Vasilis Apartments

1 reader found this review helpful

We were offered a cheap last minute deal. Looked at the reviews, split down the middle. We decided the poor reviews were from folk used to more expensive holidays and the good reviews were from those folk who aren't spoilt and enjoy a 'real' holiday. We went and were knocked out by the place, basic but big and perfectly fine rooms, truly fabulous views, an enjoyable 15-20 minute stroll down to town and the many varied beach, cove, shopping, snorkelling kind of things you like to do, and really hospitable hosts who run a great little bar by a clean and and fun swiming pool. And if the walking is too much, the taxis are fixed price and cheap. The town itself is great, not at all over developed, full of character and characters and a place my family would all happily revisit.

4 readers found this review helpful

Arrived at Room 2 at 3.30am to find that the pillows had no pillowcases and were very stained,the rooms were full of cobwebs and were dirty. The wardrobe was falling to pieces and only a few wire hangers to hang up your clothes. Worst was to come in the bathroom, a small black corner housed the shower which was so close to the toilet that the filthy shower curtain touched your leg. The shower tray was black with mould and the taps dripped so bad that I had to place tissues under them to sleep. In the morning we found that this room had no where to sit outside and the only chair had the rest of the apartments' dirty laundry piled up on it. We decided that we could not stay here and moved, Olympic Holidays will not acknowledge our complaint as we did not give the owners chance to put things right. Short of re-tiling the bathroom and a thorough clean, I fail to see what could have been done. Beware you have been warned.

4 readers found this review helpful

We went on a late deal (£400 for 2 adults for 2 weeks), 10th - 24th October.
Left Gatwick @ 21:40 and arrived @ Heraklion 03:40 local time - but didn't actually arrive at the Vasilis apartments until 07:40 due to the numerous stops en route !
Apartments are roomy but basic - only small hand towels are supplied (wish we had known this in advance).
We were allocated Room 2 (Ground floor) which didn't have the views the higher rooms in the property had, but it did allow us to chase the sun around the rear patio for our sundowners.
The wc and shower had seen better days (scaling and mould) but perhaps this is to be expected at the end of the long season ?
Pool area is nice with magnificent views although it too had an end of season feel.
Our main gripe was the fact that there were no local amenities - the nearest supermarket was a 20 minute walk downhill, with the village centre (for tavernas) a further 15 minutes on.
I think Olympic holidays should advertise the property as 'Car hire essential', in which case we would have given it a wide berth.
There was a taverna of sorts next door (Akrochoria), but we never saw a menu outside nor anyone eating inside. The fact that 3 families lived in the same building (1 greek woman screeching constantly at her children most evenings) didn't encourage us to try it out.
On the plus side, we got engaged (after 20 years) at the Tryst taverna on 18.10.08 - so it was a memorable holiday !
We visited Spinalonga, did numerous walks but with so many other places to still visit, probably won't return to Elounda or Vasilis again.

1 reader found this review helpful

We have just returned from a fortnight's holiday at the Vasilis Appartments. We have stayed at various basic but very clean accommodation on other Greek Islands and expected this accommodation to be similar. We were very dissappointed during our stay at the quality and standard of this accommodation. We were lead to to believe that these apprtments were basic as per Greek Standards but clean- it was far from it.
The beds were concrete beds with a mattress on it which was most uncomfortable. The bathroom was very unclean, I had to buy bleach and clean the tolilet as it was unbearable to continue using it. The shower area was so small and dark that if you drew the shower curtain all round, you would not be able to see in order to have a shower. The shower area and curtian was covered in mould and there was always a puddle of water left from the drainage area after each shower. We reported this problem but it was not really resolved. After speaking to some of the other guests, they were also experiencing the same problems and had also had to buy bleach to clean the toilet bowls.
If the water has not heated, then you need to ask Katerina or Richard to put this on for you. We only realised this after having 3 days of cold showers.
The bedsheets had only been changed once in the 2 weeks we were there and the towels were very small hand towels, so make sure you take plenty of your own bath towels.
Maria, The Cleaner came on most days and emptied the bins but she did not sweep or clean the floors regularly.
The rest of the accomodation was very simple and basic but bearable. Having been to to other Greek Islands, this was the worst accommodation we have stayed in.
On a more positive note, Katerina who runs the place was extremely lovely and helpful and made us feel more than welcome. Richard who covered the bar in the evenings was also good fun and extremely knowledgeable. The pool and bar area were very nice and we met some really nice people out here which made it seem like one big happy family. This is something we have not experienced elsewhere and is what made the rest of our stay enjoyable. Katerina's mum puts on a barbecue every Sunday and this is outstanding. We met a lot of wonderful people who return every year and I can only think it is due to the friendly service provided by Katerina and her family that makes them return.
The views from the appartments and pool area are outstanding but I would not reccommend this for anyone with walking difficulties due to its location and steep incline.
We were also disspointed at Olympic's description of the location of these appartments. There is a bus stop just a minute's walk from the appartments, but the bus times are very unreliable, so you are best to walk the 35 minutes walk down to Elounda. The return to the appartments from Elounda is a good 40-45 minutes walk due to the steep incline and I would not reccomemend this at night as there are no footpaths. You would be better getting the taxi back for 5 euros. The nearest supermarket is also a good 10 minutes walk uphill but if you want fresh bread and more choice, you need to go into Elounda for this.
In my view, the accommodation really needs updating and more attention to cleaning. Other than this and the distance from Elounda, we had a brilliant holiday. Elounda is a beautiful resort and perfect for a quiet relaxing holiday. There is a great choice of tavernas and bars in Elounda and the food is fantastic.

