Grand Leoniki Residence by Grecotel

Beautiful hotel Spacious well appointed rooms. 4 pool to choose from ( one indoors) Spa. Gym. Restaurant We had B&B. Breakfast has an extensive menu. Ideal for families, couples and single travellers. Highly recommended

Me and my husband have just returned back from a relaxing 11night break at this lovely Greek hotel. The whole complex is set out like a little Greek village, and the grounds are so pretty with plants,greenery and herbs all over. We had the pleasure of staying in room 145, high floor, slight pool view one bedroom studio apartment. The room was huge, and despite us staying on a half board basis, we had everything we needed if we wanted to cook food in the room. Free bottle of water in the large fridge also. The aircon was amazing(we had 1 unit in the bedroom and 1 in the living room), the room felt like a fridge which was very welcoming in the 36degree heat we had some days. Super comfy bed, large balcony, free safe and hairdryer, iron and ironing board and plenty of storage for our clothes etc. Check in was quick and easy, we were given welcome drinks and us and our luggage were escorted to our room with ease. As mentioned we stayed on a half board basis. The breakfast was lovely.Plenty of choice from your usual cerals,breads, fruit, croissants, cakes, to hot 'full english' style breakfast, and they had the continental section of hams and cheeses too. Evening meal was kept simple with around 5 main dishes to choose from and also they had one special item on each night. Salad and bread section always there each night and the most tastiest dessert section too! Food was really tasty and we mixed it up by eating in hotel and the local tavernas alternative nights. Also big shout out and thank you to the amazing waiting staff, who were so friendly and attentive and extremely hard working. We never had an issue getting a sun lounger during our stay(although there were a few offenders who would reserve a lounger and not come to use them untill late afternoon,despite the hotel putting notices around the pool). We chose to use the main pool as there is a second pool hidden away the otherside of the complex(the one with the bridge going over.There was the main pool bar where 2 soft drinks totalled €5.80. Also they would come around daily with glasses of water and different fresh fruit. Check out time is at 12pm, and we had a late flight home so we were able to store our luggage at reception, use the pool for the day and then were able to use the pool showers to freshen up before the return journey home. I can't fault this hotel at all. Really haven't got a bad word to say about it. Those reviews saying it is looking 'tired and worn' in some places must be lying as we thought the hotel was lovely and well maintained by all the hard working staff. Hotel is also perfectly placed for exploring the nearby area where there are plenty of lovely tavernas, bars and shops nearby. Beach is also a short distance across the main road. Also a €10 taxi ride takes you straight into Rethymno Town which is bustling and definitely worth a visit. Tips for local tavernas and snack bars we used were, Verginia 1, Galeana snack bar, gold snack bar, Manolis Sunrise snack bar.

We hadn't intended using the hotel very much as our intention was to explore the island of Crete by car every day. I had paid to upgrade to a garden view apartment and we were glad we did. The apartment was spread across two floors with the main bedroom and balcony upstairs and the open plan lounge and kitchen downstairs, along with a further small bathroom. The apartment was very light and airy with air conditioning in both the bedroom and lounge. We also benefited from wrap around balconies on both floors and patio doors from the lounge and kitchen leading out and upstairs from the hall. Whilst the surface level of the hotel looked okay, it feels like a deep clean is needed with some of the pipes and toilet seat hinges rusting. The food at the hotel was a familiar affair as with most buffet style meals. We were staying on a half board basis and breakfast was a spread of continental and local meats and cheeses - always with a variety of freshly cooked and still warm bread and spreads. Olives, onions, tomatoes and everything in between were available in unlimited quantities across all meals. A choice of cereals, fruits and yoghurts, plus a fully cooked 'English' breakfast with sausages eggs bacon etc. The evening meal rarely had anything less than 5 main courses from which to choose plus a special each night, although this was occasionally underwhelming it always felt like good value. In addition there was a full array of local and international desserts plus an unlimited supply of strawberry, chocolate, vanilla and banana ice cream. Eating outside was always special too and I cannot fault the staff for their friendliness, efficiency, hard work and professionalism. One of the Chef's was a little abrupt but that all added to the character of the place. We didn't use the pools during our stay as we were offsite exploring Crete during the day. There was always help available at any time of day or night and we took advantage of the free beach towels and a free safe in each room. We were also very pleased to find a welcome bottle of wine and pastries in the fridge upon arrival. If you can live with the fact that in parts the Hotel needs a bit of updating, I would highly recommend a stay here and if you like exploring you can buy a bus ticket from the local supermarket into Rethymno (our favourite place on the island), which takes around 20 minutes, the return leg of the round trip stops directly outside the hotel. Platianes also has a variety of bars shops and restaurants and the hotel sits bang in the middle and just about 300 yards from the beach. If you like history don't miss these places: Elaftherna museum and the old city remains, Moni Arkhadi, Meldonhi Cave, Knossos and one thing I must recommend is the Lux bar in Rethymno for unparalleled hospitality, excellent food and reasonable pricing. Unbeatable.

