I recently had the pleasure of spending an unforgettable week at the Blue Elephant & Spa in Crete, and I can confidently say it was one of the best hotel experiences I've had in years. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the wonderful reception staff who set the tone for what would be a truly outstanding stay. The hotel’s ambiance is serene and luxurious, perfectly designed for couples seeking a peaceful, adults-only escape. Our room was simply stunning—stylish, minimalist, and equipped with its own private plunge pool. The view from our room was nothing short of breathtaking, overlooking the gorgeous Almyrida Bay. The staff at breakfast and the Rooftop Bar deserve special recognition for their impeccable yet friendly service. I’d particularly like to praise George, who went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed during our stay. The location of the hotel is equally spectacular. Nestled on a hillside, the panoramic views of the bay are mesmerizing, and the proximity to local attractions makes it a perfect base for exploring the area while still offering a secluded, tranquil atmosphere. All in all, the Blue Elephant & Spa delivered a first-class experience in every way. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for an adult-only paradise with outstanding service.

Just a little flaw: the temperature of the private plunge pool could be warmer.

Fantastic hotel in excellent location with stunning restaurant. Room was really nice with very comfortable bed. Separate toilet, shower and basin in bathroom was a nice touch. We had our own plunge pool, but unfortunately water was too cold to swim in. There’s a beautiful pool area next to the restaurant, with lots of loungers and stunning views over the bay. Breakfast was good, but some quirky things - see what we didn’t like. There’s lots of parking space and the hotel is close to a sandy beach and the main street of Almyrida. Staff are absolutely top notch - friendly and professional.

Main pool and room pools are not heated, which is a bit weird as the hotel roofs are covered in solar panels. Pool temperature was quite cold, so the main pool wasn’t really used much. The room pools were even colder. Look good, but really not useable. Breakfast items are left out on the buffet table all morning. Cold things like milk aren’t kept cool, so warm up as time goes by, while hot food cools down. The coffee machine is ridiculous, serving instant coffee based drinks, while there’s a real coffee machine sitting idle next to it unused, because you have to pay for a real coffee. I can’t understand why a classy hotel like Blue Elephant would serve breakfast coffee from such an awful coffee machine.

We stayed in a superior room with its own plunge pool, which was a lovely addition. The room was spacious and had everything we needed. The bathroom products were very nice and there was coffee and tea in the room. The breakfast was excellent every day with loads of choice. ALL the staff were very friendly and extremely helpful and efficient. We ate in the restaurant twice as it was such good food and service and the night-time view was beautiful. I would definitely stay again!!

There's really nothing I didn't like about the hotel. One comment would be that it was lacking drawers in the room and that there are a lot of stairs (we were aware of the latter though). Other than that, perfect! Thank you.

Clean hotel with good facilities. Lovely main pool and staff on reception were helpful… especially Penny. Close to town, quiet location.

Lacked atmosphere, needs better background poolside and restaurant playlist. Steep hillside location. North facing balconies and plunge pools so no sun in the day at all from our room which was a shame. Cold food the hot breakfast buffet but rest good. Room was quite light at night due to outdoor lighting from the front of hotel (other lights got turned off at 12)

Really clean and calm hotel with great staff. The breakfast was awesome and the pool area was beautiful and relaxing. The location of the hotel was also great, only 200-300m from beach. Somebody said that the route to the hotel is quite rough, but I disagree. It is only 100m of up hill, which should not be too much. The fitness room was quite ok, of course it is not for heavy lifters, but good enough to keep up the touch while having a holiday. Great hotel and I would definitely return there.

Gym opening times were a bit too restrictive, I think from 09-1000 until 17-1800, which makes morning exercise a bit difficult.

Spotlessly clean, and very modern in style, staff are very polite and professional.

Balcony lights are on a timer, no privacy on the balcony ( people looking in ) no net curtains so have privacy looking into the room, just the full blackout curtain. no reading lights as directed downwards. Pool is very cold and difficult to get in and out as is only 3 metal steps rather than a gradual step. Unable to charge anything to your room, all drinks and food have to be paid for when you use. Personal point is that from the top of the complex there is approx 60 steps to get to the restaurant, bar and pool not suitable if you are unfit or have mobility difficulties. There is the driveway to use as a ram but is very steep. Personally I also found the bed to be very hard so if you like a softer mattress and pillows maybe not for you.

We stayed at the Blue Elephant for our honeymoon and from start to finish, it was perfect. We had the room with private pool that was spotlessly clean, modern and beautifully decorated, and had the most beautiful view. Penny and the other staff on reception were so friendly and couldn’t do enough to help and the staff at breakfast were attentive and polite. Breakfast itself was varied every morning and absolutely delicious. I had an aromatherapy massage with Angela which was excellent and she was very warm and welcoming. The resort of Almyrida is beautiful and there are some lovely restaurants and bars that have retained their Greek charm. Overall, the hotel is stunning and we will definitely be returning in the future!

Nothing at all

Although we had a very short stay, we were impressed by this hotel and their staff! On our way to Chania when we saw it from the village of Almyrida (can't miss it, its up on a hill and looks gorgeous) we decided to go and try the restaurant. The friendliness of the staff and the whole ambience made us cancel our booking in Chania city and stay there. Feeling of elegance and serenity and the view...oh the view! Reception helpful and accommodating, the rooms look better in real life than the pics. That's a first! Buffet breakfast was splendid with lots of options (unlike most greek hotels that offer jam, boiled eggs, toast and call it a day). Wish we could stay longer, highly recommend!!!

No kettle in the room but receptionist offered us hot water in a thermos, so was able to have my cuppa at the balcony and enjoy the magnificent view...

It was extremely neat and clean. We loved everything about it! The staff was super friendly, very attentive and always willing to help us out. We went there for our honeymoon, they offered us a complimentary wine bottle and the accepted to help me plan a surprise with rose petals before our arrival. The room was cleaned everyday (new towels, new sleepers, water bottles…). And the restaurant was delicious.

We really don’t have anything bad to say about this hotel but if we have to look for a negative point it would be the fact that he swimming pool has to close everyday at 6pm :-/

Very clean and modern. Comfortable bed. Staff are always helpful.

Loved the hotel overall. Just a couple of less perfect points: 1) On Saturday morning (around 8am), there was a gardener trimming the plants outdid our room. It was very noisy. Luckily we already woke up but the noise was still a bit disturbing. Would be better to arrange this work later morning or late afternoon. 2) The hotel is on a hill top. It’s a bit difficult to walk up. However the view I was great.