Elinotel Apolamare Hotel

“Perfect Break - 4 Star Hotel”

My husband and I have just returned from a 5 day break at this hotel. We read the reviews and decided to take a chance and are SO GLAD that we did!! On arrival we were pleased with the beautiful exterior, although it’s quite a few steps up to the main doors with heavy cases. (There is a lift but … more

My husband and I have just returned from a 5 day break at this hotel. We read the reviews and decided to take a chance and are SO GLAD that we did!! On arrival we were pleased with the beautiful exterior, although it’s quite a few steps up to the main doors with heavy cases. (There is a lift but we didn’t see it initially). We were greeted by Anna (mentioned in several reviews) and she was just as fabulous as we could have hoped for. She gave us a warm welcome and explained how the all-inclusive worked etc and provided us with our room keys. She was available at reception 7am -3pm everyday. Reception area is beautifully decorated and is somewhere lovely to sit and chat. Our room was a superior side sea view with a large balcony. The room was a great size and most importantly immaculately clean. The bed was comfy, there were spare pillows, plenty of storage and the air con worked perfectly - ticking all of our boxes! The door light system gives you the options to let the cleaners know when it is convenient to clean or wish to not be disturbed. We had fresh water replaced everyday in the fridge as well as it being full of soft drinks, wine and beer on arrival. The shower in the bathroom was a little tired looking (I have seen it mentioned in other reviews) but was in perfect working order. We arrived late afternoon so had missed lunch but Anna directed us to the pool bar where we were able to have sandwiches, crisps, cake and ice-cream (this is available everyday between lunch and dinner). This is also where you collect towels from. The pool area is well maintained and there are more than enough sunbeds and parasols. However the pool is not heated so can be a touch on the cold side. The private beach area also has plenty of sunbeds and parasols, it has a decked pathway to make walking on the sand much easier. We went to the restaurant on the first evening and were greeted by Ros the F&B manager and the service he provided was outstanding. He has a great character, made us feel welcome and his English is perfect which made it so easy for us. For a buffet style restaurant the options were brilliant and there always a good selection. The waiting staff are mostly young and could do with smiling a little more but they work very hard and there are never dirty tables. The waiter Costas more than makes up for the younger ones. He was so friendly and was always making us laugh. After reading reviews we were worried about the food options but there was no need. Everything was fresh and although there are similar items available, there are still different meals everyday. We saw the manager Ros every mealtime and he was always busy and making everyone feel welcome and helped us with places to visit etc. He made such an effort on our second day as it was my birthday and I was so grateful. The evenings are quiet at the hotel but the pool area is well lit for drinks and there are plenty of comfy tables and chairs. One evening there was live jazz music which was nice. Other guests mentioned that they also have Greek night every week but unfortunately we missed that. The local town is a short 5/10 min walk and there are plenty of shops/bars etc to occupy you. The bad reviews we read seem unfair after our experience at this hotel but people are always quick to complain and not enough people report the good bits. We were sad to leave and will 100% be returning. Huge thank you to Ros and Anna!

less