Having just spent a week at the Paradise Apartments much of what has been said by other TA contributors is as we expected. The accommodation we had, for two persons, was more than adequate and in fact larger than we had had anticipated. It was spotlessly clean (a testament to the work of one cleaner) and had everything we needed for the week.

The pool area has plenty of sunbeds and a couple of trees at one side so you can lie in dappled shade. The pool was kept meticulously clean. Toula, who runs Paradise, is a lovely lady, and never stops looking after the place.

We went for the last week in July and I have to say I thought the place was quiet considering the time of year with less than 50% occupancy whilst we were there. There is no doubt that there has been a drop in numbers of tourists, particularly from the UK and reflected by the exchange rate, and this has been echoed by other proprietors of businesses in Agios Nikolaos who we spoke to.

Mention has been made of the little shop at the end of the gravel track leading from Paradise. Well it must have been so bad as it is now currently closed so the nearest supermarket is by the Mirabello Hotel a 10 minute stroll. Expect to pay more for what you buy as this is a convenience supermarket. If you have hired a car visit Lidl which is well signposted and is on the road to Kritsas (well worth the visit).

On car hire don’t be afraid to shop around. Those recommended by the travel reps were expensive. There are loads of companies offering good deals. Nearest hire places to paradise are on the road into town, Economy just past the Mirabello Hotel and Kera Hire another three minutes walk after that. We paid €80 for 4 days.

There are loads of restaurants to be found. Next to Paradise the pick of the crop is Elotia where the service and quality of food far outweighs that of Olga’s Restaurant which has excellent views to the sea and in my opinion not a lot else.
In town I would certainly recommend restaurant visits to La Strada which is on Nikolaou Plastira and Okeanos Seafood Restaurant which is on one side of the “Lake.”

A must for the visitor is a trip to Spinalonga Island which lies offshore from Plaka and close to Elounda. For those of you that have read the book “The Island” when you visit you can tangibly feel the atmosphere of sadness.

In the main I agree with all TA contributors about Paradise but have a couple of suggestions:
1. 10€ a night for air con is very expensive – equivalent to nearly £60 a week – it was hardly surprising that the greater majority of visitors, all Brits while we were there, chose not to use it. I fully appreciate the owners are running a business but they need to balance the fact that people will also be looking at value for money as well.
2. I was surprised that there were no protectors on either mattresses or pillows. With all due respect to previous visitors, I would have thought that for longevity and for economic sense alone, the fitting of protectors would be a sensible idea.
3. 1.50€ for a small bottle of water is a huge mark up.

Would I recommend Paradise apartments – yes.
Would I stay there again – yes.

If you hire a car it is easier to access the apartments from the road that runs next to Havania beach, turn up the track between Olgas restaurant and Olgas mini market, bear left at the top then left again at the fork and you come to a clearing, the pool bar for paradise is directly on the left through the gate. Our car hire was with Holiday Autos, I scuffed the hubcap on a curb but they turned a blind eye, I would probably use them again. At first glance the Greeks drive all over the place, but you get the idea after a while. They tend to straddle the hard shoulder line when someone is gaining on them so that overtaking is easier on single carriageways. Also, if you pay attention to stop signs in the towns, and don’t hesitate too much about getting where you want to go, you’ll be OK.

We had high expectations after reading these reviews… our expectations were exceeded. The apartments are kept very clean indeed, as is the pool area. The area was very peaceful, apart from the occasional cockerel or dog barking in the morning – we didn’t find it a problem. The beds are firm, almost orthopaedic mattresses, so if you’re the kind of person that likes to be swallowed up by a bed then think carefully before booking.

After reading these reviews, we realised aircon was extra (10 EUR/night) so this wasn't a surprise and we factored it into the budget – we’re glad we did. The owners, Toula and Lambros, are lovely. Toula was always on hand to help, give advice and even taught us a bit of Greek too! Lambros runs a very nice restaurant in Ag Nik called Du Lac, unsurprisingly it is next to the lake. We ate there twice, the food and atmosphere was excellent and they gave us 10% off because we were staying at Paradise. It is one of the pricier places to eat but not extortionate given the quality.

