Esmeralda Hotel, Kremasti, Rhodes
Hotel Information
Recent Price: £40
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
Located just a quater of a mile from Kremasti village centre, on busy main road. Supermarket is 400 yds. Shops are 400 yds. Hotel Esmeralda is a wonderful base for a holiday in the quieter parts of Rhodes at an affordable price. loading...
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Esmeralda Hotel Reviews
" My wife myself and friends have been... "
Submitted By: Mr P Thomson
My wife myself and friends have been going to Rhodes for a long number of years. We have stayed at the Esmeralda many time the last being in May 2007 for two weeks.
The whole place has been recently renovated (not that it needed it) and is absolutely fabulous.
The rooms are beautiful (with a bath) and as usual exceptionally clean.
The hospitality, food, and drink is next to none.
How anyone can find fault with this place is beyond belief. Thank you Dimitres and Co for the lovely holiday.
See you in September.
The whole place has been recently renovated (not that it needed it) and is absolutely fabulous.
The rooms are beautiful (with a bath) and as usual exceptionally clean.
The hospitality, food, and drink is next to none.
How anyone can find fault with this place is beyond belief. Thank you Dimitres and Co for the lovely holiday.
See you in September.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Staying at Esmeralda Hotel, you are... "
Submitted By: Miss J Harding
Staying at Esmeralda Hotel, you are not just staying in a self catering hotel but in a genuinely, kind and considerate Greek families home and you are certainly welcomed whole heartedly!
Everybody has their own individual taste granted, but when you have glorious sunshine, home-made cuisine and the best milk shakes this side of the sun - who wants TV and the rubbish that you do leave at home.
I have stayed with the family for a long time and they will bend over backwards to help you if they can.
The rooms are basic, but sufficient- it is decorated every year by the family, it is much cleaner than most places (as an ex rep I have seen a few) in fact it is exceptionally clean and if you feel it isn’t, all you have to do is ask!
The airplanes are very daunting the first night but you DO actually get use to it the second and appreciate the breeze in the heat!
Kremasti itself is a bustling little village and is a stones throw away from the rest of the island, which really should be explored!
Everybody has their own individual taste granted, but when you have glorious sunshine, home-made cuisine and the best milk shakes this side of the sun - who wants TV and the rubbish that you do leave at home.
I have stayed with the family for a long time and they will bend over backwards to help you if they can.
The rooms are basic, but sufficient- it is decorated every year by the family, it is much cleaner than most places (as an ex rep I have seen a few) in fact it is exceptionally clean and if you feel it isn’t, all you have to do is ask!
The airplanes are very daunting the first night but you DO actually get use to it the second and appreciate the breeze in the heat!
Kremasti itself is a bustling little village and is a stones throw away from the rest of the island, which really should be explored!
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" My husband Davie and myself have been... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Flinn
My husband Davie and myself have been going to Esmeralda Studio Apartments for 13 years for our summer holiday.
The hospitality is second to none and the rooms are spotlessly clean. This family run hotel is by far the best on offer in Kremasti. The family go out of their way to ensure you enjoy your stay. The food is delicious - we have tried many restaurants in Kremasti and there is nothing to beat the delicious food cooked by Esmeralda. The service is excellent and the family are the most warm hearted people I have met on holidays.
Kremasti is a lovely village and within easy traveling distance to many places of interest and surrounding islands.
If you want a holiday to remember go to Esmeralda's - the fact that we have been going all these years says it all!
Excellent.
The hospitality is second to none and the rooms are spotlessly clean. This family run hotel is by far the best on offer in Kremasti. The family go out of their way to ensure you enjoy your stay. The food is delicious - we have tried many restaurants in Kremasti and there is nothing to beat the delicious food cooked by Esmeralda. The service is excellent and the family are the most warm hearted people I have met on holidays.
Kremasti is a lovely village and within easy traveling distance to many places of interest and surrounding islands.
If you want a holiday to remember go to Esmeralda's - the fact that we have been going all these years says it all!
Excellent.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Before going on this holiday we read... "
Submitted By: acelands
Before going on this holiday we read some of the reviews published. After reading them we were a little apprehensive about going to the Esmeralda Hotel. We did not need to worry.
Yes the hotel is by the main road of Kremasti, but this is no problem what so ever. The owners, Dimitri, Nikolas, Esmeralda and her husband Stelios are warm, friendly and cannot do enough for you.
