank god for Mike and Leah who welcomed us with a hug and for a taverna in Gerani who serve the most brilliant lamb chops with oven potatoes at 23.30 at night-we had to recover with a G&T before going.

Beware of mosquitoes at the end of the season, we were bitten something rotten, even with candles,sprays and lotions,be prepared. Our 2 weeks went too quickly and we will return.Would love to know where Mike and Leah have gone,cos we would follow them.

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Alpha Apartments - Gerani

Operator and Date: July 2005

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Sarah Ross - Edinburgh (24)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hiya to everyone who has had a great holiday in the Alpha Apartments in Gerani, Im desperatly trying to get in touch with Leah and Mike as I am planning a holiday over there next year and dont want to stay at the Alpha if they are not there! If anyone can give me any info or contact details it would be much appreciated, If you'd rather give Leah and Mike my details tell them it's Sarah from Scotland who repped there 3 years ago. I'd appreciate any help I can get,  thanks in advance.

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Alpha Apartments - Gerani

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Neil Mortimer 52, Diana Mortimer 55

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We went there last year for 1 week, it wasn't enough, came back this year for 2 weeks.Loved it. The appt was all we needed for self catering.Supermarkets everywhere,our favourite was just down the road to the beach, first turn to the left and about 100yds there you are.Gerani is wonderful,has tavernas and supermarkets but generally unspoiled, not like Platanias which is a bit like Paignton,shop wise,mind you you can pick up the odd bargain. Find the old village in Platanias and you will be pleasantly surprised, the same with Gerani.Sadly this is the last year for Mike and Leah at the pool bar at Alpha, they will be so sadly missed, they put the icing on the cake for the holiday.They are moving
to another location not too far from Gerani and we will find them, think it is Tavernistas near Maleme.
Diana Mortimer

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Alpha Apartments - Gerani

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

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Neil & Di Mortimer (54, 51)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

First overseas holiday on our own, kids grown up now.Crete was a complete surprise and joy, loved it.Apartment was quite sparse (no choice as we booked really late) but we didn't mind, we spent most of the time out of it.Leah & Mike at the pool bar were absolutely fantastic,nothing was too much trouble,brilliant cocktails and food and the best choice of music.

The pool was great, loads of loungers and literally 10 yards from the bar.Gerani is okay not a lot too see, but it's so near to Chania and every where else it didn't matter.The beach is only 10 minutes down the road.We hired a car to see the island, but beware, you might be the most confident and safe driver at home, but in Crete they are all mad (sorry Cretans)they think no one else is on the roads but them.Scenery is breathtaking.We found the Topolia gorge purely by accident on our way to Elefonissi.Apart from Crete, the people,Alpha Appts and the scenery, the other thing I will remember most is the Supermarket, they are everywhere.

We're going back there in September, I hope Mike and Leah are still there.

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Alpha Apartments - Gerani

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar aug 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : tony,gill,gavin. 39,37,13

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

having finally reached the apartments after a long day we found the complex to be very welcoming.

once we off loaded the case's in the room ,off which i can only whinge about three things. 1:only 1 ring to cook on ,but my wife was happy with that as she didnt intend on doing any cooking,so nothing new there.2:no blinds or thick curtains in the living room where our son was sleeping ,so at 5am its was as bright as blackpool.3:the "cocktail bar" outside our bedroom which stayed open to atleast 4.30-5.00am,not that noisy but annoying with people still talking and laughing which meant we had to shut the windows ,so make sure you get some fans as they are a priority if you want to sleep well.

well thats the whinging over with,so lets talk about mike and leah and the 3 muskateers, isabella ,patrick and mario. Leah is a star,from 8.30am till 2am she will cook and serve drinks with the help off mike(u ok mate).If you want to go out to other cafes/bars etc then you are limited a bit ,one across the road from the alpha was the best one for me but you are only 2 mins from the others,but we stayed most nights at the alpha as there was a good selection on the menu an mikes vodka and cokes cant be beaten.

One of the best pools we have had on hols,plenty of loungers and a real sun trap,my wife stayed there for 14 days,she loved it.If you want some more action then plantasis is 5 mins away,good resturant by the crazy golf and if you go into chania ,keep away from the restyrants at the harbour as the will try and drag you in. I did the samaria gorge and thought it was breath taking, 5.30am start and you don;t get back till 20.00+.

There is a good aquapark which the reps do,but if you don want to go on the slides then ask for a cheaper price,as they dont tell you that.Its was our first time to crete and weather wise the best ever,we are going back to gouves next year so i cant wait. hope i haven't bored you all,but there's just so much to say about the island.

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Alpha Apartments - Gerani

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

Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Andrew Kerr - Shropshire

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The resort was okay. Most people find the rocky beach and head back but there is a sandy beach if you walk a couple of hundred metres towards Maleme (nice fine sand too). Trouble is there are no facilities there. Platanias and Agia Marina are just a short bus/cab ride away though and they are fine.

The apartments are really nice, the upper ones are new for this year and are very well equipped and decorated. Very good by Greek standards. The pool and bar are fine and the staff are friendly.
Plenty of good places to eat at night though, try the back lanes that lead down to the sea.

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Angela Apartments - Gerani

Operator and Date: (Golden Sun Discounts) Golden Sun - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Claire Westmoreland - Wirral (29,29)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

We have just returned from a lovely week's holiday in Crete.  We booked a last minute deal and were pleasantly surprised with the apartment - clean and tidy with a double bedroom, kitchenette and bathroom, extra bed in the living area and a nice balcony - our bedroom window overlooked the pool and down to the sea - lovely!  We had the use of a fan free of charge for the week, the apartment was cleaned most days and the linen/towels changed once during our stay.  

The apartments are owned and run by Stavros, a lovely man who is very obliging and happy to do whatever he can to make your stay more enjoyable - he works alone so the pool bar opening times can be a little erratic but his sloeberry vodka more than makes up for it!  The pool area is clean and well stocked with inflatables with a kids pool and lots of sunloungers, parasols and tables.  The beach is a few mins walk away, as well as bars and tavernas - the Eanthia beach resort is just down the road and you can use the facilities there as well.  Their food, drink and staff were excellent.

We jumped a cab most nights to Platanias - Stavros rang this for us and a central taxi rank in Platanias makes it easy to catch a cab back.  It takes about 5mins and costs about 6 euros - well worth it for the many tavernas, bars and shops.  You can walk to the bus stop (about 10mins) and the bus will take a few mins for the cost of 1.50 euros.  Also a must is Chania harbour at sunset, 1.50euros on the bus running every half hour.  Lots of shops, lovely harbour lit at night and many restaurants and bars - just beware - the restaurants on the harbour are more expensive and not very nice compared to the ones in the side streets.

All in all an excellent holiday and we will definitely return again.

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Daskalakis Studios - Gerani/Maleme

Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - 2006

Opinion submitted in November 2006 by : tony   51 ,51

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This studios are not were they are advertised in the olympic brochure which states that they are in garani which is not correct they are near maleme which is at least a 15 minute walk away and it is the same to the nearst supper maket .

the beach is a good walk away and not as close a discribed .The daskalakis studios are very poor the smoke alarm had been removed  and most of the lights did not work the pol was not too bad though i never saw it cleaned over the two weeks we stayed they just kept puttting what looked like some sort of agent into the system .the olympic rep when we arrin=vbed got of the coach and just said that the barman will show you to your rooms which is not very good to get about i had to spend a extra  360 euros to hire a car for the two weeks if i had not i would have had to walk every were in the pitch black .

wheni spoke to the rep she admitted that this was not in the correct resort and they had told olympic on previous tours and that people had complained to them but still did nothing about this .

would not ever go back to these studios again 

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Daskalakis Studios - Gerani/Maleme

Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - September 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Bill Bradshaw - Chorley (65,63)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We've been to Gerani and love the place for its tranquility, tavernas, and empty beaches. 

The Daskalakis studios were a disappointment only because of the location. Whilst the rooms were clean and airy, and the pool area lovely, the site is right on the main road and NOT in Gerani as advertised by Olympic in their brochure. It's closer to Maleme and the nearest mini-market is a good 15 minute walk along a busy main road. The only 'local' taverna is 15 minutes walk away, though it itself is excellent (East of Eden right on the beach - lots of free additions including a bottle of Raki on the table). 

We will certainly re-visit Gerani but will not be staying at the Daskalakis.

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Pardalakis - Gerani

Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic-May 2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : Martin&Carolyn-Brighton(45,44)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Pardalakis Apts. are situated just outside Gerani. In fact its a 20 min.walk along a fairly busy road. There was a car crash the week we were there,so take care.
The studios are of average standard and not huge in size,but they did supply new kettles and toasters this year.They are cleaned about 3 times a week with one sheet change. If you're really lucky you might get one of the new studios set back from the road a bit

The owners are very friendly and helpful,and will give you extra pillows etc.if needed.The pool is very nice and clean with enough sunbeds to go round.The bar serves the usual daytime snacks.A large beer costs 2.30 euros and 1.80 for soft drinks. The two sons Stelios&Gianni speak very good English and will be more
than happy to call you a cab.

The only sour note was that they did a barbecue on the Friday.This consisted of one plate of chips,one tzatziki,one Greek salad between two,and then one sausage and one pork chop per person with a glass of wine each. And for dessert we were given an orange each which were grown by the owner.This cost us 15 euros per person which we thought rather extortionate to say the least when you consider the average main course in the tavernas was only 7 euros.We weren't told the price before hand so you might want to check first.
There is a bus stop right outside which will take you into Platanias(1.10euro)every half an hour where it is a lot busier with many tavernas/bars.Or you can take a taxi for 6 euros.

By the way, if you're arriving from Gatwick you may have to wait in the coach for the Manchester flight to arrive. This put an extra hour on our transfer time. Also Olympic seem to leave it a little late with the return transfer to the airport. We played safe and got a taxi(35 euros) 30 mins before the coach turned up and missed the massive queues at check in. 

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Pardalakis - Gerani

Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic Holidays -July 2005

Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Tony & Allison - London

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Crete! Dont you just love it! Have now been 3 times and had great holidays each time. We booked this as a last minute deal on the Olympic webite and so were a little bit worried. What we were after was a quiet rest in the sun as both of us have had very busy jobs and desparately needed some chillout time. We weren't disappointed.

The resort of Gerani (as stated in other reviews) is very small and does have a busy road running through it. If you want to party then go to Malia on the other hand a restful romantic holiday, Gerani beckons with its friendly villagers and hot temperatures during the day and very mild a t night.

 But we were very lucky at the Pardalakas Apts. We were situated in the "new" block which is set back from the road and so were undisturbed by the traffic. This block is of a very high standard (for Greece) and so was a nice surprise. The family that look after the apartments are very friendly and most of the people that were there with us were repeat customers which says a lot!

The pool is lovely and has plenty of sunloungers to go around. The bar is always open and serves bar snacks.
We were encouraged to join in the Greek night which was good fun. The food is ok and the wine is poor but the dancers made up for it...

Gerani has a few nice restaurants including the Picadacary, which is set back from the road and has good portions. The beach here is not great but luckily the resort of Platanis is only a short bus ride away. There the beach is lovely and has some nice restaurants that are based on it. You can enjoy a lovely drink watching the sun set- very romantic!

We hired a car for 5 days. We dont recommnend Olympic car hire which is very expensive. The one to go for is a company called Paradise Car Hire. (cretacar  gr)
They offer very competive rates with full insurance (including the contraversal undercar damage -but only if you dont go off road). They were very friendly and helpful. They also offered to split the car rental as we wanted to go on a day trip in between. Point to note on the driving. The Cretans seem to think that they are all racing drivers and try to overtake going uphill on a blind bend with the setting sun in their eyes! just keep over and let them go!

Boat Trips: We went on the Suda Cruise but go with the local tour operator (located half way down the resort of Platanis) It worked out 34e less and we had a good food and a new ship!

Samaria: The infamous gorge. A bit of a stamina test. First time was easy but coming back 9 years later a bit more of a challenge! We ended up using Olympic for convenience but you could get it cheaper in resort. Remember to pack good strong shoes for this and take a water bottle. This can be refilled at the water points on route. An amazing day out and so hot in July!

Best Beaches : If you can get a car (or can visit by bus),then the best 2 are Elafonisi (white sand, clean and lovely blue water) and Bali (small but near to bars and restaurants-beware of some rocks hidden under the water!!)
Falassarna Beach nice but not on a windy day!!

Rabdouche Beach (near Kissamos) very private shingle beach...(can see the squids being dried in the sun!) This is reached by a very steep single track down to the beach but worth it(again only if you have a car).

Lake Kovena: Wonderful clear fresh water lake with good facilities. Amazing scenery too- not much good for snorkelling though.

Well thats Western Crete in a nutshell.
We will certainly go back again...and who knows it could be the pardalakis again.

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Silver Beach Studios - Gerani

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - July 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Darren & Andrea - Yorkshire (39 & 35)

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

ACCOMMODATION - A newly built complex, right on a pebbly beach. The rooms were very spacious, modern & spotlessly clean. The pool area was lovely, with a nice snack bar, also a great reception/bar area with all modern comfy sofas and a TV. It was approx a 3/4 min. walk into the main part of Gerani.

RESORT - Gerani is very, very small quiet resort, which was totally spoilt by the fact that the main road runs through it - so there was always the noise from the traffic. We ate at the Tassos Restaurant a couple of evenings, the food was lovely & very reasonable in price. There was only about 4 or 5 restaurants to choose from. Also, only a few bars which were always very quiet on a evening. We went to the Tequila Bar every night which seemed to be the only bar that ever got any customers.

We hired a moped for 3 days which was a great way of getting around, we spend a day at the Water Park, which took us about 30 mins. to get to on the moped. We also went to Chania which was very busy, we visted the War graves at Souda Bay, they were in beautifully kept grounds overlooking the sea (well worth a visit). The resort of Platanias took us under 5 mins to get to on the moped - this resort is a total contrast to Gerani. With loads of Bars, Restaurants & shops, a very busy resort.

The weather in July was very HOT and we were glad of the Air Conditioning in the apartments.

If you like a really busy resort - don't go to Gerani, but if you've already booked it don't panic as Platanias is so close by & there is a bus goes there every 30 mins and also a Taxi rank in Gerani, or just get a moped like we did and then you can have the best of both worlds. Enjoy!

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Viaros Apartments - Gerani

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook-Aug 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by :

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed at the Viaros studio apartment in Gerani, my advice don't go there. 

The apartments are dirty, we arrived the towels were smelly the floor hadn't been washed or swept and the toilet rim had shit round it with the waste paper bin full of previous occupants pooh waste. When complained the rep was useless and we soon found that the other people in the apartments had similar problems, kosmar were not at all gd at sorting out any of our problems. The only blessing was the people that ran the bar stuart and penny were lovely very welcoming if only they owned the hotel they'd be onto a winner.

Gerani there's not alot to do and the beach where we were was pebbles with a strong undercurrent in the sea. Having been to crete 4 times before I was very disappointed and wouldn't go back here.

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Viaros Apartments - Gerani

Operator and Date: Kosmar August 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Billy & Jackie + 2 kids 44 42 14 12

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Bad luck if you booked with Kosmar because the chances are you are looking at this web page because you have been rebooked to another accommodation seems to be a habit of theirs
But the good news is if your have been booked here you will have a great time
appts are clean and spacious well looked after maid service every day big balconies pool is small but clean and right on the beach
bar is run by an english couple (stuart & penny) all round good eggs
resort is small and quiet but 6 euros gets you to Platanias and a much busier place recommend the mexican and the captains table in and around the taxi rank
about 7 or 8 crazy golf courses in Platanias
water park is worth a visit loads of room plenty of sun beds and good selection fo slides

if you go to the pool bar at viaros please say hello to stuart and penny for us

have a nice holiday

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Viaros Apartments - Gerani

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar August 2005

Opinion submitted in Mar 2006 by : Karen Bayliss Derby

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was the best apartment that myself and my family have stayed in and we have stayed in a few.  On all our travels to various Greek islands here has been the best.  We enjoyed it so much that we are going back again in 2006.

The appartment was generous in size and vey clean.  The balcony was especially large and clean. (we were on the upper floor.  The apartments are enclosed by areas of bamboo and the nearest apartment is about 200 metres away.

The pool bar was clean and the food was excellent maybe a little more expensive than other restaurants, however we had a few dodgy meals in Platanias.  Manolis and his siters were great hosts and the Greek night which is held on Sundays is excellant value the best I have been to, and we have been to the organised one here before when we stayed at Kokini Hani.

Yes the pool is small and in my opinion was very clean when we were there and it never got overcrowded. There is no entertainment for young kids,eg pool table etc however kids make friends and make their own entertainment, and my kids enjoyed their stay.

The beach is not sand and never gets crowded with sun seekers, however the nudidt did appear.  Paddling in the see is nice but be warned the sea gets deep quickly.

The only down side is that the flight also takes holiday makers to Santorini so you make a stop there for them to get of and other holiday makers who have finished their holiday get on to travel to Chania airport to pick up holiday makers going home from crete.  This does make the trip a little longer than the usual 4hours .

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Viaros Apartments - Gerani

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar  - 23  August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Joanne Roberts (38,16,10)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Let me start with Kosmar, I have not used this tour operator before and don't think I will use them again, I booked my holiday in April 2005 I was contacted the day before I left to tell me that I was going to be moved to another resort, I was not happy with this outcome and complained and they relented and let me stay where I had originally booked, when I arrived at Bristol airport I then found out we were flying via Birmingham when I asked at check-in about this, I was told they have been doing this since May, I was never at any time told of this flight interruption.

Once at my accomodation the rooms are very clean and bedding changed often and beds made everyday, pool is a little dodgey, black marks around edge of pool, water not as clear as it should be, plastic loungers don't have any padded cushions so are a little uncomfortable, you can use comfier sunlounger on the grass, but you don't have any umbrella for shade, food and drink a little expensive at poolbar and the apts are a little out of the way, ok if you hire a car, bus service good, but a little way out, to walk back after dark, on your own with 2 kids.

Day trips I would recommend the water park and also the Souda cruise on friday (if u have kids, as only on fridays they have entertainment on board for kids). If you can get to Malame there is a clown show which is free every friday night at bar on beach front,well worth a visit, I would visit Crete again, but I would probably stay in Agia Marina of Platinais as there is a lot more to do.

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Viaros Apartments - Gerani

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

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : 45 & 50

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

My husband and I were looking forward to a quite stay at Viaros apartments, Gerani, Crete. We requested a quiet room when we  booked. However on the first night of our stay we were woken up by loud music from the pool bar at 4am. Shortly after there were drunken loutish behaviour and an arguement broke out with foul language for another 30 mins. We complained to the rep who was fully aware because she had complaints from other guests. We asked to be moved, but was unable to because the place was fully booked. We had one quiet night before the same thing happened again only this time music was lower but could still hear bass until 5am. The pool bar is joint onto to the end of the apartments so all noise vibrates up through the building. It was'nt until the 2nd week of our holiday that we did eventually move. 

I would not stay at these apartments if you peace and quiet as this cannot be guarateed.

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Golden Bay - Crete

Paradise beach - golden bay

Operator and Date: August 2005

Opinion submitted in Apr 2006 by : Danny Harrison - Derby 4 adults 2 kids

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I have just read a bad review about the resort which suprised me. We went knowing nothing and fell in love with the whole place. There is just enough to keep you occupied for 2 weeks. The hotel is great, typical greek - basic but has everything you need. If you have never "done greece" before prepare for yourself for basic, but that's half the appeal for us.

Maria is the owners mother and she looks after you if you need anything, she fell in love with the kids but then all greeks do. The hotel does not have any sunbeds but then the beach is about 15 seconds walk - shame eh! Sunbeds are 4 euro for 2 and that includes a free orange juice. The bloke behind the bar was a misery but then he may not be there anymore so dont be put off.

The resort has a kids play ground built on a tennis court which is great - we kept the kids awake all day so they fell asleep early on so then could enjoy some time at night. One of the restaurants on the back roads was incredibel, the owner treated us like gods, asking us into the kitchen to try some food before we ordered and bringing something free between courses, how he makes a living i will never know, wish i could remember the name of it for you.

If your thinking about it or have booked it - well done i'm jealous! you will have a great time. 

The water park near Chania is reccomended as well.

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Gournes - Crete

Golden Bay Apartments - Gournes

Operator and Date: (Unijet Discounts) Unijet  July 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Patricia Metcalf  Accrington 18 family members (44 down to 18 months)

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Gournes could not be classed as a resort it is just to quiet, only has one main beach road plenty of taverens no sports bars. I didn't mind that but we had 4 footy mad fans.Nothing for children to do. Five children from 18 months to 10 soon get fed up of swimming. Small play area in apartments only for the small kids.
Plenty of nice places to eat never had a bad meal, Ambrosia, Medusa both very good and you must try Kostas a 10 min walk from apts food wine service value for money 10 out of 10 take the first left from front of apts. Kostas is on the left hand side.

We hired cars for 3 days at 75 euros air con great to be able to get around went to Star Beach a must you pay for the sunbeds and then please yourself what else you do ie bungie jumping pari sailing or simply just topping up your tan a good day out.  Water park we went in the afternoon cheaper after 2 o'clock and the coaches go about 4 so it goes a bit quiet then, they tried to charge for sunbeds which we would not pay hence towels and everything else went on floor.

Goldenbay apts very clean but basic the fan hire was 2 dear so we bought some instead.  We also found that the drink was expensive. Check out the specials board we had some very nice meals in the taveren there, wine is very cheap and food great. The staff are very friendly and will help in anyway they can, we had to call a doctor to youngest member of our party he was there within 2 hours and the medicine was ordered by fax and sent to apartments hows that for service.Everybody from cleaners to management were great. 

We walked into gouves a few times during the day along beach front a good 25/30mins walk and the view is not very nice, you have to walk through the old american air base what a mess full of gypies and dirt everywhere.  Gouves is great something for everybody to do including three stroppy teenagers so needless to say it cost us a bit in taxis. 

Would not go back to Gournes far to quiet for us this was the first time that we had a family holiday like this and thank god we did otherwise we would have gone mad with boredom. OK I've had a moan, all in all we had a great time spent more than we would have liked but we enjoy ourselves.    

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Golden Bay Apartments - Gournes

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - june 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : danielle oliver- Cardiff (47 46 13)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Golden bay apartments were a lovely, quiet hotel, with large spacious rooms and friendly staff. you can talk to the people behind the bar easily, and you can eat in their restaurant without fear of getting food poisoning, although we preferred to eat out, at the 'Taverna Medusa' - where the staff were unbelievably friendly. Nikkos in particular, he always gave my 13 year old daughter sweets, and he gave us a bottle of wine when we were leaving, 

If you go to gournes, the taverna medusa is a MUST. the taverna also has a sea view. (don't be put off by the 'fresh fish' sign, they do more than fish - but I know that their fish IS fresh, we saw a truck pull up selling swordfish. looked pretty fresh to me) Anyway, gournes is near kokkini hani and gouves, both of which are great for shopping, but not quite as friendly. you'll really enjoy your stay in this quiet seaside town - but watch out for the tiles around the pool and the steps to the mini market.

