Hotel Pinelopi

We spent an 11 night holiday here in July 2018, having never visited Crete before. The price was so amazing that we limited our expectations, but what a delightful surprise on arrival at Pinelopi to be shown to a fairly basic but large and spotlessly clean studio apartment (room number 3), with a balcony overlooking the beautiful pool and the sea (albeit a little distance away). Our apartment was serviced every day, with bedding changed approximately every 3-4 days and towels more often if desired. The building is surrounded by olive groves and backed by mountains, Lake Kournas (beautiful lake, with pedalo hire, swimming and surrounded by tavernas) is around 15 minutes walk away and Georgioupolis (lovely little town with lots of tavernas, supermarkets, shops, car hire, etc) approximately 4km away. We hired a car for one day to see more of the island and it definitely made getting about easier but, if you want a get away from it all holiday, in a stunning location...and don't mind a little walking... you could manage without your own transport (taxi to Georgioupolis approximately €5/6 each way). George (the owner) and his family were absolutely lovely, helpful and friendly and give a parting gift of a bottle of olive oil from their own harvest. They serve a delicious breakfast for those who want it, and poolside drinks, snacks and meals at reasonable prices (€5 for two 500ml bottles of Mythos, €7 for a breakfast of bacon, fresh tomatoes, two fried eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice, and coffee). You can either pay as you go or add it to your room tab...there is absolutely no pressure or hassle. On one evening (after a particularly taxing day of basking in the sun and cooling off in the pool), we asked George if he would mind booking us a taxi to Georgioupolis, at which point he led us to his car and drove us there, for which he would accept no payment and seemed embarrassed by our thanks. We absolutely cannot recommend Pinelopi highly enough...though in truth are a little loath to do so...because it's one of those treasures that you don't necessarily want to share with lots of others 😀.