Elounda Bay Palace, a Member of the Leading Hotels of the World

Beach is small but very good , nice soft sand , protected from wind , transparent water. Buffet. One for breakfast and dinner looks like cantina with too many package tourists not a pleasant spending time there And that’s a real pity that the hotel doesn’t have only breakfast. Rooms with a mountain view are not having view at all only to the plants in front of hotels , all mountains are closed by the bushes , if you book this category of rooms ask for the highest floor

We were looking for several things when we booked the Elounda Bay Palace, aside from the obvious in a 5 star hotel. (1). Good swimming - I'd give it 11 out of 10 for this. A large indoor pool, a large outdoor pool, and the best safe sea swimming ever in a sheltered sandy bay - we loved that. (2). Location - places to walk to (safely) from the hotel, no need to get a taxi or drive. 8 out of 10 for this. There are several excellent walks to explore the local area - along the pavement to Elounda village & harbour along the sea shore (turn right down the path where there's a big sign saying 'Nina's Organic House, don't continue down the main road). Also out via the causeway to the island, where there's a more challenging circular walk around a good part of the island ( some of this is on donkey tracks that donkeys would have found challenging - good footwear needed). (3) Location - a good range of local restaurants available within walking distance, plus supermarkets to buy snacks and a bottle of wine without having to pay hotel prices. 9 out of 10 for this. The Elounda area has lots of fairly well-off and well-behaved tourists (it's definitely not a cheap, noisy holiday destination) , and these tourists have generated a large number of restaurants in Elounda to choose from - at reasonable prices. (4) Also, it's really nice to have a hotel set in attractive grounds - I really love all the ancient olive trees and well-kept gardens. Yes, drinks at the hotel are expensive, and the buffet evening meal provided by half board isn't at the level of a Michelin star - but there were a very wide range of food options and we were rarely disappointed. Good food options for kids, vegetarians. The staff were friendly and helpful (our room cleaner was exceptional!), and our room was modern and well kitted out. The abandoned fortress/settlement on Spinalonga island - you can get a ferry from Elounda - is well worth a visit. We had an excellent time over a week's stay, and felt we had chosen our hotel well. Thanks to everyone at the hotel.

Attended a retreat weekend with Compatible Connextions and what a stunning hotel. The settings were beautiful, the staff were all so friendly and helpful. We stayed in the palace suite - just wow. The views were gorgeous, the space outside and inside exquisite. Definitely 5 star service all round. No hesitation in returning again