Crete with Grecotel

Amirandes - Gouves: A Luxurious Escape

Just 1.5 km from Gouves centre, Amirandes is a palatial hotel that offers a first-class dining scene and one of the biggest pools you’ll ever see. Plus, you get beach chairs and umbrellas at the nearby beach for private use.

Overview

Amirandes beautifully blends classical elegance with modern comforts. The expansive gardens feature an Olympic-sized pool, two tennis courts, a padel court, a basketball court, and a football field. You can enjoy al fresco dining at the buffet restaurant or choose from four à la carte options. For entertainment, there’s an amphitheatre hosting occasional live shows and events for kids.

Rooms

• Premium Bungalow with Garden View and Terrace
• Luxury Bungalow with Garden View and Terrace
• Superior Double Room with Garden View and Balcony
• Luxury Double Room with Limited Sea View and Balcony
• Luxury Double Room with Sea View and Balcony
• Swim-up Superior Double Room with Garden View and Terrace
• Superior Family Room with Garden View, Sliding Doors, and Balcony or Terrace
• Swim-up Suite with Garden View, Private Pool, and Terrace
• Suite with Garden View and Balcony

All rooms come with tea and coffee-making facilities.

Facilities

The Olympic-sized pool includes a separate pool for children and a waterside brasserie. Food-wise, there’s a buffet restaurant, four à la carte restaurants, and a seafront seafood place. The sprawling gardens house two tennis courts, a padel court, a street basketball court, a soccer field, and an amphitheatre for various events.

My Personal Experience

We arrived very late, but the hotel staff greeted us with huge enthusiasm and kindness, along with a welcome drink. After a long day, the lovely snacks and drinks in the room were greatly appreciated. I stayed in a Swim-up Suite with Garden View, Private Pool, and Terrace. I loved the layout of the room—it was very spacious, with a modern yet homely feel. The living room was roomy, and I appreciated the two sun loungers on the grassed area.

Housekeeping

As I only slept in the room and checked out the next morning, I didn’t experience the housekeeping service. However, the room was perfect on arrival, so I’m sure if we had stayed longer, it would have been just as impeccable.

Location

The hotel is beautifully situated on the beach and close to the airport. While some might see the proximity to the airport as a downside, I personally think a short transfer to a hotel close to the airport is a plus rather than a negative.

What I Loved

The hotel has a very calm feel when you enter, with an amazing sense of space. Even though it was quite full, it certainly didn’t feel crowded.

What Wowed Me

The lagoon area, as you enter the hotel, is stunning!

Food & Beverage Offering

We had breakfast in a beautiful setting—the outdoor area is lovely for breakfast. I also enjoyed the beach bar setting. I would have loved to experience more of the food and beverage offerings, but what I did experience was delightful.

Would I Recommend This Property to Clients?

Absolutely! I feel it would appeal to couples of all ages and families with younger children. It might be a little quiet for older children, but overall, it’s a fantastic choice.