Elios Hill

So for start the kitchen and most of the staff were lovely. I’m gluten free and the head chef could not have been more accommodating or helpful. They even made me gluten free pizza and walked me through everything I could eat. Unfortunately the rooms were the biggest let down and the hotel is not 4 star hotel more like 2/3. The rooms were incredibly dated and dirty. There was marks on the sheets, marks where the tiles had not been cleaned. Even wrappers on the floor and mug marks on the tables. The bathroom felt unclean and bugs came out of the rotten wooden window when we opened it. We arrived at 4am and went to ask for another room. We were met with a very unhelpful and rude man who stated there was no other rooms and ‘it was only a little dirty’. We then complained to our TUI rep who agreed the room wasn’t as advertised and even pulled a face when we showed her the photos. We then we’re given another room which felt cleaner (at least it didn’t have white marks on the sheets) but it was in no way 4 star. We were then plagued with ants which got into the bed and resulted in many bites. Most of the hotel has a big problem with ants. Please also note that you have to pay to use the safes daily. You also have to pay to lock your luggage away after check out (these are one time use) and if you take it out you have to may again. It has potential but the rooms themselves have just been left to fall apart.

I stayed here with my boys for a week and we had a lovely time. I was concerned after reading some reviews but although some of the points made were correct it was not as bad as I expected.....for example the restaurant is busy but you work out which times are good and go when it suits you, we tended to get there when it opened (except for breakfast) and were always able to get a table where we wanted. The downside is that there is no system or structure so it is a free for all and it can be frustrating when you are politely queueing and someone pushes in, my 16 year old sons found this very annoying as they have been raised to be polite and respectful and didn't understand why the other guests weren't. The pools were always busy and you had the typical towels on beds and not being used for most of the day but we did get at least one bed each day and weren't there all day so it didn't matter so much for us. The drinks menu is a little disappointing but I'm not a big drinker so no probs. Our room (101) was the closest to the main complex so very convenient however it also meant that there were people passing a lot and the buses would go past at all hours and the electric buggy's going over the speed bumps was particularly annoying in the middle of the night, so although we didn't have to climb the hills each day it may have been preferable to get better sleep. The room was very basic but beds very comfy. Nice little terrace to sit out. Bathroom definitely needed updating but was cleaned each day & shower gel provided. No fan so it got very hot and steamed up easily. We did get some giant cockroaches in our room on a couple of nights which wasn't pleasant but not the hotels fault. Reception were always very helpful, I asked for extra hangers, also borrowed an iron and when I said our fridge had stopped working someone came out to sort it straight away. One negative was that there are no English TV channels and although we didn't go on holiday to watch TV it would have been nice to have something to put on when we went back to our room in the evening because the evening entertainment was not for my boys age group, mainly catered for families with young children. Food was really nice, always a large selection and plenty there, all the kitchen staff do a great job of keeping the restaurant flowing. The views from the restaurant to the front of the hotel are amazing, such a beautiful view for dining. The free shuttle bus to Star Beach is great, we used it twice and went to the Spar which is definitely cheaper than the on site shop. We also booked a trip (to Spinalonga) at the tourist desk there with Dora who was so friendly and helpful and the trip was cheaper than booking through TUI, only difference was that we had to walk to the nearest bus stop rather than being picked up from the hotel. Gym was poorly equipped so didn't bother using it. Spa costs seemed a bit expensive so didn't indulge. The large sofa area in reception is a nice space to relax. W

Zeus hotels After travelling for 8 hours and arriving at 9pm we were told our block had ‘no electricity’.’ Our family and a few others were told we could not stay and were taken to their other 5* hotel Blue Sea Beach (Stalis) by taxi. We were offered food before we left. We are given all inclusive at the new place which was very nice. Reading other reviews, this is not uncommon, but we weren’t expecting it, we just wanted to relax and unpack. Overbooking seems to be a common issue here and the other hotel is used regularly- our room (362) was ready the following morning (as check out is at 11) but we spent a while waiting at Stalis for our taxi (supplied by the hotel). The story about no electricity didn’t stack up as the other people we came back with were put in other blocks and there were people already in the other rooms. We would have preferred honesty. When we did finally arrive at Zeus, as a sweetener, we were given 2 x 30mins massages in the spa, which we used. There was a push to spend more but I declined as we hadn’t had the best start. The massages however, were lovely. Room Room 362 was half way up the hill overlooking the sea and also the main pool/childrens pool, there was loud music all day so no chance of a siesta and the towels were out very early. The room had sun in the afternoon and early evening . Typical Greek basic style but clean and adequate for a two week holiday. Room cleaned daily. Good air con - thank you! However, the Wifi wasn’t good at all! The suite had two rooms, with adjoining door giving some privacy to our daughter, and two balconies. Very hard single bed though - our daughter found it very uncomfortable and had to put a duvet under her, which didn’t really improve things. When we first used the shower it flooded the bathroom as the drain was bunged up. Also, the hairdryer started smoking but a call to reception got things sorted very quickly. Maintenance are very prompt in their golf buggies and will also take you up the hill if needed. It’s very steep and tough in 30 degree heat! The hotel has a mix of nationalities- including lots of Germans and French. Beautiful Gardens- well maintained. An abundance of noisy crickets! A lovely spot, it does feel like a liitle bit of paradise. Pools No lifeguard at pools (apart from 2 in the waterpark) although all signs at the pools mention a life guard! No enforcement of towels on sun beds, no chance of a bed at all unless you got up very early, no spare beds that could be used when it gets busy. Unsupervised children were left for hours on end, presumably it would be up to the other guests to help/save them! The soft drinks/slush tasted sickly sweet. However the coffees were good. We spent all our days at the relax pool. Joanna was amazing there - keeping everyone in check. She made our holiday and helped us to relax! Thank you Joanna! She ensured there were no ball throwing and asked people to be respectful and quiet - she was sometimes ignored. Si