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147hammer
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26-07-2007 11:14 PM
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Joined: 26 Jul 2007
Posts: 11
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(Admin, not sure if this is the right place, so please move if needed - thank you)
Greetings all, have never been to Crete before, and Olympic are offering several holidays to Cretan resorts which are cheap and cheerful (all we can afford this summer)
There is a bewildering number of s/c apartments to choose from, and nearly every one I have looked at, has some pretty damning reviews from this website.
So, I am asking, for those of you that have been to Crete, which would you recommend, based on our requirements.
We are a couple, in our 40s. In good health so steps and hills are not a problem. We want a/c and a fridge in the room.. a pool would be nice, but close to the beach is ok... our disco days are behind us, so no crowds of kids failing to hold their drink type places.. walking distance to the nearest town.. I have looked at places in Ag Nik, Bali, Elounda and Rythemon, all looked nice till I read the reviews!
not much to ask is it? Would be grateful for any recommendations from peoople that have actually been to any of the places. Thanks in advance!
Would be glad to return the favour if I am able.
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louise0208
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27-07-2007 08:06 AM
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Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 55
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| i have just come back from sissi (vasia beach) and it was great for us, lovely views, amazing hotel (see below review) no messed up 18-30s central so all day trips run from there, yes its a small resort but its 10 mins drive away from malia should you want to join the kaos & crowds!
we have 2 kids & baby & this place was ideal
i loved it & would go back again tomorrow given half a chance, if i beleived everything i read in the reviews id never go anywhere, i was worried about going sissi after i read up on it on here but had no problems or disapointments at all....unfortunately you cant please everyone.
good luck & happy holidays
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My Latest Review: May 2007 Vasia Beach Hotel & Apartments, Sissi (10/10) + Photos
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Helspeth
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27-07-2007 08:56 AM
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Joined: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 153
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| Not been myself but a colleague has. Ariti apartmens in aghios nikolas, theres very good reviews on this site too. apparently a bit out of the resort centre and a little bit hilly but not a problem for you. Don't know if there's a/c though, maybe the brochure would tell you that or a closer look at the reviews.
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My Latest Review: May 2008 Blue Aegean Aparthotel, Gouves (10/10) + Photos
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147hammer
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27-07-2007 05:32 PM
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Joined: 26 Jul 2007
Posts: 11
My Profile
| Thanks ladies, that is really helpful. Not looked at Sissi, as it didn't show up when i searched Olympic for packages on the dates I want.
I've narrowed it down a bit... Has anyone been to the Afrogialis Studios in Ag Nik? It sounds ok on the Olympic site blurb.. but the reviews i found on here, which are a bit out of date, suggest that it is pretty horrible. The other one is Loggia Studios. I have found Ariti in a package so will have a b etter look att hat one.. thanks!
The other place I have looked at is Gregory Apartments/studios in Bali.. but have found no reviews for it. Just want to know how far from beach/town it is really..
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charliecanary
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27-07-2007 07:15 PM
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Joined: 27 Jul 2007
Posts: 2
| We have travelled extensively in Crete for many years and seen it transformed in many places - not for the better. But from what you say about your wishes, we could suggest Elounda's Corali studio apartments, upgraded a few years ago to a very high standard for Greece, including proper bath/shower rooms, kitchenette area, balconies etc.
Clean and comfortable, they have pleasant gardens set out with sunbeds, sunshades and inside there is a useful library. They are located right across the road from the flat, sandy beach in Elounda, which remains a quietish village with some good shops, bars, tavernas etc - no all-night clubbing and yobs around - Elounda attracts families, mostly Brits but some French, Scandinavian, Germans.
The couple who own and run the apartments live there themselves (or at least did on our last trip) and are very pleasant.
We would avoid the Brit-owned restaurants in favour of the Greek ones.
Car hire is costly but worth it to see as much of the island as you can. But as you say you like to walk, just down the road is Plaka village - where you can get a local boatman to ferry you to Spinalonga - a haunting but fascinating former leper colony. On our last trip they were building a big holiday aparthotel nearby so Plaka may have changed a bit.
Aghia Galini on the opposite coast is charming, small but with plenty of very good tavernas, bars and restaurants. bakeries, craft shops and some excellent jewellery shops. It has quite a few hotels and apartments ranging from Greek basic to better European standards. There is a pleasant beach and a harbour, boat trips (to Samarian Gorge for instance) and watersports run by Yiannis, who seems to run much of the resort! Again, it is popular with couples and does not attract the younger, rowdier element.
From here you can drive to the wonderful mountains or to the beaches at Franko Castelli - and lots of other places. However, the village is at the foot of a steep hill (fine going down, bit harder coming up!) Not a lot of walking in the immediate area but you will find pretty much what you need in the village and maybe take the boats for a change.
The Samarian Gorge is amazing - don't miss it even if you see it just from the sea or the mountain end.
Good luck!
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147hammer
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27-07-2007 07:20 PM
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Joined: 26 Jul 2007
Posts: 11
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| Thank you! Elounda is the place we are going to go for. Your help much appreciated.
Will let you all know once it is sorted out, and add a review. :o)
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davvo
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27-07-2007 07:28 PM
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Joined: 20 Nov 2005
Posts: 466
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| We stayed at the Lato hotel in Ag Nik , great little hotel, a mate at work has been to Elounda for the past 2 yrs and raves about it , he's going again in sept so it must be ok!.
