Gouves, Lavris Hotel Complex

Have recently returned from a week all inclusive at Lavris Paradise complex hotel in Gouves, Crete. Not having been to this area before, I was obviously anxious about standard of area/accommodation particularly as my friend and I had opted for AI basis to keep it all in house, so to speak. So, after a very late and tiring flight, we arrived at the hotel and were most pleasantly suprised.

Very clean, very appealing and our room was a good size, twin beds, bathroom (with proper bath and shower) and balcony overlooking pool area. I think we were lucky to have been placed in the 'new' part of the complex, because the 'older' style side and bungalows did not seem as nice. Not to mention the bungalows only having a very small bathing area with just a shower, not ideal when you are wanting a long soak! So we were pleased.

Maid service every day with changing of beds daily including new towels most days. No complaints there.

Food was buffet style 3 times a day with a good varied selection and exceptional salad bar. Food for thought indeed! Seating outside was great with 'al fresco' in mind far too hot to stay indoors. Staff were fabulous. Waiters worked very long shifts but always had time for a smile and a chat.

Bar staff were excellent and praise to the animation staff, again working long hours and always in good spirits! Although I would just say that more interesting entertainment in the evening could be provided? Karaoke was funny but limited in song choice and bad PA and bingo nights?! Anyway, just a little suggestion. Maybe a cabaret or something?

Reception staff always helpful.

All in all highly recommended and I would definitely go back there. Just one thing I would mention is take care when booking trips through the reps. Crete dancing night is good but pricey and wear flats, its on a hill and bring extra money because you are strongly 'invited' to buy local wares but DO NOT book the Kyassios trip! Total waste of money and the best areas to look at are closed, so all we had was an hour and a half walking around in sweltering heat looking at something like a building site! Really annoyed with our rep because of the above.

Have sent email to them but suprisingly no reply!

However, if you stay at this hotel, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy! :)

You only get what you are willing to pay for, and the deal we purchased through MedHotels we were not dissapointed as it was B & B which we found to be fine as there was plenty choices available for everyone.

We did however go back in September half board and again enjoyed our stay but we went half board and found the food to be reheats most night if they were not busy. To be fair the Hotel was due to shut down for the season a week later in September. We found all the staff to be pleasant if you made the initial attempt.

Gouves, Lavris Hotel Complex - The rooms were very clean, the hotel looked nice but that's all I can say good about this hotel. The food was not 4 star, the drinks were tasteless. The majority of staff and management were ignorant and rude. I'm glad I only had 1 week there and will never return.

The A Class rooms were good at Lavris Hotel Complex, but the Bungalows looked like they needed knocking down. The All Inclusive drinks, Rum Vodka Brandy Ouzo & Rachi were all like firewater, I drink Rum myself, but this tasted nothing like it. I bought a bottle of Bacardi, and took that out with me in the evening. The coke tasted like syrup, and the water had a detergent taste. The All Inclusive snack was a Toasted Ham & Cheese sandwich which you could get for about an hour and a half a day, or some very strange tasting biscuits. The evening entertainment was the radio, although we did have a Belgium singer one night, and Greek Dancers another night. The Bar B Q was none existent.