Akti Olous Hotel

Thank God for the help and information you get from Trip Advisor. as we took advice and asked for a room away from the property which is being built next door. Although we were on that side of the hotel, our room was at the rear and we did not have to look at a brick wall about 6 feet from our balcony. Instead we had a fab side view of the sea and spent hours watching the fishermen coming and going, much better than TV. We were very pleased with the hotel, our room was large and kept spotless, and our 9 year old was pleased to have a proper bed in our room, instead of the usual fold down sofa. The breakfasts were basic, but I don't normally have time for breakfast, so I was quite pleased to have scrambled eggs and crusty bread . There were usually a couple of cereals available, cold ham, cheese, yoghurt, fruit, juice, coffee and hot dog sausages, beans and a variety of eggs. Not 5*, but then we didn't pay 5*prices. But the dining area must be one of the best, we would take our breakfast across the little road and sit next to the beach, feeding the fish, swimming beside us in the beautiful clear blue water, it kept our son entertained for hours, not to mention us. I cannot comment on the evening meals as we ate out and like to try different tavernas, and revisit previous favourites. The selection in Elounda is great and we only ate at one which disappointed us. This is the one furter along the sea road , heading to the village,at the bottom of the slope (used to be called the dutch bar). My son was desperate to sit in one of their cane swinging chairs. The lunch we ate there was very poor and although they were extremely friendly, giving us undrinkable bottles of wine to take with us when they learned we were going home the next day, we would not go back. Our favoutrite was Mans and Nico was as hospitable as ever, entertaining his many regulars with his singing and dancing and his food was fantastic and great value for money, my in laws, who are extremely fussy, said it was the best sea bass they had ever tasted, and they taste some fish !! We would go back to this hotel as we had an enjoyable and troublefree holiday there, what more can you ask for ?

EleniDerbyshire review says it all! We're greece addicts and Elounda is the best yet. it is truly a beautiful and wonderful place with the friendliest people and the most stunning scenery. The hotel was in a perfect peaceful location and the views from the rooftop pool are spectacular. We had some cloudy and wet weather when we went but took the opportunity to drive to the Lassithi plateau which was brilliant. Walking out from the hotel, you can go along the causeway and over the hill on the island opposite to a wonderful quiet little sandy beach with clear clear blue sea - but go early before the Spinalonga barbq boat arrives at 11 am and spoils your tiny bit of paradise! Melissos restaurant next door to the hotel is wonderful - try the lamb baked with 3 cheeses mmmmmmm!! But all the restaurants we ate in were fantastic. The hotel was spotless and the staff lovely. The area where you eat breakfast has to be the best breakfast spot (and at night, nightcap spot!) ever! Enjoy - ooo, and be wary of the spinalonga trip we went on - he claims to know all sorts about leprosy but just bores you all day and calls you down from the lovely views on deck to listen to 'his story' and won't leave you until you join him inside the boatand miss all the views!! stick to doing these things yourself if you like peace and quiet to explore at your own pace!!

We booked this as a last minute cheap break to escape the rain in Britain. We had been to Elounda before but not since we had had our daughter (now aged 7). The hotel is in a beautiful spot, right on the edge of a massive bay. The beach at the front is shingly and small but was never busy. The hotel restaurant has a pier-like structure that juts out into the sea and holds about 12 tables. You can look down directly into the clear sea and watch the sealife from your table. The pool and surrounding area was compact but beautifully clean and the views are stunning. However the pool doesn't have a shallow end so is not suitable for non-swimmers or underconfident swimmers. Fortunately our daughter is a good swimmer. The children's play area is literally just a ride-on duck on a spring! In terms of facilities, I would not recommend this hotel for families with young children. However, in terms of friendliness and helpfulness of the owners and staff, children are more than welcomed. The rooms are very clean and adequate. There is no kettle and our travel kettle fused when I tried to use it. The air-conditioning is extra (6 euros per day) but is efficient. We asked for a room with a shower (it seems to be either bath or shower) and you get the usual inadequate shower curtain and water everywhere, but at least it soon dries! There is a shell of a new building right close next door and no work was being carried out while we were there. If you do get a room on that side, it may impede your view a bit. Breakfast was a simple buffet and the hot choice was often on the cold side. I ended up having bread, cheese and tomato and a bowl of lovely greek yoghurt with honey. You just have to be adaptable! We were half board because it hardly cost anymore than b & b but we ate out most of the time because there were so many lovely tavernas in Elounda. The hotel food was adequate - a selection of starters from a buffet table and then a set main course with no choice. What you do if you are on a specific diet, I don't know. If you want 4 or 5 star luxury, this hotel isn't for you but if you are happy with a clean and friendly hotel, then you should be fine. The location of the hotel is lovely. It is in a peaceful spot but only a few minutes walk into Elounda. Elounda was a little fishing village but has grown to accommodate tourists. However it has not lost its charm. It would suit people who want authenticity with the availability of creature comforts. It would not suit those who want a huge sandy beach and wall-to-wall nightlife. There is a children's playground but it is surfaced in gravel and the play equipment looks a bit dodgy to say the least! Our daughter has been used to holidays with kids clubs and evening entertainment and English standard playgrounds. We thought she would be bored but she loved Elounda and soaked up the atmosphere.