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Golden Bay Apartments - Gournes

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice - June 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Jim Lodge - South Manchester (42,42,7)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Gournes is very quiet but is in easy reach of Hersonissos and the capital Irakilio. Accommodation is basic but very clean and the pool and surrounds are very well kept. 

Hotel staff are very helpful and friendly but some of room equipment was very basic. There was rarely hot water and the toaster and gas hot top were very basic. 

We went to Water City on first day and it was a good day out but very expensive. After paying about 50 Euros plus 20 euoros taxi we were charged to use the sunbeds! On the next day we discovered Star Beach Water Park in Hersonissos and went back every day. It is free entry and is fantastic. Good pools, play areas, lovely beach and good food, shop facilities. Only advice would be try Star Beach before going to Water City. 

Also if you want better more traditional greek food go to old Hersonissos village - a 5 euro taxi ride out of Hersonissos but well worth it.If you go on a Monday night they have traditional Greek dancing in the square - we missed it!

Overall a very good holiday and particularly excellent for children.

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Golden Bay Apartments - Gournes

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours- May 2005

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : john dennis (62, 42)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is a very good resort and hotel.
The resort is reasonably quiet but is in easy reach of all of Crete,being situated between Araklion and Malia.
The hotel was very modern and clean,the sevice could not be bettered whether from the cleaners to the management.It was far superior to what we had recieved before in Crete (we are twice yearly visitors and intend to retire in Gouves village in the hills) The manager was in fact exceptional and could give local and regional info, a mine of information.Some of the tavernas are very good as well, try the "Medusa" just up the beach road, he has become a friend.

On our last night it was impossible to go straight to our apartment,every taverna we had visited on the beach road called us in for a goodbye drink. Needless to say I was very worse for wear by the time we reached our apartment.
Our overall comment, "smashing" sums it up.
John Dennis.

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Golden Bay Apartments - Gournes

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

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Kim Telling - Swindon (39,39,12,9)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Our 7th time to this beautiful island. 6 times in Kokkini Hani and 1 in Gerani near Chania.  Usually stayed at Coralli Beach apartments but those were unavailable this year.  

Golden Bay was excellent.  Located along the beach road which is quiet and safe for children.  The beach is 100m or so away, along with several tavernas.  We have made friends with many of the locals over the years and they are very friendly.  We always book a hire car with Soultatos which is in Kokkini Hani (up on to the main road, quite a way along on the far side of the road).  Our favourite taverna is Manousos and he also owns MCafe (coffee shop).  

I could say so much more but I want to keep some secrets and I want more people to find out for themselves just how brilliant it is.  Check out Christos and Andreas (!) at the Blue Sky apartments and mention Kim and Dale.  Tell them we'll be back next July.

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Heraklion - Crete

Capsis Hotel - Heraklion

Operator and Date: independant  may 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : jaime lee 24

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

If you are staying in Crete, you must go to Heraklion - the capital.It is a Greek city although there are a few continental  restaurants in 'liondaria'but the city , aswell as fabulous museums gives the chance to experience real Greece. Drink 'Frappe' with greeks, visit the Greek nightclubs loft, envy, priviledge and all the bars behind the main street.  There are good shops Marks and spencer - Morgan Kookai and designers, check out Galanos (Two branches) for fantastic fashion.  The best gyros in Crete is from the outlets in Liondaria and the best without doubt, tyropitta and spanakopitta - cheese and spinach pies - is from the small shop close to Goodys ( Opposite body shop) amazing out of this world - coming from someone who has lived in Greece for 5 years, must be good!

Goodys is great for kids - a healthier version of mcDonalds, and try Nirvana ice cream from the peripteros - also available in Goody's.(Cookies and cream and peach and strawberry sorbet are extreme reccommendations. 

Heraklion has cinemas, visit 'AKTI" beach nearby - by bus or car 10 mins for the best beach, clubs and entertainment around.

Heraklion is beautiful - go and see it!!!

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Istron - Crete

Eleo and Ambelos Villas - Istron

Operator and Date: Thomson - June 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Keith Jones 52 Hilary Jones 46 South Wales

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were looking for a fairly quiet holiday where we could relax when we wanted, eat out anytime, or take in some of the local culture. This holiday met all the criteria. Not a place to take children or teenagers. It is in the Kalo Chorio region but is actually a small village called Istron. It is situated on a fairly busy main road about a kilometre long, and with the villas being behind a mini supermarket  there is no real traffic noise. All the restraunts we used, which are numerous were reasonably priced (probably slightly less than home)and of a very good quality. We probably prefered two of them one being El Grego which is very near to the far end of the village (East) and one which was only a  hundred yards West of the village. (I cannot remember the name of the latter but it was probably the best). The family that run the supermarket were extremely helpful and friendly and stocked most of the essentials you would need.

The villa itself was excellent with two large bedrooms three bathrooms and a very well equiped kitchen. The main living room/kitchen combined was large and had a television with cable or sattelite, and a dvd player. This opened out in to the garden patio and pool area. Small pool about 10 strokes ( enough to cool off) but private. Be aware of the pool man who cleaned it very early every day, bit of a shock first thing in the morning if you are not dressed. (For him too)

There is a car in the package and is essential if you want to see the island. Take the mountain roads over to the south coast where the scenery is stunning. Too many villages to mention but all are traditional greek residents and very friendly. Overall a very good value for money holidy which met all the our needs. 

Would go back again.

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Vrocastro Apartments - Istron

Operator and Date: Self Booked June 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : 32, 30, 6, 2,

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Booked these appartments after are usuall ones were fully booked and Wow we were totally bowled over. 

The apartment was huge with each of the three bedrooms being over 15' by 14', the kitchen had a full sized cooker and fridge freezer ( not the usall camping stoves) the appartments were cleaned every other day, and the bins emptied each day. Booking it could not have been easier just went on the website www  cretefirst  com and e-mailed Joan (Scotish Greek hybrid) all e-mails answared within 12 hours and confirmation sent quickly. She arranged collection from Heraklion airport via a local taxi and dropped us back there using the same man. When we were over there we saw all the appartments and they all looked lovely. 

Just over the road from us was a small water park (ideal for kids) that had a restaurant and bar (ideal for adults). There are two sandy beaches in the resort area and loads of excellent restaurants (El Greco was the best by far) in the village all offering a wide range of traditional Greek food as well as your Sunday best, kids menus were well catered for, and would strongly recomend going to Commotions Bar as the main barman George is a truely great man that does some wicked cocktails (orso my wife says). Ending this I would like to say again a big thank you to Joan for making this an extreemly pleasant holiday for my whole family and we look forward to seeing them again next year.

many heartfelt thanks

Karl Mitchell
Tessa Mitchell
Jessica Mitchell
& Joshua Mitchell

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Kalives - Crete

Christi Studios- Kalives

Operator and Date: Kosmar-July 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Keith & Judy Hemingway Halifax (63,55)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Christi Studios, Kalives.

At the entrance to Kalives, 10 minutes walk to centre, 15 minutes walk to main beach, 10 minutes walk to quiet beach just out of town.

Beautifully situated next to the sea with views over the entrance to Souda Bay from the balcony. Modern and clean with T.V. (Greek stations) and A/C-payable.

The walk into town is either down the sometimes busy main stret with no pavement, or down the quieter sea front.

About 15 restaurants in Kalives all of which are good, Medusa and Provlita being our personal favourites, both right next to the sea.

Kalives is a working town and so not as touristy as many places but with the feel of a real Greek resort.

Buses every hour to Chania which is well worth a visit. 1 euro 10 cents each way - takes about 25 minutes. Car hire advisable to really see this beautiful part of Crete.

A welcome sea breeze usually blows, but when strong can whip up the waves to make swimming in the sea difficult.

Wonderful place for a quiet, relaxing holiday, but not the resort if you want nightlife.

We only went for a week, to get some sun after our summer here never materialised. Once there, we purposefully didn't hire a car, or venture very far, for the simple reason that we loved it so much, we are going to go back for two weeks, and hope to do all the things we didn't do this time.  Loved it.

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Ismini Apartments - Kalyves

Operator and Date: Independent - May 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Alan and Sue - Halifax  (wrinklies)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Kalyves is a pleasant little village in which to have a peaceful, relaxing holiday - until night falls if you are trying to sleep and your accommodation is next to the main street!

Ismini apartments is and the continual roar of over-revved motor bikes and the splutter of ancient mopeds and scooters will keep you awake until at least 3, sometimes 5, in the morning.

The advertised 'kitchen' is nothing but a pair of gas rings and an inefficient kettle that takes 15 mins to boil then spills half of its contents on the floor.

The 'bath and shower' is basically an oversized sink that is practically impossible to even sit in with a shower attachment hose on the taps that can only be used kneeling down.

The 'satellite TV' that is promised, on an English language site, is pointing at a German satellite, the only English language programs being a couple of news channels.

While we enjoyed the sunshine and made the best of our time there, as we always do, the disappointment of staying in sub - standard accommodation at a premium price soured the holiday.

Hope always triumphs over experience and we love Crete so we will be back - maybe to Kalyves but never again to Ismini Apartments.

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Kalives Beach Hotel - Kalives, Crete

Operator and Date: Med Hotels.com - Oct 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Christine & David Lewis - Durham (50, 51)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is an absolutely beautiful hotel which has been decorated to a high standard and looks really nice, but we did have a few niggles with it.

We got a last minute deal so got a good price for a weeks half board. Arrived at hotel at 9pm and were told restaurant closed at 8pm but pool bar was open if we wanted to buy something to eat!!! Then shown to our bedroom room which absolutely stunk of damp. When we had a better look the walls around the floor were all black off the damp (other than this the room looked really nice and was meticulously clean). We went out for something to eat then asked at reception if we could be moved to another room but were told nothing could be done that night and to come back the next morning, so we didn't unpack & this went on for two days just being asked to come back later until eventually on the third day we were moved and given a beautiful room with a sea and pool view but it really didn't make up for sleeping in a damp room for three nights. Also we found the staff on reception very miserable (possibly because we'd asked to be moved) and ignored us even though we were always very polite to them. We have been to the Greek islands many times and always found the greek people wonderfully friendly so found this very unusual and thought them very unprofessional.

Some lovely tavernas around Kalives and didn't find them expensive at all. Lovely beaches, not too busy but do we do prefer Almirida the next resort along the coast although there are too many English places opening up there. (We go to Greece to eat in greek tavernas not english places).
These are not resorts for party animals, great for couples or anyone who likes a reasonably quiet holiday with nice tavernas to eat in. Plenty places to visit if you want to hire a car.

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Kalyves Villas - Kalyves

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - September 2005

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Graham Gee - London (35,34)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Kaylves Villas were absolutely beautiful - far better than described or pictured on the Thomson website.  We stayed in the 2 bed villa with pool.  It was spotlessly clean, very well furnished and an excellent kitchen.  The villas are close to the small town of Kalyves which has several tavernas and bars.  The town is pretty quiet (although maybe in peak season it's busier), and within easy reach of Chania.  The only downside to the villas is that they are situated at the top of a steep hill, so if you have any difficulties walking you would have to drive everywhere.  

All in all an excellent holiday and somewhere I would strongly recommend

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Kastello Apartments -  Kalives

Operator and Date: Kosmar - Aug 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Charlytune - Liverpool (33, 30)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Our apartment, 7, was ground floor with use of a great patio - well 2 actually, but we hardly used the south facing one due to the heat. Our patio to the side was covered & had potted plants etc, and was visited by a pair of small yellow lizards and a tabby cat, we found it a lovely place to sit in the daytime and evenings, far back enough from the road while still letting us watch life go by. The apartment was large, basic and very clean. The bathroom might not be to everyones taste if you have mobility problems (a bit cramped, slippery floor) or can't cope without a more luxurious shower. No air con in our flat, it was quite cool but we needed the windows open at night, leaving us open to mozzy attack, manageable with repellant lotion and plug-ins. 

The apartments are on a steep hill but it's about 5 mins to the beach & nearest shop & tavernas, 10/15 mins from village centre. Kalives is a great place to stay, not at all overdeveloped, all tourist accomodation is mixed in with that of the locals, no big hotel complexes. There is a mix of tourists - English, German, Scandinavian, Italian, and some French - but nearly everyone speaks English. I'd definately recommend learning Greek for "thank you", "please", "hello" etc as I think it makes a difference. I'd also recommend trying the cheaper tavernas where more of the Greeks go, fantastic value, particularly the one opposite the church, and the one on the side street behind the church. Also have a wander around some of the back streets, very pretty. 

The beach is sandy / fine shingle, loads of sunloungers in places, but not too busy. I had a great relaxing time in Kalives, a week was perfect for a beach holiday, if you're staying for longer think about getting some transport (car/moped hire is abinndant) to explore the island, or pay for excursions to Samaria Gorge etc. We spent a day in Chania, about 2 euros one way on the bus which took 40 mins, the old town with it's harbour is beautiful.

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Kastello Apartments -  Kalives

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar (Oh dear) September 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Dave Scotland

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had a wonderful apartment at Kastello, spacious, very clean and in a quiet area of the village which is very busy with local life, a bit dissapointed in the Bar scene though, mostly corner cafes on the main street, others off the mainstreet were a rip off charging 2.5 Euro for  small bottle of Mythos, the main street cafes and superb tavernas charge 2 Euro or less for a large bottle so shop around !.

The only problem we had was the flight out, as well as a 6.5 hour delay at Newcastle due to a problem with the plane, we had the pleasure of stopping at Birmingham on the way out to drop off and collect more passengers, (beware this is normal for this flight, not a one-off) making this nearly a 6 hour flight, when we boarded the plane we were told to sit anywhere we could find a seat until we reached Birmingham where we would be rearranged into our allocated seats. We landed at Birmingham and the fun started, people siting at the back trying to pass people and bags trying to get to the front, what a balls up !. Having said all that the Greek crew were very pleasant and helpful as we helped them clean up after the previous passengers.

To sum up then, we had a wonderful time in Kalives and on the beach which at the harbour end of the village is superb, we will visit again someday but we will think seriously about ever uisng Kosmar again because of the flight arrangements (not the delay)and the airline they use - "Islandsflug" (or air Hotpoint as we call it)who on this occasion at least used an old 737 with dirty and worn seats and no entertainnemt, think on friends !

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Nostos Apartments - Kalives

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

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Colin & Vera Briggs. Tynemouth. (62 & 62)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We spent a week at these apartments and booked it last minute so we went there a bit blind. The area is very nice and laid back and is not really a tourist resort as such. It is  not a resort for teenagers. 

There is two nice beaches at each end of the resort and the bit in between is all rocks. With care you can still swim off this area but I would not advise it. Plenty of resaurants and terverna's and not expensive, apart from the odd one. There are no pavements in the resort and the main street is very narrow and is used by all types of traffic from motor bikes cars, coaches and heavy goods vehicles. It was a constant nightmare dodging traffic. The apartments were clean but if staying for a week sheets and towels were not changed at all and for 2 weeks once only.There is no reception,there is no bar and there is no pool. 

We had to vacate our room at 10am and were not getting picked up untill 7pm. No access to toilets as the only ones available were in the rooms. You had no choice but to leave your luggage in the coridoor all day. We were fortunate to be able to rent a room in the next apartments untill 6pm at a cost of 20 eurosbut there is not many vacant. So if your return pickup is late in the day I would say dont book these apartments. Air conditioning costs 35 euros per week and is quite efficient. We only saw the owner once when he came the next day to sell us the air conditioning and once when we were vacating the room. 

You can have a nice peaceful holiday here but the lack of facilities for homeward bounders is a big drawback.

Colin & Vera.

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Nostos Apartments - Kalives

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

Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : 2

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: No rating

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Please could someone add a review on Kalives in Crete, particularly comments on accommodation.  We have looked at going to the Nostos with Kosmar, but are unable to find any review on either that or other apartments.  Some information would be much appreciated!

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The Twins Studios - Kalives

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

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Kathy &Tom Murphy (both mid 50)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just come back from 2 weeks in Kalives. 

Overall we enjoyed our holiday but the apartments were a disappointment.  Having read previous reviews before booking we were not expecting our apartment to be so poor.  We have been to Greece on more than 20 occasions so know what to expect in way of accommodation but these were the worst apartments ever stayed in.  

Our apartment was very dark and view from balcony was of a greek dwelling lived in by a elderly greek gent and his family.  The old man frequently came on to his balcony and if we were lucky empties the contents of his throat and nose over the balcony railings - if unlucky he droppped his pyjamas and used the balcony as his toilet!!  Over the course of the holiday the damp and mould developed rapidly in bathroom causing mould spores to drop on to bathroom shelf and floor.  Clothes in wardrobe began to smell musty.  We pointed this out to rep who said "they would not do anything as too late in season".  She also noted how dark ceiling was in main studio area and said she would ask for that to be painted for next season.  Helpful for us.  

Kalives itself was a lovely relaxing resort.  Visited most of restaurants mentioned by others and never found a bad one. Only complaint was chips with everything.  We did find one other down on sea front but out of town (5 minute walk) called PROVLITA.  Excellent food no chips  friendly service and well worth the small walk.
Will return to Kalives but not to TWINS.  

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Zourpas Studios and Apartments - Kalives

Operator and Date: Kosmar May 2007

Opinion submitted in May 2007 by : Alan&Elaine 54&51

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We arrived on a Tuesday rain pouring down but that was it the rest of the weeks stay was bathed in sunshine.
The studio we stayed in was roomy all freshly decorated but it was the first week in May.The only downside staying here was they did only came once to clean no change of sheets or towels.Now weve stayed in Greece before and the toilet bin you know what we mean was emptied everyday,but not here so be warned.Its located just back from the main village but not very far.
Kalives itself a working vllage very busy with local traffic.
The beach is excellent free sunbeds if you use the Tavernas bars buy a pint or meal stay there all day.
Eating,there is a handful on tavernas by the beach of which we ate most time at the "Mistrali"they do a good breakfast for 5 euros.

There is a small place in the village opposite the church in the main square which was very good the,cretan lamb pie was very tasty.The name i cant recall give it a try.
Bars not very much im afraid this comes down to what you want.We like a quite drink so we found a nice little cafeteria bar on the main square"Kafe Afroditi"a pleasant little place with a pleasant hostess.You wont get ripped off speaks English not fluent but enough.So if you like a quite drink then this is the place.
We did notice a club but this was closed.

Overall if your a party animal forget it this is not the place for you go to Malia.
It was nice for a weeks chill out break which it was but we wouldnt go back its just not big enough we like a bigger resort one that doesnt take 5 minutes to walk through.For the money we paid £149 each you couldnt argue it was value for money.

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Kalo Chorio - Crete

Elpida Hotel - Kalo Chorio

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Carol Bromfield, Brian & James (46, 46, 17)

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked this holiday within a month of going and then I read the reviews, if I had read the reviews first I certainly wouldn't have gone.  The apartment was dreadful, spiral stairs leading to the first floor, shower was so small you would fit comfortably in it if you were 2ft and weighed 3 stone, furniture was outdated and I had to ask for the pillows to be changed 3 times as they were yellow and badly stained, we did get new ones on the third change though.  The lounge area and kitchen were dreadful, kitchen was 2 ringed electric hob, fridge from the 1950s along with everything from that era.  My son had to sleep on what I suppose is a settee, which was extremely narrow.  The sunbeds had also seen better days in the 1950s and the deco in the hotel was dark and from the same era.  Never sampled the food from the restaurant, but the pool bar was fine.  On the plus side the staff were very friendly.

And now we come to the resort - what resort!!  The few bars and restaurants that were there were almost empty at the height of the summer season.  The food wasn't very good in the two that we tried as most nights we went to Ag Nik, bus stop outside hotel and was cheap at 1.10 Euro.  Taxi each night back was between 12 and 13 Euros.  Ag Nik was a complete contrast to Kalo Chorio and only emphasised how awful the resort and hotel were.  Thankfully we only spent a week there, I would have gone stir crazy had it been 2 weeks.  

Would we consider going back??  Never in a million years, not even for free!

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Elpida Hotel - Kalo Chorio

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson-june 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : phil&sheila blower,dave leshone&trudie wills

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

when you arrive in kalo horio don`t do the usual meet the rep thing, get out and meet the locals, they are the friendliest people you are ever likely to meet.Go along to what we consider the best bar in the area Commotions meet the owner George and his scottish wife Joan and there daughter Daniela whose always eager to learn new things.If you want to know anything ie. best taxi place to eat best beach anything nothing is to much trouble for them,they are the perfect hosts.If you do go here take a pack of beer mats with you , George is always short and they will come in very handy.

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Elpida Hotel - Kalo Chorio

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Ian, Debbie, Mike & Amy (40, 38, 11, 8)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from 2 weeks to the Elpida Hotel and Apartments in Kalo Chorio. 

The setting of the Elpida is lovely, set up in the hills (a bit of a climb) but the views from our balcony and the roof top pool were amazing and there was a refreshing breeze. We had a two bedroom apartment. The bedrooms were spacious and very clean. The kitchen area was a bit cramped but adequate. The balcony was as big as the whole apartment with french doors leading onto it from both bedrooms. We opted for the air con (30 Euros a week) as it was very hot at night in August. Well worth the extra.

Kalo Chorio is a peaceful village which has a number of restaurants (about 10) and bars (about 5) all within a 20 minute walk. Our favourites were Kavousonos (just to the left of the hotel), El Greco, Kavos and Panorama (both a 20 minute walk but well worth it). Food was excellent and very good value (about 40 Euros for four adult meals with wine). The sandy Golden beach and the two bays to the left of it were better than the shingle Silver beach. We hired a car for 8 days but there is a bus stop just outside the hotel and taxis were bookable from reception. The small supermarket just over the road from the hotel stocked most things and was pretty good value. 

The children did not use the kids club as they made lots of friends and were happy playing in the pool. The hotel is quiet in the evenings (quiz night on Mondays, BBQ Sunday nights) but people tend to sit on the terrace and chat after dinner out and the bar is open until 1.30. The children were happy to play pool (2 Euros) or table tennis (free) and enjoyed the film nights.

All in all a lovely holiday in an beautiful setting. 

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Elpida Hotel - Kalo Chorio

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thompson July/Aug 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Spencer & Nicky  (34-32)

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked this as a late deal and as 1st timers to 'Late booking' we thought as Thompson in our opinion were a reputable company we could'nt go far wrong.We had the choice of 3 Hotels all three star and all half board, then it was allocation on arrival. We paid £640 all in for the 2 of us, what a bargain, for a week.

On arrivial to the Elphida we were told to leave our cases at the bottom of the hill so that the tractor could take it up for us.

WHAT A HILL!!!!!
Luckily we are quite fit but i felt for the older members of the coach and familys with buggy's.

The Hotel was quite nice, staff were really helpfull and friendly.  Pool was o.k, but beware it's very deep.  Views frome hotel are great, just like a postcard, 10 out of 10 for views from most of the hotel.

Resturant had a open terrace where you could eat from with again lovely views, the only problem was the FOOD, as i'd paid so little for the holiday we could afford to eat out.  The evening meals were really poor, no variety it was cold and didn't look at all apealing, so my one experience of the evening meal was enough.Most people there did the same as us.

