Dear Yiannis, I'm so sorry that I didn't respond to your earlier email asking for my feedback. Our time in Crete was wonderful, particularly the parts that you organised or advised us on. Villa Erghina was the perfect place to stay: it very quickly felt like our own home. I'm only sorry that we didn't have room in our luggage to take home the complimentary olive oil and raki! The car was exactly what we needed, and we had no problems with it, except that the handbrake didn't work very well. We reported this at the end. Also, the Green Motion staff weren't initially aware of your offer to let us have a second driver for no extra charge. However, the moment we showed them a copy of your email about this, they accepted the condition very cordially, without further objection. Generally we were very happy indeed with the car. You suggested we go to Chora Sfakion, and from there to Marmara Beach and Dialiskari. This was excellent advice. We booked directly with Casa Delfino for one night (i.e. not through you), but I might as well mention to you that it is an excellent hotel (especially, oh my God, the breakfast). There were a couple of small problems - the hotel didn't seem aware of the general custom of having tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms, and one of the telephones didn't work - but in both cases the matters were addressed promptly and efficiently. Generally we found Crete completely delightful, and the Cretan people charming, hospitable, cheerful and hard-working. We ate some marvellous food, but I wish we'd had more opportunity to sample the genuine χωριάτικη φαγητό. That is just one of the reasons why we are so keen to return! Again, many thanks for your help and advice. You do an excellent job. All our best wishes,
- Paul and Tessa
Hi Yiannis, Our activity (Amalthia-Making Cretan Cheese In The Heart Of Psiloritis Natural Park ) was awesome! Penelope is an amazing guide, and any traveler to Crete will be lucky to have her as their teacher. The whole event exceeded my exceptions and was one of the highlights of our trip. Thank you so much for checking in!
- Susan
Yiannis, good to hear from you.
We definitely enjoyed our time in Crete...the people, scenery and weather were all highlights.
We rented a car from Anna Cars and found the vehicle to be quite new and in very good condition. The staff were also very helpful and accommodating.
As for our accommodation, I'll comment on each in order of stay:
Atrion Hotel was a little tricky to find (our flight was delayed and we got in quite late) but once there it was close to the old town centre and the pedestrian mall which we enjoyed. The room was acceptable. However, parking was at a premium and was difficult. They provide an excellent breakfast in a nice outdoor setting.
Villa Kerasia Inn was undoubtedly one of the highlights on our trip. The owner and staff were very helpful and accommodating. Breakfast was excellent and they serve a dinner each night for 4 or more guests for 16 euros including wine...excellent value and great conversation with guests from all over Europe, Australia & North America. The rooms are comfortable, not lavish. The Villa overlooks the valley and is near a small village and therefore is very quiet. A pool and attractive outdoor area is available for guest use. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and very good value.
Arcus Luxury Suites is tucked away in a small town. The accommodation is very nice and the property features a pool, deck area and attractive garden. It is very quiet however and there is not much around there. On balance, we would have preferred to have stayed longer in Rethymnon. Quite expensive, although our unit had a full kitchen which we did not really need or use.
Atrium Ambiance Hotel is located in a nice area of Rethymnon one block from the beach and is within walking distance to the old town. Plenty of retaurants in the area. This is a new, very modern hotel which offers nice rooms, pool & deck area. The restaurant serves nice meals and provides an excellent complimentary breakfast. Excellent value & highly recommended.
Hotel Porto Loutro is located on the south coast of the island and requires leaving the car and taking a ferry to Loutro. The drive to the south coast and the setting is worth the trip alone. Hotel accommodation is very basic and the breakfast is average at best. The hotel setting and the views of the bay and village are very nice. There is a large pebble beach and numerous outdoor restaurants along the shoreline. There are several interesting hikes in the area. Recommended if you want to see the south coast and are looking for a relaxing stay. Hotel is a little pricey for what you get.
Milia Traditional Village is quite different as it is a restored old Cretan Village located in a very remote location (requiring some effort to find it). Extremely quiet, fairly basic accommodation yet interesting. The village has a superb restaurant in a marvellous setting. Excellent complimentary breakfast. Well worth seeing, noting it is fairly close to Hania. One of the top eco-resorts in the world according to National Geographic Magazine.
Royal Sun is located high up on a hill overlooking Hania. Excellent views of the city and the bay. Very nice view rooms, huge swimming pool and nice patio area. Hotel offers a superb complimentary breakfast and serves good meals. The hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle into the old town every 30 minutes (which we found very convenient). Very quiet location. EXTREMELY GOOD VALUE.
That sums up our impressions of our accommodation in Crete.
Once again Yiannis, thank you for helping us put our Crete itinerary together... our trip went very well. My main regret was not flying out of Hania rather than returning to Iraklion for our return flight.
