Elounda Blue Bay

8 readers found this review helpful

Just returned from Elounda Blue Bay as a group of 2 couples who wanted a week away without the kids and to celebrate a birthday. Had seen a lot of negative comments and was a bit worried but as someone who has been on many holidays this place is not that bad. OK so the hotel is probably not a 4 star (the reception and bar is but not the restuarant/ most rooms). The food was edible but not exciting but the choice was OK. The bar man and cafe staff were very friendly. The pool area quiet and plenty of sunbeds. I don't think the hotel is good for kids! We had a suite which was cleand, smart and massive with an excellent view out to Spinalonga! Other reviews have mentioned the steep hill to the rooms and this is very true. I exercise a lot and it was still hard work getting up to rooms in the 400's. It is a 15 min walk to Elounda but the path is safe, mostly lit and by the sea. Elounda is busy but not lively, for a good night out you need to go to Ag Nik which is 16 Euro in a Taxi. As a group we all agreed that 7 or 8 out of 10 was the right score, its a good hotel and if you know what you want from a holiday it can be good

5 readers found this review helpful

We have just returned from a fabulous week long holiday at this hotel. The hotel is spotlessly clean, the staff friendly, helpful and always smiling. The rooms are basic but very acceptable, ours had a fantastic view across the bay and overlooking Spinalonga, which having read the book 'The Island' was the main reason I wanted to book for this particular area of Crete. Rooms were cleaned everyday, with an abundance of towels, toiletries and toilet paper supplies replenished daily too.
The restaurant is situated to give you the most fantastic view which ever table you choose to dine at. The food was always fresh,varied and tasty. We are particularly fussy about quality and were never disappointed. Some may consider the choice offered limited, but everyday the choices offered spicy dishes, greek specialitys, fish and plain cooked meats, so we didnt find this a problem.
The 4 star rating maybe a bit ambitious but I dont know anyone who paid a 4 star price so get realistic!!
We could not believe the hospitality of the hotel staff, they aimed to please whatever your request, nothing was too much trouble.
The hotel is situated on a very very steep hill, we are quite fit and it was hard work sometimes to get back up!! But the plus is the fantastic views you get from rooms, poolside and restaurant. Besides, all the descriptions I read before booking pointed out the location and hill - so make sure your up to it!
We enjoyed lovely walks either side of the hotel and once your on the road the walking is easy, waterside and perfectly flat.
I would recommend anyone looking for the perfect location, relaxing break to visit here...and say hello to Nikos in the bar and visit the lovely Sea Breeze bar in Elounda for a great meal and some good company from hosts Dave and Vavara.

The Elounda Blue Bay is an absolute joke and if you have booked to go to this hotel I would strongly recommend to cancel your booking as soon as possiable. The 4 star rating must of been obtained by some friendly gesture to the inspecter as ive stayed in far better 2 stars!!! But why do i detest this hotel so much? I shall state all the ordeals me and my friend went through.
The Room: The rooms are tiny, even including the bathroom! The balcony are anything but how they appear on the brosure, ours was unclean with a small table and chairs. The bathrooms were tiny you couldnt fit 2 people inside even if you wanted too and the bath... Unless you can fit inside a bath thats 3ft long and 3ft wide then I wouldnt even think about it. Upon arival our AirCon was broken and was leaking all over the electrics and after 2 false promises we finally was able to get someone up to look at it only to be told they couldnt fix it and they werent able to get it repaired because it was the last week of the season? No kettle, tiny tv and poor lighting. The bed is really hard aswell and I got a alergic reaction from the soap they use to clean the sheets.
The hotel itself: The reception area was keeped clean and looked nice however the same could not be said for the pool area. The pool is salt water and is not heated, and in 27 degrees the pool is STILL too cold to stay in for long. The pool was full of leaves / dead insects and was never cleaned. The hotel is ontop of a hill which at one point you wanna get on your hands and knees to climb, however you can get taxis to and from Elounda for 5 euros per way. The food? Cold, cardbored tasting and just so blant. The food is so horriable we ate out into elounda everynight no matter how tired we were.
The Staff: The reception staff are nice and helpful except the night man, who was asleep in the bar on the sofa when he was supposed to give us a wake up call / early breakfast! (We nicknamed him Manwell). The dining hall staff are unfriendly and never once have a smile on their face, no matter how nice you are to them. Infact, because I went on holiday with my best friend they assumed we were lesbians and gave us horriable looks! The Cheek! Were not lesbians but anyone from the gay community should stay far away from this hotel as you will be extremly offended by the staffs attitude.
The only good thing I will say is that the views were stunning. However was it worth the stay? No. Elounda itself is a lovely village and i would recommend it to anyone - Just dont stay in the Blue Bay as your holiday will be ruined.