The food and drink at the pool bar is on the expensive side for what you get, but it is convenient if you want a quick bite. We ate there once and had drinks a few other times. First Choice/Thomson book up the apartments for the whole of the summer, probably at a very low rate, I expect T&L make-up the difference at the bar and with extras like aircon and safe boxes.

We found the supermarket opposite the Mirabello to be the best locally. Elotia over the road is a lovely little family run Taverna, Achilles, the man with the big moustache, was very welcoming and couldn’t stop giving us freebees when we ate there. If you make the effort to say ‘hi’, make a bit of conversation and maybe try out a few Greek words then this usually goes down well with the locals. I cringe when I see some Brits getting frustrated because people should speak English, and treat every transaction with great suspicion. The Greeks are generally lovely, hospitable, generous people.

The trip to Spinalonga recommended by the Thomson reps was very good and worth the money. You get a guided tour of the island, then off to a bay for some swimming and diving off the boat, then they cook you a bbq, usually pork chops and a Cretan salad, though there is a vegetarian option. Overall we had a great time and would recommend these apartments.

we booked two days before we arrived at Paradise and were v pleasently surprised that we had landed so on our feet. the 1 bed appt was v clean and spacious, while Toula (owner) was v friendly and helpful. The beach is just a few minutes walk away, and is next to Elotia, a good little taverna for lunch or dinner (if u dont fancy the 30 min walk into ag nik). Taxis are 7 euro into town, and 12 to elunda, the next town, which is well worth a visit - esp the resturant in the middle of the marina which serves up an excellent mixed grilled fish platter at lunch (18 euro for 2 people).
It was v hot during our stay (mid june) and we didnt use the aircon which probably was a mistake as the bedroom did get v hot in the night. We did however arrange a late checkout of the room as our flight was late at night. We were charged Eur 20 to vacate at 6pm rather than 12. quite expensive, but worth it as we had all afternoon around the pool. Pool area is quite small, with little natural shade, but there are some umberellas to give some respite. during our stay only 6 people were staying in total, so never a problem getting beds, but imagine if its busier the pool area would be a bit mobbed. Beach is only 5 min walk though, so dont imagine it would be a huge problem.

overall, we had a great week, appts were clean, comfy and while a little out of town, the walk into Ag Nik certainly made u appreciate that first vnt of an evening. Du Lac resturant is good and is run by Toula-s hubby, so u get a discou nt if u mention your staying at Paradise.

Paradise Apartments are run by Toula who is the most amazing hostess - she works tirelessly from early morning till late at night and she always has a welcome smile and is happy to help. We had the best time from 6 - 20 September and by the time we left it felt we were leaving a member of our family behind. The apartments are spotlessly clean and the linen and towels were changed every other day, courtesy of Bianca, who was helpful and the way she would lay out the night clothes on the bed was just a lovely touch. We cannot praise the hard work of Toula and we didnt find the prices too expensive at the bar, what price such excellent service? ... and we spent many a happy hour with Toula watching America's Got Talent ... sad but true. The pool area has plenty of sun beds and we met some lovely guests and had some great fun round the pool. Bombing into the pool when Toula wasn't looking became quite a passion.

Over the road at Elotia Bar we had some truly superb evenings, the staff there are some of the nicest people you could meet and the welcome is so warm it was like walking into a friends home ... and it certainly became like that each time we went there to eat. The food is just wonderful and the choices - it was just amazing.

We had a bad experience at the Kri Kri bar and certainly wouldnt recommend that place - not in a million. Packed into the restaurant like sardines - they just see the Euro sign over your head - you dont mean anything as a customer. An experience not to be repeated on our next trip to Crete.

Thomson Reps were very helpful, the apartments perfect and the unexpected 2 day storm with thunder and lightning - amazing .. once the sun came out again that is, we were afraid that we had just had the worst luck in the world to travel to Crete and find we were in the rainy season!!

The 4 x 4 adventure is an absolutely brilliant day out and if you can - get Jeff for a driver - he is amazing and just keeps quoting facts about Crete all day - he tells you everything with a passion for the island and it was a truly brilliant day out, not cheap but we all found it was worth every penny.

Thanks Thomson and Toula for an amazing holiday and we will be returning again soon.