Ariadne Beach

The location was excellent about 10 minutes flat walk along a promenade to a lovely large sandy beach- Almyros beach or a pebbly beach just in front of the hotel. There is a handy supermarket at the front entrance to the Ariadne with friendly staff and a larger one about 10 minutes walk away. The town was about a 10 minute walk through a residential area before the start of some shops or a walk towards the sea, tavernas, shops and the marina. If you carried on walking straight on instead of turning right there were more shops and then after about a 20 minute walk from the hotel bungalows was the lake, restaurants and where you could get a boat to Spinalonga, the Happy Train and the semi submarine, The rooms at the Ariadne are large, lots of storage and a big balcony with side sea views. Not far to walk to the two pools although steep in parts but manageable and buggy’s were around the resort. The swimming pools aren’t heated like most aren’t abroad but were amazing to have a good swim in and never busy. We always were able to get a sun bed and lots of shade if you wanted it. Loved the aqua aerobics classes three times a week too! Music was played a few evenings a week too which was very good. It was the lovely staff that really made our holidays special we have had three holidays there. Dimitris who usually managed our area we sat in for our meals was excellent. Oversaw the area brilliantly everyone felt special and looked after he is a legend. George is also amazing and excellent at his job and in quieter moments it was so interesting to talk to them both. Stavros managed inside the restaurant always efficiently and with a smile. The food was varied and plenty of it, some cooked as you waited the staff always helpful and hard working. The ladies on reception couldn’t do enough to help especially Maria. Always helpful and with a smile. The spa and staff were excellent. I had two massages and facials which were amazing the products organic and Cretian. Day trips included Spinalonga, Kritsa and Knossos all interesting and excellent, Crete is so beautiful.

We were here on the 16th October near the end of the season. As others have mentioned its built over a valley. My wife has knee problems the lady in reception forget her name possibly Chara showed us a room with a view and one lower down. We chose the view as you still need to walk uphill for pool and restaurant. Room basic but cleaned every day. We were All Inclusive food most of the time was really good. All staff were really friendly and helpful special mention in restaurant to Stavros and every day a lovely smile and greeting from Elena to set up our day. Also the bar staff and waiters at the front who looked after us all week and made our holiday complete. Barmen Thanos and Thanosis waiters Rommel and Irini a credit to the hotel management. Thanosis had great tunes on his playlist so i mentioned a few Scottish bands I follow, so each night he played a few different tracks for us, Top man.

We are just back from the Ariadne Hotel after a 10 day break in what was there last full week open for the summer. Firstly some little details. The hotel is set back from the road with a nice pebbles beach directly opposite with a fabulous beach cafe with a really Greek feel. The walk into town is about 10 minutes and an easy walk. A taxi, that we took one night for a meal was €9 which hotel sorted. We didn't do any but be aware that a number of excursions can require you getting somewhere else first. Sandy beaches are about 10 mins away but we liked the pebbles beach. So for the hotel. Firstly, there number one selling point has to be the staff. From the reception, buggy drivers, chefs, maids, waiting staff all were first rate, totally. Check in was easy and having arrived after 10pm a meal and table had been set aside just for us. Be aware nearly all rooms require a walk up steps or a steep slope. Ours was around 50 steps, but the buggy drivers are always to hand but please note this if mobility is an issue. The pools were a little chilly but the surrounding area, poolside etc contained more than enough sunbeds etc and was kept spotlessly clean. We enjoyed the resteraunt but we agree the food could get a little samey after 10 days and options for vegans etc was quite limited. Paid for drinks at night were well priced and for us breakfast had plenty of options. We did not go for all inclusive as this would not have been worth it for us. A really nice touch was the last day. On our final night we missed the evening meal and eat out in a splendid restaurant in town. As a result we were given a voucher for lunch on our last day as we did not leave until 5pm. Lunch was much the same as the evening meals and plentiful. The rooms could perhaps do with a little brightening up, pictures on the wall etc and paying for the use of the safe is a little frustrating and the first time we have had to do this. This said the rooms were spotless cleaned each day and you are given a little card to place on the bed for when you want bedding changed. A nice balance between saving water and ensuring changed when you want. The Spa Massage was always available and although I did have one found it quite expensive. One little thing. First morning I found I had lost my wallet. The staff went above and beyond to help me, kept checking in if I found it and it was found and handed in that late afternoon by staff. It put my mind to rest. Honestly we would have no hesitation in returning here. Holiday was through Jet 2 whose staff were also exceptional.

