Elounda Ilion

The worst experience at the hotel ever. We travelled as a couple and my wife was 6 months pregnant at the time. Upon our hotel arrival, receptionists were talking between themselves in Greek about our booking problem. My wife speaks fluent Greek & she understood everything it was said between employees at the reception of the hotel. Someone in the hotel’s computer system changed rooms for our booking. We booked 'Junior suite Elounda panorama' and it seemed we were assigned different room type (we knew this because they were referring to room numbers) but nothing was explained to us in English. They took us to 'Superior bungalow sea view'. This room had no sea view and it was facing the hotels swimming pool the very reason why we booked initially 'panorama room' which is on the top floor. We wanted this to be memorable holiday before our first child was born. And it was memorable but for a different reason. We declined this room and when back to the reception. We asked receptionist why we were not given the room that we booked and paid for in full through Expedia 3 months before arrival. They told us they can't do anything about it now as the hotel is full and all rooms are taken. We asked to see the hotel manager. When hotel manager turned up, she explained to us that this is the only room they have available and they can't give us panoramic room because it was taken. I reminded her that panoramic room was booked and paid for 3 months before our arrival and they can't take this room from us last minute and give it to another guest. Then hotel manager said that they contacted Expedia to inform about the room change. We never received any message from Expedia. Then hotel manager went back to her office to produce print of an email when Expedia was informed about panoramic room ‘cancellation’ but this document looked so fake even 10 year old would see it. After 1 hour ‘stand-off’, we decided to call Expedia and ask for help. The only option offered by Expedia was to choose another hotel. We did choose alternative accommodation but Expedia didn’t offer much choice on the day. We had to pick something without looking and checking on-line as we were standing outside Elounda Ilion hotel in the middle of the day with outside temperature reaching almost 40 degrees. It is unclear to us why Elounda Ilion Hotel Bungalows management changed our booking last minute. I just want to warn people about this hotel and the way they deal with bookings. We never wish to come back here again. Shame on you Miss Kallia Manousaki (hotel manager) for lying to us about ‘room swap’, not trying to help us (apart from offering 1 choice - room with noisy swimming pool view) and leaving my 6 months pregnant wife & myself with no choice but to seek accommodation at another hotel on the same day off arrival on the island of Crete.

Was a bit worried as previous reviews had said it was a steep hill up to the hotel. We arrived late at night and were dropped off at the top entrance so didn't have to walk the hill that night. A small meal was provided for us as soon as we arrived, which was a nice welcome. The rooms were quite big, very clean and the bed was very comfortable. Our balcony looked out to sea and the view was amazing as you were up a slight hill. The staff were lovely, very welcoming and very helpful. The hill wasn't as bad as I expected although would've been a bit difficult to navigate if you were disabled or not great at walking. We walked into Elounda which took about 20 minutes and it's a beautiful little town. Not a road to be walking at night though. If you wanted to go into Elounda in the evening its best to get a taxi. Anywhere else we wanted to go we jumped on the local bus, the stop was at the top of the incline on the main road. Very cheap as well. The food in the hotel was lovely. Main staples every night but changed up the meat and fish and it was more than enough for my husband and myself. Most nights we had our meal then sat out on the large veranda by the bar and had a drink there. Very peaceful and relaxing. There was a small stock of games you could play, cards and board games. I would definately recommend this hotel if you want a quiet out of the way place, where you can easily catch a bus or taxi if you want to try somewhere different. I would certainly return there.