Aelius Hotel and Spa

Wouldn’t really consider this hotel to be a 4 star seems more like a 3 star. First of all with the positives the hotel it’s self is modern and looks good the rooms are a decent enough size. The staff at the bar are extremely friendly warm and welcoming. Hotel staff in the dining area are mostly friendly too. We were extremely unlucky with the weather which obviously can’t be helped by the hotel and we chose to go out of season however the hotel had absolutely no atmosphere with nothing at all to do around the hotel. There is not much in terms of local bars and restaurants close by and the surrounding area of the hotel is really quite run down. The beach is about 10/15 min walk but quite an unpleasant walk due to how run down the area is. There are bus stops close by which can take you to Heraklion or hersonissos for around €2pp takes about half an hour the taxi’s are around €35 each way. The area Gouves is really quiet with no nightlife. The all inclusive is the worst I have ever experienced. The drinks are absolutely disgusting the cocktails are awful. There is not much of a selection the usual cheaper unbranded spirits and do not offer a dark rum which is odd also do not offer a sparkling wine, you have to pay for Prosecco which I’ve never experienced before. Also have to pay for certain juices. At meal times you can’t pour yourself a drink even of soda you are offered a minute glass and only offered when you sit down to eat not offered a re fill obviously to save money. The food is extremely repetitive and a very limited selection and honestly found it quite difficult to make a meal as seemed quite an odd selection. Breakfast was not good bread always stale. Very small selection of cereal and cheap fruit on offer. There is a choice of about 3 types of desserts which were not great. The rooms are cleaned regularly and the cleaning staff all seemed very friendly fresh towels regularly. However around the hotel could be cleaner often plates cups ect lying around for days. The soap dispensers are empty and do not get refilled you are only offered a tiny miniature bottle of shampoo to wash your hands with again to save money.