As for the resort itself 'Kalo Chorio',
it is a very quite resort and only around 6 supermarkets (well they looked like supermarkets) and the one opposite the hotel was the by far the cleanest and friendlyist.  There are tavernas/resturants scattered along the resort (in total 10) some of which were always empty every night. There was 1 that stuck out called pizza packet where evey night the 2 old owners and their 2 dogs sat at the entrance with a bottle of water hoping someone would come in.

We stuck to 3 resturants - 1 in particular called Panorma which is at the end of the resort opposite Golden Beach.  Staff there make you feel so welcome and even take the time to sit with you and chat. This is run by two brothers one of which looks like Danny Baker - Food was lovely and nicely presented with BIG portions.

Beaches in the resort - there are 2 beaches within walking distances the first being the Silver Beach - this was the nearest of the 2 - it was made up of shingle and sand but not very clean. The sun beds and the umberellas were not in very good condition. We took walk on this beach but would recomend the 2nd beach - Golden Beach - this was a long sandy beach with very nice sunbeds and parasols - they cost 2 euros each for the day.  This beach was a good beach to go snorkling on - the sea was calm on 2 of the occassions we visited but on the last 2 visits the sea had picked up and the waves were very big - we had great fun riding the waves with our airbeds.

Evening entertainment at the Elpida - the is little in the way of this - a quiz night - a disco done by a local calling himself 'Adonis' (looks a bit like the guy on the Mr Mussels cleaning ad on TV)there were another 2 nights when childrens films were put on but other than that nothing more. It was really lacking evening entertainment.

Its not like you could look around the shops as mentioned above there were only supermarkets.

On the whole the hotel was clean - staff were friendly - it just doesnt in my opinon warrant having 3 stars - it should be 2 stars.  This is definately an allocation on arrival in Crete so bear this in mind when chosing this hotel as people there would  have paid a lot less.

If you are looking for a peaceful - relaxing holiday with VERY low key night entertainment and are not that fussy about accommodation then for the price this would be for you.

I would not rush back in the immediate future but would be interested to see how the resort develops over the next few years.

By on large a holiday is what you make it.

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Elpida Hotel - Kalo Chorio

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland - July 2004

Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Janet, Steve, Philip, Matthew [45, 43, 18, 16]

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

We booked the Elpida Hotel through Portland Direct and got a two week holiday for an extremely good price.  We had our reservations about what the accommodation would be like as it was so cheap.  

Firstly, let us say that the pictures of the hotel in the brochurs do not do it justice.  They make it appear small and a bit rundown.  As you approach the Elpida in the coach from the airport, you will not fail to be impressed by the beautiful mountain scenery.  The Elpida is a large hotel, cut into the mountain side.  The accommodation is scattered over a large area, and cosists of low rise traditional looking apartments and rooms which are attractively painted yellow/cream with grean and brown shuttered windows.  Its very attractive, and the gardens are lovely.  

We were really lucky to have bagged apartment 31 [request it if you can].  The apartment was small inside, but very clean, but the size of the balcony was enormous - with wonderful views of the mountains and sea from it.  We could have spent ages relaxing there.  The apartments and rooms, that we saw, all had air conditioning, although this is an extra charge, but well worth it.  The reception area and notel pool is up a steep hill.  The views from the pool are wonderful, and the pool gardens are lovely.  

You will not have any problems getting sunbeds here - there are loads of them.  Sitting up there by the pool, with a view of the beautiful greek mountains and sea, really gives you a feeling of peace and relaxation, you can start to unwind.  There is a snack bar near the pool, serving reasonably priced food, with great views.  I could not really fault the hotel, and for the price, cannot recommend it strongly enough.  

However, now for the bad news!  The resort of Kalo Chorio has two beaches.   Silver beach is the nearest and the one you can see from the hotel.  Its about ten minutes walk.  It is sand and shingle, and the sea can be a little choppy at times.  Golden beach is further along, and smaller.  The resort itself consists of a few cafes and one or two tourist shops.  However, a main road cuts right through it, and many of the cafes have outside eating areas that literally front onto the main road.  Who wants to sit outside a pavement cafe with the sound of juggernauts roaring by.  Many of the cafes only have this view, and you have to walk right down to golden beach before you find two very good restaurants with sea views.  

The resort does not have pavements or anywhere to walk or anywhere of interest to walk to.  Its fine if you just want to chill out at the hotel or by the beach, but without a car, you would be so bored on a two week holiday.  

We would recommend car hire.  Driving in Crete is no where near as scary as driving in Corfu, but beware of the taxi drivers!.  Places to visit - Ag Nik is close by and a really lovely town.  The restaurants by the lake there are beautiful and there are some good shops, plus mini golf for the kids.  Elounda is a must see.  The drive there from Ag Nik takes in some beautiful scenery.  The beach there is golden sand and the water is as clear as glass and flat - perfect for snorkelling and far far better than anything in Kal Horio.  The visit to Spinalonga Island is also a must.  Don't book with the tour operator.  If you go into Ag Nik you can do the trip for 21 euros per person as opposed to Portland's 45 euros.  Go to the Nostos tour operator - they have a shop in the town.  The tour is wonderful.  The boat stops off in a lagoon and you can jump [or step] off and have a swim.  The tour of the island is very good, and quite haunting and sad as it was a former leper colony.   

If you love beaches I would recommed a trip to Vai beach [the bounty beach].  Its a beautiful but a [very long] drive through mountains filled with roadside flowers.  When you get there, you will find palm trees everywhere - its a little bit of paradise.  If you like mountain scenery, the lassiteau plateu is worth a visit, but again, a long trek.  There are some caves there [Dragonati caves] which you can take a donkey ride to, where there are some interesting stalacmites and weird rock formations.  

Finally, if you can cope with the two and a half hour, mainly motorway journey to Rythmnon, its well worth it.  Its a beautiful venetian town, with narrow streets and old buildings that seem to tumble into one another.  Theres a fortress to look around too with some wonderful views.  

To summarise, Crete is a wonderful holiday destination.  It is a really beautiful island - the mountain scenery is breaktaking.  We would not hesitate to go back in a minute.  Would we go back to the Elpida - yes, because its excellent value for money and in a beautiful position - but you really do need car hire there, because the resort centre of Kalo Chorio leaves a lot to be desired.

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Elpida Hotel - Kalo Chorio

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland Direct - May 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Sue - Yorkshire (39, 6)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The whole holiday from start to finish was fabulous. The apartment we had was really big and although not far from the road, we didn't hear much noise and the view from our balcony was amazing.

The pool area was clean and the children's playground was really safe. It was fairly quiet when we were there but my daughter made loads of friends and enjoyed the children's club ever so much.

Many of the people we spoke to had been going back there year after year and we will certainly be doing the same. 

There are two beaches nearby and they are both really good for swimming.  Many restaurants nearby but my favourite was Zygos which does fab local dishes, best stifado ever.

All in all I couldn't fault either the hotel or Kalo Chorio itself. 

For shopping, take a trip into Ag. Nik. which is about 15 minutes drive away - good bus service which stops outside the hotel. It's a lovely town which has a harbour, funfair and a small beach - so something for everyone.

Driving is easy in Crete too as I don't think there are any roundabouts (always difficult from the right!) - it just seemed to have one straight road with lots of turn offs. 

Can't say enough about how great this place is - you just have to see for yourself!

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Kamilari - Crete

Villa Phiastos - Kamilari 

Operator and Date: may 2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : tracey 37, gary 35, vic 17, nick 14

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is the real crete, small local resorts where the locals try to communincate with you (both sides have to persevere!!!) we ate in a lovely italian restaurant called ariadnes' think my hubby left a detailed description of how to find it, he's a bus driver!!! It was cheap and lovely, although you can hear toads croakin'!! We had a fantastic time, the pool was cold but just dive in and appreciate a rest from the heat!! just double check the villa for your belongings before you leave, everwhere!! Would go back here again even though it was so difficult to find on a late night flight, but was so lovely i wished it was our house!!

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Villa Phiastos - Kamilari 

Operator and Date: simply travel - 2005 / 2006

Opinion submitted in May 2006 by : gary brown, 37,35,17,14

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

hi, we stayed in the villa phiastos in kamilari (not to be confused with kalimari, which is fried squid!!)
the villa was the best we have seen and the location peaceful. but when we arrived the tv was not working and we reported it and sure enough it was fixed the next day, but be aware if you press one wrong button on the remote control..the tv yet again becomes out of order!

My husband and son jumped in the pool once and i asked them not to on the same day cos water went everywhere!! however the next day we got a note saying please don't jump in the pool it causes problems for the pool filter, we chose not to jump, but still the pool or filter wasn't cleaned for the rest of the week until the night before the morning we were due to leave, we also read the notes from fellow visitors and they all seemed to complain about things being left and gone missing, my son knew exactly where he left his dvd player,and as soon as we got home he admitted he had took several of our dvd collection,the rep was so confident it would turn up but i remained doubtful because of the comments in the book kept in the villa!! 

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Kamisiana - Crete

Kastalia Village in Kamisiana

Operator and Date: Flight only

Opinion submitted in Dec 2005 by : Jeff Lamb and a mixed group of friends ranging from late 50`s to 6 year old.

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

May I first add that having read some of the opinions expressed by contributors that the area of Malame, Tavronitis,Kamisiana and Rapaniana are devoid of life is a joke. If you want drunken Brits and dont like the tranquility of a typically Greek holiday where the women can go home alone without being accosted by yobs, where people dont urinate in public, then come here, if not, may I suggest you go to Blackpool, Ibiza or Faliraki.

I have been coming to this area of Crete since 1980 and love the people, culture and hospitality. To be invited to a Greek wedding, Christening etc. is a must, even if you are a tourist, try it, instead of sitting in your all inclusive hotels moaning about the quality of the watered down alcohol and choice of food. Get a life, get out and see the REAL Crete!

BEACHES. A number of people mentioned Elefonisi, it was years ago, now it is packed with no toilet facilities as the portaloos are always blocked, it`s a great scenic drive but pray your bladder and bowels will hold out. Instead, try Falasarna, 35 minutes from Malame, drive through Kastelli (Kissamos) and follow the signs. Yes, it is a beach like Elefonisi, it has sand and even water, but it is not crowded and there are toilets. For the more intrepid tourist, there is also the very small cove at Alfreta, tranquility personified. A single track road, winding down to a shingle beach,surrounded by cliffs and a REAL toilet with a flush. Every time I have been there you can count the people on one hand as it is so far removed, I think the locals want to save it for themselves, as they did with Lake Kournas for years.

Places to Stay.
Over the years I have stayed in numerous establishments, beginning in Platanias, then Malame and now my favourite, Kamisiana. Dont even look for it on a map, but it is between Tavronitis and Kolimbari.
To sit out at night with the local people in the `cafeneion` with no `head banging` music is something you can only dream of. The only sound is laughter and crickets, big bu**ers!

Kastalia Village.
Family run by Christos and his wife Mirka, aided by Erika and Yannis, their children.
Cannot fault the place, in any way at all. There are a number of us who go back each May and September from England, Scotland, Wales, Nederlands, Germany and Italy, and not an arguement. This is one of the most friendly places you could wish for and tranquil, ghetto blasters are NOT welcome
This is the ideal place for honeymoon couples who want to be with each other, older people who just want to potter about and for families with young children as the three pools cater from toddlers in armbands to adults, AND, unlike some pools, the main one is not an abyss, where a child could fall in and drown, but dont dive in either unless you want spinal injuries! It is 6" deep.

Eating out.
Cannot honestly recommend any particular place, they are all very good, cheap and the food is superb. My better half is a fussy b*****d who wont eat mushrooms, squid, octopus and the like. She ate them with gusto without realising.
Places to drink.
Cafeneion. Managed, run and owned by Petros and his wife Eleni, This is the place to come for invites to the local festivities, village fiestas, celebrating the grape/olive harvest or maybe someones `name day` not birthday. The ultimate experience is the RAKI making night, just go if you get the invite, I cannot put into words what you will see.
As I said before, if you want a sun tan and like to get drunk, then hire a sun bed for a week or so, go the local off licence and stock up and STAY at home, if you want to experience REAL Cretan hospitality, then come to West Crete, anywhere west of Platanias along the coast.
One review stated that Platanias was lively, `It sure is Buddy` every weekend when the Yanks get shore leave from their base at Souda, go there during the day or midweek, Fri/Sat is a no-go, unless, that is you want a headache from loud music and the like.
Kalinichta, Jeff Lamb, Liverpool.

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Katsikoulakis Apartments - Kamisiana

Operator and Date: Olympic - May 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Susan Boyd -  Leven, Beverley, E Yorks (57,58)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked the Katsikoulakis Apartments on a late deal with Olympic Holidays.  It was certainly value for money £360 for 2 weeks for 2 people.  We knew we were going to apartments in open countryside, this just served our purpose.  We are a little different from most tourists, we are bird watchers!  So to book these apartments was absolute heaven to us.  We had a delay going out which meant instead of arriving at 1.00p.m. it was 8.00p.m. by the time we arrived.  The owners a brother and sister and up to nine members of the family were waiting to greet us.  The sister showed us to a lovely one bedroomed apartment on the ground floor.  This apartment was one of seven all with open countryside views with balconies facing west.  The family ran a small snack bar on the beach side of the block and was more than willing to cook up a pizza and serve a beer after we had checked in.  

There is a swimming pool, complete with sunbeds, all kept beautifully clean by the family.  Unfortunately, if you really want a beach holiday, this is not the place for you.  The beach consists of large pebbles and shelves very steeply into the sea.  But, just to the East at Tavronitis there is some beach.  These apartments are all about peace and quiet!  You look out onto small fields, sheep and goat herds.  You are in the real Crete.  We usually went up to the Taverna on the main road, just a short stroll, but there are few others along the road.  We visited Michaels' on the beach, just west of the apartments. Although we were handed the menu, he insisted we try what he had prepared!  Which meant Goat Stew.  Very nice, but a bit off putting eating goat with the baby kids in the field adjacent! 
It was just a few Kilometres to Kolimbari where there are 2 supermarkets.  If you like Greek Yoghurt and Honey head for the harbour in Kolimbari, as you head down the street look out for a snack bar on the right with a 'balcony' jutting out into the road.  This lady does an amazing Yoghurt and Honey, 'curls' of yoghurt spread over a plate with honey drizzled over it and topped with amaretto biscuits, delicous.

We thoroughly enjoyed our birdwatching holiday, visiting the Agia Resrvoir and heading up to Omalos Plateau and looking down the Samaria Gorge. Drive the far west coast for a stunning drive, high mountains and deep valleys dropping to the sea.  This is the agricultural area, oranges, tomatoes and olives everywhere.  This area is untouched by tourism.

We just had One big problem with Olympic Holidays!  We hired a car online for £190, which we thought was a real bargain, unfortunately when we picked the car up it had no insurance at all!  They tried to make us pay an extra 330 euros! and even gave us the wrong car.  The Olympic rep did not want to know and sent us back to Aghia Marina to see the company National Alamo.  We changed the car from the A to B category and managed to cancel some of the insurances.  We ended up paying 154euros for CDW and 70 euros for accidental damage. Adding another £170 to the cost of the car.  So beware, it is so easy to click away on the internet without reading the small print.

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Michael Apartments - Kamissiana

Operator and Date: Flights only - First Choice June 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Thorne Family - Swindon 51, 46, 73  plus In-Laws and assorted friends

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is the fifth time I have been to these Apartments, (My parents and brother have been back there sixteen times!)

The owner, Michael and his wife Theresa are two of the friendliest people I have ever met. The apartments are spotlessly clean and whilst not the most modern or well appointed they are comfortable and more than adequate. However, the hospitality is the thing here. Being greeted by the owners with a cool drink and a snack on arrival is wonderful and everyone is treated like an honoured friend.

There is no pool at the apartments, however we have used the pools various other apartments nearby with no problems at all. If you buy drinks/food there, they are more than happy for you to use the facilities. Only time we did get any problem was from some Germans who seemed to object to us using some sunbeds, perhaps they didn't like the idea that we got there first. Needless to say we didn't budge!

The tavernas nearby are great. We can thoroughly recommend Michaels on the Beach for great Stifado and the best marrow balls ever! Also good is the Cafenion at the top of the road, and the Taverna directly opposite (the name of which escapes me at the moment). The Bazouki night at the restaurant on the beach is not to be missed. Great music, great food, good dancing (especially when our Dad is there!)and just the best atmosphere ever! We held Dad's birthday party there this year. There were 14 of us for dinner and the bill came to about £100 (including copious amounts of wine!)

Car Hire can be obtained (amongst other places) from John Cars, towards Tavronitis. Cars are new and very well maintained. We had a brand new Peugeot for a week and the rest of our party had a small mini-bus, also nearly new.

The beaches in Kamissiana are not so good, being a bit rocky and with undertow.There are some places where the turtles lay their eggs, so be careful, though these are well marked. There are good beaches to be had at Falasarna and Kissamos and Elafonisi though, as well as those towards Maleme and Platanias.

Platanias itself is too busy these days and if you happen to be trying to motor through it on the days the hotels change their guests, well you'd better forget it because the streets become blocked by the coaches. It is a good place for souvenir shopping though and some nice eateries.

We like to go into Tavronitis to do some shopping in the Supermarket and go to the bank, then continue round to the little harbour area and sit in the cafe looking out to sea.  There are some nice souvenir shops here too. In one of them the owner will ply you with his Raki... beware, it's really strong stuff!!

We've been to this area so many times before, we've done most of the touristy things, though Chania Harbour is always worth a visit - if only for the people watching. This last visit we brought my father in law with us so we visited the German Cemetary and the English Cemetary at Souda Bay, which he was very impressed with, and also visited the museum in Chania which was interesting.

The apartment owners daughter Georgette and her husband Vangellis run boat trips from Platanias to Goat Island where you can try and spot the Kri-Kri. We did see some Kri-Kri during our trip and went swimming in the sea and snorkelling too. They have a diver who goes into the water and finds some "wildlife" to entertain the trippers with - squid are soo cute! The boat also stops by a german airplane wreck and you can go back in the water and snorkel round it. It costs 25 euros each, but for that you get drinks, wine and fruit on board as well as the trip.

Mostly, we go to this area for a relaxing holiday, which is certainly what we get. Because we've been so many times, the locals know us and even come looking for us! We get invited to local celebrations, weddings, christenings etc (though there weren't any this last visit) and generally accepted into the local scene.

If you want just a taste of the real Crete, without being too remote, then this area is just the thing.

If you want clean, comfortable, affordable accommodation from friendly, hospitable people, then Michael apartments are just the place. Enjoy!

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Koutouloufari - Crete

Adonis Apartments - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: first choice July 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : wendy frowen - blackwood (47, 48)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Booked a late deal and knew we were going to Koutoufoulari just on the hillside overlooking Hersonissos.

We had found this village and 2 others (Piskipiano and Herssonisos old town) while out walking the last time we stayed. What a gem of a place. We stayed at The Adonis Studios which are about 500yds outside the old village. It is a small family run complex with just 17 rooms..all basic ..4 white washed walls, 3 beds ,small kitchen and shower room.Very clean and is Greece 10 to 15 years ago. The views over the bay from some of the rooms are stunning.DON'T bother going down into Herssonisos as it has become a 2nd Malia....but this place gives you total peace by the pool. We arrived early hours and got up to look for Reception-couldn't see one as such so asked the guy by the small pool bar ...Hi he said I am reception and safe keys and anything else you want..Yes this was BEN ..he was in charge of the place for owners Nikos and his family...he is absolutely brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble and he made a mean Greek Salad and Special coffee 'shot'.He ia sooo laid back and you relax the minute he starts laughing and chatting to you. The owner called in regularly to see if everyone was OK. Nikos ,his Irish wife and 2 beautiful children.They really did want to know if there was anything they could do to make your stay as good as possible.

The 3 villages themselves are spectacular. Once you've got up quite a steep walk from the bay the 3 villagesare all on the falt and with loads of taxis is really easy to get to.  Just 200 yards up the road is a ''LOCAL'' store and the fresh bakery there is superb ..be there early for the croissants..they are the best. Back to the room and with fresh coffee, the view and pool and bliss!! The actual village of Koutoufoulari is outstanding.You can eat everything from 'REAL' crete to Sushi to Chinese BUT the village has been totally renovated to its former glory but everything has kept it's traditional build ..Like I said Greece of 20 years ago with modern facilities behind the old look.Give the Adonis Studios a visit. Nothing 5* but such a great atmosphere with that feeling of being in someones house and sharing the real Greece. With so few rooms within the 1st day or two we new everyone ..we'd meet at the bar and share views on places to eat etc..No loud noise after 1 am, music turned down, which we liked but you were quite welcome to sit and chat until the early hours...

we'll definately be going back to Ben and the Owners..but don't tell everyone as we want to keep it to ourselves!!!!!  

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Adonis Apartments - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: Falcon Travel - 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Ken K (33)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Adonis is just outside Koutouloufari, a nice quite village on the hill. The resort has plenty of resturants, shops, bars etc. and is fairly sedate. It's ideal if you want a night away from the madness of Hersonnisos.
The apartments are basic but clean and pleasant. The pool is fantastic.
The resort manager and barman, George, is an absolute star! He's always in a good mood and adds to the atmosphere in the place. He also doesn't tolerate lager-louts creating a nuisance but still knows where to draw the line.
I've been to Adonis twice and would happily go back again.

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Ariadne Palace - Koutouloufari

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

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Sinead & friend -Ireland (30,24)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed in these apartments just recently. The apartments themselves are small & tidy enough at first, we weren't expecting anything too spectacular,just somewhere to sleep & get ready for going out. 

It went downhill during the week. Towels changed ONCE in 7 days, when we asked for more they said no. Sheets changed ONCE in 7 days. We had to have cold showers for the last 4 nights because the boiler was broken. When we tried to find out the problem initially,the owners were very unhelpful and suggested we could boil the kettle and stand at the sink to wash ourselves! Also claimed it wasn't their fault the boiler was broken, and what did we expect them to do?!

We ran out of toilet paper on the 3rd day,and it was so difficult to get anymore, we were told to go and buy some in the shop next door!
When we tried to boil the kettle for the hot water to wash ourselves, the hotplate started banging and making awful noises so we had to unplug it.

Resort itself is beautiful, recommend Kalypso restaurant in Piskopiano up the road. Herssonssis itself very touristy & expensive but great craic. Would go again just not to those apartments!!

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Astra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: Portland Aug 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Kieran, Joanne, Blaine, Paige Mcmahon 44,43,17,12

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: Resort

Have been to Crete before to Gouves and wanted to try Koutouloufari for its village location. I was not disappointed it is a really lovely place. No neon lights or hastle in the evenings, no disco bars but little wine bars and tavernas tastefully decorated and really inviting. Probably would not suit youngsters but Hersonisson just a 15 min walk down the hill for something a bit more lively. N.B cab back 6 euros bit steep to walk back

Food
No problems usual very varied menus seemd a little dearer than Hersonissos but less competition and still cheaper than back home cheapest meal 50E and dearest 80E and this was for the whole night with drinks. Some restaurants were a little slow but did not spoil it chinese was very good

Accomodation
A little disappointed with our room was on the GRd floor and had view of bushes not much natural light in the room so a little gloomy. some rooms however had both pool & seaview so was a bit miffed. Staff all very friendly especially Alex John and Soula. Hotel shows football and current release films. Small gripes they dont like you drinkiing your own drinks etc around the pool and apparently will charge for breakages though we broke a glass and did not ehar anything. did not use air con though was 9E adn safety box 17E

TRips
Did boat trip 50E from Hersonissos harbour good value goes to sissi . Water park cab there and back 24E 18E adults 12E kids this is not the larger one as that is 60e there and back.

