Hotel Elounda Bay Palace

The Elounda Bay Palace is located 5.5 miles from the Aghios Nikolaos seaside resort, closed to the village of Elounda (1 mile). Count about one hour for transfers to Heraklion airport (40 miles).

Hotel guests are welcome to use the sports equipment and services of the Elounda Beach, the luxury-class hotel, located nearby.

Built in 1972, the hotel is located at the end of a creek and extends to a large portion of the seashore. Both main buildings are modern, 3-storey constructions. This is where you will find the lobby as well as all double rooms. A little further, on either side of the creek and surrounded by gardens, the bungalows feature the most luxurious rooms of the hotel. These are small, modern, one-level buildings scattered on several terraces. All have a private lawn and/or swimming pool. In the central area is a large seawater swimming pool (4,304 feet²) and a children's pool, surrounded by a wooden solarium. Large, well-groomed lawns offer wooden deckchairs and parasols (free towel service). Next to the outdoor swimming pool, the wellness centre includes a fresh water pool (1,614 feet²), fitness room, and the pool bar.

There are several room categories. Superior rooms (237 feet²) are all located in the main building. They include a double bed and a convertible single bed. They overlook, either the mountain, or the sea. Deluxe rooms (484--538 feet²) have a view of the gardens or the sea. They include a king size bed and a sitting area. Superior bungalows are small 226 feet² units with one bedroom, a bathroom, and a balcony or terrace (sea view). Last, de uxe bungalows (377--430 feet²) are located in the hotel gardens, next to the swimming pool. They offer a bedroom area, sitting area, veranda, and patio. For all categories, comfort is sufficient. Remote control air conditioning, satellite television, safe, well-stocked minibar, telephone with direct line and voice mail. The marble bathrooms feature a tub, sink, toilets, hair dryer, robes, slippers, and welcome toiletries. Some rooms have a CD player and television in the bathroom.

The main restaurant is a large, pleasant room, well-organised with room around the buffets. It is open for all three meals. It offers satisfactory international gastronomy with some local specialities. The Ariadne Kafenion tavern is an à la carte restaurant open for lunch (and dinner in season). Count approximately 24 pounds sterling for a meal without drinks (international gastronomy and Greek specialities). This is where, once a week, a Greek evening is organised. Last, the Thalassa fish restaurant, located at the end of the creek on the sea front, is open in the evening only. Once a week, the hotel organises a fishing evening there.

''Private'' beaches are two small white sand coves, tucked within the hotel limits. They have deckchairs, tables, parasols, and shower, with free towels and mattresses. The setting is pleasant, with a view of Spinalonga peninsula and, in the distance, the Cretan coast. This very quiet place is barely affected by the surrounding bungalows. The creek's rocks have been covered and arranged into a long boardwalk along the coast. On one end of this pier is the yacht club, offering a wide variety of (paying) water sports. On the other end, and on the other side, is the fish restaurant. Both beaches are separated by a large snack-bar, very comfortable and attractive, with a round patio sticks out onto the sea.