1 reader found this review helpful

Been here 3 times and loved it. Run by some pretty cool people. Be warned Vasilis is a complete nut, and likes to 'Yammas it up' all night long. Don't take any notice of the sign saying 'Do not throw chairs in the pool'. Vasilis himself usually fills the pool with chairs when he's had a few rakis too many! Good sea view from pool area and apartments.

Lovely apartments with great hosts. A bit of a walk to town but OK - taxis and buses are available.
Excellent snacks and drinks during the day by the pool and drinks in the evening. Friendly and clean apartments - hope to go again.
Elounda is a great harbour resort - not too noisy but plenty of tavernas and bars to choose. Pleasant harbour and close to the very interesting island of Spinalonga - read the Island by V Hislop if not already done so.

My husband and I and our two daughters aged 4 & 10yrs had a lovely time, Vasilis and Katerina were very hospitable hosts. The pool was perfect, including the kiddie pool that my 4yr old loved!
Originally we had an apartment by the pool, however due to late night bar noise (my husband and I are not drinkers really) we found that even if we slept with the kids, with the air conditioner on we were still kept awake. We immediately asked the rep who I will say was very helpful, if we could change apartments and we were moved on the next change over day to a lovely apartment on the top floor of the block furthest from the pool/bar.
This apartment was a lot more spacious and clean and suited us much better. At night you couldn't really hear the noise and it was only a short hop down the steps to get to the pool!
The cooking facilities were very basic - only 2 hob rings & a kettle! Apparently this is normal in Greece. I wish that we had known that before we came, also we had to buy a frying pan as there was only 2 saucepans. But by the end of our stay we could cook almost anything including toast cooked on the hob ring!
The short walk to the bus stop is pointless as for only 5E you can be dropped into Elounda town by an air conditioned taxi and for 12E you can go to Agious Nickoalos!
All in all we had a lovely time! If you are thinking of going, I would pack a frying pan, chopping board and loads of sun cream! Also check out Agious (spelling?) beach near Agious Nickolaous - it perfect soft sand, safe sea and fun watersports are great fun for families, Katerina knows where it is, let her book a cab for you!
Spinolonga Island is very interesting too - read the the book 'The Island' as you arrive and live the book!

We have been to Elounda and the Vasillis apartments 3 times now. They were the best holidays ever. The pool was ideal for the children, and the bar was great for us adults.
Vasillis and Katerina were great fun and it was a party atmosphere every night if you wanted it to be. The views from the apartments are the best views in Elounda. You get plenty of exercise on the walk to the village but the taxi ride back is your best bet.
Vasillis and Katerina will do anything to help you during your stay, they are great.
Dimitris bar opposite the church is a great little place to eat and drink if you like to do as the locals do. Mams restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy a good meal and Nicos will always make you feel very welcome.
Visit Elounda and see for yourselves.

2 readers found this review helpful

The best holiday we've had in years!
Unlike the party poopers, we found Vasilis and Katerina the most welcoming hosts we could have hoped for, we found to our delight that Olympic had read our needs and put us as close to the pool and bar as possible!
Vasilis and Katerina are the best source of information for Elounda and the surrounding area, visit Nikos Taverna for the best in local fish (Katerina's recommendation), or wait until Vasilis moves the party to Elounda's select few night clubs.
Currently we're looking to go back to the same place later this year in August, most of the people we met at Vasilis had been several times before, and some weren't even staying there!
Great for couples of all ages (as long as you’re not dead yet!), good for kids but please don't take them when I'm there!

A fantastic holiday! We were welcomed to the apartment at 3 in the morning by Vasilis the hotel owned and made to feel nothing but welcome and almost part of the family right from the off. Although basic the accommodation has everything you could need, any minor gripes are put out of your head however as soon as you see the view over the pool into the bay across to Nissos Spinalonga.
Nothing is too much trouble to Vasilis and Katerina, if you need a taxi any time day or night they will book it, if they can't and its just a trip into the town Vasilis will drop you off. The entire family is so focused on customer service it would make anyone’s holiday. If you enjoy a drink as we did Vasilis is more than happy to work as late (or early) as you want to stay there and is always the life and soul of the party.
All in all a fantastic holiday that I would recommend to anyone.