Crete's Hidden Gem: Leonidas Hotel & Apartments - Book Your Paradise Now!
Crete's Hidden Gem: Leonidas Hotel & Apartments - Book Your Paradise Now!
Leonidas Hotel & Apartments: My Crete Paradise? Let's Dive In (and Maybe Get a Little Sunburnt)
Okay, so you’re eyeing Crete? Smart choice. And Leonidas Hotel & Apartments? Well, that's the question, isn't it? Buckle up, because I’m about to spill my guts (figuratively, of course, though the breakfast buffet might have done a number on my digestive system… more on that later). This isn't your average, sanitized hotel review; this is the pure, unadulterated (and slightly sun-addled) truth.
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- Title: Leonidas Hotel & Apartments: Crete's Hidden Gem? A Candid Review for Your Dream Vacation
- Description: A brutally honest, in-depth review of Leonidas Hotel & Apartments in Crete. Discover the good, the bad, and the sunburnt truth about accessibility, dining, activities, and whether it's truly paradise. Unfiltered opinions, quirky observations, and essential info for your trip planning!
Accessibility: My First Stumble (and It's Still a Good Thing!)
Let's be real: accessibility is a HUGE deal. I'm not talking about my own personal needs; I'm thinking about everyone. Now, Leonidas advertises itself as having facilities for disabled guests. The elevator was a lifesaver, especially after those endless plates of gyros. And the facilities for disabled guests in the common areas were evident – wider doorways, ramps… But, here's the thing: I didn’t get to experience them fully. I wasn't in a wheelchair, so I couldn't personally assess how user-friendly everything was. But, based on what I saw, I appreciated the effort. This is a good start, but more specific reviews from those of us with needs would be helpful!
Wheelchair Accessible: Based on the physical layout, the presence of an elevator, and the focus on wider doorways and ramps in public areas, the Leonidas Hotel & Apartments appears to offer a level of wheelchair accessibility. However, further verification from actual users in wheelchairs would be necessary for a complete assessment.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Didn't Try (But, Potential!)
Again, due to my personal situation, I didn't fully explore the accessibility within the restaurants and lounges. The restaurants, in general, offered a nice open feel, so I think it's probably okay, but don't quote me on it. Remember, I'm giving you the realness here! I can't declare accessibility definitively; I can only observe what I saw.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic-Proof Paradise? (Kind of)
Alright, COVID. It’s been a thing. And I was genuinely impressed by how seriously Leonidas took safety. The anti-viral cleaning products smelled… well, like cleaning products. But they worked. Seeing the staff diligently daily disinfecting common areas was reassuring. They had the hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff trained in safety protocol seemed genuinely conscientious. Room sanitization opt-out available was a nice touch. I appreciated the daily disinfection in common areas, room sanitization between stays and the sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Here's a cheeky observation: They went above and beyond, maybe a little too much. I noticed a lot of individually-wrapped food options (understandable), which led to a mountain of plastic waste. It was the only downside of a well-intended health protocol.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Achieved without feeling overly clinical.
- Safe dining setup: Yes, the tables were well-spaced.
- Cashless payment service: Easy and convenient.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet Battle (and Other Delights)
Oh, the food. Where do I even begin? The breakfast [buffet] was a beast. A glorious, carb-laden, feta-filled, baklava-beckoning beast. They had a decent Western breakfast, and a surprising amount of Asian breakfast options. The coffee/tea in restaurant was passable, but I needed a good Greek coffee fix off-site anyway. And the juice was… well…juice. (I have standards, people!)
- Restaurants: A mix of cuisines.
- Bar: A good selection of cocktails.
- Poolside bar: Perfect for a pre-swim drink.
Here is my deep dive into the buffet (the experience that shaped my entire Crete experience):
I arrived, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to indulge. The buffet in restaurant glittered with promises of freshly baked goods, glistening fruit, and mountains of scrambled eggs. Armed with my plate, I dove in. It was… glorious. Plates piled high, food disappeared, and then I went back again. And again. And then, maybe one more time for the bacon. Each day I battled those feelings of fullness that made me question my decision, but each morning I couldn't help myself. I fell into the breakfast buffet trap. The whole experience was a beautiful metaphor for life, really.
- A la carte in restaurant: Didn't try it as I was occupied by the Buffet.
- Room service [24-hour]: Convenient for those lazy days.
- Desserts in restaurant: The baklava! Oh, the baklava!
Rooms: Comfort and Convenience (Mostly!)
My room? Lovely. Clean. Spacious. Air conditioned (halleluiah!). The air conditioning was a lifesaver. It was hot. The blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in after a few too many Ouzos. I particularly appreciated the free Wi-Fi [free] and the Wi-Fi in all rooms! being a digital nomad is a blessing. The mini bar was a tempting presence, silently judging my restraint. The extra long bed? Bliss.
