Elounda Gulf Villas

Unfortunately our experience at Elounda Gulf Villas did not live up to expectations based on the reviews we'd read and the images on the website. Starting with the good ; food was excellent quality and every meal we had was flavourful and well prepared. The teams work hard to ensure that they can deliver the best service with limited staff resources. Our suite was well cleaned each day and replenished with water. The gardens were well kept and maintained. Now the not so good; the hotel itself is very tired, maintenance around the pool area was lacking with the main pool itself covered in green algae around the edges and it was rarely cleaned; metal fittings had corroded and were rusting. The private beach club was on a patch of shale at the waters edge, with an electrical cable strewn on the edge of the waterside; food choices were limited to a prepack wrap or plastic box Greek salad. The bedding in our room (501) smelt fusty and old including the pillows; it was 5 days into our stay before linens were changed. On day 5 we had a walk planned and headed out for breakfast at 9am to find that our door wouldn't lock after exiting. After waiting well over an hour and escalating 3 times a manager came down and assured us things would be fixed, which he called to advise they were 3 1/2 hours after reporting; whilst apologising profusely, it should not have taken over an hour and the need for continued escalations to get to a point where we felt safe to leave the room with the manager in attendance. The bathroom whilst very spacious was also very odd. There was no door between bathroom and bedroom, the w.c. door would not close correctly making things awkward to say the least. The only 5 star hotel I've ever been in where the shower had to be hand held (no wall fitting in place). The living room was simply decorated but had mosquito marks on the wall and blood on the sheer drapes ( no privacy blinds or curtains in the room). Outside the bedroom, hundreds of sparrows nested in nearby trees waking us each morning for an hour or two from 5am (we appreciated the ear plug gesture but didn't really want to use them). Staffing was limited around the pool for the first few days, and the staff that were there, whilst wanting to help were incapable of making basic cocktails listed on the menu having only arrived the month before and being thrown in at the deep end. Work was underway to prepare a hotel in front of EGV to open, making inevitable noise which we appreciate can't be helped, but also the hotel was somewhat of an eyesore (many of the pool pictures on socials and the website are from the private villa pools and not the main pool). Overall, a disappointment and we would not return until things are seen to have changed for the better

My wife and I just returned from a 7night stay, and we loved it. The people working here, all the people, clearly understand that you get the basics right - and you work hard at that for sure - but then it's the little things that lift a hotel up to the next level. For example, we were arriving late and they had thought to have some nice fresh snacks in the fridge and a bottle of wine to welcome us. There is clearly a lot of work going on from housekeeping, to the care of the facilities, but it feels unobtrusive. I can't speak highly enough, and I do hope that we get the chance to stay here again.

We booked the hotel based on excellent reviews across a number of respected websites, even though the hotel looked a little tired from some of the photos. We had hoped excellent service would make up for it. Sadly there have been quite a few issues: - two bed suite was dark and dingy - the only view was from the kids suite was upstairs - pool filter broken so couldn’t clear sand from a recent sandstorm - main pool is not heated - power cut led to a noisy generator being erected next to our room - service at restaurant very slow. One night it took 1.5 hrs for drinks, a Greek salad, some cheese and kids pasta. We complained to manager who didn’t apologise - he just shrugged it off saying it was day 3. We asked twice through other staff, and all said they needed to speak with him, but he has not been in touch. - no inside option for dining at 12 degrees. Everyone dining in their coats. - limited menu options, especially for half board guests - basic issues in room not checked prior. We were the first guests this season eg WiFi, fridge not plugged in, coffee machine broken - very limited menu at beach club (only 2 items - one tortilla and Greek salad) We appreciate that there will always be teething issues in a hotel’s first week, but this isn’t a new hotel. It’s well established, markets itself ans a small luxury hotel of the world and very costly for the facilities and service.

Just returned from a six night stay at this absolutely wonderful place! We stayed in Knossos villa which had a beautiful heated infinity pool with an incredible view. The (luxury) villa was very well equipped with sauna, jacuzzi and gym and beautifully decorated. Special thank to Louise at reception – friendly, professional and helpful – who looked after us so well – booking restaurants, organising our trip (to Richtis Gorge with a very knowledgeable guide) and anything else we needed. Breakfast was exceptional and evening dinner was very relaxing in front of the main pool. The private beach was a short (free) shuttle ride where we were welcomed with towels and iced water and plenty of sun beds. Nearby Elounda (five minutes in taxi) has lots of little restaurants and shops and Plaka, Spinalonga and Agio Nikolaos are also very near and really worth visiting. We were blessed with perfect weather for the whole of our stay – a lovely time of year to visit. All in all, an amazing holiday – would love to return soon!

Just back from 5 days here and it was blissful. Exactly what we needed for rest and relaxation. We stayed in Spinalonga villa which was a very kind upgrade from what we had booked and we were so grateful as we had fantastic space including a fully equipped kitchen. The villa was so clean and bright - we had to tear ourselves away to venture elsewhere. The views, the food, the staff, the surroundings - all perfect. Just the little touches like the plentiful pool towels, the gorgeous freshly squeezed orange juice at breakfast, the excellent toiletries and the plants - the beautiful plants and shrubs that are so well tended to. It just makes the stay so much more enjoyable. The staff are so wonderful: helpful but not intrusive. Special shout out to the wonderful restaurant staff, particularly Kathila. Thank you all so much. We walked in to Elounda which was a 30 minute or so walk - we taxied back (€11 - not expensive). We stopped at another lovely hotel - Elounda Mare - for a cocktail on the way into town. Really gorgeous views from there too. We spent most of the time reading at the villa or by the pool or the private beach. The weather was ideal - 23/24c. One tip - google maps suggests there is a supermarket near the hotel which isn’t the case (it’s closed) so pick up any supplies in Elounda if needed. There isn’t anything I would change about the trip other than that I wish I had booked for 7 days!