Star Beach
Resort does not have much of a beach so this feels the gap has water slides unbeds 4e each a little beach lazy river watersports makes fo a nice day.

All in all a lovely holiday and would definately recommend. Thoug I would say when booking the apartments ask for every option so that you hopefully get something

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Astra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: portland July 07

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : julie - sheffield 48,52,14,15

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was our 3rd visit to Crete having visited Koutouloufari twice before, but our first time at the Astra village.  

The apartments are in the village centre and anyone visiting hersonnisos should venture up the hill to this pretty village.  It tags on to Piskopiano and you are spoilt for choice in both villages for really good restaurants, and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of hersonnisos.  

We were slightly disappointed at first with the apartments as we had booked a one bedroomed as there was 4 of us 2 adults and 2 teenagers as it was really small the lounge/kitchen which had the sofabeds in had a table in the middle of the room which you would bang into on getting out of bed and you could not move it anywhere else as there was no room.  The bedroom itself was not a bad size but the wardrobe space was just one wardrobe between 4 of us the kitchen equipment is also quite basic too.  We soon got used to this though and the maid service was excellent they came in every day and even with 2 very untidy teenagers they always cleaned and tidied.  Everyone was very friendly especially Alex and Sue who worked in the upstairs bar.  

We ate breakfast a few time and also lunch and the meals were always good.  The only real downside to the apartment were the size of the pools there were 2 pools between the apartments both really small with very few sunbeds we only really went around the pool area twice as itwas a scramble for sunbeds and you could barely do 2or 3 stokes before reaching the other side of the pool.  

We found the best thing to do was order a taxi which cost 6 euros to star beach.  To walk is a down hill taking around 15 mins but the temperature was soaring when we went for 6 euros for 4 people it was well worth it.  When you get to star beach put your earplugs in as the music between mid July to end August is very loud but there is plenty of pools and watersports if you are so inclined.  Walk to the front and turn right keep walking past the childrens pools right to the end where it says end of star beach and you reach the meltemi which is a taverna with a beach bar and has a lovely swimming pool with lots of sunbeds.  We went there most days when we were not out and about around the island.  You are charged for the sunbeds the same as the beach but some days they didnt bother.  

The food from the taverna is much better then at the star beach and you have the use of the pool and only a few steps to the sea.  The staff are all really friendly.  As it was high season when we went you do get groups of singles but eveyone was well behaved and if anyone was getting too loud they were asked to leave.  evenings were always spent in Koutouloufari village as the restaurants are really goo try to go to Emmanuals and try the lamb cooked in the wood fired oven.  Another good restaurant is Stekis Also the Dutch cafe accross the road from the astra the breakfast is well worth 6.95 euros.  

Back to the apartment you only get one loo roll on arrival you have to buy the rest which is ok but dont run out in the middle of the night or you will be searching for that packet of tissues you thought you had!  Air conditioning was expensive at 9euros per night but it was so hot couldnt do without it but was only in the bedroom. Never saw the rep after welcome meeting went on the greek night which was ok but rather expensive at 46euro each entertainment was good but the kids did not eat the food.  

Overall really enjoyed the holiday but would book a 2 bedroomed apartment if we were to go back.

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Astra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: Thomson-July 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Martin Colman-Sunderland (26,24)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just returned for the third time from the Astra Village and yet again we had a great holiday. Many thanks to the wonderful staff including Alex, John (Eugine) and Soula. The hotel itself was as usual very nice and clean.

As for the resort the best taverna around has to be Steki, wonderful traditional food and a great family run place. Fabrica was also great and has a atmosphere all of its own thanks to Yiannis and Maria.

Anyway we will definatly be returning yet again later in the season. Overall a great holiday.

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Astra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson-September 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Martin Colman 25-23

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:  

Just arrived back from the Astra Village today after previously visting in July this year. Yet again we had a great time and much thanks again to all the staff, especially Alex, Soula and Nicki who made our stay a great one. Already planning to return again next year. Cant wait!

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Astra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Portland Direct) Portland Direct - July2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : mick, cath 50's

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We liked the Astra very much, lovely location nice view and perfect village for us. Astra appts are very well equipped, in very good condition and were kept spotlessly clean.Staff were helpful and friendly. 

They are a short walk (2 mins) along the level main street from the bus drop off point as its too narrow for a coach. Koutouloufari is full of excellent tavernas,you will be spoilt for choice,Stekis, Windmill & Pegasus are all nearby, there are no real english bars etc here, and 5 mins walk away is the centre of the next village Piskopiano with still more tavernas. The eastern end of Koutouloufari has further tavernas and bars in its pretty narrow streets and many interesting shops are scatterred throughout the village, including a mini market right across the road. Only negative for us was a lack of a cashpoint machine, but Hersonisos is only 20 - 30 mins walk down the hill and is much bigger & more lively and has a harbour where there a several boat trips etc taxis back up the hill are 5 euros. There are several sights to visit nearby by car, Knossos, Lasithi plateau, Malia, Stalis... 

all in all a perfect holiday venue if you like a quieter location which is not too far away from anything.  

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Astra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson- July 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Martin Colman-Seaham (25,23)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:  

Just returned from a great holiday in the Astra Village. The apartments were of a high standard and kept clean, as were the hotel grounds. Much thanks must go to the barmen at the hotel, Alex who kept us in high spirts and is a top bloke from Romania. The resort itself is still quite charming although maybe a little bit spoilt by time share totting company who's overseas workers are loud and unruly (mainly German). Apart from that you wont go far wrong if you use the wonderful taverna 'Stekki' and frequent the Fabrica bar.

P.S A word of caution would not recommend using the car hire firm 'Royal' in Hersonissos.

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Astra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thompson - May 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Steve Weston - Scarborough 44/45

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Having read reviews on this site, we booked a holidlay at Astra Village. Ours was the Studio accomodation ( No.55). There was enough room so as not to feel cramped,even with a double bed,bedside cabs, dressing table and wardrobe. The shower room had a hook for the the shower and even a curtain! The kitchen was the typical sink,fridge  and small worktop set up that you normally find in self catering studios in greece however we were rather suprised to find a kettle and toaster in one of the cupboards. The room also included a TV (free but only had 4 channels) and air con, (apparendtly available for 7euro a night).
The apartment was kept very clean, there was a visit everyday from a lady who emptied the bins, mopped the floors, made the bed and cleaned the bathroom.
Sunbeds were free and plentyful.
Overall the studio was bright & clean.

Koutouloufari is a very nice village, theres a few shops, a supermaket almost opposite Astra Village and pleanty on good tavernas to go at, the next village is approx 5 mins walk away with even more tavernas to go at. Heronissos is approx 15/20 min walk down the hillside,the roads are good but it is quite steep, once in the town you'll find lots of shops,bars,tavernas ideal if you want to eat while looking over the sea.
We enjoyed our time in crete and would have no objections to staying at Astra again.

One thing worth mentioning though, the room check out time was 10am, we were offered the option to keep the room untill 4pm at a cost of 20euros, we declind, but learned later some other guests had been offered the same for 40euros!

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Astra Apartments - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thompson August 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Peter (44) Tricia (42)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I'll get the main complaint out of the way first then onto the good things about the holiday.
My main complaint was how expensive everthing was. e3 for a pint and an average of e28 for a meal for 2 people,the local shops also seemed overpriced.  Because there is nothing else to do apart from eat and sunbathe it worked out to be an expensive holiday. We wanted a quiet holiday but this was almost dull.It seemed there was no entertainment any where apart from Star beach, which is a 20 minute walk downhill, and a recommended taxi ride back.

Now for the good things : The apartments are kept very clean, We were lucky enough to get apartment no.55 a studio with a big balcony and very nice sea + pool views . Cleaners came in every day and changed linen and towels every otherday.Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Only slight fault it had,was the cold-hot-cold-hot shower.
Pool was always cleaned,well maintained.
Supermarket across the way stocked most things, were very friendly and stayed open till about midnight.

The village still has charm and is not commercialised, though be careful of cars and bikes on the narrow streets, lots of restaurants to choose from offering a wide variety of meals.  We preferred two restaurants.  Olivas past the wishing well heading towards Piscapiano - the food was excellent, and the all staff were very friendly it also had a stunning sea view; and The Windmill was of the same standard and friendly.Also a snack bar called 'Fabrica's' which sells good food and is run by the craziest, friendliest man on the island

Star Beach was good as you could relax by the beach or be entertained around the bars.  You paid for a sun bed for the day and you could move around the park to wherever you wanted.  Good water sports on offer and bungy jumping!  Sandy beach and sea was not deep.
Very good accomodation,very clean and pretty resort, but a little too quiet for our tastes

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Astra Apartments - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - July 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Martin, Denise, Richard, Rachel (47,46,18,16)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Beautiful apartments.  Very clean.  Cleaners in every day and changed linen and towels every otherday.  We had a one bedroom apartment with balconys on either end with a view of each pool and a lovely view looking toward Hersonnisos.  Staff very friendly and helpful.  Couldn't fault it at all.

Supermarket across the way stocked everything and were very friendly.

The village still has charm and is not commercialised.  Lots of restaurants to choose from offering a wide variety of meals.  We preferred two restaurants.  The Windmill by the wishing well - the food was excellent at a reasonable price, and the owner and waiter were very friendly; and the Marianthi was of the same standard and friendly.  Staff would take time out to come and sit and chat to you. Both places offered you free drinks and raki or cocktails.

Ten minute walk into Hersonissos and about 30 minutes back up a choice of three hills.  Hersonnisos is very lively by day and night. Not much of a beach there, quite narrow and stony. Star Beach was good as you could relax by the beach or be entertained around the bars.  You paid for a sun bed for the day (3 euros for a bed and 2 euros for a parasol)and you could move around the park to wherever you wanted.  Good water sports on offer and bungy jumping!  Sandy beach and sea was not deep.

Hired a car to get around.  Ag Nik was very pretty.  Not too commercialised.
Almyros beach near here was lovely and sandy and shallow water.  Very hilly country but easy to navigate around.

Weather was just right.  Not a cloud in the sky for 2 weeks!

Overall it was an excellent, chilled out holiday and would definitely go back again.

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Astra Apartments - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - June 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Sue & Julie Channon (48, 25)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

My daughter and I booked for a week, staying at the small village of Koutouloufari, just outside Hersonissos.  In the Thomson brochure it mentions a short walk up a hill to the apartments, as the coach cannot go up the narrow road.  We were expecting a hike up a cliff, but it was just a short, gentle incline of about 50 metres! 

The Astra apartments are absolutely beautiful, very pretty and immaculately clean.  We were lucky enough to have a 1 bedroom studio for 4, with a balcony, for no supplements.  It had 2 small pools, which were very clean, with plenty of sunbeds. The equipment for self catering was excellent, although they were used very little.  Air conditioning was available as an extra at 7 Euros per day, but worth every penny.  The safety deposit box cost 3 Euros per day, but we didn't use it as we were on the first floor and because it was such a small village, you felt very safe.  The food in the Astra cafe was lovely (they had an English cook), but perhaps a little more expensive that the local restaurants (try the omelette - wonderful). I would not recommend this holiday for children as there is not much to do for them, it is a typical couples wanting peace and quiet holiday.

There were many restaurants to choose from, even though it was only a small village.  Our favourite was the Ariadne and Steki. Steki was run by 2 brothers and they were very entertaining.  The laughter and noise was the reason we decided to give it a go in the first place.  We ordered Sirloin steak which was as big as the plate. We were entertained with plate smashing, dancing and fire!!! Be aware that all the restaurants give you bread at the beginning of the meal, sometimes with garlic butter or cheese, which is very nice but very filling if you have a small appetite, so we used that as our starter and just had a main course.  The house wine varies, it is very cheap; some taste like vinegar, whereas others are very palatable.

All the roads were block paved, instead of the usual dirt tracks typical of most Greek villages.  The supermarket opposite the apartments stocked everything you could possibly need, including English breakfast teabags! 

The walk into Hersonissis was all downhill and took about 15 minutes.  We never attempted the walk back!  A taxi cost 5 Euros and was worth every penny.  Hersonissos was very busy in the evenings, but very entertaining.  Walking along the front where all the bars were, was like running a gauntlet; all of them vying for your business and not taking no for an answer!  There were some lovely original shops, as well as the usual souvenirs.

We caught the bus to Heraklion on the Saturday morning to visit the market - what an experience that was.  It was like a glorified bootsale, with about a mile of stalls both sides.

This was the most chilled out holiday I have every had, and both my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

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Epavalis Apartments - Koutouloufari ( nr hersonissos)

Operator and Date: first choice - 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : latesha tuck -wales (38,36,14,10)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

On first arrival the apperance looks good and we were quite pleased. However whilst the accomodation was surface clean, once you opened the cupboards ALL the cutlery, dishes etc. were filthy. We showed these to the rep. who agreed that this was unacceptable but did nothing as he was actuallly afaid of the owner of the apartments.
The accomodation is basic in the extreme two ceramic rings. NO kettle, NO grill or toaster, NO microwave and No T.V. There is no facilities for cleaning up after yourselves i.e. ashpan and brush. The apartment was cleaned twice a week and the beds changed twice a week. There is NO AIR CONDTIONING you can rent a fan at 35 Euro's  per fan. If you can do VERY BASIC then i suppose this accomodation would suit, however NOT i repeat NOT a place to take children!!!!!

The atmosphere there was terrible the owner clearly did not like children and can be hostile without cause.
Let me explain....
On the notice board it stated the pool was open 8 till 8, in our rooms it stated 9 till 7.30, howver the owner said the pool could only be used 9 till 7 and stood at the pool side and told people to get out at 7. No playing, jumping or general FUN allowed in the pool! On one occasion he called everyone out of the pool and said that the pool was for swimming and if we didn't like it, to get out of his apartments. A mother asked what had been done wrong as he did not state anything, he told her to SHUT UP.

One poor family complained about their fridge not working and the following day were served an anti social warning threatening eviction for their children jumping in the pool ( he was annoyed they complained). The owner has no patience and threatens police and eviction to any guest that complains.
On our final night one guest jumped in the pool at 5a.m the owner physically grabbed the woman and pulled her out of the pool. He proceeded to push her and threaten her. I intervened to try and calm the situation as her husband was now ready to get physical. The owner was verbally abusive to me and threatened to throw me in the street. Next thing we knew three motorbikes arrived bringing 5 large men and said they were going to throw everyone out, including our 2 children, another couples two children and another families 3 children.
Once i spoke to the security men however they agreed that the owner was totally out of order and invited us to swim if we chose. This situation could have ended quite differently however if i had not stayed calm, as the owner wanted everyone out, purly because one woman jumped in the pool.

Would not recommend this apartments to anyone as in my opinion it is only a matter of time before a serious problem occured there. All guest joking refered to the place as STALAG 14. however this was not far from the truth!!!!!!! DO NOT GO THERE EVER IF THEY PAY YOU TO.

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Esperides Villas and Apartments - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: Booked Direct - Aug 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Wayne Evans - Pontypridd (50,48,15)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Villas were basic but very clean and quite spacious.  The staff didn't go out of their way to engage in conversation (except the cleaner who was particularly friendly) but were never-the-less friendly and helpful at all times.  An added bonus for us was being able to hold onto our room until departure.  Not the biggest pool (subject to lilo overload at times) but clean with sufficient sun beds.

After driving through Hersonissos (M25 with shops) Koutouloufari was a breath of fresh air.  According to the locals it's getting more and more commercialised.  For now though it still retains its small village charm.  Others have mentioned the choice of restaurants and they weren't kidding.  Alex & Christine at Mezes made everyone particularly welcome.  If you fancy something unusual to eat ask Alex and he'll sort you out given notice.  Before I left on holidays I was told to try goat but Alex recommended Hare Stifado.  Beautiful.  Steki was another we enjoyed, very friendly staff and excellent food.  Others worth visiting include Patriko - beware the holy water!! and Kostas & Eilotas in Piskopiano.  The food was great in them all.  The welcome slightly better in the ones I've mentioned above.

Spinalonga is a good day trip as is a visit to the water park - although they do charge separately for sunbeds which I thought was a bit of a rip off.  We also did a jeep safari which is a good way of seeing things differently and appeals better to teenagers.

Not overly impressed with Hersonissos, although the port area is better than the main drag.  I'm too old now to be impressed by bars offering drinking competitions as entertainment.

We'd go back except we tend not to. 

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Esperides Villas and Apartments - Koutouloufari

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

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Miley- Liverpool (42,42,15,11)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from Villa Esperides and were extremely dissapointed with the accomodation for a number of reasons:-
the first apartment we were given was unsuitable for a self catering holiday as the work surface was ripped in several places, therefore unusable.

The second apartment we were given was next to the jacuzzi which was  not supposed to be  used after 9pm, but for several nights it was on at 12 and 1am in the morning, the noise from the motor was awful.  We found the apartment to be dreary and very cramped (to accomodate 4 people) and beared no resemblence to the photo's in the brochure and advertised at the enterance of the Esperides! We did ask if we could change accomodation but due to it being peak season there was no possibility, therefore we had to endure it for a whole 2 weeks!  I really dont think it should be rated as 3+ m's.

Now for the good things- the village was lovely we had some lovely meals and would reccomend Sergiani where we ate on several occasions and never had a bad meal - good food and great value for money. Another one is Kostas & Eilotas which is in Piskopiano behind the church, the food here was also very good. We hired a car and travelled around the island as there is plenty to see- Knossos Palace is worth a trip and Spinalonga  Island. 

We are thinking about returning to Koutouloufari next year as we enjoyed it so much (we have never returned to the same resort before)but we will definitely not be staying at the Esperides!!! If you do decide to stay here take some ear plugs as the noise from the crickets is constant and it is difficult to get any sleep. 

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Esperides Villas and Apartments - Koutouloufari

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

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Karen - Tyne/Wear (45,37,32,15,11,3,3)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Beautiful resort. If you like traditional Greek villages, but with plenty of choice regarding restaurants and bars, go here. It really is the best of both worlds. If you want Blackpool abroad go down into Hersonissos.

Stunning views, very friendly people, wonderful experience. We were a large group, and had other family members staying in the resort. None of us wanted to come home!

The Villas themselves were exceptionally good. We have been to Greece several times, and are well aware the standard of accomodation is basic, but these apartments were very spacious, bright and clean.Lovely!

Only negative thing I can say is about the traffic. The roads in Koutouloufari are very narrow, andd taxis and scooters come racing along them. You literally have to press yourself into the wall as they pass. You can imagine, with small children, this can be a nightmare. But that was the only bad thing, on an otherwise fantastic holiday. Would go back to these villas again, without doubt.

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Esperides Villas and Apartments - Koutouloufari

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

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : michelle &daniel ward - brmingham (29,24.12,10.1 )

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

beautiful place to stay we had a 1 bed apartmant which had a separate bedroom living area with to good sized single beds for the kids to sleep they even put a cot in the room for our 1 year old. they were nice clean apartments with air conditioning for a small charge, small kichen area and hob/fridge. there is 2 pools a jucuzzi and gym/sauna very nice even the internet access, the staff are very nice people and the bar snacks would recommend in the day whilst at the pool area. 

across the road is the sports cafe again very nice staff and kareoke night twice a week, small village  lots of places to eat we tryed most and recommed a place called mezez alex and christine a lovely couple run it the t bone steak melts in your mouth, also made to feel very welcome. about a ten minute walk from the village is hersonissos which is nice and lively for all to enjoy we walked down in the day to the star beache for the kids lovely. evening time we went to many bars on the main st for cocktails and food again. saloon bar was nice to for all the family. bungee jumps and boat trips can be booked down at the beache area,also a big water city park kids love it.

would go back her again and stay at the esperides!!

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Marni Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: August 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Stevie,Jean,Lauren,Megan (49,46,13,9)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The Marni village is a very nice place to have a holiday.

The complex is well looked after and the apts are very clean.The food in the marni is of a good standard and was always hot when served,the staff were also very nice.The marni is situated in the village of koutouloufari,halfway up a hill at the bottom of the hill is the town of hersonisos,this place is very busy,full of shops,bars and restaurants,alright to visit a couple of times but wouldn't want to spend 14 nights.

Koutouloufari is lovely cretan village with great bars and excellent restaurants some i recommend to try are Emmanual's,Staki,Roulas these are all very good places the one we found to be the best was the classico the service was excellent and the place did look quite classy,the food was gorgeous and the bill was not bad either.A bit futher on is the village of Piscopiano again full of bars and restaurants all good,leaving Piscopiano it is a short walk to old Hersonisos this again is a lovely village with restaurants surrounding a small square.From Koutouloufari to Old Hersonisos is around 30 mins.

The water parks are quite good with no long cues average wait about 3-5 mins,when you arrive at the park yhey give you a wrist band with a bar code do not lose them it will cost you!! everything you eat or drink is scanned on these bands, here's the best bit after a hard day in the sun and your body is bumped and bruised by the slides and all you want to do is go back to the apts and lie down for an hour,you now have to cue to get your wrist band scanned to pay for any food or drink bought,this is the case even if you have not bought anything,we cued for around 45 mins in 90 degrees it wwas not fun,so if you go keep an eye on the main gate and leave before 5 o'clock.

Crete is a lovely island so hire a car 5 days hire fiat punto 180 euros cash or 10 euros more if paying by card. Before coming to crete i checked this site and a reviewer said the drivers were a bit crazy i can confirm this,but once you are up with the flow it's good fun just drive the way they do.

The worst thing about the roads are the quad bikes apart from not being built for tarmac and being very unstable they buzz about like mosquito's over taking on the inside/outside in packs on many occasions i was sorely tempted to give the steering wheel a wee shake and send them were quads are ment to be OFFROAD!!.There is one major road that runs along the north of the island and most the road signs are in greek/english so you won't get lost.Place to visit Ayios Nikoloas,Elouda and sissi also take the car up into the mountains especially the lathia plateau stunning!!.Also stop for lunch in some of the small taverna's on the climb up they have outside stone ovens and the food is FANTASTIC i can recommend suffed tomatoes,chicken and potatoes.

Booked our hoiday direct through the hotel no problems also booked taxis to and from the airport through the Marni web site again no problems.That reminds me the airport is a cattle market the worst airport i have ever been through.

All in all my first visit to crete was very enjoyable and i have no hesitation in recommending it to you,i will certainly return!!

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Marni Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - September 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Barbara, Chris and Ann (All over 50)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just returned from one weeks holiday at the Marni Village.  We found this to be an excellent choice.  We had a one bedroom apartment overlooking the lower pool.  It had a very large balcony with table and chairs and a cloths dryer. The apartment was a nice large size and we even had a small cooker in the kitchen area.  The bathroom was typically Greek with a small shower curtain, but we had hot water every day. The bins were emptied every day and the sheets and towels were changed twice during the week. The maids were alway very friendly.

We used the larger pool a few times and found there were plenty of loungers and umbrellas, there are even two areas that give permanent shade.  Marni Village itself is very steep, so this could cause problems for the less mobile. Also as it is a long walk, (as least 25 minutes down hill to the beach, and about twice this time to walk back), we think a car is definately needed to enjoy the area fully. 