We really enjoyed our stay and time in Crete at the Grand Leoniki Residence. We traveled in early October and had a ground floor 1 Bedroom/Studio near a pool and didn’t have too much noise due to the pool. The rooms are equipped with a hair dryer, a coffee pot and kettle and a stove with a microwave. The room we were in also had a blu-ray player which would have been helpful as the tv seems to run on WiFi and the connection was pretty bad in our room. A few things — we rented a car and there *is* parking for cars at this location. The parking is on street and on the road at the back of the property. It is not assigned and is against/into the bushes or by the back wall. We didn’t have any issue with parking at all during our stay. We were not provided with any coffee or cooking supplies (salt/pepper/oil) but grabbed seasoning and supplies from LIDL (a short walk or quick drive). I would recommend picking up bottled water from LIDL as well as the markup over LIDL is high. Overall, a great stay. We didn’t utilize the pool or eat onsite at the restaurant but they both looked to be well enjoyed by others.

Had a fantastic week here , the staff were fantastic, friendly and helpful throughout. The food was great, fresh well cooked and a great selection every day. Our appartment was clean and spacious , just a great relaxing week in a warm and friendly atmosphere

A wonderful week at Leoniki Residence. Above all the staff are outstanding- friendly, helpful, relaxed, efficient, charming. Everywhere was spotlessly clean. All we could wish for at breakfast, and dinner always of a high quality and varied. Close to sandy beach and local shops and tavernas. Rethymno well worth a visit- we went by bus- and spent a fascinating few hours exploring. First time in Crete and can’t wait to return. Leoniki is the perfect base.

Wonderful hot (30c) week 13th to 20th September, inexpensive holiday courtesy of Travelodeal. Beautiful layout of a Greek village, our apartment was 2 story, equipped kitchen, TV, CD & DVD players (?), and huge comfortable bed. Aircon effective enough, failed one afternoon, was fixed immediately! 3 outdoor pools + 1 inside, loads of sunbeds available. Everywhere spotlessly clean, the pool guys regularly attending to the pools after hours. As for Rethymno, what a marvellous place to spend your days, walking around the old narrow streets, to the Venetian harbour & old fort. Get there by local bus (number 20) in 25 minutes. And lots of cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, car rentals etc etc just a few steps from the hotel. Food, glorious food! Great choice every day, chefs replenishing the dishes all the time. And such friendly & thoughtful staff, especially the older guy & gal who seemed to be in charge of the restaurant. Gave me a birthday cake on my birthday, found & retrieved my hat more than once, always smiling & chatting to you, in English, German plus one or two other languages. We took a day tour of the area, north coast to south coast & back via villages & gorges, well worth the cash, Yanis is your guy for a great experience. Any negatives? Well, didn't see any entertainment on offer in the evenings, and not much, apart from 2 karaoke bars, in the locality. Wifi not the strongest signal in our flat. Transfer is around 1 hour 30. But that's about all. Grand Leoniki is now top of our list, we WILL return! Thanks to you all at the Residence for making our stay so wonderful. X.

Just returned from a week staying here, we were very impressed and really enjoyed our stay. Our one bedroom apartment was very spacious and bed was extremely comfortable, the pillows were amazing, I usually struggle with pillows but these were the best. The apartment was spotlessly clean and well equipped, we even made use of the panini/sandwich toaster! The pool area was well maintained with comfortable sunbeds and plenty of space for everyone, we really enjoyed the relaxed and laid back atmosphere of the place. We both visited the spa for a massage, very good indeed, definitely sorted out my tight shoulders, would highly recommend the service, the girls were lovely. The breakfast buffet was superb, all you could wish for and plenty of choice whatever time you arrived to eat. Some mornings the weather was wet so couldn’t sit outside but the staff did their upmost to make sure that there were sufficient tables laid out indoors to accommodate everyone. The staff were friendly and helpful. Lots of lovely tavernas and bars, spoilt for choice really for such a small area. Travelled on the bus to Rethymnon which is very easy and cheap, the bus stops right outside. Had a great time, would love to come back some time. Thank you

Just arrived last night. First impressions are of a spotless hotel. Our first breakfast experience was faultless. Fresh food with a good choice. The only downside is due to my own limitations. Our room was quite a trek with many stairs. Due to a number of operations, the old knees are not so good. These stairs are taking their toll. Not to worry, I have spoken to reception, and they are doing their best to sort a room out, which will be easier for this old body. Got to say the rooms we have are fantastic, all you would want. So looking forward to the rest of our holiday.