Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel

Wir hatten einen tollen Aufenthalt, aber unsere Dusche ist einfach nur furchtbar! Ich habe mich seit unserer Ankunft beschwert, und nichts wurde jemals getan! Wir sind Ende 50 oder Anfang 60, und man braucht eine Trittleiter, um in die Dusche zu kommen. Außerdem ist der Duschkopf in der Mitte, wenn die Seite nicht zu einem Ende zeigt, deshalb spritzt das Wasser überall hin. In der ersten Nacht war meine Frau, mit der ich über 60 Jahre verheiratet bin, auf Händen und Knien und hat den Boden gewischt! So traurig, wir sind im Urlaub, und so etwas sollte nicht passieren! Ich habe mich beschwert, und sechs Tage später sitzen wir im selben Zimmer und reisen morgen ab. Ich habe mich jeden Tag beschwert, seit wir hier sind! Ich werde mir und meiner Frau so etwas nie wieder antun!

After nearly 2 1/2 weeks travelling mainland Greece and the west of Crete, we kept saying to each other that we could not wait to get back to Elounda, and the Elounda Mare hotel and staff. The pull was so strong that we rebooked flights and hotels to get us there 2 days earlier. Although we thought we were relaxed on our Honeymoon vacation, once we arrived, we were able to finally relax on a whole other level. The surroundings, weather, hotels rooms,, restaurants and facilities are of course all great, and we won't both to say much about them as you can read all of that in the others great reviews. What really makes this place different, is the unparalleled level of friendly and professional service from each and every member of staff. As a family business, there is a feeling after visiting numerous times, of coming back to meet and catch up with family. So much so, that we even plan in extra time just for the round of catch-ups ;) Our last day is always tinged with a little sadness at having to leave, but once we are home we know that we will immediately start planning our next trip. Maybe even on the plane home already ;)

We had a wonderful Easter here and would definitely recommend it. We stayed in one of the bungalows with a private pool (€80/day to heat it—not cheap, but worth it since the sea and main pool were pretty freezing). The sea views were absolutely stunning—from the bed, the terrace, and the pool. The layout of the bungalows is cleverly designed so you don’t see your neighbors and they don’t see you, which makes for a very private stay. Our bungalow (#6) was spacious enough for a family of three, with comfy beds, a great selection of pillows, and plenty of cupboard space. The bathroom was recently renovated, and it showed—fabulous marble,shower, bathtub. Breakfast was lovely, with a wide variety of food and great coffee. Once again, you get those amazing sea views from the breakfast room. There were plenty of water sports on offer—we tried the crazy sofa and jet ski, both loads of fun. The hotel grounds are beautifully maintained, with thoughtful landscaping that in some areas makes it feel more like a little village than a resort. The beach and rocks were lovely too—clear water and plenty of deck chairs. Only downside: the beach bar prices. €5.50 for a tiny cappuccino in a paper cup felt a bit much. We really appreciated the tasteful interior design—1980s modernism, but it didn’t feel dated at all. Quite the opposite, actually—we loved it. The nearby village, with plenty of decent restaurants, is about a 20-minute walk. Did it once on a sunny day (a bit too hot) and drove after that. Huge shout-out to the brilliant staff—from reception to waiters, concierge, parking, water sports, and housekeeping. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, helpful, and friendly. Well done Elounda Mare!