Avra Imperial Hotel

The hotel was better than the pictures in travelagency´s (Ving) website showed. Great staff and service all over. Still, I want to highlight Elli and her colleague in the greek restaurant Xatheri. They made me feel so welcome, and do remember my preferences from the very first visit. The breakfast in Xatheri was even better than in the main restaurant, Basilico, with a lot of greek and local specialities. Top score! I will also highlight Sania in the Concierge-desk, who deal with my different inquiries in a very professional way. Still, I have to mention the high price-level at the hotel. Some goods was even more expensive than in «high-cost Norway». To get the highest score all over, I will suggest to have some «children-free-zones» with both the pool and the restaurants. Then it would be a fully fantastic experience for us who travel without kids.

We came for 7 nights with our 3 year old, and stayed at the garden view room. The room was always clean, if needed you can call the front desk and ask for cleaning, you'll get help very shortly. Children - wonderful kids club. There is a kids club fill the age of 4 in the main building. The only unfortunate is that obly on Mondays and Thursdays afternoon you can come with the kids and stay with them. Otherwise, you can leave them for babysitting services. Wish we could enjoy more afternoons there because iy is a really great club. There is also the junior club that is great - mainly Scandinavian speakers but also English, our little one didn't mind that qt all and enjoyed it so much. Food was great- really recommend the Cretan breakfast and dinner. For lunch the Verity is nice l, but less my cup of tea so I preferred buy something outside- there are a few options just a few minutes outside the hotel. Pools - loved it they are great, also for little kids. The main problem was that there are absolutely nowhere to sit if you come a bit late (9:30am...) Since people just putting their towels on the chairs. We just went more to the pool on the other side of the hotel. Beach - the main lack of the hotel. It's just an unpleasant one, lots of rocks and really high waves, so it was a big turn off. Staff is very pleasant, great service. Small things - we had a really early flight back and they didn't suggest any option for food for us - I had to ask if I can take a fruit for the morning, but thinking about it, they could even offer us to make a sandwich (I am pretty sure that they have a lot of leftovers from dinner that we could use to make some food for our journey - since they said that they make food boxes but at a later our than our departure.). Mini market - very convenient that they have basic that is needed, as for water, Ice cream, snacks, floats for the pool ect.

The Avra Imperial is a beautiful and well maintained resort. My husband and I stayed at the hotel for 8 days with our 14 month old. We purchased the all inclusive package with a pool view room. The rooms are clean and the staff as a whole is very professional and friendly throughout the hotel. From the point of arrival through the check-out process, we found the staff to be very welcoming and accommodating. The resort offers Cretan, Asian and Italian formal cuisine options with breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet offerings. There is also a limited pool bar menu along with room service. Tip 1: If you are purchasing the "All Inclusive Package" be prepared to pay for full meals for one full day and 2 meals for a half day. Also, it does not include spirits or soft drink beverages. Tip 2: We took great advantage of all of the food options. Be advised the portions at the restaurants are large so sharing is very easy. Day 1, we ordered homemade pizzas via room service from Al Fresco, the Italian restaurant. They were really good and easy. Tip 3: They have an onsite mini mart which is very reasonably priced along with a nearby full scale grocery store where you can grab beverages, spirits, snacks, toys and personal items for a very good price. We spent most days by the pool with picturesque views. Our son had a really great time exploring the resort. There are plenty of places to hang out with the kiddies. The hotel does not have solicitors roaming throughout the resort badgering you while you're trying to relax. I found this to be a refreshing change from hotel stays in Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. Just see the Concierge at your leisure. We decided on a short but lovely day trip to Elafonisi Beach. It actually has pink sand. Tip 4: If you are considering a trip to Elafonisi Beach, the Avra Imperial is the last stop for pick up before heading off on the trip. In the reverse, it is the first stop for dropping off. Winner, winner...chicken dinner. Be sure to inquire about the stops for other excursions. There isn't much going on in late August in terms of hotel entertainment but it is very family friendly. Tip 5: Don't be afraid to bring babies out for a night at the piano bar. It was very common to see small babies enjoying a night out with the family. All of which were very well behaved. My husband and I hit the Spa for the Royal Jelly Treatment. It was a phenomenal experience. We chose to take turns watching the kiddo but the hotel does offer child care. Tip 6: Try the heated pool in the spa. The outdoor pools can be a bit cold. Final thoughts... the work period in Greece is highly seasonal and compressed. To get the best experience, be sure to gauge your travel goals against their operating peaks and valleys. If you are looking for a lot of social engagement and high night life consider going during their peak period. If you are looking for a more relaxing time consider going during the slower period. Tip 7: The hotel has an onsite photographer which is priced well. Take time to capture a few moments at this wonderful resort. We did and loved it! Hotel Takeaways (Feedback): Consider offering a true "all inclusive package" with a drink package option. Incorporate a little variety in the evening entertainment