Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, Crete

Incredible experience for our whole family! Amazingly beautiful location and views of the Mediterranean. Staff was very friendly across the board, including Petros, and they were instantaneously responsive to all our needs. We wished we could have stayed longer.

My wife and I have recently returned from a 10 night stay at the Domes of Elounda Autograph Collection and were,somewhat, disappointed by the experience for what purports to be a 5 ***** hotel compared to other hotels we have stayed at in Greece of a similar status. The good points: 1. The hotel does occupy an impressive position on the hillside opposite Spinalonga and is impressive and well-appointed; 2. The Spinalonga Island Sea View Aqua Suite we stayed in was wonderful - no problems there; 3. The guys who drive the golf buggies around the complex were great, as were the reception staff and cleaners; 4. The beach (subject to the below) and the staff in Vilebrequin beach bar were excellent; 5. Dining at Makris was wonderful; and 6. The Cretan Night at Core was excellent. Unfortunately, the standard of food and the service in the main buffet restaurant, Tholos, fell well short of what would be expected from a 5***** hotel! On our arrival, at around 8 pm, we were advised to go straight to dinner in Tholos before we checked in. I’m afraid that for the main buffet restaurant of such a hotel the serving areas were very small and cramped (one had to reach over other dishes of food to access those further back on the hot plates), the choices were limited and the food was lukewarm. After quickly eating a most disappointing dinner we resolved not to eat in the evening at Tholos again. Nevertheless, we had to endure Tholos for breakfast! Service was hit and miss, to say the least. Some days you were offered water and coffee, some days it was water or coffee and some days neither, until one managed to attract the attention of a not very attentive member of staff (the machine coffee being almost undrinkable). The choices at breakfast were also limited and it was a very disappointing experience. Indeed, on our last morning we needed to be in breakfast early so we were ready to be picked up just after 9 am. Tholos was supposed to open at 7 am but was just opening when we arrived at almost 7.15. There were few staff about and, other than the dreadful machine, nowhere to get coffee. There was one chap wandering around taking pictures of the buffet so my wife asked him if there was any chance we could get coffee. He said he’d send a colleague over, but did we get any coffee? I’ll leave the answer to your imagination! As part of our board package we were also entitled to eat at Core which identifies itself as Street Food. It’s a great idea and one night we did eat there, but, after the experience of the Cretan Night, it was also something of a let down in that the food was less Greek than I would have expected (Gyros Tacos) rather than Gyros or Souvlaki itself. For families, I suspect it’s a great idea. We also had issues with service as, as we were finishing our meal, the staff started running around setting up a large table for a dozen or so people. This meant that us and a number of other tables, who had finished eating long before us, were waiting for their tables to be cleared. One of our neighbours managed to attract attention and tables were eventually cleared. Other than Cretan Night at Core or the fine dining at Makris, the food position was poor and so therefore for 6 of the nights we stayed we went into Elounda or Plakka to eat, despite being half board. We also experienced inconvenience on the beach which has an Adults Only area in front of the beach bar. For the best part of a week we had no issues but then one day some families with children decided that they’d take up residence in the Adults Only area. It was pointed out to them by the lifeguard and the bar manager that they see in the Adults Only area but they refused to move and the Adults Only area, being much smaller than the Family Area, was crowded and noisy. That afternoon, we did complain about the incident on the beach and the appalling food and service at Tholos. To his credit Petros, who we spoke to, made sure that the following day the Adults Only area was for Adults (a family being made to move) and arranged for us to take breakfast at Antonino’s which, for the 3 mornings we ate there, was a complete revelation compared to Tholos! Thank you, Petros. The sprawling nature of the complex makes it difficult to completely explore and also means a lack of atmosphere. One night we were in the main bar where a talented singer/guitarist was performing and, I think, we were the only people there! This was not unusual in the bar.

What an amazing week , fabulous hotel, location, complex and resort. 10 /10. OK, on arrival, we were greeted and welcomed by Pedro on guest relations. He was professional, friendly, and polite, and accompanied us to our villa , which was very nice. The hotel is exceptional, and the restaurants, bars, pools, and the private beach are all sublime. A big shout out to all the staff throughout the resort, from the cleaners, buggy drivers, the staff , and management, who all work so hard to make sure that you have a fabulous stay. Highly recommended. We will be returning.

We are 60 years old and this was one of our best holidays in our lifetime. We would love to come back sometime.

We arrived later in the evening and were immediately greeted on arrival. Check in was not quick but it was seem-less. A few room arrived at the same time. Our suite was very clean modern and inviting. The property is beautiful. All the staff seem pleasant enough and greeted you when they go by. The lady that cleaned our room was so pleasant and attentive. We had our room cleaned earlier each day and no lack of supplies. Same with our turn down service she was the best. Just to be clear this property is very large and lots of steps everywhere that golf carts are needed to take you around so for older people, people with restrictions and persons with young children this maybe challenging. We had half board with means breakfast is included. This is buffet and it was a great selection each morning in a large restaurant close to the reception area with indoor and outdoor seating. Other meals were very expensive compared to eating around in Crete. But this is a resort so expected. The beach is delightful, clean and well maintained with all amenities at your fingertips. I would definitely do my research before booking to see if a good fit for your family. We had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend and we are already planning a return trip.