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My Latest Review: Sep 2007 Montechoro Hotel, Albufeira (8/10) + Photos
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147hammer
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27-07-2007 09:29 PM
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Joined: 26 Jul 2007
Posts: 11
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| thank you Davvo.. that is very encouraging..
Have taken the plunge and booked for 14 nights at Despina Apartments in Elounda..
Fingers crossed!
Thanks for alll the replies :o)
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jazban
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27-07-2007 10:46 PM
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Joined: 27 Jul 2007
Posts: 1
| Hi, I have been to Crete twice, the place I went to was Ayia Marina which is not far from Chania and is where we flew to. Unfortunatly we had to cut our holiday short due to an accident, but the time we spent there was brilliant. The studio's we stayed in were very clean and only 100 yds to the beach(practicly on our doorstep) The place itself was very nice.We mainly went to Platanius for our meals as we found a very nice tavera there. it was a 15 min walk away but was worth it for the food and friendlyness of the people.
We also took the trip to the Samaria Gorge which meant an early rise and a very long walk through the Gorge itself but was well worth the money and the beautiful sceenery.
The second visit to Crete was to Stalis. This also was a very nice place. the studio's we stayed at had a pool which was very clean and well looked after as were the studio's. The family that owned it were also very nice and couldn't be more helpfull.(sorry can't remember the name of the studio's was a few years ago now.)
It was a few mins walk to the beach, taverna's, shops etc but far enough away from Malia which is where most of the night clubs ,disco's and the younger generation were. All in all we had a wonderful time at both places.
I hope this has helped.
My Husband and I are of to Corfu in September, we've not been there before, but the reviews I have read have all been very good so we are looking forward to that. We are staying in Benitses. Have you been there?
Jazban
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My Latest Review: Sep 2007 Roula Studios, Benitses (10/10)
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Helspeth
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28-07-2007 10:57 AM
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Joined: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 153
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| We've booked to go to Crete for the first time next year. I've not heard a bad word about Crete (the destination) only about certain accommodations. However we booked the Blue Aegean in Gouvez due to good reviews on this site, and dismissed another one completely due to many bad reviews. I can ignore odd bad reviews but when its the majority bad, I think its best avoided - it takes us all year to save up for 1 holiday a year.
Another good thing about the Blue Aegean is that you are allowed to have '3' children with 2 adults, so we don't feel ripped off as we have always had to pay for our eldest as an adult since our youngest came along. Its 10 months away now til we go but I can't wait and I will defo post a review on here afterwards.
Friends have recommended Knossos as a good day out, but some say its very hot and uncomfortable due to its location. We like to visit historic places but we also like beaches!
If anybody has any tips or hints for me please let me know.
And 147hammer have a great time, let us know how you get on.
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My Latest Review: May 2008 Blue Aegean Aparthotel, Gouves (10/10) + Photos
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sun, sea and sand
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28-07-2007 04:56 PM
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Joined: 03 Jun 2007
Posts: 60
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| You are going to fall in Love with Crete. You have picked a fabulous resort, I think it will suit your requirements. The people, restaurants and pace of life are wonderful. I've been to Elounda twice and found it to be relaxing and tranquil. Didn't have a bad meal the whole 2 weeks(both times), you will find the floating restaurant a little more expensive than the others but hey, you are eating at a floaying restaurant. Have a lovely time and say Hi to Manos at the Eden bar, you can't miss it in the centre of the resort, you'll always get a warm welcome!!
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My Latest Review: Jul 2008 Crystallo Apartments, Paphos (7/10)
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147hammer
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29-07-2007 11:27 PM
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Joined: 26 Jul 2007
Posts: 11
My Profile
| thanks everyone.. Elounda does sound really nice... not so sure about Despina Apartments... (no aircon!) but it will be an adventure...
not too bothered really.. we wont be in the hotel much except to sleep and shower, and maybe sit onthe balcony (if we have one!) have gone self catering because its cheaper.. i do not intend to cook!
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147hammer
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29-07-2007 11:29 PM
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Joined: 26 Jul 2007
Posts: 11
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| Helspeth, we intend going to Knossos, so I will tell you all about it when we get back :o)
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Paisley
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14-06-2008 09:52 PM
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Joined: 14 Jun 2008
Posts: 1
| Hi,
My sister and I stayed at the Blue Agean Aparthotel in Gouves, Crete, this time last year. We were very impressed. The apartment was very clean (I believe the Aparthotel is only 5 years old). The manager and staff were very friendly and approachable. The manager, being married to a lady from Wales could not do enough for us!
The resort was ideal for relaxing, rather quiet, with plenty of lovely beachside restaurants, shops and walks. It is not the sort of place where you find drunken revellers! Some nightlife is there if you really look for it though!
All in all, the Blue Agean offers a friendly, relaxing holiday! I would definitely recommend it!
Bon voyage!
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angeNZRN
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24-06-2008 01:43 AM
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Joined: 30 Mar 2008
Posts: 9
| Elounda is beautiful. We stayed in Stalis last year but visited Elounda on a tour.. unfortunately we learned we should have done it alone instead of booking it through the rep as would have had more time to enjoy the area. Really recommend Spinalonga which is just a boat ride from Elounda, once again I recommend doing this by yourself otherwise you are hearded around like sheep on the island! Theres a book called 'The Island' by Victoria Hislop which can give you a bit of an idea of what spinalonga was like.. but it is fiction. Enjoy your trip!
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My Latest Review: Sep 2007 Premier Inn Elstree, Elstree (1/10)
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