There is a small supermarket just across the road together with a bakery, which is run by a lovely lady called Carol, originally from Blackpool.  The town centre is only about 5 minutes walk away where they are the normal selection of more supermarkets, souvenir shops and tavernas.  We tried a different taverna every evening and every one was good, but a special mention should go to Emmanuels as the service was excellent.

We drove somewhere every day, the Lassithi Plateau is a lovely drive, with some spectacular views.  Elouda beach was quiet and the water crystal clear with very friendly fish swimming around.  We took a boat trip to Spinalonga which was interesting and the boat trip is only 20 minutes.

The fun beach at Malia would be great for younger children with lots of free things like tramoplines and water related fun.  The main beach is also lovely although it can get a bit crowded.

All in all this was one of the best holidays we have had and gave the holiday 10 out 10.

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Marni Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: Kirkpatrick - August 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Sharon, Derek, Neil,  Hannah (47, 45, 16, 12)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Couldn't wait to see the apartments after reading the reviews on this site but was a bit disappointed on first impressions.  

ACCOMMODATION -   1 bed. apt. was fairly basic - for what it cost us for 2 weeks self catering at almost £2k.  Typical Greek bathroom with plastic shower curtain that did nothing to stop the floor becoming  entirely submerged in water after we'd all had a shower.  A mop & bucket would have come in  handy. However, maid service was  very good with towels & sheets being changed regularly.  

POOLSIDE - Not  enough sunloungers or umbrellas to go around. What few sunloungers & umbrellas they had were broken.   This was down at the front pool so we tried the top pool and it was much the same.  We did complain to the rep. who spoke to the manager while we were there and he said he'd get some tomorrow - but tomorrow never came. Found myself going down to poolside early morning as most people did, to secure one of the few brollies they had. Bar at front pool didn't open until mid-day.

RESORT - Koutoulofari was the reason we came back to Crete, we loved the narrow streets and fantastic restaurants and we weren't disappointed.  Ate in a different  restaurant every night for a fortnight and  had a good meal in every one.  Hersonissos is a bit mad, very busy night and day but worth visiting for shopping.

BEACH - Don't come here if you want a good beach - there isn't one, though there are good beaches along the coast if you don't mind taking the bus or taxi.

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Marni Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: booked on-line - August 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Townsend's (39,45,15,13,11,5,4)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just back from Marni Village with our 5 kids.  Booked this on-line and saved a packet.
The superior 1 bedroomed apartment terrace was gorgeous in fact this made my holiday, fig trees and vines growing all over it and an abundunce of plants and flowers surrounding it, sea views aswell. Inside the apartment was nice too, clean and spacious. The kids apartment was nice too but they only had a balcony.

Food in the snack bar was great for brunch, the Greek salad was delicious and the eggs were cooked to perfection every time, the burger and bacon was lovely too and the kids liked the food on the bbq night.

Koutouloufari was lovely lots of nice restaurants all pretty much of a muchness standards wise.  Suprisingly we enjoyed the Bejing Chinese restaurant here.  The food was delicately flavoured, not a chinese taste overload and it was reasonably priced.

The kids found the people very friendly, they made friends with Dutch and English kids.  There were lots of Dutch in this hotel and they were very friendly.

Not a great deal for the kids to do at night except go on-line and play pool.  Which you have to pay for.  The little ones went into the kids club.  The teenagers also 'sat off' in the little park at night with friends they made.

I would reccommend the Marni Village to famillies who didn't want an action packed
hotel.

The only down side is I missed a good beach nearby.

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Marni Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: Booked independently - May half term 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Wendy and Keith (58, 51)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion:

We would recommend the Marni Village apartments very highly, they were clean and very comfortable and spacious.  We had a studio which had plenty of room.  Cooking facilities, kettle and fridge.  There was air conditioning available but as the evenings were a little cool, we didn't need it.

The staff were very friendly, specially in the reception and bar and couldn't do enough for us.  The public areas were spotless - especially the pool and the area surrounding it. 

Koutouloufari itself is lovely with plenty of tavernas.  It's about 15-20 min walk downhill to Hersonnisos (a bit longer coming back!), but a pleasant walk either way. 

We hired a car and did some touring.  We went on a Jeep Safari which was excellent and a boat trip from Agios Nikolias to Spinalonga Island.  Be sure to go on the Venus as you do actually have a guided tour of the island.  The guide was very knowledgable and made it very interesting.

Places to eat in Koutouloufari - well, you are spoiled for choice.  We went to several and the only one we wouldn't visit again was Danaides Roof Garden, it was a little overpriced we felt for what we had.  Steki taverna is great.  The waiters get you up dancing and in traditionally Greek fashion give you plates to throw!  Very good meal, friendly and reasonable.

We had a fantastic holiday and intend going back in 2 years time.  We say 2 years as we never go to the same place twice on the run.  If you go, have a great holiday, the people are friendly, the village is lovely and accommodation was excellent.

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Marni Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours june 2004

Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : mhairi +steve,derby (42,38,10,7)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

what can i say........fantastic!!!It was our third visit to marni,dont tend to leave complex as kids to busy with new mates which is great leaving us parents to doss,doss,doss!!!vangelis,dimitri,sarah,patrick(paddy the greek)and co. are brill!! Try it....You will love it.We are back again june 2005

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Meltemi Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook may 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : les barrett 56 56 19 17

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

accommadation exellent great very clean and spacious nice bathroom a/con good a/inc very good food exellent a bit crowded in restaurant drinks limited choice pools very good good entertainment especially for children thomas cook rep.s exellent bad points beach to far away but transport available daily accommadation up steep hill hersonisos 15 minute walk

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Petra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: thomas cook - june 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : andrea and rob - wigan (39, 41)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

What an amazing, typically greek village.
If you want a relaxing quiet holiday this resort is a must.  The little village of koutoulofari has cobbled streets lined with roof top tavernas most overlooking the port of hersonissos. The local people are really friendly.  You can walk along a quiet safe road to the next little village of piskopiano and through to the next village old hersonissos (every monday night greek music and dancing is in the little square surrounded by tavernas, get there early if you want to eat as people where being turned away at 8 0 clock), again both of these villages are quaint, picturesque villages, full of locals.

the petra village apartments where basic but clean.  Clean towels every day.
The apartments are set on a hill (more like a mountain) not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties or older people due to the many steps.  On the plus side being set so high in the hills gives you a fantastic view of the whole port and village of hersonissos.  Wild goats are living in the hill just beyond the hotel, and can be sen and heard during the day.  Had a great time would definitely go back.   

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Petra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: Thomson - June 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : 60,59,47,24, 10 months

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Very friendly apartments separated into blocks A-F (F being furthest up the hill and furthest from the pool).  We were in C3 and D3. Cleaners were very friendly and entertained baby every time they visited, daily to clean and every other day to change towels etc. The owners supplied us with a cot and high chair which were a godsend.

Weather was not too hot in first week but 2nd week rose to mid 30's.

Koutouloufari is a five min walk and is very quaint apart from the annoying quad bikes and scooters which are a danger and nuisance to all pedestrians in the narrow streets. I guess they will wait until an accident before enforcing the no motorists rule which everybody blatantly ignores. Favourite restaurant by far was Kalypso (try the swordfish souvlaki) with other contenders of Stekis and Patrikos. Didn't go on any beaches but walked down the steep hill a few times past Star Beach which seemed full of young people, loud music and plenty of entertainment - there was also a nice children's area around the corner. Hired a car and visited Chania (recommended) Elounda, to cross to Spinalonga, Aghios Niclos, Rethymnon and Plains of Lassithi (Dikti cave).

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Petra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - July 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : AT - St. Helens (32, 30, 12, 6)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We've just come back from the Petra and we had a great time - a very relaxing break! 

The apartments were small and basic, but reasonably clean.  It goes without saying that the weather was fantastic!!  The Petra has a pool and also a small childrens' pool with a bar serving snacks until late.

The food was reasonable from the snack bar at the apartments, and cheaper than eating out if you're on a budget. 

There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby - we would recommend Galini's (excellent food and service).  Emmanuel's was also quite nice and is worth a visit.

Nearby Star Beach has a small water park with free entrance - great for the kids.  The beach itself was quite small and was very busy, so we didn't bother with it (I've visited much nicer beaches in Ibiza).  At the water park, however, you will be charged for sun beds, 3.50 Euros, which is the same pretty much everywhere.  Also, part of Star Beach is full of 18 - 30s (mainly German), but they didn't bother us.

All in all we feel that we got value for money and had a really good week away for the price we paid.  A word of warning though, the Thomson rep recommended a trip to the weekly Saturday market in Iraklion.  This cost 26 Euros in bus fares for four of us and when we got there it was full of junk.  We had to catch two buses and it took around an hour to get there, we then were left to guess where to catch the bus home - avoid! We found this a waste of time and money. 

The gift shops in Koutouloufari were okay.  Well known branded alchol costs about the same as at home.  However, the bottles of local wine in the shops were quite cheap.

There is a steep hill on the way down to Star Beach, but personally we didn't mind this - however it could be a problem for some people.  Also, there are no pavements and there are cars, quads, motorbikes etc. are passing you all the time - can be a little bit irritating at times, but the Greeks, in general, are very friendly people.

We would possibly consider returning, but we're going to try Portugal next year.

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Petra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson-July 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Martin Colman - Sunderland (24, 22)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion:  

We booked these apartments after reading the views of people on this site and im pleased to say that we had a good holiday. 

The apartments and the grounds in general are very well maintained. A word of warning though is that when we first arrived we were allocated 'A1' and found that the noise from people around the pool (some were virtually sunbathing on our terrace)! and at night the pool bar was a little too much. After mentioning the problem to our excellent rep Mark he arranged for us to be moved to a room further back in the complex and that was fine. The bar staff during the day Rita and Demetri were a great laugh and on a night time Vasilas was equally so.

The village of Koutouloufari is larger than the tour operates make out but is still very nice. 'Fabrica' is a great bar/cafe/restaurant/crepe and the owner Yannis whomis a great host made our holiday with his amusing antics. Also in the bar was Maria and Pedro (from Poland) who again made us feel more than welcome. We tried several tavernas in the village and found that 'Steki' was our perferred choice. It's owned by two brothers who make everyone feel very welcome.

We hired a car and visited various place including Konoss, Rethymnon, Georgoupoli, Bali, Matala, Ag. Nik, and Irepeta. Beware that when we were there the Greek coppers were out in force with the speed cameras and do target tourists rather than locals. Another intresting trip to do is to visit Spinalonga which costs around 12euro each.

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Petra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thomson - June 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Sharyn & Alan Pink (56 )

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We had an absolutely wonderful holiday from 3-17 June 2004.  

The accommodation was the best we have ever had in Greece.  The staff were all very friendly from the Manager to the bar staff (specially the bar staff!), and all the maids who cleaned our room.  Koutouloufari and Piscopiano are such pretty villages with as many restaurants and bars as you could wish for.  We hired a car for a week and saw a lot of the island and also had a day on Santorini.  We booked this through the tour operator and went on the ferry.  This was a very long day and we understand that it would have been possible to use a catamaran from one of the ports which would have been quicker.  However, however you get there, Santorini has to be worth a visit - it's absolutely stunning. 

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Petra Village - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: (Thomson Direct) Thompson April 2004

Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Emma Curwen-Reed, Bath (50, 31 & 10)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We booked a very cheap holiday to Crete for Easter April 2004, compared to our recent holidays in previous years in Easter.  The Petra Apartments for the money we paid were absolutely wonderful.  Maid service daily.  Clean and tidy.  Helpful and happy staff.  Cheap food and drink at the bar.  The apartments are built on a hill yes, which are mentioned in the brochure (it keeps you fit!) and the apartment we stayed in with three people was slightly small with not enough wardrobe space for three, but for the time we spent there it was fine (just to shower and change at the end of the day).

Galinis Restaurant is by far the best in the village.

We stayed mid April and the week's weather hit 30 degrees centigrade!  It was brilliant.

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Romantica - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: First Choice- August 2007

Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Sam & Adi (34), (31)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: No rating

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Oh my gosh!  If you are thinking of booking an allocated on arrival in Crete with First choice please have a long hard think!  

We booked this on a whim, wanted a cheap cheap deal and we certainly ended up with a cheap cheap hotel, the accommodation was rated as 2 star, i wouldn't let my dog live in it.  The linen was not changed in the week, we had to beg for clean towels and we were met with huffs and puffs from the cleaner, one family were refused clean towels, the bins holding the used toilet paper were not emptied in some rooms for 3 or 4 days, we had cockroaches, ants and lizards living in the complex with many of the guests.  The hotelier is supposed to keep the hotel exclusively for first choice but allowed 3 men in whilst we were there who were not using the operator.  

The pool hygiene is very poor, almost all of the kids had ear and throat problems during the holiday. The only representative of the hotel on site all day and night was a 70+ old lady with an infirm husband, what use was she had there been trouble with locals?  No gates were locked at night, people on the bottom floor had no safety. 

All this aside the apartments were well placed for Koutalafari village BUT NOT the beach or Hernonissos.  800m at least down a steep hill and over a major road to the beach.

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Sunrise Apartments - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: First Choice - August 2006

Opinion submitted in January 2007 by : Tina Smith - (81,43,40,15,12)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This was a late booking and what a little gem it was, a week for the 5 of us for £900 with the brochure price being just over £1400.
We had a a gorgeous apartment with 1 bedroom on the ground floor and another bed in living area and then a staircase led you up to a gallery bedroom which overhung the lounge and contained a double bed, dressing table, wardrobe etc.
Arriving at 5 in the morning we were amazed to find a welcome pack which contained: Tea, coffee, milk, bread, margarine, 2 cartons of juice, squash, biscuits, cereal, eggs, washing up liquid and a pack of toliet rolls and all top quality brands.
The patio area outside faced out on to the most beautifully kept gardens you could wish for, the owners were out every day pruning, trimming, watering etc,with the patio area being covered by a pagoda and trailing blossom.
The pool area was clean and well equipped with plenty of sunbeds and a lovely bar area serving food and drinks as long as someone was in it, which was often quite late. The greek salads and pizzas were great for a snack and very reasonably priced.
They hold a weekly barbecue which just about everyone staying there attended, the food was superb and the dancing and music great fun.
The walk to Star beach is well worth it just dont think about the trek back up the hill again! It is clean and offers some great pools and the usual slides and chutes as well as the chance to bunjee (yes my 15 year old did it)and plenty of places to eat.
As for the village itself it is picture postcard stuff, winding streets barely wide enough to take a car and a huge variety of tavernas and bars available to eat in.
We ate out 5 evenings and one we returned to was the Pegasus which did a very good Meze in another we were sat alongside John Burton-Race the TV chef and his family so the food must have been good (cant remember the name though)!

This holiday was fantastic and we met some great people, staying in such a small complex you get to know each other which is nice.
Unfortunately Kosmar are now the only operator going to these apartments as of 2007 and they do not offer child prices/free kids like other companies do and therefore it will not offer such great value for money for people like us.
Hubby and I hope to return without them if we can persuade our older ones to babysit!
Try it you wont be sorry.

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Villas Esperides - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: Falcon- Sept 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : John Jones- Ireland (20 etc)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Me and 11 of my friends visited hersonisi.the accomadation was very safe and clean there was a security guard on duty every night.we often went out and left doors to our apartments open as it was a very quiet and pleasent village.there was a sports bar across the street which served excellent food and the food at the hotel was very good also. Taxi only cost 5 euro into hersonisis and u can fit as many as possible in!the night life in the village is very queit so hersonisis is recommended highly. Staff at the apartments and the reps were very friendly.pool area was very clean and the views from the rooms are stunning.

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Unnamed Accommodation - Koutouloufari

Operator and Date: Falcon Dublin July 2005

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : 43, 39, 11, 9

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Our first impression of the accommodation was that it was that a bit small for a one bed apt, and was in need of some modernisation. The bathroom equipment was in need of replacement and the general furniture was past its best, but when on holidays!!!!.Air conditioning at ?6 per day is an absolute must. The apartment was cleaned and linen/towels changed regularly. The complex is built on the side of a very steep hill and we were very lucky to have apartment on the lower level. To get to some apartments required a climb of 58 steps. But worth it for the view alone. Anyone who has viewed the website may have greater expectations of the complex.
 
The complex itself is well maintained and the pool area in nice and not too crowded plenty of sun beds. The bar area is good also and tended by excellent and friendly staff and serves drinks and snacks all day. There was a good mix of families and twenty something's staying on site and the two mixed very well, none of the problems you may have expected.

The town of Koutoulafari is really lovely with a mixture of relaxing bars, very nice restaurants all very reasonably priced. (Four main course, carafe of wine, a few cokes, water, and maybe a desert or two approx. ?45) and some shops selling a mixture of local craft and the usual touristy items. The town merges with the next town of Pisopiano and one is totally spoilt for choice when choosing a restaurant.
A bit further along is the town of Old Hersonnises (approx 20 mins walk). Old Hersonnises still retains its old Greek village charm; locals and tourists mix at ease in the square. I recommend Gergios just on the edge of the square, this is one of the original restaurants in the town and still has the old Greek style and welcome about it (great value too) try the chicken and potato baked in the oven Greek style how a simple dish can taste so good baffles me. They also have a Greek night on a Monday in Old Hersonnises worth going, but very packed.

The main town of Hersonnises is approx 15 min walk downhill away, a lot longer on the way back. It is best suited to the twenty something's for nightclubbing etc
Also if you do choose to visit please please be aware of the traffic and mad driving. There are no pedestrian crossings the drivers are lunatics, it is difficult enough to cross the road alone never mind keeping an eye on your kids. Do not let them out of your sight on the main road. 

There are two water parks Star Beach near Hersonnises, which is more suitable for teenagers and older. Water City is a bus ride away and is the biggest water park in Greece; a family trip cost ?75 and was good value (some of the rides will not suit younger kids and weaker swimmers). Be very aware of the sun at all times there is a cooling breeze, use plenty of high factor protection as you can burn badly in a very short period.

One last warning there are loads of mosquitoes and ants everywhere. Bring repellent from home cos I think they are immune to the locally sold stuff.

Overall we had a very good holiday, I would have no hesitation in recommending Koutoulafari and its surrounding towns, but would choose a bigger more modern apartment in future.

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Kato Stalos - Crete

Creta Palm Resort - Kato Stalos

Operator and Date: first choice june 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : 57,58

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

kato stalos is avery small part of the one road through agia marina then platanias,the road is a nightmare to cross with no lights or crossing points.the beach is excellent,2 sunbeds plus brolly 5 euros.sea can get rough at times but lifeguards spot on. cactus restaurant was our favourite great service and food very reasonable.also paralia on the beach great. trips into chania easy ,bus every 15 mins 1.10 euros.eating out in the port area was superb spoilt for choice,the atmosphere is buzzing of an evening you will run out of days to go to them all.

the creta palm resort was very good, spacious apartments with good sized balcony.towels and linen changed every 2 days bathrooms modern with bath and proper shower!!!if you go to greece you know what i mean.not many brit`s mainly scandinavian ,good pool but not much room around the sunbeds.   

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Latchi - Crete

Akamanthea Tourist Village - Latchi

Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic Holidays - June 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Louise MacBrayne (35, 29)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

My husband and I have just returned from a week spent at the Akamanthea Tourist Village in Latchi. We booked this holiday at the last minute - would highly recommend Olympic Holidays website for late bookings - loads of choice and good prices!!

Accommodation was of an excellent standard and was spotlessly clean. Had no problems getting sunbeds by the pool but we did visit early in the season when the hotel was only half full so may be different in high summer! Beach is 15-20 min walk away, mostly shingle and pebble. Hotel staff were very friendly and helpful - also mostly English which was a surprise!!

Would agree with previous reviews - this is not the place to stay if you want British pubs, cafes and nightclubs!! Did not see a single England flag - very surprising given that the World Cup was about to start!!
This is a part of Cyprus that has remained totally unspoilt. I visited Paphos 10 years ago, we went back there in our hire car and found it to be a completely different place, very commercialised and developed. Also if you do visit Paphos, watch out for the time share scams (now being marketed as "holiday clubs") - there are touts on the harbourside who will tempt you with scratch cards saying you have won the star prize! This is a con, don't get caught out!!

On the subject of car hire, it's a must if you want to see the surrounding area as public transport is very limited. We hired an open top jeep which is the only way to see the Akamas penisula - spectular scenary but only accessible by 4WD. Turtle hatchery at Lara Beach also worth seeing.. My husband is a keen bird watcher, and was not disappointed either..

All the restaurants at Polis and Latchi were excellent, don't miss the fresh seafood at Latchi at one of the harbourside restaurants. Linardos was especially good...

Overall, can't really fault this holiday, looking forward to going back!!

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Ligaria - Crete

Athina Palace - Ligaria

Operator and Date: olympia-august 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : alan and lindsay (55,55)

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

firsly arrived from the airport which was about 25miles to the hotel there was nothing from the airport to the hotel no shops no bars no nothing.when we arrived we were told to leave the suitcases outside the hotel which was the road,the suitcases were left on the road for about an hour unsupervised untill a porter came.

We were told at reception that our room had been upgraded to a superior room which we were pleased about,when we got to the room what a disapointment there was no central light so was very dark inside very old and poor furniture,the sink was outsid e the bathroom so when shaving and drying your hair you had to guess as so dark there was only one power point in the whole room.when we came out of the room we decided to go to the pool and we were faced with 170 steps to climb to the pool so needed oxygen when got to the top.

The pool area however was very nice.then we decided to have a drink was served with plastic vending machine cups we were all inclusive but found your were limited to certain drinks and had to pay for other drinks.now the food this was cold food no variety and breakfast you were faced with last nights left overs which allways included vegatables and chips not nice at breakfast.staff not helpful that is if you could find any everytime you wanted a meal we had to climb 170 steps to get there.

The entertainment was very poor considering there was nothing for miles we were left very bored This hotel was a five star hotel we would not of given it a 1 star.They had there own private beach but was 2 miles away and you had to pay for the sunbeds .The only good thing about our stay was the views if you want to feel like you are on a dessert island then this will suit you evrybody in the hotel complained but the staff did not care good luck to anyone who go,s to this hotel we have never been so glad to get home 

this is the worst holiday we have ever had sorry for the long review but we felt we had to tell you everything.

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Athina Palace - Ligaria

Operator and Date: Sunstar - August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Adrian Breeds  (36, 43, 10, 7)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This hotel is listed as a 5* but is probably a fair 4*. The pool complexes are excellent and if you are lucky you will get a bungalow with a sea view as we did - two rooms with adjoining door and bathroom - v nice to shut the door on the kids at night.

The staff were ok - suffering a bit from 4 months solid abuse by rude tourists I think, they respond very well if you ask nicely rather than just shout beer or coffee at them - one woman on our flight ended her very first conversation with the porter by calling him 'an ignorant bastard'so I guess they are owed a little leeway.

We went all inclusive and I have no complaints about the food or drinks - all fine and plenty of them. The beach that belongs to the hotel is rubbish - and the trips were hugely overpriced. As an example they want 35 euros per person for a trip to Knossos not including entrance fee - ie 140 euros plus entrance for a family of 4. We hired a car and drove the 20 mins there - total cost 50 euros including fuel. We hired the car again on the Thursday and went off beach hunting - found 3 or 4 that were all great and miles better than the hotel one.