2 readers found this review helpful

My husband and I have just returned from a fantastic holiday at the Blue Bay Hotel. I was only inspired to write a review after reading the negative comments posted on here. There was no 'sewerage' watering the plants- which were lovely, only a hosepipe running through the bushes in the morning- the only way to have had such greenery in the environment, such as big Jasmine bushes, which smelt lovely as you brushed past. We thought the food was fantastic. At breakfast there was a choice of fruits, cereals, dried fruit and nuts, greek yoghurt, honey, jams. An assortment of different types of breads and cakes and mini croissants. Three types of juice. A really large selection of cooked breakfast products-usually with a choice of eggs, and fresh coffee served by the friendly 'Manolis', who remembered our room number and choice of wine very quickly. The evening meal was always very good and from the piles of food people were heaping on their plates it seemed to be enjoyed by all. The only difficulty was not taking too much. There was a great view from the restaurant as the sun sets and we waited for a table to sit outside rather than go into the restaurant. The wine was quite expensive but local and very good.
Admittedly, the hotel would not be suitable for those with walking difficulties, as the hotel is sympathetically set into the hillside. However, this affords the fantastic panoramic views. We were glad of the exercise, which really wasn't that much. We were met at 3am by a friendly night porter who carried my suitcase to the room and my husband managed his own, which was fine. The rooms were basic, but clean. Towels and bedding were replaced every other day and rooms were cleaned everyday- (which we never saw happen despite coming and going at different times).
The best restaurant we ate in was probably the famous 'Ferryman' in Elounda-you have to keep walking along the coast after the main square-away from BBay direction. Although, some of the dishes usually complimentary i.e.. plates of fruit after the meal, were actually charged. The restaurants in Plaka are also very good. We had selections of Mezes there and enjoyed the laid back village atmosphere. There is so much I could say but I'll draw the line with saying you absolutely have to read 'The Island' (sold in the hotel shop if not brought) and visit Spinalonga...and if you feel like a girly read- 'Out of the Blue'- just a beach book, but set in Elounda and Plaka and actually gave us some sight seeing tips.

