Nicolas Villas Hotel and Apartments

“ The food was lovely with lots of typical Greek dishes. The staff were friendly and helpful especially the manageress who offered to send out for food on the last day as the hotel was closing but we did not take up the offer and the last meal was superb although the usual buffet had been cleared away.

The accommodation was very basic and the mattresses thin and lumpy and we could have done with a bedside light

The outside pool bar was a bit noisy for the early part of the night but thankfully closed before midnight.

A previous review mentioned lots of mosquitoes so we took precautions but did not encounter a single mosquitoe!

Overall good value for money but definitely no frills.

“ Top Tip: If you dont want to take the shuttle bus to Agia Pelagia Psmoura (spelling) is a delightful little beach about a mile away with a good family taverna called Stelios.

“ Lovely Greek 3 star hotel!! I am an ex holiday rep (7 years) and the only problem with this hotels was the whingers who paid for a 3 star and expected a 5 star hotel, they tried to ruin other peoples holidays. The hotel is very clean, the food is good basic home cooked Greek style, lovely views from the balcony, staff are very hard working and the shuttle to the beach is a bonus, go expecting a friendly 3 star 40 mins walk from the village and you'll be very happy as we were!

“ Top Tip: Be friendly to the staff they are lovely and work very long hours, they are very helpful and do their best to help

“ We travelled as a family with 2 boys aged 5 & 15 and we had an amazing holiday. Hotel was excellent, staff very friendly and soo hardworking. Food was delicious and very greek, even my fussy 15 year old loved the food.
We loved the location as it was so peaceful but there is a mini bus throughout the day to take you to town. Agia Pelagia is gorgeous, very quiet and again typically greek.

Take some mozzie cream though if you are prone, you'll need it!!!
Would we go back??? In a heartbeat and we never normally go back to the same place again.

“ The hotel itself, its owners and staff could not be faulted. They made every effort to make our stay faultless. The staff (Yannis et al) are ever so friendly and pleasant. We stayed in the newer block (we were offered the choice of rooms) with sea views from the balcony. The food was typically Greek and most of the produce was grown locally. The pool area was clean with ample sun-loungers at various times of the day.

The clientele were split 50/50 between English and Russian and although it did not create a particular friendly atmosphere, there were no major issues to note as people just kept themselves to themselves.

The hotel provide a free mini-bus service into the village several times a day. Overall we could not find anything wrong with Nicolas Villas.

However.... on a personal note, we found the hotel to be a little out of the way (2km to the beach). It is perched on a hillside surrounded by a farm on one side and a garage on the other. There was a serious issue with mosquito's especially at night, there wasn't one guest who didn't require a trip to the chemist for bug spray, bite cream and repellent.

Agia Pelagia was a little claustrophobic with very little to see. the beach is narrow and there is no space between the sea, the beach and the tavernas.

We booked a transfers with 'HolidayTaxi'. The taxi drivers in Crete must have a death wish especially the person who drove like a complete lunatic on the trip back to the airport. Once in the airport we were quickly herded into the sweat box that was the departure lounge. We boarded in plenty of time only to be held (along with two other Jet2 flights) on the apron for an additional 40 mins for no apparent reason.

Currently Greece is experiencing some financial issues, this is reflected in the cost of items in the shops and bars. One other guest paid over 25 Euro for 1 Pizza and 2 cokes. The local bar and shop owners are complaining that the hotels are providing AI to guests and preventing them from making a living. In reality tourists wont be ripped off and i think this was demonstrated by the huge amount of empty SC apartments in the locality.

“ Top Tip: Hire a car, but only if your brave enough.........