We have just returned from a 10day trip with friends. Hotel- The hotel is attractive and has two pools, both of which are pleasant. We had no issues getting a sun-bed due to it being end of season. The beds however were hideous. Many were broken or just saggy and uncomfortable. This style of bed is common across Greece, probably due to affordability but they are awful and I would usually completely discount a hotel if I see these in the picture. An oversight on my part on this occasion. The food I personally found to be quite poor. The breakfast was OK, but if you want fresh orange juice, instead of watered down juice akin to squash, it incurs an additional charge. The evening meal was fine if not a little repetitive, if you had no dietary requirements. As a vegetarian my options were usually chips and salad, on one occasion there was Briam and another a caramelised onion tart that consisted of fried onions placed on top of puff pastry. A lot of items could have been vegetarian but meat was placed in them, such as rice, pasta and pizza. One of our group has a severe nut allergy and was told the only dessert she could have was jelly and ice-cream, great if she was 5 years old and at a children’s party. At no point did they offer to make something for her. The rooms were nice, clean and roomy, if a little tired.The air conditioning was effective and there was a fridge and a safe. The safe incurs an additional charge, which we did not opt for, which was a wise choice as one day it disappeared only to reappear the following day. It is worth noting that the rooms are built into the hillside and so if you are at the top, like us, it is quite steep. The hotel offer a golf cart service if you have mobility issues. Rooms have an actual key, probably to negate the need to walk back down to reception if your keycard doesn’t work. The key however works too well as I got disoriented and managed to use our key to get into a different room. There is a small pebble beach in front of the hotel and a lovely sandy beach 5 minutes walk after turning left out of the hotel. The sea here is very shallow and you are able to walk out quite far. Both charge for sun beds(12-15€). There is also a delightful bar opposite the hotel that overlooks the beach and bay. Lovely place to while away an hour or two. The heart of the town is a 10min stroll (turn left out of the hotel and just go straight) and is beautiful. There are many restaurants around the lake and the square and there is just a lovely vibe about the town. A trip to Kritsa is recommended. We took a taxi there 20€ and got the bus back for 2€. It’s a delightful little village and a great way to spend a few hours before taking our flight home. All in all a nice hotel, but has some failings.

Had a really lovely stay at this hotel with family after staying at the sister hotel last year as a couple which didn't disappoint so we were familiar with the area and loved it. Pebbly Beach at the doorstep with a small sandy cove 5 mins away and bigger sandy beach past that two different companys doing sunbeds if you choose the bigger sandy beach ⛱️ walk a little further nearer the food / drink bar as sunbeds are cheaper although the closer ones give a bottle of water. The beach bar over the road was fabulous with great vibes , music, views , food and drinks and really lovely staff. Although half board we still ate at both Tavernas below hotel both excellent and very friendly staff. Agios nikolaos a short 10/15 mins walk away lots of lovely shops, restaurants, bars , the lake side ones tend to pressure you so we avoided those Lovely walk around the port with more restaurants etc , if you walk up hill also a lovely view looking over the lake. All in all a lovely area and would recommend the hotel especially thanks goes to our lovely breakfast fresh omelette maker Thalio. Every morning you would be greeted with a warm smile. Our evening Waiter Dimitris was such a lovely guy and looked after us so well throughout our stay. We found all staff to be very friendly and helpful. The food was plentiful , varied and delicious puds. The bar and evening entertainment was good fun but not every night. .... Pool table inside but you pay 2 euros The darts and ping pong ready for the bin sadly, shame no music around pool. The one by the bar, beds always took early so didn't get a look in. The aquacise was great fun, lovely lady but boy it was way to quick to keep up but still enjoyed this twice and loved the music 🎶 😊