Giannoulis – Cavo Spada Luxury Sports & Leisure Resort & Spa

“Don't think about booking this hotel, just get it booked and go there.”

I have just returned from ten days at this hotel and have previously traveled extensively throughout Greece, Europe and the Caribbean. This is not a large hotel, I didn’t release how small (intimate) until my arrival, I was aware from the research on Trip Advisor that it was not in a busy area. ... more

I have just returned from ten days at this hotel and have previously traveled extensively throughout Greece, Europe and the Caribbean. This is not a large hotel, I didn’t release how small (intimate) until my arrival, I was aware from the research on Trip Advisor that it was not in a busy area. On being dropped off following our transfer, I was initially more than a little apprehensive due to its location. However how wrong we were to be worried; this is a wonderful, friendly and brilliant hotel. Reception – The staff whilst always friendly, seemed to be quiet and reserved when we had initially walked past, however when we approached wanting information, we were blown away by how informative and helpful they were. The staff assisted with bus information, provided timetables and useful information about the buses and where to go, what stops to ask for where to travel. The hotel on its electronic notice board mentioned ‘little fun train’ excursions, when we asked about this not only were we provided with information the staff on two occasions actually booked the trips and provided details how to get to the train, these trip were superb. We found the room spotless, well cleaned each day, the bed consisted of two single beds pushed together, they were comfortable, and we slept well. The water was always hot and the bath and shower were excellent. Previous reviews mention the towels were well used and this is correct, it would have been nice for them to be newer and softer, however this is being picky. We had water left in the mini bar every day and again a minor point, we did not need numerous alcoholic drinks in the fridge at extortionate costs. Our room looked over poolrooms, these looked amazing and were seldom used, however on one occasion when children were screaming and shouting below us in the water at the end of the day spoiling our time relaxing on our balcony, a call to guest relations resulted in a visit within five minutes and the noise ceasing, whilst the kids continued to play. Please note if travelling with TUI, we paid extra for a Sea View, what we got was a partial side sea view, this is not the fault of the hotel, it’s the fault of TUI. The reason being the way the hotel is built it can only give a side view, however still not a bad view. Pool bar. The staff at this bar worked tirelessly, recently at hotels in Spain the staff seemed harassed and unfriendly, here at Cavo Spada, it is the opposite, I am sorry I did not note the names of the male and female who operated the pool bar during out stay, but they were friendly, relaxed, the interaction with customers was amazing and they always had time to speak and be friendly. Whilst the spirits and cocktails were not strong, this is probably a good idea due to the number of times I visited each day. Again if I was going to be a little picky I would have preferred a better lager, previously in Greece I have stayed in hotels offering Mythos and Alpha which in my opinion are better that ‘Cretan’ lager on offer. Restaurants – We only ate at the buffet restaurant for out meals. The breakfast, lunch and evening meals offered plenty of choice, the food was very good and varied, the desserts were to die for, I could have gone each day and just eaten desserts they were that good, I am now home and on a diet, but do not regret indulging in the food. The breads, salads and fruit were also excellent. Like other previous guests noted in the Trip Advisor reviews, I was not happy having to pay over 20 euros each to attend the fish night and BBQ night, it cost me a lot of money to stay at this hotel as an all-inclusive guest and having to pay extra for the two meals and to pay for the drinks at the Ala Carte restaurant at 18 euros each I thought a little mean. A quick word on dress code, I had packed a couple of pair of long trousers fearing they would be required in the evening, however they were not, smart shots were fine. It was good to see on two occasions that male guests were asked to leave the food area when they attended in beachwear. The inside bar which we used during the evening. This was run by three of the most hard working women I have come across, queues sometimes occasionally formed but were quickly dealt with and again the staff were so friendly and always smiling and keen to speak. Whist we were there the England soccer games were shown and again the staff did everything possible to ensure we were all able to watch. The pool. I loved the pool, whilst it is not deep it is ideal for kids and adults alike, it was never rowdy and so needed as it was very hot. I particularly loved the pool which was also very clean. Outside snack bar. You will gather by now that I like this hotel, however I thought the food on offer at this area was of poor quality and whilst people clearly used it during the day, I was surprised as the lunch buffet in the restaurant was so good. Toilets – Mention has been made in previous reviews about there not being toilets in the inside bar/dining area. This surprised me that people would complain about this, whilst it is correct, there are eight male and eight female toilets on the floor below, these are immaculate and modern, to access them it is down a flight of sixteen step, hardly a long way and for the guest who was in the wheelchair there is a lift. This was not an issue at all. Beach. The beach is made up of large pebbles and a little sand. We took water shoes and as a result were easily able to access and swim in the sea, my advice, take water shoes, watching people without attempting to walk back from the sea looked unnecessarily difficult. Sun loungers – Either on the beach or on the grassed area were plentiful. We preferred the grassed area next to the pool, we never had a problem getting one and they were fine. I have noted previous reviews mention the beach towels were a little rough, it is true but its only to lay on and whilst you do have to pay a deposit, this is refundable and you can change the towels whenever you want. Is the hotel isolated? In my opinion it is not, it is true there is little near to the hotel, but in my view this is what makes this hotel special. Whilst it seems isolated, it is a 35 minute walk along the beach to the fishing village of Kolumbari (please note we are both in our sixties when I say it was 35 min)There are a couple of small supermarkets nearby on the main road and the bus services is excellent. Bus service. Assisted as I mentioned earlier by the front desk staff we used the local buses a number of times. We traveled into Chania (pronounced Hania) on two occasions, this took around 45-50 minutes. The bus is modern, air-conditioned and the bus conductors were friendly and helpful.Please note if you want a specific stop, to ask them to let you know when you are approaching, which they did. Chania is beautiful and so worth a visit. The cost of travelling there was about 4 Euros each. The cost of travelling to Kolumbari was around 2 euros and took five minutes, there you will find a good supermarket, a few shops, bakery, bars and a small harbour. When it was time to go home we both agreed we wished we were staying longer, this is a wonderful hotel and made even more special by the amazing staff. I had personally had a rubbish year, but whilst there the stress melted away. I would most certainly recommend this hotel to anyone wanting to get away, eat great food, relax and be looked after by amazing staff. I would love to return next year, but have a holiday booked and my wife says no, I am working on this.