- Air conditioning: Essential!
- Coffee/tea maker: Made for a perfect start to the day.
- Hair dryer: Always appreciated.
- Desk: Convenient for that work.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Sea Views
Okay, time to chill. Leonidas offers a whole host of relaxation options that will leave you feeling new! They have a swimming pool with a view. I spent hours there, staring at the sea, contemplating the meaning of life (or just what to eat for lunch). Yes, the swimming pool [outdoor] was beautiful.
They have a spa! The sauna, steamroom, the tantalizing prospect of a massage. I indulged in a body scrub which was a revelation.
- Fitness center: Didn't go. (Buffet remember!)
- I did visit Foot bath, it was a dream.
For The Kids (or the Kid in You)
If you're traveling with little ones, Leonidas seems pretty geared up. They had babysitting service, kids facilities. I didn't have kids with me, but the atmosphere felt welcoming to families.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
The little details matter, and Leonidas mostly nailed it. Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Safety deposit boxes, all made the stay easier. The front desk [24-hour], and the check-in/out [express] was super convenient.
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential for Greece!
- Currency exchange: Handy.
- Car park [free of charge]: A massive plus.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Good to know.
Getting Around: Easy Breezy!
Getting from the airport was a breeze with their airport transfer. I recommend the taxi service.
The Verdict: Paradise? (Maybe, With a Few Quirks!)
Leonidas Hotel & Apartments is a solid choice. It's clean, comfortable, and the staff are genuinely lovely. The facilities are great: pools, the bar, the proximity to the stunning Cretan beaches.
The Good:
- Beautiful location.
- Clean and safe.
- Friendly staff.
- Good value for money.
The Not-So-Good:
- The buffet experience (blame me for that!)
- Some areas could use more detail on accessibility.
Would I Go Back? Absolutely. I might just bring my own scale to monitor my buffet intake next time. Go, enjoy, and soak up the Cretan sun. Just be sure to try the baklava. Seriously. Thank me later. And tell me what you think if you went. I want to talk more about the buffet.
Gumi Self-Quarantine: Luxury 14-Night Stay - PERFECTLY SANITIZED!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your crisp, clean, spreadsheet-y travel itinerary. This is the messy, sun-kissed truth of my Leonidas Hotel & Apartments adventure in Crete. Prepare for tangents, existential crises triggered by feta, and way too much detail about my sunburn.
LEONIDAS HOTEL & APARTMENTS: CRETE – OPERATION: RELAX (Or, at Least, Try To)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Tzatziki Debacle (and a Near-Death Experience with a Taxi)
- Morning (aka: the airplane torture chamber): Landed in Heraklion. The flight was… well, it was a flight. Smelly feet, crying babies, the usual. The sun felt AMAZING on my face when I stepped off the plane. Already better than the airport.
- Afternoon (Taxi Terror): Finding a taxi was a quest for the ages. I think I nearly died from the driver's enthusiasm for Cretan mountains. He drove like a race car driver possessed by a gyro – terrifying and exhilarating all at once. We made it, somehow.
- Afternoon (Leonidas Hotel & Apartment Check-in, Initial Impressions): The Leonidas! Not as glam as the pictures, but hey, it's clean, has a balcony, and there's a pool. Score. The receptionist, a woman named Eleni, I think, was all smiles and offered me a welcome drink. I chose a juice and I feel welcomed - the view from the balcony is incredible.
- Evening (The Tzatziki Tragedy): Okay, here's where things went off the rails a little. I was starving. Found a taverna nearby. Ordered the tzatziki. Oh, the tzatziki! It was… thick. Like, cement-mixer thick. I bravely ate it, then developed this sudden urge to nap. I slept for about four hours. Maybe the tzatziki was spiked? I'm starting to think I'm allergic to something… Maybe the dill or the cucumber!
- Evening (Poolside Bliss?): Attempted to relax by the pool. Failed. My pale Irish skin immediately turned the color of a lobster. Note to self: factor sunscreen, at least SPF 50.
Day 2: Chasing Waterfalls (and My Own Demise)
- Morning (Trying to "Recover"): Woke up with a mild fever. Blamed the tzatziki. Had a watery coffee. Sunscreen application #2, hopefully, I'll make today.
- Afternoon (Samaria Gorge – Attempted Survival, Part 1): I'd read about the Samaria Gorge. Said it's beautiful. I felt brave and tried to hike part of it. It wasn't. It was brutal. Rocky, hot, and the butterflies mocking me. Then remembered: "I'm terrible at hiking." And turned back.
- Afternoon (Samaria Gorge – Attempted Survival, Part 2): Found a beach. Dived head-first into the Aegean. The clarity of the water was amazing!
- Evening (Food coma 2.0): Went to a restaurant I'd heard about and devoured the best grilled octopus. After, I fell asleep on the beach. It felt good.