The hotel is spotlessly clean, the apartments are basic but very spacious (our apartment had two patio areas). The home made food is fabulous (if you’re on a diet, you'll have a problem as the portions are second to none and seriously recommend the home made Stefado) although if you have the breakfast you wont need to eat for hours later.
Esmeralda is near the airport but we did not find this a problem the noise is slight and you soon don't even notice. The pool is cleaned early morning and evening by Stelios. If you are going to Emeralda you will enjoy. We will definitely be back.
The bus service is fab and only about 15 into Rhodes Town the bus actually drops you right outside the Esmeralda apartments on the way back just like a taxi service. All I have left to say is ignore the negative reviews go and enjoy.
Yes the hotel is by the main road of Kremasti, but this is no problem what so ever. The owners, Dimitri, Nikolas, Esmeralda and her husband Stelios are warm, friendly and cannot do enough for you.
The hotel is spotlessly clean, the apartments are basic but very spacious (our apartment had two patio areas). The home made food is fabulous (if you’re on a diet, you'll have a problem as the portions are second to none and seriously recommend the home made Stefado) although if you have the breakfast you wont need to eat for hours later.
Esmeralda is near the airport but we did not find this a problem the noise is slight and you soon don't even notice. The pool is cleaned early morning and evening by Stelios. If you are going to Emeralda you will enjoy. We will definitely be back.
The bus service is fab and only about 15 into Rhodes Town the bus actually drops you right outside the Esmeralda apartments on the way back just like a taxi service. All I have left to say is ignore the negative reviews go and enjoy.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" Having read the other reviews on this... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Hirst
Having read the other reviews on this establishment I can only assume that some steps have been made to improve the place in the past year or so. We booked our holiday here as, granted, a last minute, but thought we had reached the last chance saloon!
We were shown to our "room" by someone who spoke hardly any English and I think our faces must have said it all. We know that Greece is said to be basic but clean, but there is basic and basic, and this was BASIC! the room was dull drab, the furniture rickety to say the lest and if you had the curtains open, then you could wave to the guy in the room next door who was facing you across your balcony as the rooms face each other!! How private is that?
The pilots going into the airport, also can be seen holding boards up saying "hello Mum" as they go overhead they are that low, as this "Hotel" appears to be the exact point where they throttle back as they land so the noise is deafening, very, very regularly. and I like to see planes come in and take off!
The bathroom was small, dingy and the shower curtain which was dirty and old, didn’t even come down to the floor in a very shallow tray which would have flooded the minute you tried to have a shower, and the frontage of the hotel is all pool and very small, so you could actually swim to reception if you tried, complete with your luggage! The staff were surly and unfriendly, and we frankly felt dumped by our tour operator who didn’t seem to care when we contacted them. Oh Yes we wouldn’t use them again either!
We aren't snobs, and we travel a lot, and yes we can do basic as well as 4 star, and have a great time, so we don’t think we were being overly "picky"
After depositing our luggage we then went to "explore" Kremasti, thinking we could at least enjoy that, and tried to find the road to the beach, the hotel is a very long and hot walk away from that too! And then it is all shingle. We then found the entrance to a hotel which advertised pool bar and restaurant and having asked if we could do that as none residents went in for a drink and some lunch, and found ourselves in a small but very comfortable hotel grounds with beautiful gardens, where we had lunch with lovely friendly staff and a wonderful pool area.
After eating and feeling a little better we went round to reception and asked if they could book us in there, and were told they could take us the day after and would we like to see a room. Ok the rooms weren’t the Marriott but were large airy, with lovely rooms with a beautiful sea and pool view, We snatched their hands off, despite the fact that we had to shell out for another set of accommodation, which made rather a hole in the holiday budget, that was preferable to spending the whole 10 days at The Esmeralda, and we were looked after Sadly, some people may not be in a position to be able to do that.
The hotel was a fair walk away from the centre of the village but, but had other small bars and tavernas around it, and that was a small trade off compared to spending another 9 days in that dump!
We left as early as we possibly could the following morning and were practically chased down the street by the owner, who still looked unfriendly. so would I if I had to live there!
Fortunately, Rhodes itself and the people as a whole made up for what could have been a disastrous first trip to Greece, We were made to feel so welcome everywhere else and had a wonderful time, the extra cost we incurred mean we had to hire a 250 Yamaha Virago for three days instead of a car to explore, and as bikers (Not big hairy yobby ones) here with an 1100 cc that was rather different, but we saw everything and had a ball and would go back to Rhodes tomorrow( but NOT Faliraki), AND DEFINATELY NOT to The Esmeralda! Frankly we would rather go to Cleethorpes on a moped!