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“Great to chill out and re-charge”

We had a great time at this hotel - it was near the end of season but we had the weather. Very clean hotel. The hotel is big enough but not one of those vast hotels- great easy accessibility all around and lifts also. The staff were amazing and special mention for the legend that is Panos in the... more

We had a great time at this hotel - it was near the end of season but we had the weather. Very clean hotel. The hotel is big enough but not one of those vast hotels- great easy accessibility all around and lifts also. The staff were amazing and special mention for the legend that is Panos in the bar. Food was good, hot and varied as well as the a la carte. Lovely swimming pool but the sea was very choppy and not suitable for swimming but the hotel is located in a lovely spot. Nothing was too much for all the staff, always smiling and the crew on reception were fantastic and a great laugh.If you want to re-charge your batteries in great surroundings with fantastic alcoholic beverages and good food then they don’t come much better than this. Thank you guys for a great holiday.

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“Great stay !”

We came for business purposes (organisation of a professional conference). The season was just re-starting and the hotel accepted to open for us three days before the official opening. We had a wonderful stay at this hotel resort ! The location is really great, Director and staff have been so he... more

We came for business purposes (organisation of a professional conference). The season was just re-starting and the hotel accepted to open for us three days before the official opening. We had a wonderful stay at this hotel resort ! The location is really great, Director and staff have been so helpful and easy to deal with! Always smiling and finding solutions to our requests even if not planned in advance. Rooms are really really nice and quiet. I would love to come back with my family ! I wish you a wonderful Summer season !

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“Second day in and loving every minute”

Arrived yesterday and have nothing put positive things to say, we did the all inclusive plus package and have been treated extremely well, being able to dine in the a la carte restaurants for every meal and also being able to join any activities going on free of charge is worth every penny, most ... more

Arrived yesterday and have nothing put positive things to say, we did the all inclusive plus package and have been treated extremely well, being able to dine in the a la carte restaurants for every meal and also being able to join any activities going on free of charge is worth every penny, most reviews comment on the staff and every word is true they are very personal and attentive to your needs. Only the second day but if everything continues as it currently is I wouldn't hesitate to return. Thank you from both of us, you run a great hotel and your staff are golden.

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