In summary we all enjoyed the holiday - we paid around £1600 - but it wasn't exceptional enough that we would go back to that particular hotel

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Athina Palace - Ligaria

Operator and Date: (First Choice Discounts) First Choice August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Karen Caulfield - Ireland (35, 34, 38, 40)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

My husband and I have just returned from a week at the Athina Palce Hotel.  Having read the reviews prior to our holiday we were disillusioned to say the least.  On arrival at 3am, our first impressions of the foyer and surrounding areas were excellent.  We were checked in immediately by an extremely pleasant and efficient receptionist and taken to our room by courtesy bus.  The room was clean, comfortable and cool and the views were spectacular.  We arose the next morning and faced breakfast with trepidation, to our delight the food was excellent - no queues or fighting for food and the staff were friendly and helpful.  This experience was repeated at lunch and dinner.  There were four adults in our party and there were no complaints about food or the dining experience.  Local wine was good but at a reasonable cost of 18 euros we purchased a very good bottle of red wine each evening with dinner.

During the week we spent time at the pool and on the beach and had no difficulty attaining a sunlounger at noon or later in the day,  the sunloungers at the beach cost a miniscule 5 euros per couple for the whole day.
The staff in all of the bars were extremely friendly and efficient, all guests were served within minutes.  While local spirits were available, premium spirits could be purchaed cheaply.  The males in our party regularly tipped the waiters - much to their surprise and appreciation.

With regard to some of the reviews I have read, I encountered guests looking for things to complain about and clearly unhappy with even the highest standards.
I have stayed in 5* hotels in the past(Crete included) at an average cost of 400 euros per room per night and accept that the hotel is not of this class but given the cost for a week I was not dissapointed with any aspect of my holiday and suggest that those who complain quadruple their holiday budget for next year.

The panoramas from all areas of the hotel are superb and a roadway (not steep) is an alternative for those who have a problem with the steps.  In addition the courtesy bus passes all points every half hour.
I would have no hesitation in returning to this hotel and encourage future guests to treat the staff with the respect that they deserve.

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Athina Palace - Ligaria

Operator and Date: Imperial August 2005

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Donna Merrett - Gloucester (35,32,7)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

I was booking a last minute holiday for myself, my sister-in-law and my 7year old niece. To my delight we found an all inclusive deal to this resort for the bargain price of £400 per person, so we snapped it up. Then went on to read some reviews and became a little worried! 

However we needn't have been, OK so it wasn't the average may expect from a 5star all inclusive, but we had no complaints. The room was immaculate and cleaned every day, cleaning ladies were really friendly. Hotel complex was huge and YES there are a lot of steps, but we found the walking helped us to work off the copious amounts of fantastic food that was on offer. It is true that there are no snacks available during the day, (unless you pay for them), but we couldn't have found room for anything else if they had paid us!! Breakfast was fairly usual, they made an effort to offer traditional english, but remember we were in greece, so no british bacon and sausages etc. Big fruit platter and cereals available, as well as freshly cooked pancakes, which were hugely popular.

Lunch and dinner were very exotic, in one week I ate squid, octopus, and snails!! Yes there were chips everyday, but some children won't eat anything else! There was always a vast choice of dishes and we never got bored. Desserts were gorgeous, and all the food was well presented. They even manged to keep a hungry 7 year old full! The pools were great and never seem too packed, always managed to get sunbeds, even at midday. There was a wide range of people staying at Athina Palace, young families, young couples, and older couples. we were chatting to a couple who were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary! All the children seemed well behaved and were well entertained by the animation team, the evening kids disco was a big hit! 

Overall I would highly recommend this resort, and will be returning next year.

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Athina Palace - Ligaria

Operator and Date: Sunstar June 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Vicki and Gary 23, 26

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hotel was a let down food awful covered in flys and always cold, not the five star rating they promised more like 2* no snacks available and drink was awful alcohol that you could not even drink it was so rough!! Dont expect normal fizzy drinks even this were rough "rola cola" eat your heart out.

Pools were nice and kept clean accommodation is on differnt levels lots of steps and hills not suitable for the less mobile or any one that has a heart condition!!

Hotel is in the middle of no where so dont be expecting to walk any where nearest place is an hours hike!!

Rooms are clean and basic and are cleaned daily beds not so good, shower cold little dribble if your lucky.

I would not recommend this hotel only if you are looking to loose weight through lack of food!!

Complete and utter let down dont be fooled by the 5 star rating i would not wish this on anyone

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Athina Palace - Ligaria

Operator and Date: Sunstar - 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : brian 48

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Athina Palace, very steep , not for people with walking difficulties , in the middle of nowhere,food good , accomodation good , snacks and beach bar facilities cost extra , nice beach , good staff , worth a taxi ride to Agia Pellagia 15 Euros in a taxi, nice but would not go back

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Athina Palace - Ligaria

Operator and Date: Sunstar -  October 2004

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Michael and Susan Harris Surrey (55,53)

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

5* it is not. The infra structure is there but is very very badly run. 

Rooms clean and maid service good. But few coathangers and none for trousers, patio furniture very stained and grubby. Meal timings too strict we are on holiday, also difficult to get food outside of these times unless you paid extra even though all inclusive. Indeed there was also a charge for the beach sunbeds and food at the beach bar. Main main criticism was the food was terrible, pig swill was our best discription. The Italian restaurant was a joke as it was the same pig swill as in the main restaurant with the exception of some burnt pizzas. The furniture in the outside area of the restaurant was very dirty. On top of this the staff especially the reception staff were unfriendly bordering on surly. 

We have been visiting Greece for the past 25 years and have never ever had such terrible service and food. We have stayed in many nil star ratings and had better facilities and have always found the Greek people to be welcoming and friendly and the food excellent. We stayed this time in a 5* hotel to be pampered and came home very stressed.

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Athina Palace - Ligaria

Operator and Date: sunstar august 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : billy and dawn east sussex 36 &36

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

First the good points the main pool is excellent the beach for snorkeling is good also and everywhere was clean and the maids came in everyday and changed your towels and cleaned the rooms but thats as far as anything good goes. If you are a fitness fanatic then this could be your ideal holiday, cause you need to be re***y fit to walk anywhere the hotel is set on a mountain side and don't you know it, steps or steep hills everywhere. 

The food if you like pork was ok but the same thing every night almost. you could only eat at certain times of the day for exsample 7.30a.m - 10.00a.m breakfast with last nights warm ups 12.p.m - 2.p.m lunch then 6.30 -9.30 evening meal, eat out of those times and you pay. We was only there for a wk and felt sorry for the people who was there for two most of the entertainment is in german or dutch. you have to pay for your sunbeds on the beach even though they are athina palice sunbeds and any water sport. 

There is one bus that comes every morning except Sunday to take you into herklion picks you back up 4 hrs later and thats it, to sum up this hotel we named it coldidz in the sun wouldn't go again thats for sure. This is not no where near a 5* hotel. If you have booked to go here before reading this review as a last minute deal don't feel down a holiday is what you make it and although i have not been to kind on this hotel we did have a good time.

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Athina Palace - Ligaria

Operator and Date: SUN STAR - August 2004

Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : 70, 69, 45, 44, 4

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just had a holiday at this hotel, this is definitely not 5*, the food was awful and the prescence of flys in the dining room done nothing for our appetites.  There is also an italian restaurant which you must book for, the only difference with this is that is serves pizzas.  The hotel itself was clean and well maintained but if you have walking difficulties this holiday is definitely not for you. 

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Athina Palace - Ligaria

Operator and Date: Sunstar June 2004

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Rob Wilson 50

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Athina Palace 5*( not quite).Good faclities
poor entertainment! Thank goodness for a few Brits to talk to.Miles from anywhere, one bus a day to escape to Heraklion.Food good but only warm. However, service excellent.Not a place with families with young children or people walking difficulties.Close to airport. Early or late summer for quiet relaxing

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Athina Palace - Ligaria

Operator and Date: Sunstar - Date Not Specified

Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Lynda Colston - Fife (50 &49)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This resort would not suit anyone with any disabilities as the entire resort is built on the face of a cliff approximately 200-250 feet from the beach to the hotel.
It is within walking distance (3/4 hour walk) to the nearest village of Agia Pelagia) but includes a very steep hill in the walk but otherwise is very remote.
The entertainment was very poor and because of the remoteness of the resort this is the only choice.

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Makrigialos - Crete

Afordite Apartments - Makri Gialos

Operator and Date: Kosmar - Sep 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Steve & Michelle -  Richmond, Surrey (42, 40)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The journey from Gatwick to Makri Gialos was long & arduous, but we found that it was worth it.  The two & a half hour transfer from Iraklion airport to Makri Gialos was a bit tedious.  We were looking for a relaxing holiday in the sun, & that was what we got mainly.

Flights - The airline was Astreus, which we'd not heard of before.  Even though we requested vegetarian meals on the flight, this info had not been passed-on by Kosmar to the airline.  The flight time was brought forward by 45 minutes, although we did not find out until we got to Gatwick.  Then departure was delayed & we actually left after the original time. Flights were o.k. & veggie food was reasonable.

Transfers - As mentioned, long & tedious, involving change from coach to taxi's on the way out & three coaches on the return!

Afrodite Apartments (Room 8)- Located on a small side street away from the main road on a hill behind the village.  First impression was that they were clean & smart.  The next morning we drew the curtain to find a fabulous view of the bay & the mountains beyond.  The apartments are very attractivey set-up, a bit like small cottages in the Greek style & most rooms have sea views.  There is a small pool which is inviting.  Unfortunately there was no hot water on our first morning & we put that down to it all being used the previous evening.  This was the same at the end of our first day & no water at all on the third day & we had to fill our toilet cisterns with bowls of water from a nearby tap in the courtyard. This affected a lot of the rooms in the block, & non of us were able to get hold of the Kosmar rep, Will, to sort it out. When we asked the cleaner about this in reception she said that there was a problem in the area & that it would be o.k. later.  Not very helpful.  One of the residents was eventually able to get hold of the owner & a plumber was sent to fix the supply.  We finally had our first hot shower at the end of our third day!!!!  After that it was fine.  Cleaner only came round once, on our third day.  We expected a better service than this, especially as we have experienced much more frequent cleaning in other parts of Greece.

Kosmar rep - Will did not really offer any information about the area & he seemed more keen to finish the season & move to another resort.  He was late for our welcome meeting because he went to the wrong bar.  After this he told us he would be available at the Kosmar office at certain times.  We wanted to hire a car from him, but the office was closed contrary to what he had told us.  There was a typed note on the door as explanation.  We also wanted to contact him about the lack of water, but this was solved without any help from the rep.  We decided to sort out our own car hire as well, & went to Motor Plan.  This proved to be a good move as the cheapest car from Kosmar was 50 euros, but we paid 35 euros from Motor Plan.  The Fiat Panda was almost new, & was perfect for our requirements.

Resort - Makri Gialos has a pretty harbour & there are quite a few nice bars & tavernas in this area.  We tried Archipeligo (very helpful waiter), Limani, Botsolos, Gusto & Kavos.  All had good food, but staff seemed a bit tired.  Best places to eat we found were Gusto & Archipeligo.  We also ate twice at Petra Bay which is located further along towards Analipsi.  This was always busy & the food was very good.  Prices generally were not more than 25 euros for two courses, wine, water & beer.  The beach is sandy in the harbour area, but small.  Further along it is stoney, & then sandy again, but very narrow.  O.k. when the sea is calm.  The best bar/cafe was Olympio run by Dimitri & his wife.  This is the oldest bar in Makri Gialos, & was opened in 1996.  Dimitri is very friendly & as a slight distraction, on Thursday evenings they hold the Snail Olympics!!!  Quite entertaining.  The road that runs through the village is a bit untidy, & the place could do with some t.l.c. Some parts are distinctly shabby.  On the whole though, we found this to be a nice quiet place with good tavernas, o.k. beach, & lovely scenery.  We walked around the headland & had a look at the remains of the Roman Villa. This was very interesting with pieces of mozaic in place.  You have to use your imagination though, as there is absolutely no information.

Out & About - We hired a car for two days & drove along the coast to Ierapetra (not very attractive), & then up to Elounda, Plaka & Spinalonga.  This is a pretty area & you can get boat trips to the island of Spinalonga.  I heard before we left, that Crete was a popular destination with Max Bygraves.  Apparently he was fond of the Elounda area & did a season of shows there.  They went by the title 'Spinalonga Max'!!!! Anyway, we also drove to Sitea, which has a nice beach, & the coastal road is spectacular.  Second day in the car we went to the beach of Vai, which is way up on the north east side.  You go through some bleak landscape to get there, but it's well worth the effort.  The palm tree forest, coarse sand beach & warm sea make it one of my favourites.  It's exactly what we wanted.  There are sunbeds, but you can move along the beach & put your towel on the sand.  This was the best day of our holiday.

Conclusion - Journey is too long, especially time spent at airports & the transfer.  Makri Gialos is a lovely quiet place to unwind (although it's a bit shabby around the edges).  There is a lot to get out to see as well, if you are there long enough to hire a car for a few days.  Afrodite Apartments are very nice, apart from the water problem, which we hope was an unfortunate blip, & lack of cleaning.  Kosmar rep was a bit useless. Having travelled through the hell hole that is Malia, I know which resport I'd pick. It's Makri Gialos every time. We would go back, although the transfer puts me off a bit. 

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Golden Star- Makriaglos

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar june 2005

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : sharon (35)  and karen(43)Tees Valley

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

after booking this cheap deal in the winter months of last year,by the time june the 10th came round i was jumping around with excitment. The flight from Newcastle was faultless and 15 minutes early which is always a good sign, after picking up our luggage and finding our way to the Kosmar rep we were told that the accomodation that we had been booked into had experienced some contract problems, therefore we had been upgraded. Laura the Kosmar rep was very appologetic and at four in the morning i would have accepted a shed, after a two and a bit hour transfer (it sounds worse than it actually is) we finally arrived ,bags unloaded and shown up a small hill to our appartment block (directly next to the Afrodite)and more steps to climb in the darkness. The owner of these apparments (Thelka)had kindly left us a large bottle of water and some homemade cake!

The rooms were spacious and cool with all the basic self-catering equiptment you would need during your stay.with a large blacony overlooking the bay and air conditioning units if you needed them.

After a quick unpack and wash it was time for a few hours sleep before exploring.

Our first views of the resort were outstanding from our balcony, blue skys and sea, the appartment block is about three minutes walk to the beach and two minutes to the small harbour, however before we managed to get our sunglasses on, Thelka was knocking on the door with her hands full of big juicy tomatoes, fried eggs and lovely crusty bread!! this continued for most of our stay except for when we managed to sneek off out before she could catch us!

Macrigalos is a very small Cretian town where everyone was friendly,english was spoken by many and they seemd genuinely please to have you in there village, it has not been over exposed to the british largerlouts, there is minimal 'tat' shops and it just has that feel good factor, the beach is long and sandy with  pebbles in some areas, most sun loungers are free wich suprised and pleased me, there are plenty of Tavernas to keep you on your toes with regards to what to eat. 

After chatting to a few english holiday makers i wasnt at all suprised to hear that most of them had been coming for the last ten -fifteen years some twice a year, and i cant say i blame them..if your over 35 and needing to relax in a safe and friendly enviroment..Makrigalos is the place to go...iwe loved it so much we are going back in late september!..might i just Add that Laura the Kosmar rep was fantastic, not intrusive and very helpful, it was our first time  using Kosmar and our 4th time in Crete, it was the best holiday yet...from start to finish!  

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Villa Sunrise - Makrigialos

Operator and Date: Kosmar - August 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Claire Alexander - Durham (30, 31)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Makriyalos (Makrigialos) is a fantastic resort that is still relatively untouched by the british tourist market.

A few tourist tat shops, a florist a couple of supermarkets and butchers are all that this resort has in terms of shopping. 

There are numerous bars and restaurants that line the main street and the harbour.  My favourites were Botsalo traditional trattoria (great for traditional food and with lovely bread and flavoured butter) set right on the edge of the sea and Lithos Bar on the harbour beach (run by a very friendly Jim and Tina!)good for cocktails, amstel and a cold frappe.

Most of the harbour restaurants offered a wide selection of seafood and the shrimp saganaki comes highly recommended.

On the whole the harbour is the most relaxing end on an evinging and the beach is beautiful.  The sea is very shallow and great for children.

A great place to chill out and relax and enjoy some traditional greek food and wine (both of which are really cheap - a 2 course meal with wine and water cost approx £17 for 2 people!)

Not for those who fancy a crazy night out!

Villa Sunrise is set a short walk from the harbour (though it is uphill) and offers fantastic views of the resort and the mountains.  Run by a greek couple that live in the ground floor appartment, spoke little english but didn't cause a problem.  Air con was available at a cost of 80 euros for a week but worth every cent!!  Our first day brought a gift of creme caramel, later in the week feta pies, followed by cake in the second week!

Overall a really friendly resort with little crime and no hassles to enter bars or restaurants.

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Villea Village - Makris Gialos

Operator and Date: May 2005 , Oct  2003 , Aug 2001, July 2001

Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Mrs Crawford 37, 15, 14, 9

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Beautiful beautiful Makris Gialos is a bit of a jaunt from Heraklion Airport (about 1.5 - 2 hrs) but, in our estimation, well worth the time.  The village is lovely, a little dusty but generally well looked after.  There are so many places to eat with choices ranging from gyro's to traditional Cretan dishes, fresh fish caught by the local fishermen and sold in the restaurants surrounding the little harbour - the list is endless, with three hungry kids to feed I found prices did vary but were generally very reasonable.

The locals are very friendly, a bit of a mix, we met Swedish, Norwegian (from the Scandinavian Hotel just out of the village), British and Irish people living and working full time in the village alongside the Cretans. The beach is long (hence the name Makris Gialos - Long Beach), sandy in most places but narrow.  Pretty harbour at one end with bars on the beach and shallow water safe for kiddies, the other end is less populated and fantastic for snorkelling.  The scenery is gorgeous, in spring the flowers are spectacular, butterflies and birds everywhere - the gorge walk is not to be missed! A jouney up into the villages is also fun - Pefki and Stavrohori are lovely (bit cooler than the coast - refreshing). You can drink in the local atmosphere (with the locally distilled Raki - non drivers only!!)

The Villea Village Hotel is the most wonderful place to stay (as long as you're not expecting the Ritz).  Set around it's own mini olive grove and very large pool, it is two a two story typically Greek hotel with blue shutters and gazebos covered in beautiful borganvillea pink flowers. The olive trees have hammocks strung between them in the shade - comfy for afternoon snoozing.  The pool has it's own very well stocked bar with plenty of chairs and tables to sit and eat the simple but beautifully prepared food.  There are more than enough sun loungers around the pool and shady bits under more olive trees. Clean rooms, several different sizes avail some studio, some suites. Yes, they are a bit basic for self catering (but not impossible if you're inventive with food), clean linnen and towels every other day (or more often if you ask).  The staff are the friendliest I have ever met, helpful and speak very very good English (even the English ones!!)  

All in all I would go back again and again (which I have been doing for the last 4 years).  I think you do need to "think Greek" during your time there and for those people who  have not enjoyed their time in Makris Gialos I would say "when in Rome (and all that)".

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Villea Village - Makrigialos

Operator and Date: Excel Airways (Flight Only) - September 2004

Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Paul & Liz - Richmond, Surrey (52, 48)

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We spent a long time researching our holiday in Crete - it was our wedding anniversary and we wanted somewhere as special as possible within our reasonable budget.Villea Village has a website which waxes lyrical about the resort and the complex and it seemed ideal for us - our only requirements are comfortable, clean accommodation, a quiet resort with good restaurants, nice beach and places nearby to explore. Not an over ambitious wish list.

Excel Airways were excellent - flight on time, hot food and lovely staff.

We spent the first 4 days in the fabulous Nymphes Apartments in Agia Pelagia (about 30 mins from Heraklion)and were looking forward to the next seven days.

Driving towards the south east coast for our main weeks' holiday,we became worried when we reached Ierapetra...the scenery and beaches were uninspiring /non - existent and sadly things did not improve.

The Accommodation

Villea Village is truly awful - a dump in the middle of a dump - Makrigialos.

There is very limited parking on the road in front of Villea Village and there are no lifts and no one to help with luggage so be warned if you need assistance or have young children. You can park on some waste land further up across the road but this also fills up quite quickly as most guests have hire cars.

The young man who checked us in at Reception was polite and helpful - however when we saw our room we were upset. Dark, grubby and sparsely equipped with no kitchen to speak of (it is billed as self catering) it was also facing the dusty, busy main road.

There was very little storage (or even furniture)in the room - 4 coat hangers in the wardrobe and the 'kitchen' consisted of a 2 ring electric hob, sink and fridge between the entrance door and bathroom. There was no preparation area, no where to store any food apart from the fridge items,no oven and no microwave (which we have always had in other self catering properties in Crete). We spoke to people during our stay with families or who were relying on self catering to help manage their budget and they had all ended up having to go out to eat every day.

There was a welcome party on the first evening - however this was a misnomer as you were not made to feel welcome. No drinks of any kind were offered and the meeting was run by a bad tempered Greek gentleman who scolded (and embarassed) the people who arrived late (it was check in day so people had no control over the time they arrived and it was the only welcome meeting of the week). We were then given an overview of all the local Minoan and historic sites - no information on Villea Vllage or the resort. I recommend that you buy a guide book and save yourself a boring and uninformative 45 minutes.

There were a couple of unseasonal bad storms while we were there. Whilst the hotel has no control over the weather and the storms took everyone by surprise - unfortunately our room was completely flooded with water up to ankle height and some of our possessions were sodden (due to the lack of storage some items had to be placed on the floor eg suitcases, bags plus some food etc).

We asked Reception and the Management 4 times between 9 am and 1pm for our room to be mopped up as we were unable to do anything in there - however the maids stuck rigidly to their cleaning rota and we eventually gave up at 2pm and went out for the rest of the day in the clothes we stood up in.None of the other rooms on our floor had been affected by the rain but all their rooms were cleaned before ours - as that was the cleaners' routine. We just wanted to able to get in, have a hot drink and change to go out which is not unreasonable.The room did not dry out for the rest of the holiday and the counterpane on the bed which was very wet was not changed during the time we were there. When I stripped the bed on our last morning - a large bug crawled out of the bed........

Nice start to our wedding anniversary day!

2 days later there was more heavy rain and our room partially flooded but this time we just used the bathroom towels to mop it up as it was clearly not worth asking for assistance. We had learned that asking for anything from Reception or the Manager was pretty much a waste of time.

On the plus side - the pool is a good size and very clean. There are plenty of sunbeds and these are comfortable and clean.

The Greek lady who works in the pool bar is lovely and helpful - the food offered around the pool was basic but well cooked with lots of little extras like being offered fruit after your meal. The house wine is also good quality.

There was also plenty of hot water - we never had a cold shower or bath which is a real plus in Crete.

The Resort

Makrigialos is basically a road running through a small resort. The place is dusty and the beach is extremely poor.

