Elounda Residence Resort & Waterpark

The location was absolutely fantastic. We had a villa with amazing views. I'm not a morning person but ended up setting the alarm for 6.15 a.m. on three days to watch the sunrise. It was a 12 minute uphill walk from the hotel (which is also set on different levels with lots of steps/steep slopes) which I was aware of in advance so I trained on purpose for the holiday (made a point of using the stairs and walking up steep streets more in the few weeks beforehand) - I'm 55 and over 16 stone and managed ok - it was actually a health benefit that there was extra exercise built in but there's also the option of being transported around in the buggies (which I was determined not to use hence the training!). I did bring a walking pole which was handy, especially coming down the steep inclines to protect my knees. The food was also excellent. We had the all inclusive option which I've never done before and the selection was really extensive with everything presented very well and replenished regularly. Some people have mentioned the soft drinks being too sweet but I couldn't find an issue. There was cola, cola light, fizzy orange, fizzy lemon, lemon and lime, sparkling water and still water in the restaurants and a variety of non alcoholic cocktails from the bars. The ambience in the bars in the evening was very chilled and nice - probably due in part to there being not too many British people and noone overdoing it with the unlimited booze, so that was a definite benefit. Pool areas were lovely with plenty of sunbeds. We walked into Elounda and back a few times - it's easiest to walk DOWN the road past Elounda Heights that comes out at the Square and walk BACK up the road that starts close to the Thea restaurant/the path up from the salt pans/causeway as the climb up to Elounda Heights is quite extreme! Bring a torch if you're planning to walk at night. There's a taxi rank at the square with plenty of taxis for about 9 euro.

Overall everything was fantastic. The shower head was a little bit loose so if you're the sort of person who gets uptight about that sort of thing it might annoy you. A non slip bath mat and/or handrail at the shower would have been good. Staff were generally lovely but we got poor service in the "Raki and Meze" restaurant. It was a serve yourself bbq but drinks were table service and we were only offered one drink for a three course meal. I was dehydrated having walked 14 miles and could have done with more but the girls hid at the back chatting to each other. I thought this was a shame and in stark contrast to the staff who clear the tables in the main restaurant who work their socks off. The young man at the McCretan Grill restaurant was great too.

Excellent quality of apartment finish. Staff were very helpful Free shuttle bus to Elounda town Breakfast was hot and cold buffet with lots of choice

The only negative we could think of is the resort is at the top of a steep hill and the last free shuttle bus is 22:30, so if you want to enjoy the atmosphere longer you have a 30 minute uphill walk,or have to take a taxi (but these are less than €10 and in plentiful supply from town harbour front).

Spacious room for 2 people and comfortable bed. As we arrived late, we loved the sandwich and snacks that they put at the room refrigerator.

We didn’t know that the pool was with a salt water. It was not so bad, was just out of our expectations.

The location and views, the staff were lovely.

Food and drinks low quality, towels completely appalling quality same as the bedsheets. It’s a basic 3 star quality and not a resort 4 star.