Vardis Olive Garden

The staff were lovely and helpful, and the hotel is a nice, quiet place with great mountain views. But it’s a walker's challenge. The town and shops are over 20 minutes away on foot, along a dark, unlit road that’s especially gloomy on the way back at night. The beach is about a 30-minute walk, though there are cheap sunbeds and food places nearby. The hotel food wasn't great. Breakfast was just okay, the lunch and snack menu was limited, and they got changes wrong, so I didn't bother trying dinner. Drinks cost a lot, but the nearest bars and cafes mean a walk, so you're paying extra for convenience. I didn't hire a car, but I enjoy walking, so it wasn't too bad. Still, it would make a great base if you plan to hire one.

The place looks clean and reasonably well kept, and the hotel pool is clean too, though the sunbeds were a bit dirty. Our reservation took a while to sort out when we arrived, but it was resolved in the end. The TV has smart features, but they don't work, so no Netflix. There are German channels, and most guests were German and seemed to be treated better. The location itself is not bad.

We had a peaceful view of olive trees from our balcony, and the mountain view and clear pool in the main area were lovely too. The hotel was clean and comfortable, with friendly staff who welcomed us from the start and looked after us throughout our stay. Breakfast had a great range of Greek and Cretan dishes. We also really enjoyed the dinner buffet, especially with the sunset and stars in the evening. Vardis Olive Garden is a true hidden gem in the Chania and Rathymno area. We had a wonderful time!

We loved the evening chats at the bar and the warm welcomes at breakfast. It was so much fun laughing and joking with everyone. You're all very special people, and we love your island. Warm hello from Gary and family, and we're looking forward to seeing you again. We stayed here near Georgiopoulos with our two boys, and the team made all of us feel welcome right away. Everyone, from reception and housekeeping to the cooks, was friendly, attentive, and helpful. The hotel was spotless and well maintained. The pool area was great for relaxing in the sun, with a nearby bar for drinks and snacks through the day. The meals were delicious and offered plenty of choice and good quality. A warm atmosphere, excellent service, and a lovely stay.