Aquis Bella Beach

This hotel is not a 5 star,it might be according to Greek standards.

The food was very good and plentiful with a good variety.

We had to move rooms as ours was below standard.

The animation team tried very hard but at times were rather intrusive.

Just glad we were only there for a week as it was all a bit monotonous. One consellation was that we had fantastic weather.

The hotel is about twenty minutes from the airport and is reached off the main road down a long drive. On arrival we were shown into the reception area which was a little bland and needed a style injection. The staff were very helpful and escorted us to our rooms.

Our party consisted of Great Nana, Nana, Daughter and two infants so we were not sure what accommodation to expect but assured of a very nice room in an appropriate location. We were not disappointed as we had in fact two rooms, two bathrooms - one with bath and shower and the other with shower. Both had all the toiletries we would need and they were very clean. We had double patio areas with drying facilities, (garden areas still to be planted)and a view of the beach and childrens park area. The large outdoor swimming pool and childrens pool was conveniently close and there is ample loungers with padded cushions and parasols for all the guests.

We had booked all inclusive and the pool bar served drinks and ice cream. The afternoon tea was served from there too and consisted of sandwiches and cake which we found very limited and I informed the manager of this fact which he said he would act upon as he appreciated all ideas and comments. The beach is accessed easily through a gateway and is a beautiful sandy, quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of the pool. Beach towels are available from the beach hut. There are a few pebbles on the shore edge but in the main it is a great asset to the hotel and the best feature for us. Walks along the sea front either side of the hotel bring a diversion of shops and other hotels at various distances.

Lots of activity takes place around the pool and the staff are more than inviting at times requesting the guests to be involved! There is also an indoor pool and a very powerful jacuzzi which we felt needed some attention for the four star status of the hotel. The rest of the gym facilities and treatments are quite pricey even with the special offers handed to each of the guests. All the areas of the hotel can be reached by stairs and slopes for the disabled and prams. The dining room is divided from the buffet serving area and feels a little old fashioned but still functional and the food is repetitive. We stayed for one week and would have found the meals boring if we had booked any longer. The orange juice served at breakfast is a very sweet cordial type, but, be warned I ordered a freshly squeezed orange juice one morning and was shocked to find I had signed away almost seven euros for the privilege. Apparently this is the going rate in Crete - where oranges are grown!! The dining room is enclosed but has views over the pool, terrace and gardens.

The entertainment is mediocre to say the least. Downstairs in what is like the basement is a disco which doubles as a theatre. The air/atmosphere is stale as there does not seem to be any ventilation. We only attended one show because of this. We chose this hotel because it is one of the Aquis chain of refurbished hotels relatively newly acquired. Having stayed in one of them in Corfu we were expecting a similar very enjoyable experience, however, although we would book this hotel again it would be our second choice.