We were shown to our "room" by someone who spoke hardly any English and I think our faces must have said it all. We know that Greece is said to be basic but clean, but there is basic and basic, and this was BASIC! the room was dull drab, the furniture rickety to say the lest and if you had the curtains open, then you could wave to the guy in the room next door who was facing you across your balcony as the rooms face each other!! How private is that?
The pilots going into the airport, also can be seen holding boards up saying "hello Mum" as they go overhead they are that low, as this "Hotel" appears to be the exact point where they throttle back as they land so the noise is deafening, very, very regularly. and I like to see planes come in and take off!
The bathroom was small, dingy and the shower curtain which was dirty and old, didn’t even come down to the floor in a very shallow tray which would have flooded the minute you tried to have a shower, and the frontage of the hotel is all pool and very small, so you could actually swim to reception if you tried, complete with your luggage! The staff were surly and unfriendly, and we frankly felt dumped by our tour operator who didn’t seem to care when we contacted them. Oh Yes we wouldn’t use them again either!
We aren't snobs, and we travel a lot, and yes we can do basic as well as 4 star, and have a great time, so we don’t think we were being overly "picky"
After depositing our luggage we then went to "explore" Kremasti, thinking we could at least enjoy that, and tried to find the road to the beach, the hotel is a very long and hot walk away from that too! And then it is all shingle. We then found the entrance to a hotel which advertised pool bar and restaurant and having asked if we could do that as none residents went in for a drink and some lunch, and found ourselves in a small but very comfortable hotel grounds with beautiful gardens, where we had lunch with lovely friendly staff and a wonderful pool area.
After eating and feeling a little better we went round to reception and asked if they could book us in there, and were told they could take us the day after and would we like to see a room. Ok the rooms weren’t the Marriott but were large airy, with lovely rooms with a beautiful sea and pool view, We snatched their hands off, despite the fact that we had to shell out for another set of accommodation, which made rather a hole in the holiday budget, that was preferable to spending the whole 10 days at The Esmeralda, and we were looked after Sadly, some people may not be in a position to be able to do that.
The hotel was a fair walk away from the centre of the village but, but had other small bars and tavernas around it, and that was a small trade off compared to spending another 9 days in that dump!
We left as early as we possibly could the following morning and were practically chased down the street by the owner, who still looked unfriendly. so would I if I had to live there!
Fortunately, Rhodes itself and the people as a whole made up for what could have been a disastrous first trip to Greece, We were made to feel so welcome everywhere else and had a wonderful time, the extra cost we incurred mean we had to hire a 250 Yamaha Virago for three days instead of a car to explore, and as bikers (Not big hairy yobby ones) here with an 1100 cc that was rather different, but we saw everything and had a ball and would go back to Rhodes tomorrow( but NOT Faliraki), AND DEFINATELY NOT to The Esmeralda! Frankly we would rather go to Cleethorpes on a moped!
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2004
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" I used to live and work here and it... "
Submitted By: Miss P Carney
I used to live and work here and it is a brilliant hotel.
The staff are fab and very helpful.
I have been coming here since 2000 and they are really welcoming.
Even though I have stayed in big posh hotels with both work and leisure I would recommend this place and village to any one who wants a proper Greek holiday.
You do get some noise from the aircraft but its not that bad.
The staff are fab and very helpful.
I have been coming here since 2000 and they are really welcoming.
Even though I have stayed in big posh hotels with both work and leisure I would recommend this place and village to any one who wants a proper Greek holiday.
You do get some noise from the aircraft but its not that bad.
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- Date of Holiday:Oct 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" The Hotel:
... "
The Hotel:
Unfortunately, most associate Rhodes with Faliraki, a small village famous for wild, drinking frenzies, one night stands, and loutish behaviour.
I, however, found myself in a beautiful small village called Kremasti. A safe 15 minutes taxi ride away from the aforementioned hell hole.
Kremasti is a small yet buzzing village, Greek in its very nature, and only 10mins drive away from the amazing Rhodes town.
We arrived at what would be our home for the preceding 2 weeks. Esmeralda Hotel, a small villa-apartment style hotel, complete with pool, bar and restaurant, and views out over the sea and Turkey.
Esmeralda Hotel (named after the owners wife and chef), is beautiful.
We were greeted by Dimitris, the son of Esmeralda, and the barman, who charmingly presented us with welcome drinks, consisting of the obligatory Ouzo, and a special local spirit, with a recipe one would prefer to leave to the imagination.