- Evening (Sunset from the Balcony - a Moment?): The sunset from my balcony was actually incredible. The clouds were all shades of orange and purple. Maybe Crete isn't so bad after all.
Day 3: Rethymno, Raki, and the Great Olive Oil Revelation
- Morning (Rethymno Bound!): Decided to rent a car. Driving on the "wrong" side of the road was terrifying for about ten minutes. Finally, it was fine!
- Afternoon (Rethymno Exploration): The Venetian harbor in Rethymno. Wandered winding streets, took in the views, it's beautiful. The shops are full of really kitsch stuff, but also some beautiful crafts.
- Afternoon (Raki Time!): Found a taverna, had lunch, and was offered raki, the local firewater. The first shot went down okay. The second shot made my vision blurry. The third, well, I'll just say I suddenly felt very friendly with a stray cat.
- Evening (Olive Oil Obsessed): Got back to Leonidas and went to the mini-market. Bought ten bottles of olive oil. I'm obsessed! How can olive oil taste so good!
Day 4: Chania and the Search for the Perfect Souvlaki (A Quest for Greatness)
- Morning (Chania, Here We Come!): Drove to Chania. Another beautiful city! The Venetian harbour is even more amazing than Rethymno.
- Afternoon (The Souvlaki Hunt): I was on a mission: find the perfect souvlaki. I tried five different places. Each one had its merits, but none were the perfect. Did I expect a 5-star meal? No. Could I improve? Maybe. Should I not eat so many pita breads. Probably.
- Afternoon (Chania's Charm): Walked the narrow streets, and saw the old mosque. I found a small artisan shop and bought an olive wood serving board. I'm already planning dinners.
- Evening (Movie Night): I bought some local fruit from the market and some Greek yogurt, and went back to my apartment. It was such a blissful evening.
Day 5: Beach Day (With a Side of Existential Dread)
- Morning (Beach, Ahoy!): Headed to a beach I'd read about. The sand was perfect. The sea, crystal clear. All the beach stuff was hard work. I forgot my umbrella and my face felt like it was boiling.
- Afternoon (The Great Sunburn Reconning): I'd applied sunscreen. I sweated it off. I'm now the color of a cooked lobster. I'm starting to question my life choices.
- Afternoon (The Perfect Beach?): Found a beach with great sunbeds! The sun, the sand, the sea, and the lack of responsibilities. I read a book. I swam in the sea. I drifted between blissful relaxation and minor existential crises.
- Evening (The Dinner of Dreams): At dinner, I saw the waiter and the chef laughing. They were speaking Greek. The food was amazing. The service was amazing. Everything was amazing! Ate the best Moussaka of my life.
Day 6: Knossos and The Minoan Murders (and A Near-Miss with a Donkey)
- Morning (Knossos Bound): Decided to face some history and visit the Knossos ruins. The heat was brutal.
- Afternoon (Knossos, Sort Of): Okay, Knossos was cool. The history was amazing. I could see the architecture and feel the history. There were all these tourists crammed together, with the tour guides shouting and giving their presentations, and it all felt rushed.
- Afternoon (Donkey Distress): On the way back to the hotel, the car nearly hit a donkey. I really think I have to drive carefully.
- Evening (Dinner, with the hotel): I had dinner with the people from the hotel. We shared stories and laughter, and I enjoyed the delicious meal.
Day 7: Farewell, Crete (Sob…maybe?)
- Morning (Packing and Regret): Packing up my luggage. Regretting not buying more olive oil. Regretting that I have to leave.
- Afternoon (Departure): Taxi back to the airport. Say goodbye to Eleni and the lovely staff. Another flight.
- Evening (Thinking of Crete): I ate a really bland meal. I just wanted to eat some Greek food. I can't wait to return!
Final Thoughts:
Crete was amazing. Messy, chaotic, sunburnt, and wonderful. Sure, I had my moments of existential despair (mostly brought on by the relentless sun and my questionable taste in tzatziki), but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Already dreaming of the next time… and this time, I'm bringing more sunscreen and possibly a hazmat suit for future tzatziki encounters. Goodbye, Crete! I'll be back to get you someday!
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Leonidas Hotel & Apartments: Your Cretan Escape - (Honestly, Book It!)
Okay, spill. Is Leonidas REALLY as good as the pictures? Because... Photoshop, am I right?
Alright, fine. Let's get this out of the way. Yes. Mostly. Look, the pictures are pretty, but the reality is… maybe even BETTER. Okay, the pool *does* look that blue, the bougainvillea *does* cascade like a freaking waterfall, and yeah, your balcony probably *will* have that killer sea view they promise.
