Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel, Crete

Location staff

In need of modernisation, nothing substandard but looks like from a film in the 50s

We had a lovely stay overall. The property itself is beautiful, with spectacular views and a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Our bungalow was spacious and well-maintained, with the added bonus of a private pool—perfect for some quiet time as a family. The cleaning staff were always punctual and kept everything spotless, which we really appreciated. The staff in general were excellent—always polite and willing to help. We particularly found the team managing the sea transfer very pleasant. The spa staff were also very professional and made us feel comfortable throughout our visit. We also enjoyed the Yacht Club restaurant and Elboro, which both served very good food in lovely settings. The Greek coffee available at breakfast was one of the highlights—it was rich and aromatic, but you do need to ask for it as the standard coffee is quite weak.

That said, a few things could be improved. The breakfast was underwhelming, especially given the expectations for a hotel in Greece. The cereals were stale and the cooked food, especially the scrambled eggs, were dry and disappointing even when we asked for fresh ones. We booked a massage based on the spa’s brochure, which described it as a “full bespoke massage,” but what we actually received was a standard hammam. This was not what we expected, and had we known, we wouldn’t have booked it. Although the spa offered us a 50% discount to make up for it, we would have preferred the correct treatment, even at full price. The Greek night was another letdown. While the entertainment was acceptable, the food was far below the standard we experienced elsewhere in the hotel—particularly surprising given the high cost. Overall, we had a good experience. The setting, the staff, and many aspects of the hotel are excellent, but with a few key improvements—especially in breakfast and experience delivery—it could be outstanding.

Spectacular

This is the best hotel I have ever stayed at. The service was amazing and the location was perfect.

The restaurant prices were quite high but they were top class.

Excellent

Nothing

Location was good - halfway between Elounda Port and Agios Nikolaos. Grounds were well kept and presented nicely. Access to private beach and sea front was very good, and the majority of staff were incredibly helpful.

Hotel is a little tired and in need of a refurbishment. Whilst we were upgraded to a villa with a better view, the internal decor was dated, and the external area needed a bit of TLC. The gym was also very old and not fit for purpose, and we were never warned at time of booking that the gym in the other resort hotel wouldn't be available. Due to the age of the villa, we were attacked by mosquitos every night that must have been entering through cracks in the doors, or down the chimney. Also we had a very bad experience in the Deck restaurant on the first night that ensured we didn't eat at the resort again. There was a miscommunication with the waiter who replaced the food options that accompanied our Grouper fillet with french fries, rather than having french fries as a side order. Whilst it's ok to forgive them not understanding, his reaction was to tell us that we were wrong and we ordered it like that - very unprofessional. We essentially ended up paying 40euro for a small fish fillet and french fries just slapped on a plate.

Beautiful views, gorgeous hotel, good breakfast

The lounge chairs at the pool and beach were extremely uncomfortable. The didn’t have cushions. They weren’t up to what should be at a 5 star hotel. Food was overcooked and overpriced.

The family room for the four of us was comfortable and very spacious with nice Cretan decoration despite that it’s a large facility, it was cozy. The staff was nice. Nice quick drive into Agios Nikolas.

Elounda itself has many hotels so the views to left and right include other hotels

Lovely and lovingly done hotel. Everything was perfect. The pictures don’t do it justice. Easy to get to Elounda and Plaka villages, for great fish. Breakfasts boasted a wide array of options, alongside a menu of cooked items to choose from. Recommend the bungalow with pool.

Stunning property and easy access to beach and 15 min walk into the local village. Staff were wonderful and food was exceptional

Just wish there were smart tvs as all tv shows other than news was foreign language

Beautifully appointed with stunning views. Lots of characterful antiques dotted around. Yacht club restaurant is lovely. Very friendly staff.

We stayed in a pool bungalow and it was incredible. We had planned to go to Spinalonga, but didn’t want to leave after we saw it. Beautiful 5* resort with amazing views.

Design & beach

Breakfast offering & quality

Absolutely fantastic experience. Beautiful setting, amazing hotel, wonderful staff and service. Highly recommend!

Magnificent location. Beautifully designed, stylish property, fantastic food options both in the hotel and nearby, excellent pool, small but lovely private beach, range of watersports on tap, very family/child friendly.

Besides being in one of the most beautiful settings in the world, the staff is the most accommodating and welcoming we have found anywhere, at any level. They will know you by name and go out of their way to ensure your comfort.

Any property as spread out and on the sea will have challenges. This group rises to overcome all of them so the guest is not impacted.

All ok

All the music was not Greek

Excellent staff

More water and towels

The staff was amazing. They were so kind and attentive. Our suite was beautiful with a wonderful pool with a beautiful view of the ocean and the mountains of Crete. We loved the architectural character’ of the property. There were so many offerings we did not even get to use, but we are sure they are done with excellence.

Would have loved for the private pool to have been heated, but we certainly used it anyway! Small shower..

Wonderful location. Luxurious hotel with excellent facilities whilst retaining Cretan charm.

Loud music from a private event one evening.

Glorious location Delightful staff Luxury

Hotel restaurants quite pricey

Excellent location , staff was amazing beyond amazing

We had a bad experience with the room the first night it smelled very bad almost sewer like and next morning after i complained the hostess said she had noticed it too and had informed house keeping. They did move us into an upgraded room next day but i did ask for a refund for the first night that was not done

This was an absolute dream location for our wedding anniversary and the staff of the Elounda Mare made it so special for us in every possible way. This is definitely a Relais and Chateaux member. Our bungalow with the private pool was a heaven‘s nest with a breathtaking view, all beautifully decorated. Well thought-through interior with features that make your stay very enjoyable (pool can be heated, nice lights, nice light fixtures and lamps all over, shower with features, towel heater, Nespresso, smart pad with newspapers, W-Lan worked without problems). The whole ground is like a crete village, with a lot to discover and beautiful spots everywhere. Wonderful architecture. Very well kept and maintained. All very elegant, main building interior of reception and bar reminds of Frank Lloyd Wright; the view over the sea is breathtaking. Beautiful gardens, large outdoor pool and sandy beach with crystal clear water and wonderful possibility to swim from one beach to another sunbathing spot. Watersport can be easily rented. All pools are ecofriendly filled with saltwater. Tennis and golf can be played. Six senses spa can be visited (extra charge)in the other Elounda next door. Restaurants can be found on ground or reachable by water taxi, which is in our opinion the most wonderful way to start your dinner. The crew was exceptional friendly. On ground the restaurant Old Mill outshines, it is haute cuisine at its finest. We have to mention again the outshining and excellent treatment of us as customer from the whole staff, starting at the shuttle which one can rent and who takes you from the airport to the hotel and back, to the always helpful reception (thank you again Vassilis), the housekeeping, the shuttle services, the breakfast and restaurant staff until the wonderful barkeeper. You all made our stay a dream come true - thank you!

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Location was superb , design and facilities excellent. Food was very high standard . Staff were attentive

All info was on an I pad in the room but was very slow to respond . Easier to go and ask staff but would have liked more information on things locally

The breakfast each morning was excellent!

The breakfast is exceptional, with local herbs, cheeses and oil plus a huge variety of "international" food. The staff are attentive but not overbearing. The clientele were also polite.

Everything, rooms, location, beach, food, cleanliness, staff👍 👍👍

Everything but most of all the staff

Nothing. It was absolutely perfect