Elounda Bay Palace

This was our 4th visit to Elounda Bay Palace, and the staff were very friendly and welcoming as always. We love this hotel and we were given an upgrade, as our previous booking was changed due to the rooms been refurbished. We were given a suite with a shared pool, which was a surprise. Lovely and clean, a bottle of wine with a bowl of fruit and local desserts on the table for us. The view was limited, but it was fine for the week stay. Our neighbours were happy to chat and we gave advice on the local area. We were on a half board basis, and the food was delicious and hot. A great selection of dishes available and really nice desserts too. The waiters & waitress were always there to help and we would have a nice chat with them during dinner. We only had water during our meals, and we already know about the cost of water so not an issue for us. We walked into Elounda every day to buy supplies. But unfortunately during our stay, there was a heatwave of 45c. So it was uncomfortable but we just took our time. Because of this, we hired a car for 2 days to take the strain of walking in the heat. There are plenty of sun beds available and the sea is a nice temperature. I did use the pool, which we had to share. I personally don’t like shared pools, not that I don’t like sharing, it’s just that because I am on the Autistic spectrum, I like my own pool. That aside, it was a really relaxing, fun, and enjoyable week away. We have booked for a week in early June 2025 for my birthday, again. So looking forward to an amazing time and seeing the beautiful Elounda and the staff of the Elounda Bay Palace.

The hotel has a brilliant location on its own private beach. It is an easy walk into Elounda itself. The staff are fantastic, extremely helpful and pleasant. The half board option Is good in parts. The breakfast is excellent. The evening dining experience is disappointing. It’s a buffet with various theme nights. Although the quality of the food is good, having to queue up to serve yourself is really not a five star experience. Opting for a dinner in one of the other restaurants gets you 30 euro allowance per person (bottle of wine and a starter to share). The drinks are extortionately expensive.

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.

On the 04/10/2024, I went on a singles retreat with Compatible Connexions. I am used to 5* Spa resorts, however, the Elounda Bay Palace is the epitome of luxury on a large scale, with breath taking scenery. From the reception to services was warm and very welcoming. There's something for everyone even if it's just simply going for a stroll to gather your thoughts. My room was a supreme with adequate space, the bathroom was fully equipped with all the amenities, this type of room also sported a semi-private pool. There is house keeping twice a day, am & pm both optional. The spa offers a magnificent service that gives you that celebrity treatment. This resort is on my must revisit list!

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