There are plenty of restaurants but the food is basic and expensive for what you get. I am afraid that we have to disagree about the Anessi - the service and food were bad and we were also ripped off over the bill.

The views from the restaurants by the water are very pleasant and it is worth eating in one or two of these just for the ambience. The service is good and friendly at these restaurants even though the food is average.

The only decent restaurant we found was called Salvatore run by an Austrian - located at the top of the hill going out of the resort and opposite the Sunwing resort. The food was excellent, reasonably priced and the service was excellent.

The locals were mainly off hand and not especially friendly unlike people we had met in other parts of Crete - but it was the end of the season so maybe they just wanted all the tourists to go home and stop asking about the weather all the time.

The Area

Once you get in your car and head out of the resort - there is some wonderful scenery and great drives. The beach at Vai is worth a visit and the beaches / resorts of Agios Nikolaous and Elounda are less than an hour away.

If you like spectacular mountain passes - the drive to Xerokambos is breathtaking and the beach well worth the drive. There is one taverna on the beach where the food and the welcome are wonderful.

Unfortunately, due to the unseasonably bad weather it was not possible to do any gorge walks.

The best thing about Makrigialos was the road out - we checked out at 9am on the last day and we will most definitely not be planning a return visit.

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The White Houses - Makrigialos

Operator and Date: Indipendent   September 2004

Opinion submitted in Feb 2005 by : Kris Kalinski  - Joan 53,48

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were so glad to find this place.
All we have to add is that we have never ever had better accomondation on Crete and the village is charming with very good tavernas and bars as well as perfect beaches. We have booked for September 2005.
You can visit the place on the web at www  makrigialos  com

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Makriyalos - Crete

Afrodite studios - Makriyalos

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar June 2004

Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Kevin Croft 43, Wendy Cottington 45

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Perfect place for 40 somethings to go and unwind,hill back up to accom a bit of a drag after a hot day on beach or a few too many raki in evening, but tolerable. Restaurants all serve basic tourist grub, as a chef was a little disappointed with quality but just about passable,Anesis probably gives best value for money and warmest welcome,Ti Kanis as you pass or enter and a few other helpful words from patriarch on the door.Would recomend resort to anyone who just wants to relax.Our rep Laura was brilliant always around but never in the way,sadly we heard on departure she was being reassigned due to not selling enough trips,hope this not true for future visitors

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Coralia Apartments - Makriyalos

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

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : S A Jones - Bolton (45,43)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

RESORT
This resort is also known as Makrigialos.It is a lovely lovely place to come and unwind. the beach is wonderful (we tended to get beds near 'The Rock bar') as it was all sand going into the sea. If you wanted to use a pool, there was a lovely big one at the 'Villea Village' it also had a pool bar called Fisherman Jacks. Out of Coralia, turn left walk down past motor plan car hire and Bar Notos then you will see it. The food was reasonably priced we thought, we found it not very busy as a lot of people seemed to be using their (somewhat limited) self catering facilities. We met some brilliant people (A BIG HI to Catherine & Rob from Leeds) & to the great staff in the Rock Bar. Also to the Guy who did Karaoke on Mon & Thurs in Status Bar (bless him the Karaoke book was only 4 pages)

OUT & ABOUT
We hired a car for 3 days (from Motor Plan 80E - Kosmar Rep. 120E) We drove over to Ag. Nic & Elounda - gorgeous, we went to Sitia which is a lovely town, to VAI, Zakros, Kato Zakros and back over the mountains. One day we went to Myrtos which is nice to go & see (we nearly booked there)

APPARTMENTS
They were superbly positioned (across road from beach) we were on the first floor room 5 facing the main street, so great position to people watch! The only thing really we found was that the maid only came twice during the fortnight, once to clean & once to change linen & towel (you don't get a bath towel only 1 hand towel each. Saying that though the holiday was so good it really didn't bother us, I bought a cheap towel from the shop over the Rd & left it.

EATING OUT
We were a bit disappointed with some of the places, a lot of frozen meat on the menu's there was quite Ltd choice and we have had better food in other resorts, but having said that it is not as commercialised as other places. Moon River was nice, as was Xi Tion (I think) it is near Moon River, also the Irish bar (across the road from bar Notos) does wonderful curries, if you go there say hi to Michael he is from the West of Ireland. We tried Anesis, it was Ok.

OVERALL
It is a lovely place & both my husband & I said we would visit again, hopefully before it changes too much.

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Coralia Apartments - Makriyalos

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

Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : Tony & Jane 59 & 56

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Good bits: We very much enjoyed our holiday in this resort. Relatively quiet, pleasant beach, countryside & very friendly inhabitants. All the restaurants we tried were OK, the best being the Faros who are taking over the closed Limani next door. The cooling Meleme breeze kept the temperature bearable & it was cool enough at night not to need air-conditioning. The Kosmar rep Clive was knowledable & helpful. We can recommend the East Crete tour as good value & interesting. The local buses are cheap & very comfortable & we went to Ierapetra on one. Local car hire is easy & informal & I can endorse a previous comment on the mountain drive as well worthwhile.

Bad Bits: The location of the Coralia makes it inherently noisy from passing traffic which can disturb you at night & the close proximity of the balconies means conversations can be overheard. The cleaners only came in once during the week to change the two hand towels.

The worst part of the holiday though was the inconvenient travel/flight times meaning that the first & last days were partly wasted but more particularly the very uncomfortable seats on the Excel Airways 767-200 which after several hours of sitting waiting to board (on the return) were like hard benches with no knee room. To cap it all when we arrived back at Manchester they couldn't get the door open for 20mins after docking to relieve us from the torture! This airline was voted best charter airline in 2004! We put up with it because of the cheap prices but I think the charter airlines need to think about whether they are putting people like us off travelling with them.

Palmira Apartments and Studios - Makriyalos (Makrigialos)

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

Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Derrick and Lesley (56, 56)

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is only our third trip to Greece and was our first to Crete. When it comes to holidays our needs are simple - basic good quality accommodation with basic catering facilities, a reasonable uncrowded beach and/or pool,  plus good food at reasonable prices. Got the lot and had a very relaxing holiday.  This is not the place for those who like lively bars and discos, though there were some very nice bars along the seafront. Laura, the Kosmar rep, was very good - friendly and helpful without being intrusive.

Accommodation

The Palmira apartments are excellent value offering very roomy  and excellent quality accommodation - there were people staying there who had returned year upon year - and I can see why. We loved it and would definitely go back save for the fact the Studios are right on the road and ours suffered a lot of traffic noise - only OK if you close the shutters and doors. Equipment in the apartment was basic but adequate  for making tea, coffee and a fridge for keeping the beer and white wine cold - I can't understand people who complain about only getting  a two ring cooker when you can go out  and have a substantial Greek salad for two and a half euros.

Resort

I have to admit I wasn't impressed by Makriyalos. The bit around the harbour is quite pretty and its OK as long as you walk along the beachfront but the main road through is scruffy and  very dusty and is served by the usual mini market and beach shops, lovely views of the mountains and hills behind the resort though. One word of warning here - check the sell by dates on any food/milk/cheese etc. in the shop fridges. My wife found that an awful lot of this was well out of date (I mean by six weeks!). The beach itself is very narrow though not overly crowded. From our accommodation we walked to the lovely (if coarser, and darker sand) beach to the west past the Headland and the Roman Villa where there were a handful of very  nice tavernas with good food (Stratos and Oasis are well recommended  - the Oasis is run by some of the friendliest people on the planet, but the menu is a work of fiction).

We used the swimming pool at Villea Village a lot and it is excellent- large and clean with good quality sunbeds and rarely too busy. Good service at the pool bar as well.

Eating out was always a pleasure and we liked the Anesis and Golden Beach in Makryialos but we have to make a very special mention of the Petra Bay Taverna.  The food was absolutely fantastic and very large portions as well. We only discovered it at the end of our holiday and it was by far the best. We got hugs and kisses from Alexandra the Austrian owner as well as half a bottle of Raki (which she sat and shared with us at the end of our meal). If you are close to the Villea Village end then definitely go to Petra Bay on the beachfront. Prices everywhere were very reasonable and we rarely spent more than 30 euros  between us on two large courses including a litre of house wine plus a nice cold Mythos!

The Cretans themselves were very friendly and helpful, for example we bought a few postcards and stamps and the shop keeper gave us both a glass of Raki to celebrate the purchase (can't say that happens in my local post office).

Villa Petrakis - Makriyalos

Operator and Date: Kosmar - Sept 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : A & K - Rugeley (49, 42)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The holiday was booked at the last minute so there wasn't a huge choice in where to stay. Details on the accommodation did warn us that there was a bar at either end of the block (one attached - Status, the other separate - Rock Bar) but as the blurb mentioned 'quiet resort, shuts down at about midnight' it didn't worry us. The bar attached to the same building had karaoke one night a week that started at midnight and ended around 4am. As we were in the room next to the bar very little sleep was had that night - the rep managed to move us to another room so we didn't have our ears assaulted the second week. The rooms were basic but clean, as were the self-catering facilities - all you really need is a fridge for chilling the beer.

The beach by the habour is lovely and sandy and you can walk out along way into the sea - so its great if your a non-swimmer or not particularly confident, sunbeds are 5 euros and there spread out so your space isn't invaded. The bus service is good you can get to Sitia and Ierapetra - and from Ierapetra you can get to the rest of the island.

Makriyalos is the ideal resort for lazy days and nights. The restaurants are varied and like most places what one couple likes another doesn't so I'd recommend trying out different ones. The Petrakis is in the middle of the resort so when we headed out to eat each evening we alternated between heading towards the harbour or the 'Sunwing' end of the resort, The one place I wouldn't advise eating was Moonriver. The food was luke warm at best, and tasteless at worst - I ordered the spicy chicken and was warned that it was very hot - I've had hotter Korma's. There are some really nice bars to sit and while away the evening:-  the Olympio, which is by the harbour - it does a lovely Greek Salad for lunch and Notos which is the other end of the village.

Theres a lovely shop for buying glass, ceramics and jewellery for gifts but be warned its not cheap but its great if you want something different - I can't remember its name but its away from the other shops and close to the Irish bar/restaurant and Notos.

We would go back again but only for a week.

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Villa Sunrise - Makriyalos

Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Geoff Needle - Wells (57, 47)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

After a night flight to Heraklion and a 2.5 hour coach journey to Makriyalos, we arrived there one hour after dawn. In that tired state our first impressions of the areas as we made our way across the island from Aghios Nikolaos and along the southern coast road from Ierapetra to Makriyalos, were very disappointing. As we stared out through bleary eyes we seemed to be driving through villages with derelict boarded-up houses, large greenhouses, concrete skeletons of half finished houses and hotels (not in itself unusual for Greece but there seemed to be so many), and a few dusty quarry sites. 

The bland scenery and rocky shoreline between Ierapetra to Makriyalos, only metres from the road, did not inspire confidence of a good beach holiday to come. It was looking as if our 19th holiday in Greece was going to be one we would bitterly regret, but we quickly realised our first impressions were totally wrong. Don't be downhearted by the uninspiring journey to Makriyalos because once there everything changes. The countryside to the east and north of Makriyalos, and the local beaches from Makriyalos harbour eastwards, and Makriyalos itself, are superb and well worth visiting.

The Villa Sunrise was one of the best places we have stayed in. It is up a quiet lane, well away from any road, it is not overlooked by nearby buildings and is close to the useful amenities like supermarkets, tavernas, bakery, etc. Our room (No. 2) on the first floor rear was huge by Greek standards, with two balconies giving lovely views to the sea and hills. T

here were two cockerels close by which let us know of their presence each morning and hopefully they will have gone in the pot by the time this report appears on the Internet. The room was cleaned and provided with fresh linen every few days by the owner's wife. There were lots of new cooking utensils, cups, glasses, etc. with plenty of storage spaces for groceries, clothes, suitcases ,etc. The shower worked well and there was plenty of hot water all of the time. The cold tap water was delicious and very drinkable. The owner knocked on our door soon after we arrived and gave each of us a small cake and welcomed us to Makriyalos. He was always there for us but never bothered us. One day we came back to find two brand new taps had been fitted in the shower unit and we didn't know there was anything wrong with the old ones. Such was the owner's attention to detail and he obviously takes great pride in ensuring the comfort of his quests.

Makriyalos village blends seamlessly into the next village Analipsis, together lining the main road for about 1.5 km before it turns back inland towards Sitia. Makriyalos has the ruins of a Minoan palace and a Roman palace, both are worth seeking out albeit that only the bottoms of the walls survive and you have to view them through/over wire fences. 

The harbour front has a number of tavernas, some disappointingly offering frozen fish but others offering good value locally caught fresh fish, but at least their menus are honest and tell you this. All the tavernas we tried had nice meals with good service, these being the Golden Beach, Limani and Knossos, but special comment must go to the Faros taverna. Here the fresh fish was caught locally by Andreas, while the taverva was run by his wife Marianna, her brother-in-law Michaelis and the young and efficient waiter Manos. The portions were generous, well cooked, and nearly every meal was accompanied by a complimentary glass of metaxa, raki or some other Greek firewater. Their service was genuinely warm and friendly, with Michaelis joining us for a welcoming drink on our first night and for our leaving drink on the last night. Another place worthy of special mention for their genuinely warm and friendly service is the Olympio bar on the harbour front. In the whole two weeks we did not see or hear any mosquitos or wasps, nor did we see any red marks on the walls from other people's encounters with them. 

The people we met in the whole area of eastern Crete were very friendly, probably due to this area not being swamped with lots of tourists which seems to spoil things. Being Crete in late summer, the Meltemi wind blew most days and nights, and quite strong at times, but you are able to get away from it and not let is spoil your holiday. We did not see any rain during the two weeks and the sun shone every day.

There is a nice walk through a deep gorge up to the mountain village of Pefki, some 7km inland. A sheet of directions are available from the Kosmar office (the staff were very helpful and friendly, were always there for you but didn't bother you. They also have a good selection of free books) but allow yourself twice the time they say it will take. It is a challenging walk but very satisfying. There is a small friendly taverna in Pefki village and a fountain to refill your water bottles in the village square. We walked up through the gorge to Pefki and back down along the top which made a nice round trip. There is a small white church on top of the hill overlooking Pefki which is accessible only by a road and footpath to be found on the opposite side of the hill (walk or drive out of the village for one kilometre to a crossroads and take the left turn). Although the door was locked when I got there it is well worth the effort for the views alone.

There are no beaches to the west of Makriyalos, but good ones to the east from the harbour. For the first kilometre the beach is a thin strip of sand with a row of tavernas, villas and apartments running alongside. Probably ideal for young families who want a safe beach with everything close by. Then we come to the SUNWING complex, a large hotel area taken over by the Scandanavians. To pass this complex you have to go up onto the road and walk up the gentle hill outside it until you get passed it. The hill then continues gently for another 0.25 km until at the very top of the hill you follow the lane down to the two much better beaches called Diaskari. After a short walk down this lane you pass by the beach taverna at the beginning of the half kilometre stretch of sand forming the first Diaskari beach. This beach is much quieter than the Makriyalos village beach, it is about 15-20 metre wide and can be reached by car all along its whole length, but it is not quiet enough to go naturist. The second Diaskari beach is reached by the short walk up and over the small headland at the end of the first Diaskari beach. It is a nice quiet beach and almost exclusively naturist. This is again about 10-15 metres wide, 1 km long and ends at a rocky headland passed which is a greenhouse with an ostrich (I kid you not) roaming in a fenced area overlooking the sea. Walking time from the Villa Sunrise to the second Diaskari beach is 45 minutes.  

For one day we hired a car and went off to visit the following furthermost parts of eastern Crete:
SITIA: A small harbour town with its stretch of sandy beach and Venetain fort, although nice in itself we took a few photos and quickly moved on.

TOPLOU MONASTERY: Well worth a visit to see its large collection of old Greek religious icons, engraved prints, gold chalices, capes and robes.  ITANOS: Three nice beaches and some classical ruins.
VIA (or PALM) BEACH: An unusual area covered with palm trees going right down to its lovely beach which has been rather spoiled with sunbeds and umbrellas. However, it could make a good family day out with its car park (3 euros), shops and rather expensive tavernas all together near the beach, and its barren but dramatic surrounding countryside.

PALEOKASTRO: The ruins of a large Minoan village set amongst the olive groves and only 100m from the sea. Here you can walk quite freely around the haunting remains of its small rooms and narrow streets. An very interesting and educational experience.
ZAKROS: A village with a nice taverna and garage for petrol.
KATO ZAKROS: Very interesting ruins of a large Minoan palace, a big cave (which we did not go to) and tavernas and shops.

MOUNTAIN DRIVE: An awesome a drive up across the mountains back to Makriyalos. I can thoroughly recommend the following route for its excellent roads, remote hillside villages and unforgetable scenery of deep gorges and open landscapes: Zakros - Klisidi - Andravasti - Karidi - Sitano - Presos - Chandras - Armeni - Etia - Makriyalos. I am sure that any of the other mountain roads at the far eastern end of Crete would have revealed the same great scenery.

Our overall conclusion on Makriyalos is to visit it before it gets too popular.

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Maleme - Crete

Alexandros Studio Apartments - Maleme

Operator and Date: Kosmar - June 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Mark, Gayle, Jake , Gajic - Ayr ( 36,37, 6 ).

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Most rooms have a sea view, basic but very clean - Two ringed hob, kettle, fridge, shower only, no bath.
Air - con available at 7euros per night, worth having and of a good standard.
Safe 11euros per week.
Nicely positioned apartments which allow for a friendly atmosphere.
Lovely swimming pool, very clean, childrens pool attached.
Small pool bar selling snacks and refreshments, (great ice cream).
Owner and staff very friendly - Alexi & Georghos.
Resort quiet, but has enough supermarkets, tavernas and restaurants, ones at the beach all have childrens play areas.
The beach is mixed with pebbles and sand, also has pedalos etc for hire.
Airport transfers between an hour and one hour twenty, depending on drop offs.
Stayed for a relaxing week and would return.
Apartments and resort ideal for all ages (families and couples)who enjoy a relaxing hoilday.

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Katrin Apartments - Maleme

Operator and Date: Kosmar - August 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Tracy Hall - Derby (41,37,15)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We arrived in Maleme on a humid evening.
This is our second time in Crete and our 8th time on a greek island and again it did not disappoint.
The resort was lovely and the apartments were basic and clean (air conditioning payable to the lady in reception). Pool area good (not so populated) with small childrens pool attached. Maid service was twice a week.  The beach was just a minute away, this also was not very populated.  Good also for people who are unable to walk long distances.

There was a supermarket just up the road were you could buy your essentials. There is a local medical centre in Maleme if you needed medical attention and also the police station was just off the main road.
The rep recommended that you keep an eye on your valuables etc.. but mentioned that crime on the island is very low.

There is also a small selection of bars and tavernas on the front were you could stroll to. We enjoyed the local foods, Tzatziki and also Mousakka. With the drinks of Metaxa (Brandy) and also Raki (clear like vodka). The staff were nice in the Mythos Bar (my partner speaks a little Greek so we had a great time).  The Maleme taverna was also very good, good food, good prices and all the staff were always having a laugh. (we visited the night before the greeks bank holday, there's is on a Tuesday, they were turning up for food at 12 am).

The bus stop was at the top on the main road outside the COOP supermarket.  The service was very good and always on time. You could go to Chania for just over 5 euros for a family of 3 (2 adults and a child). Not bad!
We also explored the island in a 4x4 which we hired from one of the agents on the island. Petrol not a bad price, but watch out for the greeks way of driving, they are mad, and have no real road sense.

We went to Elafonisi lagoon (cafes on the beach) The Samaria Gorge (this has a restaurant at the top of the hill) and also Phalasarna which has cafes just off the beach. We went to Rethymnon, this is a nice town with pretty streets and nice shops with souvenirs in.(one shop we went in, the owner had to our surprise a rather large python, which was in the shop at the time, needless to stay we didnt stick around ha ha).
We also went to Platanias which is just up from Maleme on the road to Chania.  This is a very populated resort which has shops and tavernas a plenty. It can get very busy in the evening and its not just the people, the traffic was at a standstill when we visited.  We would not recommend this town if you like peace and quiet, but it was fun seeing everyone going by from the restaurant.

There are two war cemetaries on the island which we visited, they are well kept and unbelievably are very moving.
Maleme is also just up from the local army base.  I found this interesting when the local troop (about 30 of them) went by in the afternoon heat for a training run. They were rather distracted by the foreign women on the beach. This was quite a laugh.

Overall we can definitely recommend the resort of Maleme if you want a great holiday with all the greek traditions thrown in.  We shall definitely be visiting some time in the future.

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Katrin Beach Apartments - Maleme

Operator and Date: Kosmar - June 2006

Opinion submitted in Aug 2006 by : 

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We recently spent a great 2 weeks in Maleme, staying at the Katrin Beach apartments.  Our room was basic, which we expected, but was spacious & kept spotless by the English cleaner.  The pool was a nice size but we preferred to swim in the sea and lay on the beach - most days we had the beach more or less to ourselves.  Yes, it is very pebbly, but preferable to the overcrowded beaches in Platanias etc.

Maleme itself is quiet, a breath of fresh air.  For days out it's easy to get on a bus & visit Chania & Platanias, or hire a bike like we did, to explore some of the less touristy areas of western Crete.

Eating out - Maleme has a couple of decent tavernas - the Wave near Katrin Beach served good traditional Greek meals and the family were very friendly.  A couple of other families recommended The Black Lantern to us, up on the main road.  This taverna really stood out as the best in our opinion.  It's run by two English guys, just opened this year. If, like us, you get fed up with bog standard Greek meals after a few days, then this is the place to go as the menu is very different!  We went several times and never had a bad meal.  Their Sunday roast was to die for, & I had to take a photo of the liver & bacon, Graham the chef certainly knows all about food presentation & their portions are huge!  Really good value for money, lovely taverna (full of plants!) & a friendly service.  And the music was great too!

Overall, if you're looking for a really quiet, laid back holiday, then I'd really recommend Maleme - we're sure to return again next year!

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Katrin Beach Apartments - Maleme

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

Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Val and Ken - Durham  (55,56)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Below Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion:  

Kosmar failed to inform us we would be stopping at Birmingham therefore a 4hr flight ended up 7hrs (approx) not a good start. The resort was very quiet not pretty
we had read the reviews so expected a relaxing break but not this relaxing.
None of the restaurants we tried were any good we had read good reviews about the Paradise, all i can say it must have changed hands since the reviewer was there. We are not fussy eaters anything but,(my husband would eat the sole of your shoe as long as it was cooked)we ended up breaking my cardinal rule and ate in several times (although it was him in doors that cooked, very good may i say).The beach was stoney but still enjoyable we only used it twice, sea was warm, weather very good.

Katrin Appartments are very basic but roomy, we had a two roomed appartment with a patio area that gave us direct access to the pool which was very nice for an early morning swim, limited reception hours no on site entertainment which we knew about before booking. 

The maid service was very poor, an english female was the cleaner but she did very little the appartment could have been a lot cleaner, behind the toilet was a collection of hair (enough to stuff a pllow), towels and bed linen changed once, she did call in the appartment but what for i do not know, did she empty the bin, yes that was it! Maleme Appartments/bar(come out of Katrin turn right,pass the road that leads to the main road) were very good, bar staff very friendly we had some good nights here. 