Our room was of a suitable size and very clean, complete with balcony, looking out over small cubed houses and views to Turkey, stunning in the evening as the sun goes down.
The Village:
Content with our surroundings, we ventured into the village. We wondered into a bar named “Thomas”, (named after the owner, naturally.)
We were again greeted with big smiles, friendly locals, and more Ouzo.
From there we felt it was time to soak up some of the much appreciated Greek hospitality, and found a beautiful restaurant in the centre of the village.
The food was beautiful. In fact every single restaurant we ate in during our holiday was to the same standard. More welcome drinks arrived at our table and we felt completely at home. Kremasti village has all you would need. A supermarket, bank, restaurants, and bars. The people are friendly and the night life busy but certainly bear able.
The Old Town:
Our hotel was so nice that we could have stayed there the entire two weeks, but there was more to explore.
We took a 10 minute taxi ride to the Old Town of Rhodes. Costing just 9 euro, the taxi dropped us at the top of the old town. The town is build within the walls of the old castle, built by the knights of St .John. Countless numbers of small cobbled lanes take you to an array of different shops, restaurants and bars. It’s easy to lose your way, but the Greeks are more than willing to help. The shops sell the usual souvenirs and gifts, and as leather is very cheap on the island, you can find some great bargains. The old town by night is beautiful. The houses and streets are all lit up and the atmosphere is amazing. It’s definitely worth spending a good day and night there, but be sure to pack comfortable shoes!
The New Town:
The new town is outside of the castle and sits on Mandraki Harbour. Famous in its own right as, according to legend, Colossus once stood at its entrance and protected the town from invading boats. Now days a far more solemn pair of goats watch over the busy harbour.
The new town also boasts modern shops, and you will find beautiful restaurants and bars along the water front.
The nightlife is buzzing as you can imagine, with a dedicated bar and club street that stay open as long as there are customers!
A word of advice. When visiting night clubs or bars in Rhodes town, try to buy only bottled drinks, as the spirits are often not as they seem. They often use cheap brands or water them down, and can charge anything up to 8 euro for the privilege, not to mention the fact you will be clinging to your Imodium for the following few days.
The Experience:
Rhodes is a fascinating island, and is worthy of a visit. There is something about Rhodes that you just fall in love with. Beautiful scenery, people, beaches, food, night life, the list goes on. I can’t really fault it. I don’t think I have enough space to tell you the many wonderful things to explore, and I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise.
I would recommend taking a day trip with Isis island safari. They took us in a 4x4 around the entire island, tasting wine, relaxing on deserted beaches, and into the mountains, places that you could simply not get to by any other means.
Another great day out is to take a boat trip to Lindos. 15 euro will buy you a ticket on a small boat that sails along the cost to the beautiful town of Lindos, famous for its acropolis. The journey takes about 2 hours so you have plenty of time to relax in the sun.
Once in Lindos you can ride a donkey to the acropolis, or simply relax in the picturesque village and gorgeous bay.
The only thing I found bad about the entire holiday, was coming home again, (oh, and there is the small fact that you can’t put tissue, into the toilet) but I recommend it whole heartedly.
Unfortunately, most associate Rhodes with Faliraki, a small village famous for wild, drinking frenzies, one night stands, and loutish behaviour.
I, however, found myself in a beautiful small village called Kremasti. A safe 15 minutes taxi ride away from the aforementioned hell hole.
Kremasti is a small yet buzzing village, Greek in its very nature, and only 10mins drive away from the amazing Rhodes town.
We arrived at what would be our home for the preceding 2 weeks. Esmeralda Hotel, a small villa-apartment style hotel, complete with pool, bar and restaurant, and views out over the sea and Turkey.
Esmeralda Hotel (named after the owners wife and chef), is beautiful.
We were greeted by Dimitris, the son of Esmeralda, and the barman, who charmingly presented us with welcome drinks, consisting of the obligatory Ouzo, and a special local spirit, with a recipe one would prefer to leave to the imagination.
Our room was of a suitable size and very clean, complete with balcony, looking out over small cubed houses and views to Turkey, stunning in the evening as the sun goes down.
The Village:
Content with our surroundings, we ventured into the village. We wondered into a bar named “Thomas”, (named after the owner, naturally.)
We were again greeted with big smiles, friendly locals, and more Ouzo.
From there we felt it was time to soak up some of the much appreciated Greek hospitality, and found a beautiful restaurant in the centre of the village.