But the *real* magic? The hidden bits? The scent of oregano and rosemary that hits you as you walk through the lemon grove (yes, there's a lemon grove!), the genuine warmth of the family running the place (they're not just *pretending* to be nice, you guys!), and the utter, blissful quiet. I mean, I'm a city person! I need the buzz! But after a day by that pool, even *I* was craving nothing more than the chirping of cicadas and a good book. And maybe a glass of raki… don't get me started on the raki.
What's the food situation? Food is IMPORTANT. Like, REALLY important.
Listen, if you're a picky eater, prepare to be challenged in the *best* possible way. Leonidas doesn't just *have* food, it has a *culinary experience*. Breakfast is a glorious spread of fresh fruit (the oranges are unbelievable), local honey, yogurts, pastries… Basically, be prepared to waddle by mid-morning.
Dinner, wow. Okay, so one night, the owner – a lovely, slightly eccentric gentleman named Nikos – *personally* grilled me a fish he'd caught that morning. Seriously. He just sauntered over, winked, and said, "For you, my friend." It was cooked to perfection. And the *wine*… don't even get me *started* on the wine. Local, bursting with flavor, and it disappeared way too quickly. My only complaint? I didn't have enough room for all of it. Food coma, people. Good food coma. Worth it.
Also, they do these olive oil tastings. Again, prepare to be amazed. I came home with a suitcase full of it – along with about a hundred other things. Oops.
Can you actually relax there? Or is there constant noise/kids/chaos?
This is the BIG sell for me. I’m a light sleeper. A worrier. A generally stressed-out individual. And I slept like a baby. Seriously. The hotel has a lovely, small pool, so it wasn't filled with screaming children. I didn't see the chaos I was so used to. The atmosphere is… zen. Calm. Peaceful. You actually *can* hear yourself think (if you’re into that sort of thing). Seriously, the worst noise I heard all week was the occasional *plop* of a fig falling from the tree. Bliss. Pure. Bliss.
There are families there, of course, but the layout of the place is such that it's all quite dispersed. You can read a book, swim, sunbathe, and not be bothered. It's the kind of place where you leave all the stress behind. My own advice? Pack a good book, a swimsuit, a sunhat and just breathe!
Okay, I'm sold. What's the actual *location* like? Is it far from everything?
It's in a little village called Plakias. Which is also beautiful. It’s not *right* in the middle of the tourist mayhem. Which, let’s be honest, is a VERY good thing. Leonidas is maybe a 10-minute walk from the beach (gorgeous, sandy, turquoise water – yes, really). And you can wander into town for dinner or drinks (plenty of tavernas!).
Now, the best part? You can rent a car and explore! This place is perfectly positioned to see the rest of Crete. Elafonisi beach is an absolute must-see, I used to go there often. The Samaria Gorge is amazing, the beaches of Matala... all are worth the trip. Be warned: the roads can be a bit… *characterful* (read: windy). But the views are worth it. Plus, you can always grab a taxi or book a tour if you're not keen on driving. And the best part? There is always something to eat.
What about the rooms? Are they actually nice? (asking for a friend...)
Yes! They are SO nice. They're simple, clean, and beautifully furnished with that classic Greek style. I had an apartment (because #TreatYourself) with a balcony overlooking the sea. The view alone was worth the price of admission. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom was clean, and everything worked. No dodgy showers, no weird smells, no… you know… *things*.
The apartments have everything you need – a little kitchenette if you want to make some sandwiches (I didn't touch mine, I ate at the wonderful breakfast bar), air conditioning (essential!), and Wi-Fi. The only thing that could be better? Perhaps an iron, but that's what laundries are for, am I right?!
Do they have parking? Because I *hate* looking for parking. It's the bane of my existence.
Yes! They have parking. Plenty of it. And it's free. Seriously. Park your car, forget about it, and bask in the Cretan sunshine. I spent *zero* time circling the block, swearing under my breath, and that alone made the vacation worthwhile. Trust me, this is a small detail that makes a BIG difference.
What if something goes wrong? Are they helpful? (I'm a worrier, remember?)
Absolutely. The family running Leonidas are genuinely lovely people. They're there to help. If something goes wrong (and let's be honest, things *do* sometimes go wrong), just ask. They'll fix it. Quickly and with a smile. They're the kind of people who make you feel like you're staying with family (a very well-organized and hospitable family, that is!). I saw someone's suitcase wheel break, and they immediately offered to help and call a repair shop. They helped me find the best shops and places, like the beach. Don't be afraid to ask.
Okay, I'm still not convinced. Tell me something BAD about Leonidas. (Gotta have some honesty, right?)
Okay, alright. Here's the (very minor) downside. The Wi-Fi, while present, can be a little... *sensitive* at times. It's not the lightning-fast fiber optic experience you might get in the city. But honestly, who needs Wi-Fi when you'reEtosha's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Mopane Lodge's Secret Oasis!
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