Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, a Member of the Leading Hotels of the World

The hotel is celebrated for its stunning location in a beautiful bay, offering breathtaking sea views and access to private beaches with crystal-clear waters. Its signature feature is the serene and exclusive environment it provides, making it an ideal retreat. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff service, spacious rooms, and diverse dining options as key elements of their stay. This makes the hotel particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic and relaxing escape, families looking for a comfortable and activity-rich vacation, and luxury travelers who value attentive service and picturesque surroundings. To maximize your experience, consider exploring the various on-site restaurants and taking full advantage of the dedicated beach sunbed service for ultimate relaxation.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests highly appreciate the hotel's private beaches, which feature comfortable sunbeds and attentive beach staff who allocate sunbeds for the duration of a stay, provide fresh towels, and offer a convenient call button for drink service. The sea water pool is also available, though some note it can be quite cool if not heated. The spa offers a tranquil escape with a rooftop plunge pool, sauna, steam room, and various massages. While the fitness center is present, some guests suggest its equipment could be updated. For recreation, the hotel provides a range of water sports, tennis courts, and areas for football and basketball. The convenience of free Wi-Fi and a buggy service to navigate the expansive grounds is also frequently mentioned, alongside on-site boutique shops and a small supermarket.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Rooms are consistently praised for being spotlessly clean and meticulously maintained, with twice-daily cleaning and turndown service ensuring a fresh environment. Guests enjoy the spacious rooms, often featuring large wardrobes and comfortable beds with high-quality linens, contributing to a restful stay. Many accommodations boast spectacular sea views, enhancing the overall ambiance. Thoughtful touches like a welcome bottle of wine and fresh fruit, along with Korres toiletries, jacuzzi baths, and steam showers in some bathrooms, are well-received. While the coffee makers and replenished bottled water are appreciated, some guests note that the decor in certain rooms appears dated or tired, with old-fashioned furniture. Isolated issues such as leaky showers, non-functioning air conditioning (though often promptly addressed), and hygiene concerns related to specific bathroom fixtures have been reported.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet receives widespread acclaim for its extensive variety and high quality, offering a wide selection including freshly prepared omelettes, pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, and gluten-free options. The hotel features multiple on-site restaurants specializing in Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and Greek cuisine, which are generally lauded for their delicious food and excellent quality. Guests on a half-board basis particularly value the three-course à la carte options available for dinner. However, a recurring theme is the perception that restaurant prices for evening meals and drinks are very expensive or overpriced, leading many guests to seek dining experiences outside the hotel. Some guests also noted limited toddler and baby food options, though staff were generally accommodating of special requests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's stunning location within a beautiful bay provides scenic views and is complemented by well-maintained gardens. It is conveniently situated within walking distance (ranging from 10 to 25 minutes) of the charming town of Elounda, which offers a selection of local restaurants and shops. The proximity also allows for easy boat trips to the historic island of Spinalonga. While the hotel is somewhat secluded, taxi service is readily available and efficient for transport to Elounda or the larger town of Agios Nikolaos. However, guests with mobility difficulties or the elderly should be aware that the resort features numerous steps and slopes, which can pose challenges. Some feedback also suggests that signage and lighting around the extensive grounds could be improved for easier navigation.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, described as exceptional, friendly, helpful, attentive, professional, warm, caring, and proactive. Guests frequently highlight the quick check-in process, the efficiency of housekeeping with twice-daily service, and the dedication of the beach and pool staff who ensure comfort by setting up sunbeds and delivering drinks. The restaurant service is also highly praised, with many guests noting that staff remember their preferences and go above and beyond to enhance their stay. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of inconsistent service or a perception that certain staff members reserved breakfast tables for preferred guests, though this was not a widespread complaint.

Additional Information
Guests frequently benefit from the guest loyalty program, which can offer perks such as room upgrades. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, though finding suitable outdoor areas for pets nearby can be challenging. Some guests have noted a destination fee which covers certain amenities, though its value or explanation upon booking has been a point of mixed feedback. The hotel generally lacks evening entertainment, contributing to a quiet atmosphere in the evenings. It is worth noting that during the early season, not all facilities, such as the kids club or all restaurants, may be fully operational. The presence of conferences at the hotel can occasionally impact the guest experience, with some facilities being taken over or increased noise levels. Many rooms, particularly villas, feature private pools, though these are often unheated.