Elounda Residence Resort & Waterpark

We spent a lot of our evenings enjoying the view from the hilltop, often with a drink and a different sunset to watch. We had a car and explored the area, though you can manage without one: transport runs down to the town for shops, cafés, restaurants, and the beach. The hotel is well placed for boat trips, Spinalonga Island, and Agios Nikolaos. If you do drive, the hills are worth exploring for another perspective on the scenery. The grounds aren't huge, which suited us since getting around was easy. We visited late in the season and found it peaceful and romantic. In high season, with the children, water park, and clubs, I imagine it feels much livelier. There was usually a sunbed free, though finding a good spot by the upper pool depended on timing. Evenings had music or other entertainment, sometimes live, and it was still easy to find a quieter corner if that was what you wanted. The pools and water park looked well suited to families spending the day there. Our all-inclusive food was varied, with something different each day. You could also sign up for either of the two extra restaurants instead of eating from the buffet. We tried sushi one evening, burgers another, and Greek food with charcoal-grilled meat and traditional sides. We enjoyed them all. Drinks were about what you'd expect from an all-inclusive, and the bartenders could sort out something extra or special if you asked. The room was new, beautiful, and spotless, and a golf cart took us there after check-in, a nice touch. The view was stunning, and everything in the room worked properly. Housekeeping came daily, with fresh towels and bedding, and kept the bathroom clean. The whole hotel seemed well maintained. What stood out from the start was how warmly we were treated. The staff were consistently friendly and professional, from reception to the restaurants and bars, and ready to help. They greeted us with genuine smiles and made us feel guests mattered. We felt welcome on every side. The price, quality, and location felt well balanced. We'd confidently recommend the hotel and would come back.

The animation wasn't anything special, though it was fine. We had an all-inclusive stay; the choice was limited, but what we ate was really good. The new apartment with a sea view was amazing, and I was there with my family mainly to get some rest. I definitely enjoyed the time. I'd recommend the hotel to families and couples, but probably not to single people looking for entertainment.

The restaurant staff brought a much more welcoming feel than some of the other departments. We still enjoyed our holiday at the resort, though a few staff members could have been friendlier, and the advertised steam room was full of mops and cleaning gear, so that sort of information could use an update. At arrival, they seemed to have the wrong details for our party and had confused my husband's name with that of a completely different family. We ended up in the wrong room and were told to move after unpacking and settling in. They sorted it out fairly quickly, but it delayed us getting into holiday mode as soon as we'd hoped.

The trip down to the sea is one of my favorite bits. It's a downhill walk along a road through an olive field. There can be some rubbish by the roadside, but that's not the hotel's fault. Coming back up takes more effort, as you'd expect from a hotel on a hill, and I don't mind the exercise after eating all the great food you can find around town. This was our third year at Elounda residence, and the lovely people there make it feel like coming home each time. We had one of the new rooms this time. It was really nice, near the restaurant and pool, with a beautiful sea view. The restaurant is only a short walk away, which makes a pleasant morning stretch. The all-in deal has lots of different food and drinks. The soda isn't great, but I don't drink it, so it doesn't bother me. For a good view, tasty food, and nice people, I'd definitely recommend the place.