Having booked through the fated XL holidays, and just getting home fortunately, this holiday was a fate worse than death. Firstly, I had to carry my case up the hill as they "didn't take buses up the hill". I, however, insisted that the Rep take the case instead of my handbag (he was gay), but pleasant. The room was on the second section of the hotel and I had to carry my case up 2 flights of stairs and the hill without assistance. The room was rather dated, doors not fitting right and crumbling, handles and legs coming off furniture, but clean and towels changed every other day. The food left a lot to be desired, it was generally the same, salads and rather greasy food, vegetables not tasting of what they should, the puds were the same each night, so opted for ice cream. The staff were miserable, some pleasant, but as the tables were not always remade with cutlery, you got your own, and then they were whisked away from under your nose. They couldn't wait to take your plate away to wash up and finish even one hour before the end of the meals. The head waiter seemed pleasant but being unsure of the money, he seemed a little light with the change (my opinion). The lunches were OK but on the expensive side, drinks in particular, if you asked for a glass of wine it was 8.2 Euros and they insisted on giving you a 2 glass bottle, (in the restaurant, evenings.) The shop on site was very expensive, I had two pairs of sunglasses and they broke, she gave me the first one back but not another, (she said they were from China, not her problem!). The waist belt I bought lasted a few days and then perished. Also, there was sewage water outside the rooms as they water the flowers with it and the maids were brushing it away. It was very bad and also it was flowing down the hill toward the next hotel and you could smell it in the pool.
To get down to the incredible situation I was put in, on the last few days of my holiday which was O.K. views and weather without a doubt fabulous, but the crisis was when we knew XL had gone bust. The Manager called me down to his office and said that the bill had not been paid and that if it wasn't paid on my departure I would be liable to pay it, if not, he would involve the police. Having travelled on my own I was in a tenuous position and felt very alone and frightened. He said XL had not paid and that I was not covered, and travelled with Medlife, which I had not, I had booked on line with XL and my insurance as well. I treid the CAA, Abta, Atol, airlines, etc and he said I was not covered and it appeared so on line. After a day and not much sleep, having no representative as he had lost his job, I was unsure of my travelling arrangements and when I would go home, I rang the hotline and she said he would be paid by XL and told me to tell him to ring her. He rang but was not happy with that, and said that I should still have to pay by Tuesday, and if not he would get the police. I rang her and she said to leave the accommodation. I quickly packed my suitcase and went next door to the Tasmania. I felt like a thief in the night, and had to bump my case all down the mountainside in 32 degree heat. I was given a warm welcome and looked after very well by Maria and George. The other holidaymakes were very supportive and helpful and looked after me, buying me drinks etc and inviting me to a meal, and even offering to give me money to get home. I was all the time very frightened that the police would come knocking at my door. I had to pay for a night's accommodation because they said that the manager if he found out would come to see them and state I had not paid, so they put everying down and gave me a receipt for my stay. I finally, found out I would be leaving on schedule, and I was told they would inform this hotel about my travel arrangements and not the Blue Bay, so that he would not know when I was leaving. All the time I was on tenderhooks not knowing if I should be met by the police at the airport. However, I got away on time, but when I arrived back in the U.K. the customs stopped me, and my heart was pounding, not knowing if they were stopping me because of this situation. They, however, wanted to know what was happening with XL as they noticed the tag on my suitcase. Needless, to say, I was so releived to be back on british soil, I could have kissed the ground. For all we talk about the credit crunch and weather, it is wonderful to be back here and not be at the mercy of being abroad with no support available. Thank you to Maria and George and the family at Tasmania Village, they were lovely people and the food and accommodation was nice and all the holidaymakers staying there from England, I don't know what I should have done without their help and support. She wished me to go back there next year, but having experienced this problem, it had spoilt my holiday, and I shall not be going to Crete again. The country is lovely and the greek people are wonderful, and as Maria had said this has spoilt the opinion rearding greek people, but I know that the Manager was just trying to exploit more money out of me as he had lost money from other holidaymakers previously. The Hotel Company have a lot of hotels on the island and I believe the owner is a billionaire and if he knew he would not have wanted me to have been treated this way, but I don't know this for sure. This is my opinion re the Blue Bay, but would leave it up to you to make your own opinion as to future holidays in this complex.

We experienced a few more disappointments than plus points concerning the Blue Bay Hotel.
Hotels on Greek islands tend to have a slighter higher rating than elsewhere, we cannot understand how the Blue Bay has been awarded a four star rating.
The steep incline from the road to the hotel was only surpassed by the further two or three more severe mountain side climbs you needed to make to access your room. Unless you just hibernated in your room these climbs were necessary about six times each day. When we arrived at 2am we were told that there were no porters and that we had to lug heavy suitcases up these difficult slopes in the dark. The lift at this hotel is a folly, it just moves between reception and dining room.
Rooms were generally on the small side, sparsely furnished and only a child could fit into the bath. The sheets and towels were changed frequently. In contrast the views accoss the bay from the balcony are sumptuous.
The food was up to standard but nothing to get too enthusiastic about. However the dining room staff like the two girls on reception were so helpful and freindly that we wish we could take them with us to all our future holiday destinations.
The brochure states that Elounda is only 1.2 km away, in reality it's 1.7km to the harbour. Plakka is about 3kms away in the other direction, both are beautiful places to relax and enjoy the quaintness of.
A huge disappointment to us was the non availability of a courtesy room on your last day or any facility where you could shower and change your clothes in preparation for the journey home. We were compelled to retain our room for just four hours at the equivalent cost of 25 pounds.
Whenever we approached the manager with a complaint he didn't little more than say
it's not possible to give you further assistance. The holiday rep promised much and delivered nothing and was often conspicuous by her absence.
All in all... Elounda a beautiful place but accomodation not so good.