Acti Olous is a comfortable hotel set in what turned out to be a wonderful little bit of heaven. The beach is small and shingle and there is an unfinished building blocking the views from the north side of the hotel. The rooms are a little small but clean and comfortable, the staff are very friendly and helpful, the food is plentiful and always served with a smile. Breakfast may not be 5 star, but it was filling and tasty, and to be able to eat it at the waters edge feeding the fishes with bread rolls was such a tranquil and amazing experience. However, the hotel is also surrounded by numerous fabulous taverna's where the food is fresh and fantastic. The locals are all marvellous and very welcoming. I'd go back any day, but I would make sure I got a room on the south side. Spinalonga bar-be-que trip is a MUST !

We thought the Akti Olous was good value, but there were shortcomings. A new, unfinished building is now very close to the north side of the hotel, blocking the light and the views from the rooms on that side (I have posted a couple of photos to show this). The breakfasts were OK but not very good quality, although the pleasant dining room and outdoor terrace compensated somewhat for this. Rooms were on the small side but clean and comfortable. The hotel is is an excellent position - right by the lagoon, not too far from the town centre, and close to the peninsula for walks and swimming/snorkelling. Our advice would be to ask for a south-facing room, which would give you more sunshine and good views. B&B is probably a better option than half-board.

A friend and myself had booked this hotel after cancelling a hotel that had dreadful reviews. A few weeks before flying out I read the reviews for this hotel and thought what have we done. I was amazed to discover that the hotel was wonderful. The rooms were clean, the staff very courteous and the breakfast was wonderful. We had booked in half board and the evening meal was a little to be desired, however, was not disgusting. The setting of the hotel is idyllic. To eat your breakfast sitting over the sea is magical. The views are stunning. Only a short walk into Elounda and loads of wonderful Tavernas. Looking out from our hotel we could see Spinalonga made famous by Victoria Hislop in her book The Island, which everyone seemed to be reading. I would recommend this hotel for a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and defintely if you are of a friendly disposition.

Elounda is a great resort with plenty of tavernas in the square. The hotel rooms were clean and comfortable and cleaned daily. The view from the roof garden is amazing. We stayed half board, buffet breakfast then buffet starter for dinner with choice of salads and one hot dish eg soup, spag bol etc then the main course was set (so if you like to choose your meals i suggest going B&B) food was ok. Reception staff were very helpful and speak good English. Overall a nice budget hotel set in an excellent location - would definately recommend!

This hotel is ideal for couples, close to the main square with private beach and roof top pool with fantastic views. Room was cleaned every day even checkout day. Prefered to eat out as there were so many tavernas closeby where we were spoiled rotten and the food was excellent. Cant wait to get back.

I've never written a review before, but this hotel really made me feel the need to send out some warnings... Elounda's alright. The hotel is poor, the worst I've ever had the misfortune of staying in. Although it was dirt cheap it still wasn't worth the money. Room 426, what a treat, it was diabolical, two single beds pushed together which were on wheels at one end, so moved when you did, not so good for couples. Absolutely rotten bathroom, a terrible 70's brown and orange number, from which you could clearly hear the characters uptairs/downstairs or next door indulging in their own spluttery toilet activities. The shower was broken and soaked the whole floor. The view was to die for though. Yes, I did consider suicide. No, I jest, It wasn't quite that bad, but an absolute shocker non the less. The view was of a building site, which was nice, but the sound of good honest hard work being carried out on site from 8:30am really made the experience, without that you might've almost forgotten that you were 'on site'. The cleaners were a nice pair, a real eagar couple of beavers who thought nothing of waking you with a little knock on the door from 9:30am. Then there were the phone calls which came in randomly some mornings, but with no one on the other end? So not such a great place if you likes your sleep. Then there was the morning I recieved a phone call from reception telling me I had to move my car as it was "causing trouble in the neighbourhood" (copyright 'The fresh Prince of bel air"), The problem being that my car was parked next to a neighbours lowered kerb, not infringing his lowered kerb, but next to it. When I went to move it he started yelling at me, saying he needed 6 metres either side, which was about the half the length of the road, which I didn't take kindly to. The pool was small and a bit dirty. We went on a B&B basis, but never made breakfast, despite everyones attempts to lure us down there. Glad I didn't go half board though, it all seemed a little 'mickey mouse'. The only redeeming features were the little beach & the staff, who were very friendly. AVOID!!!!

akti olous hotel is small and quite but that is a good thing. the meals were ok but it was the same every night. there are only a few beds around the pool because it is a small hotel. even though the pool is small it is big enough to swim in. there is a good thing about the pool been on the roof and that is the views. don't be put off about this hotel i am only saying what i think because i went there