The all inclusive hotel (turn left from Katrin keep walking until the road runs out through some trees )do a very good lunch for 12e all you can eat and drink, beer and soft drinks, pizza, pasta, salads,all kinds of barbecued meat, friut and loads more you can stay there as long as you want excellent pool as well. Chania harbour is lovely but your are pestered by people wanting you to eat in their restaurant, go here early evening when the place lights up and is not over crowded. The ride to the Samari Gorge was hair raising especially with Patrick driving (hello Patrick and Dorothy) but was worth it for the views, stunning. 

We would not return to this resort although we made the best of every thing and enjoyed our holiday as we always do.

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Ledra Apartments - Maleme

Operator and Date: Libra - Oct 2006

Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Pauline, Rosie & Rose - Berwick upon Tweed

Resort Rating: Poor

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

having just arrived back from Crete myself my mum and my mate had the best holiday in maleme i have been to the village of maleme about nine times the ledra apartments are clean and the food is nice all the staff are very friendly and helpful the village itself is quiet but a short bus journey will take you to platanis which has plenty of nightlife or half an hour and you can go into chania which is buzzing with things to do try the black lantern for food its excellent steve and graham are great guys they made us so welcome we had some great nights there maleme is a truly peaceful place to holiday.

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Ledra Apartments - Maleme

Operator and Date: Libra - July 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Christine - Sunderland

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

First thing I noticed when we entered our apartment was the awful smell of damp in the room,you could see where they had tried to paint over the damp to hide it but it really smelt although you did get used to it after a while.
The pool was lovely and as we stayed there before the summer holidays there was only one child there so you did'nt have a battle to get in the pool.

Maleme itself is very quiet, there are a few restaurants and about 3 gift type shops.
Had a few meals in the Ledra, the menu was not up to much but the food was ok.
we tried the black lantern what was ok but the owner seriously needs a personality transplant.
To eat out was fairly expensive, about 30 euros for a main course meal each, a bottle of wine and a couple of other drinks, The nicest place we ate was the Albatross Hotel. Buying shopping in the supermarket was fairly expensive too (2 earo's for a pot of yoghurt).
The beach there was fairly undescript, only ever dipped my toe in as it was very windy and the waves were about 10ft high.

We hired a car and did a day trip up to Elafonisi what is a beautiful carribean type beach and we had loads of fun taking the mick out of the italian men in speedos, definetley a beatiful persons beach, you are cram packed like sardines and the sunbeds are 4 euros each to hire.
A gorgeous beach to try is called Falasarna, its used mainly by the Greek but its beautiful and fairly quiet.
go to Platania for yuor gifts to take home etc, its a street about 2 miles long full of shops and restaurants, try the Chinese restaurant there, service was a bit slow and it did'nt take much to confuse the waitresses but the food was lovely.

On the whole I enjoyed my holiday there and for £149 the accomodation was well worth it.

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Ledra Maleme Apartments - Maleme

Operator and Date: Libra - June 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Terry and Beryl - W. Yorkshire (73, 72)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Cheap and cheerful, good value for money.  The proprietors were friendly, studios fairly spacious, clean and equiped OK. Only English TV prog. was BBC World. Medium sized pool, own restaurant and Bar on site.. Other guests mainly English. It was very hot, we had to pay 7euros extra per day for the a/c.
Maleme is a long street, the old main road west, back from the shingle beach 200m away down various lanes. Few shops and bars compared with further into Chania.

Local buses pass the top of the road frequently, medium cheap but not too reliable. You could get anywhere if you were patient. I could fill this page with bus misadventures suffice to say the main bus station in Chania is chaos.
Take plenty of insect repellant for the evenings.

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Ledra Maleme Apartments - Maleme

Operator and Date: libra - may2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : 48,45

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

the apts are a small complex convient for both beach and local restaurants .They are family run and the family will stay up to all hours with you on evening as we often found out on a number.The apts are basic but clean and adequately equpped altho no hairdryers . pool and bar area only small and ther is a small play are for younger children .However wouldnt recommend for older children as no other type of entertainment.g pool table /t.v

The resort was still opening up during our week altho most restaurants were open . If you require a nightlife tho you need to go into platonias 7 mins ride on local bus .The resort has plenty of restaurants tho enough to try almost a diff one for a fortnight .TRy the Black Lantern on the main rd along fron the ledra .It is an english restaurant just opened this yr but the food is excellent-it is on par with a good wine bar/bistro in the uk certainly not to be missed and not to be put off by being english . This is the 1st year they have oponed- service also great.WE voted it top restaurant in maleme .

the local buses are excellent run every 1/2 hr to all parts of the west island and cheap .Maleme is a  base resort i would say you need to explore from here but plenty of opportunity to get out and about .

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Ledra Maleme Pool Apartments - Maleme

Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra - October 2005

Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Steve Robinson - Richmond, Surrey (41 & 39)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

The check-in at Gatwick was very smooth.  Outward flight on Excel was pretty good for a package flight.  Quite comfortable & just enough room.  Veggie food was not bad either, & all staff were excellent. 

Transfer with Libra rep was o.k. although she didn't seem very confident in her job.  Arrival at Ledra appartments was good & found our room to be very large but basic, with a small balcony with a nice view over the olive groves.  Room was clean and functional, but did have a telly.  Made friends with the local cat & her kitten.

Welcome meeting with our rep was good & informative.  No hard-sell, although we were told that all hire cars were brand new.  Our car was a four door Suzuki Swift, although we wanted the most basic, but that was unavailable.  Anyway, the car was far from new, with evidence of previous damage & many miles on the clock!!  It proved to be a very disatisfying experience. Be careful when arranging car hire with the rep.

The set-up at Ledra is very nice.  Much more like a traditional Greek environment.  The pool & bar & restaurant are the centre of things at Ledra & these proved to be very welcome.  The walk to the beach takes about 5 minutes, but we were disappointed to find that it mainly consisted of large stones & only a little sand.  We ate at the Ledra Restaurant on our first night, but then ate out on the next two nights.  However, we found that service was not as it should be, although food was o.k.  We decided to eat at Ledra for the remainder of our holiday.  This was real home cooked, freshly prepared Greek food, with the menu changing each evening.  Anastasia did an excellent job in the kithcen, & Nikos was the friendly face providing excellent service, & prices were very affordable.  Quite a few of the other residents also ate at Ledra, so it was often difficult to get a table.  I'd recommend this to anyone.

Maleme is a great base from which to explore the Western part of the island, but you do need to hire a car.  Also, if you want a decent beach, then you need to get down the coast to Aghia Marina or Platanias.  Otherwise it's get out in the car.  On the advise of the Libra rep, Malissa, who provided good background info on the island, we drove down to Elafanisi on the south west coast, which was well worth the trip.  When you get there take the walk through the water to the island & find a quiet spot in the dunes.  Also the drive through the mountains was spectacular.  Another disovery was Falasarna, which has ancient ruins, & while we were there, a very nice sandy beach which was almost desrted.  The Libyan sea was lovely & warm.

On the whole I'd recommend Ledra.  We had no problem parking our hire car at the appartments, unlike the previous reviewer, & the services, cleanliness, food & surroundings were exactly what we needed.  Not so sure about Maleme though.  You definately need to get out & about. 

Return transfer to Chania airport was o.k. but delayed by some of the other pick-ups (holiday makers who don't seem to be able to read instructions on pick-up time!).  Check-in was a bit tiresome & the aiport departure lounge very basic & not enough chairs.  Flight home on Excel was not so pleasant as the outward journey, particularly as we suffered with a clumsy air hostess.  Small point on the Excel 767.  When one of the hostesses closed one of the overhead lockers, & large section of plastic moulding fell-off!  It seemed to have been stuck on with velcro & araldite!  Also there seemed to be a problem with closing the lockers correctly, & in fact one opened itself during take-off.  We had the veggie food again, which was o.k, but not quite as good as on outward flight. 

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Ledra Maleme Apartments - Maleme

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

Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Kelly Middlehurst - St.Helens (30, 37)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We stayed at the Ledra apartments in Maleme for 7 nights in August this year.  We booked 5 days in advance through Libra Holidays. Our room was basic, clean and spacious.  The pool area was nice but on the small side.  We ate in the restaurant a few times and tried the traditional greek meals that the lady of the family cooked.  It was a small menu but the food was delicious and always hot. If you are a person who doesn't like to try Greek dishes then you will get bored with spag bol and chicken in mushroon sauce! The family were indeed present in the evening and often ate their evening meal after the guests had dined.  I found this nice. I wouldn't describe them as rowdy though -they are happy, friendly and Greek!

I found the resort very quiet and characterless. We are not party animals at all but found it to be rather inadequate in the evenings, however there was a regular bus service that run all over the Western part of the island that was very impressive and cheap. Platanias was the nearest (5 mins) and Hania was approximately 30 mins away.

Maleme beach was a bit of a let down.  There was quite a lot of litter and cig butts on the grey sand in certain areas and the waves were quite rough (although I am a bit of a nelly with waves).

We hired a car for three days.  We went to Elafonisi beach one day which is stunning. It looks like a postcard from the Caribbean but with more people and no palms. Don't be put of by the size of the carpark.  A good tip is to plan your visit so that you are still there after 3.30pm when the coaches leave.

The mountain drive to Paleachora was beautiful.  Stop in Elos for lunch and try stuffed zucchini (courgette) flowers AND believe it or not, the Raki here was smooth!

I would stay at the Ledra apartments again for a cheap and cheerful holiday in Greece - but I wish it wasn't in Maleme.

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Ledra Maleme Apartments - Maleme

Operator and Date: (Libra Discounts) Libra Aug 2005

Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Manchester      47,39

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Average

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Ledra Maleme appts nice location accomodation dated and basic but clean and good bar and cleaning staff .Spoiled a little by being overused by family and friends of the Owner  any messing about round pool i would look out and it would be a member of family any racket in the early hours youve guessed it the family .Pool closes 7pm unless of course you are family or friend of owner ,car park always full of family and friends cars i and others were told not their problem and to park on someone elses car park some 200m away.Onsite restaurant although food quite acceptable Menu was the most limited on Crete ok if you like chicken in mushroom sauce often.The bar and ice cream etc shuts on sundays only opening at 7pm and thats last week July first week August so dread to think rest of year and bar charged 2.70euros  £1.90  a pint the dearest i came across on crete 100yds away 2 euros a pint £1.40 some difference .

Maleme itself is a good place to stay excellent for exploring the quieter west of crete .Car hire reccomended although bus service puts UK to shame Smart air conditioned coaches every 15 mins take you the length of the island a 15 mile ride costs about £1.50.Spectacular scenery all over crete get out and explore petrol only £3 a gallon car hire high season from £19 per day for seven day hire (all new cars }a meal on average 7 euros (£5 )We flew with Excel airways the plane was wide bodied with just about ample room and nice blue leather seats we booked through Libra travel who in the main are very good our rep at Ledra appts was worse than useless I would strongly reccomend booking flights only to crete also booking hire car picked up at airport (Chania ) and driving to the area of your choice and finding accomodation there dont believe the tour companies who tell because of high season everywhere booked up almost everywhere i enquired there was loads of vacancies and the most you had to pay bearing in mind we were there at highest cost time of year for a nice appartment was 80 euros per room per night (£56) and bearing in mind that in some you could get 4 persons thats only £14 per person per night early or late season it drops as low as £5 per person per night . 

Go to Crete and enjoy ,the Island is wonderful .

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Louis Creta Princess - Maleme

Operator and Date: First Choice - July 2007

Opinion submitted in July 2007 by : Allison Marcar - Sutton (46, 40, 18, 17, 12, 7)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

This is my second stay at the Louis Creta and if you have kids it is absolutely faultless.  We had two of the Bungalow rooms this time and although we had four in one room, found this adequate in space.  The storage was brilliant,with drawers under both single beds plus cupboards and wardrobes with loads of hangers!!!  The rooms were keep spotlessly clean by the maids.

The actual resort is not exactly buzzing with nightlife but there are plenty of Taverna's and shops if you walk down to the beach and turn right, and for us we are just happy to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel.  The food in the hotel is brilliant with so much choice, pool barbeque, pizzeria and chinese for lunch.  The snacks are a little repetative but what else can you do for snacks!!!  You would have to be seriously fussy to go hungry, even my little boy found something to eat at every meal.

The entertainment is great for the younger kids, and although our two teenagers enjoyed it, I think they would have been a bit bored if we had stayed two weeks, but they still had a laugh! They ventured off into Platanias (about ten mins and ten euros in a taxi) a couple of the nights for a bit more variety. The entertainment team work tirelessly to keep people amused all day and half the night, and do a fantastic job.

Chania is a great place to visit for shops and eating and a complimentary bus runs from the hotel everyday exept Sunday.  If you have a sense of humour, book the trip to the waterpark on the little train.  If you don't have a sense of humour.. get a cab!! 

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Louis Creta Princess - Maleme

Operator and Date: First Choice - June 2007

Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Claire Kingstree - Dumfries (31, 27)

Resort Rating: No rating

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived at this hotel after having read some quite poor reports about it. 

The public areas of the hotel, e.g. bars, restaurants and reception area are all very nice and the pool, we felt, was one of the best we have had.  The room we had was in the main hotel block and although it was adequate it was quite small (there were only the 2 of us) and the bathroom was particularly small.  It did not spoil our holiday in any way however.  We also felt that some money will need to be spent on the hotel to upgrade it to allow it to remain a 4*.

The staff were exceptional.  They never stopped from dawn until dusk.  They were very friendly too.

The food was out of this world.  I can honestly say that there was no repitition in the week that we stayed and there was always something to suit everyone.  The Chinese restaurant was open at lunchtimes, as was the pizzeria, and both provided very nice food. 

Although we did not participate in the activities, the animation team worked flawlessly to entertain everyone and encouraged everyone to participate.  The evening entertainment programme is also varied as what was being advertised for the week after we left was different to what had been on during our stay.

One fault we did have was the photographer.  If you want your photograph taken, book early otherwise he books up quickly.

Overall we had a really enjoyable holiday and would go back.

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Louis Creta Princess - Maleme

Operator and Date: FIRST CHOICE AUGUST 2006

Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Kevin Holden-  Farnham 42,35,12,8

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Just got back from two weeks Holiday at the Louis Creta.After reading several reviews prior to going we had slight aprehensions but were pleasently surprised when we arrives at the hotel.We were allocated one of the bungalows which although very small for 4 were adequate considering the amount of time we spent in the room.The rooms are very basic with hard beds which suited us because my wife suffers with a bad back but they were kept very clean and the airconditioning worked very well.The balconys are small and unsuitable for two people if you fancy sitting on the balcony to have a drink when the kids are asleep.Not to bad if you are on the ground floor because you have a lawned area aswell.

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Louis Creta Princess - Maleme

Operator and Date: First Choice - July 2006

Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Elaine - Brighton

Resort Rating: Good

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

My Husband and two children ( 9 & 6 ) have just returned from a brilluiant holiday.

Having read the various reviews before departing I was quite anxious but I am delighted to say that the hotel, food even the resort were all fine. Yes the rooms are small and yes the beds are hard but you dont spend a lot of time in your rooms,most importantly everywhere was clean. We had a ground floor bungalow a few meters from the bar, pizza and salad bar, beach and children's club, an excellent position.

Our days were spent relaxing by the pool eating and drinking. Breakfast was very good with plenty of choice, my children loved the pancakes. Lunch was excellent with choices of pizza, pasta, BBQ salads fruit etc. Dinner was very good plenty of choice for all of us. Seating was never a problem we always managed to sit outside to eat which we enjoy seeing you can't often do this at home!

Animation team worked very hard , there was always something to do if you wanted to although they were never too pushy. The best part of the holiday for us was the First Choice Children's club. My two were always there enjoying the Pyjama party or the chocolate party, water fights, nature walks the list goes on. Crazy Amy and Dizzy Lindsey were a huge success! Thank you

We didn't go on any First Choice trips, they were quite expensive but we did take the Dotto train up into the mountains one evening, it was a wonderful two hours worth doing. Also we took advantage of the free bus into Chania. There we went on a boat trip and on our second time we did a horse and carriage ride around the town, visited the market, all very enjoyable.

Malame is a very quiet resort, We walked along the beach to the gifts shops and supermarket just for some exercise! We spent time on the beach going out on canoes and pedalos. Yes it is pebbly but the children found some sand and managed to make a sandcastle.

Overall the holiday was a great success, we all enjoyed Crete and would recomend the Louis Creta Princess to families, especially with young chidren.

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Louis Creta Princess - Maleme

Operator and Date: First Choice - June 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Gary Hodgson - Normanton (39,40,8,5)

Resort Rating: Excellent

Accommodation Rating: Excellent

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Having just returned from the Creta Princess, I feel it fair to update my opinion. This is the second time we have stayed in this hotel and it can get mixed reviews. This hotel is great... If you have kids. If you are a couple, then I would suggest a more lively resort as Maleme is very remote. The hotel rooms are basic, but who really spends their holiday in the room? I found the beds comfy, I asked for extra pillows which were soft and the maid kept it spotlessly clean. Being our second visit we were greeted with Champagne and fruit in our room which was a great touch. Meal times were a little manic, it is a free for all and some people rushed around like they had never been fed but, the food was great... Plenty to choose from and always well presented. The restaurant manager always ensured you were well catered for.

The animation team worked exceptionally hard as ever, Nicolie (from Kingston, Jamaica but looked and spoke distinctively Italian!), Samantha, Ruby, Eddie (Top man Eddie!) Laura and a couple of others whose names fail me right now, never stopped from morning till the early hours... They even waved us off when we went! (Was this goodbye or good riddance?)The shows they put on were very entertaining and they loved the kids, always allowing them to join in.

First choice kids club was on most days for the kids.... Run by a couple of reps... I'll never forget Amy.... She was just CRAZY.... absolutely BONKERS!!  mmmmmmmmmmm!!

The pools were as ever very clean, large and refreshing. Alcohol and soft drinks in abundance and I guess the amount of ice cream they go through in a day would feed the population of Canada!

Made lots of great friends (Hi to Barry, Corina (Sorry C if Ive spelt it wrong!) Tia, Jasmine and every body else... You guys made our holiday (Even if you do get too drunk too often C!!!!))

Got a family... Go there, haven't? Suggest somewhere else... The brochure indicates it being for family's and that it is quiet.. We enjoyed it, but each and everybody's tastes differ... Happy Holidays!

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Louis Creta Princess - Maleme

Operator and Date: Eclipse Direct - June 2006

Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : Debbie Bridges - Essex (66, 61, 38, 35, 4)

Resort Rating: Very Good

Accommodation Rating: Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We have just arrived back from 2 weeks at the Louis Creta Princess In Maleme, Crete.

What a brilliant time.

Hotel old, but very clean staff excellent, food good, pizza at lunch is lovely, and salads are great.  BBQ good.

Kids Club run by First Choice Good, but Animation team are fantastic, they work so very very hard, and are really lovely people.

Beach OK, Pools lovely, just a really good holiday for anyone who has children.

Mini Disco by animation team is a must, First choice mini disco 8.30 - 9.00, Animation team disco 9.00 - 9.30.

A really good holiday!

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Louis Creta Princess - Maleme

Operator and Date: First Choice - June 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Amanda Gillard - 37,36,5,68,67,36,35

Resort Rating: Below Average

Accommodation Rating: Poor

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

We went to the Louis Creta Princess as a family treat for my parents celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary as none of us had ever been to Crete before.  We were all really looking forward to it.  

Flight was good and transfer excellent.  We arrived at the hotel and must say it looked a little shabby, it was built in 1968 and I don't think it has been updated since then, certainly not the mattresses and pillows.  I had asked for our party to be all together which they obliged and we had the bungalow rooms at the side of the pool area.  

From the outside and in the brochure they looked lovely, unfortunately inside the room was cramped and dirty we had our son with us, which was just enough room for 3, but anymore and it would be far too cramped.  The bedspreads were old and tatty and dirty, the pillows were like sleeping on a bag of cement and the mattresses, fine if you've got a bad back, because they are rock hard and the curtains had rips in them.  

The pool area and pool bar are excellent kids can walk into a gently slopping pool area and the adults can help themselves to on tap drinks all day.  The lunch menu was pizza and salad and lots of other bits and pieces and very nice.  The main restaurant, buffet, was a free for all breakfast and dinner.  There was no restaurant manager so people were sitting at tables where they wanted i.e. a party of two sitting at a table for 6 we ended up pushing tables together.  Make sure you leave something on the table as well because when you go up to get your dinner they might clear the table away.  The food was not that brilliant we were there for 7 days and ate out for 3 and we were all inclusive so that says it all really.  

As for the location there isn't one really once your at the hotel thats it.  I was expected little coves with clear blue water, shops a market or two, but there is nothing going on.  For somewhere to go a bit more lively try Platanias which is about 10 mins in a taxi.  Really nice bustling town with plenty of shops and restuarants.  We found one that does a really nice fish platter called Ayrofiliton, opposite the taxi rank.  Very nice food at reasonable prices and a parrot that talks and entertains the kids!  The hotel shop is expensive to try the supermarket across the road and opposite a bit further up the road a bar.  The owner Alex is very friendly and a good laugh, perfect english!  

We did the boat trip from Souda Bay which I highly recommend it was the highlight of our holiday the captain and his crew where very entertaining jumping off the boat, having us all up greek dancing and feeding goats!  Really good day.  Overall, I would go back to Crete, not here though I was very disappointed and so were many of the other people staying there.  This hotel is fine if you want to sit on your bum all day and relax, but we wanted to explore a bit, but there was nothing to explore, the rooms were terrible, the restaurant a nightmare, the entertainment awful, really the only good thing about this hotel is the pool area.  

The hotel is definately not a 4 star hotel more like a 2 in my opinion.

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Louis Creta Princess - Maleme

Operator and Date: (Cosmos Direct) Cosmos - June 2006

Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Stew and Lisa Hopkirk (31,35)

Resort Rating: Average

Accommodation Rating: Very Good

My/Our Holiday Opinion: 

Hotel is a 4* and the rooms are small, with cheap plastic chairs and table on a very small balcony (we stayed in the bugalows) The balconies are very close together and are not very private on the first floor. However, they have air-con, tv, power shower and are very clean so not too bad.

The breakfast and lunch menu is spot on, but we found the evening meal was very typical 'mass market meal' greek pork and meat that was very grissly and although good salad selection, tasted dry.

Beaches in Grivoni are full with bars and trendy spots if you fancy a bit of nightlife, and it's prob 10 euro in a cab (which we only found on the drive to the airport home!) but highly recomended is the Taverna just to the right of the hotel on the beach path - the swordfish is excellent, think it's called Wave... or something like that.

Beaches to go to are on the western tip of the island, clear blue, but windy so can burn easily and not amazing for snorkling.

Overal we had a nice time, typical relaxing Greek style, but we feel the rooms could of been bigger and the evening meal a hotter, and better.

Be warned - book asap as we had to wait overnight due to holiday requests with work, and the hol we wanted was booked up so we booked with Cosmos, who charged £100 more than other the other operators that we had viewed, which is why we expected more I think.

Good place, but I wouldn't expect to pay much over £400 for this kind of hotel.

Oh and the AI beer is LOWENBRAU! Thankyou Greece!

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