This place 10 years or so ago was one of the best resorts to visit on the Island of Crete.High up in the town of Kalo Chorio with views that were absolutely spectacular.Sitting by the pool you felt like a Greek God looking down on the world.The rooms were basic but clean,the staff then were some of the best,the service second to none.Nikos,the night receptionist he's a philosopher with exceptional knowledge of most things,even runs the local boys football team.Despina who ran the reception in the day and on the Greek nights danced with the professional dancers that visited,she was extremely good.Theo the husband of Stavroula who worked at Elpida was there frequently at night.A delightful man full of energy and amusement,I understand he hasn't been well lately,we send him our love and best wishes.Manos,the original one behind the bar always kept it open until the last customer swerved off to bed,a nights entertainment in himself,a wonderful man.Now part owner of a paint shop I understand in Agios Nicholas.The very best of luck to you old friend.
Alas that was then.We returned in 2004 and couldn't believe what had happened to this once lovely place.The rooms were dirty,the bed linen left a lot to be desired and the staff that we'd known were gone apart from Despina and Nikos.Nikos was staying on,lucky for the new management,Despina was,she told us,sadly going to leave soon.This place needs to get back to the good days when the original owners ran it,then it was clean,friendly and full of life.Now,it's like a dark cloud has drifted between the Sun and the once bathed in Sunlight Hotel Elpida.
There used to be a visitors book which departing holiday makers wrote in before leaving.So many finished their praises of their stay with the statement,I love this place.
I wonder what the visitors write now,if of course they even bother to write anything at all .Crying shame,but lucky for us and many others we experienced this place at its very best.
Kalispera!
- Elpida Hotel Kalo Chorio
- Elpida Hotel Apartments
- Elpida Hotel
