ILION HOTEL, ELOUNDA - STUNNING PANORAMIC VIEWS

This is an amazing place to stay whether for a week or more. It is not suited for people with disabilities or wheelchair bound, simply because there are far too many steps to encounter and there are steep inclines. We arrived direct from Heraklion Airport (75 minute journey) and after a very steep 50 meter walk to the top, we were breathless - and I'm still pretty fit! Whilst the bus cannot take you to the top at Reception, do insist on the taxi takes you there. We were allocated our room but had to ask for a change as my wife has bad knees; the staff were most understanding and very supportive and happily re-located us, even offering to help move our luggage, which we gladly accepted! We had a basic room which was ideal for our needs though the air conditioning unit was rather bizarrely placed on one side of the double bed therefore emitting cold air over our heads, so we just slept with our feet at the headboard! The stunning views from our balcony soon made up for that though and there was virtual privacy from where we were - it is also very quiet, no traffic and no loud party revellers. The food is excellent and the service was very good. The Waiters/Waitresses were always cheerful and will help you practice your Greek if you are that way inclined in learning the language. Whilst there were - rightly - no ashtrays on the dining table, there was one couple who seemed to show disregard for fellow diners around them, but they soon got the message that the vast majority did not approve, so it would be helpful for a notice to be put up banning smoking during dining or even encouraging the Waiting Staff to stop them smoking. The food was always plentiful, freshly prepared and very nice. Lots of fruit and juices too. The Swimming Pool was fresh water, always very clean and never overcrowded. Again, the views from the pool side, were stunning and with a full 180 degrees panoramic view. One can see the vast mountain range, Spinolonga Island, Elounda and Plaka Village beyond and enjoy watching the Jet-skiers and Water-skiing going on at a fair distance - bring your binoculars. Both the Cafeteria and Bar area are very nice and the Staff go out of their way to make your time there most enjoyable. Entertainment is laid-on on a Saturday Night at no extra cost and we saw 3 English Girls dancing and so well dressed with a wide range of fascinating costumes - nearly like the famous Cuban Tropicana! An impromptu disco followed for about 30 minutes, not too loud, but sufficient to allow the lovely evening to top-off beautifully. All in all, it was a most enjoyable time we had at Ilion Elounda and an experience we will definitely have again. We only stayed a week, wanted to have a well earned rest and got it in a most desirable setting with wonderful food, staff, fellow holiday makers and surroundings.