Minos Palace Hotel

“ All the staff were of a high standard, courteous and provided good service. The menus were varied and of a good standard and there is a choice of different types of places to eat for a main meal or a lunchtime snack. We did find the prices high and missed a shop on site for buying water, sun cream etc, The ice creams were very expensive at 6 euros for a small ice cream tub. The setting is glorious and the water sport centre close by for hiring a pedal;o, kayak, waterskiing or taking the boat to Aghios Nikolias

“ Top Tip: Great restaurants in Elounda looking over to Spinalonga, we ate at the Lotus Eaters and the food and service were excellent

“ Hotel set in a stunning location on the top of a small island like peninuslar. That said, access to the hotel follows a climb up a steep and winding road with a steep ramp / stairs to the main reception area. The gardens look out to sea and lead down to a small beach area and an extensive decked sunbathing area with superb sea views. The hotel however is not suitable for anybody with walking difficulties! Also, you have to go back on yourself to walk into Aghios Nikolaos - the hotel is only about 1 km from town but twice the distance or more by road!

Initial registration at the hotel was complimented by a glass of iced tea served at the front desk! An excellent touch which was followed by the provision of a complimentary bottle of red wine in your bedroom on the first evening.

Bedrooms were very large with good sized bathrooms and spacious balconies for a Greek property. Whilst all rooms are "sea view" we asked for an immediate move as a large palm tree all but obscured our view! Moving was easy which suggested that reception staff were used to this request! Rooms were very clean with fresh linen, towels and beach towels daily. Bath robes and slippers are also provided.

Breakfast was excellent ( large American style buffet ) but buffet dinner disappointing -quality and choice excellent but very little in the way of Greek / Cretan options. A bottle of wine was very expensive.

Evening entertainment very poor for a hotel of this size being restricted to a pianist in the overpriced bar area 6 nights a week. Very few patrons!

Whilst could not really fault the hotel it was very impersonal with the exception of staff on the front desk. It is not "5 star" by any definition, "4 star superior" as indicated in many UK tour operator brochures is more realistic. The nearby Mirabello is probably a better choice especially for young couples and families - you can get "all inclusive" for about the Minos Palace half board price albeit you have to pay for sun beds in their private beach area!

All in all, would fully recommend for those wanting a relaxing stay in a quality "4 star" establishment.

“ Top Tip: Well worth a lunch visit to the taverna on the main road, right hand side going towards the Mirabello hotel. Very amusing Greek lady with some very "Only Fools and Horses" type phrases! Excellent!

“ We were emailed by you to say that The Minos Palace was closing early. We stayed in The Alantha apartments