2 readers found this review helpful

Me and my boyfriend have just returned from a 2 week holiday at the Elounda Blue Bay Hotel.
We had an amazing time. The hotel was lovely and the staff were very helpful and we would definitely recommend it to friends and family.
The food was a bit hit and miss but then they cannot please everyone all at once and the food was cheap enough to eat out in town if we didn't like what was on the menu.
Overall we had an amazing holiday and are sad to be home and look forwarding to visiting again.

Booked a week’s stay at the Blue Bay Hotel advertised as 4 star in the Airtours brochure. Blue Bay Hotel definitely doesn't warrant a 4 star rating, more like a 3 star.
Hotel was spotlessly clean with good room service, although rooms basic, lacked any of the comfort you would normally expect from 4 stars. Hotel staff very friendly and helpful.
No entertainment at all in the hotel the week that we were there and very limited seating in the bar/lounge area. Nice pool area but with limited number of sunbeds available you struggled to get a bed some days.
Food was hit and miss, limited choice for breakfast, evening meal better choice but if you were vegetarian or had specific dietary needs you would struggle to have a hot meal and just a basic salad choice.
Hotel built into the hillside and is accessed via a steep drive - not suitable for the less able. A nice 25 minute walk along the seafront takes you into Elounda Village which has a variety of restaurants and bars. Worth taking a taxi back to the hotel to save climbing the drive - just 4 Euros.
Loved the resort of Elounda but would not go back to the Blue Bay Hotel - not worth paying for a 4 star hotel when you don't get the facilities that you would usually expect for this rate of accommodation.

I feel extremely sorry for anyone who has clenched what seems to be a "good deal" to holiday in the Blue Bay hotel. Apparently a 4* hotel, on the beautiful island of Crete, all inclusive and brimming with entertainment... What a load of rubbish!
We arrived at 3am local time and were greeted by an extraordinarily tall receptionist and his sidekick who lured us into a false sense of security by taking us down to the hotels restaurant and surprising us with a cold plate supper. Although it was a kind gesture, we had already somehow managed to consume three teas on our travels and so decided we would retire to our hotel room and get some much needed rest. Approaching the reception desk, I saw a small old green Suzuki van outside the clear glass doors opposite, laden with our suitcases.
We had heard about "the annex" but seeing as we had booked our holiday in the 4* hotel we couldn't understand why we were being whisked away somewhere else. As the doors of the Suzuki released two declining sets of stairs faced us and we were led to our rooms, underground, in the old, tatty annex. The sidekick went and we were left to our own devices, around 3.30am in a cold, and anything but newly refurbished room (as we had been led to believe) with no English staff to speak to and no way out.
The dining hall, (as we experienced in the morning) was over-run with German tourists, no smiles, no hello's and especially no English People. We were the only British residents! The food was vile, (and I am anything but a fussy eater)! If there were no chairs you had to sit in the smoking restaurant, which believe me, was intoxicating and the standard of service was anything but amendable.
So was the staff morale any better? You must be joking! The staff at the Blue Bay are arrogant & very, very dismissive and the manager is no better. On our visit to his office after the annexed incident all he could say was for us to ring our tour operator (which was the same as tweedle-dum and tweedle-dee said at the reception desk and then when we did, he said we still couldn't move as the hotel was full. I have honestly never been so disgusted with service or met such terrible staff at any other establishment anywhere I have ever been and I have stayed in an extremely large number of hotels in my life.
I too read these reviews before jetting off and thought people were making out the Blue Bay was worse than it really was, but to be honest, what others have said is a compliment. If you are homeless, then the Blue Bay may be just about acceptable for you to enjoy a nice holiday, but believe me, if you are the kind of person who has standards and morals, the Blue Bay hotel is not the place for you!