The food was beautiful. In fact every single restaurant we ate in during our holiday was to the same standard. More welcome drinks arrived at our table and we felt completely at home. Kremasti village has all you would need. A supermarket, bank, restaurants, and bars. The people are friendly and the night life busy but certainly bear able.
The Old Town:
Our hotel was so nice that we could have stayed there the entire two weeks, but there was more to explore.
We took a 10 minute taxi ride to the Old Town of Rhodes. Costing just 9 euro, the taxi dropped us at the top of the old town. The town is build within the walls of the old castle, built by the knights of St .John. Countless numbers of small cobbled lanes take you to an array of different shops, restaurants and bars. It’s easy to lose your way, but the Greeks are more than willing to help. The shops sell the usual souvenirs and gifts, and as leather is very cheap on the island, you can find some great bargains. The old town by night is beautiful. The houses and streets are all lit up and the atmosphere is amazing. It’s definitely worth spending a good day and night there, but be sure to pack comfortable shoes!
The New Town:
The new town is outside of the castle and sits on Mandraki Harbour. Famous in its own right as, according to legend, Colossus once stood at its entrance and protected the town from invading boats. Now days a far more solemn pair of goats watch over the busy harbour.
The new town also boasts modern shops, and you will find beautiful restaurants and bars along the water front.
The nightlife is buzzing as you can imagine, with a dedicated bar and club street that stay open as long as there are customers!
A word of advice. When visiting night clubs or bars in Rhodes town, try to buy only bottled drinks, as the spirits are often not as they seem. They often use cheap brands or water them down, and can charge anything up to 8 euro for the privilege, not to mention the fact you will be clinging to your Imodium for the following few days.
The Experience:
Rhodes is a fascinating island, and is worthy of a visit. There is something about Rhodes that you just fall in love with. Beautiful scenery, people, beaches, food, night life, the list goes on. I can’t really fault it. I don’t think I have enough space to tell you the many wonderful things to explore, and I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise.
I would recommend taking a day trip with Isis island safari. They took us in a 4x4 around the entire island, tasting wine, relaxing on deserted beaches, and into the mountains, places that you could simply not get to by any other means.
Another great day out is to take a boat trip to Lindos. 15 euro will buy you a ticket on a small boat that sails along the cost to the beautiful town of Lindos, famous for its acropolis. The journey takes about 2 hours so you have plenty of time to relax in the sun.
Once in Lindos you can ride a donkey to the acropolis, or simply relax in the picturesque village and gorgeous bay.
The only thing I found bad about the entire holiday, was coming home again, (oh, and there is the small fact that you can’t put tissue, into the toilet) but I recommend it whole heartedly.
-
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2005
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Private Booking
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To our surprise Dimitri has in the last year made significant improvements to the hotel (new decor, new bathrooms, new tiling, poolside presentation etc etc) and has in turn been upgraded to 3 star (and rightly so too). We were treated to the wonderful cooking of his mother every day and were not interested in the slightest of eating anywhere else throughout our stay (it really is that good) - and we were given some things to try that were not on the menu which were cooked especially for us and other guests. One night I mentioned to Dimitri that we were not going to have a starter and fancied trying some dessert for a change - he promptly yet discretely disappeared down the road to the local bakery/choclatier shop (Mikes) and returned with some Greek cakes/chocolate/honey/nutty desserts - only later did I discover (from another guest) that he had gone out especially so we could sample some truly local Greek desserts - this guy just aims to please and is so genuine and warm.
We took the time to try and mingle this year and met some very nice couples who had been staying at this hotel for in excess of ten years and more (its not surprising and not difficult to see why they return every year). I also noticed that Dimitri has a fantastic sense of humour and you can have some great chats with him when he is not too busy and he will gladly share his knowledge of the Island and advise you on just about any subject you can imagine.
It was especially hard to leave this year and I was really cut up when we had to say goodbye on the last night - I can honestly say that I feel like a member of the family when I stay there and I would like to think I will be able to holiday at the Esmeralda every summer for the next 20 years, the reviews on this site speak for themselves.
If you want to holiday in paradise with white sandy beaches outside your apartment door and only be able to hear the sound of the waves lapping on the rocks then pay £3000 plus and go to Mexico or Bali - if you want true Greek hospitality and a laid back relaxing atmosphere at a budget bargain price then the Esmeralda is for you, to our friends we made this year we hope to see you again in years to come and thank you for making our 2007 holiday one to remember.
P.s Dimitri makes a massive 'long island ice tea' and his other cocktails are just as tasty, be sure to try them!!!!!!!!
Matthew & Jaqueline.