- Greece Holidays
- Crete
- Ourania Apartments
Surrounded by a peaceful Mediterranean garden, this modern apartment-complex features a pool with furnished sun-bathing terrace and a snack bar with pool tables and satellite TV. Accommodation at the Ourania Hotel Apartments consists of spacious apartments, suitable for both groups of friends, couples and families. Each has private balcony or terrace and a kitchenette with toaster, kettle and fridge. The friendly Ourania staff organise Greek nights, bingo nights and quiz nights on a regular basis. The Ourania Hotel Apartments is a 20-minute drive from Heraklion airport, and only 300 m from the sandy beach and the water sports facilities of Gouves. Within walking distance of the hotel, guests may find various shops and markets, as well as taverns and restaurants. The bus stop is conveniently situated right outside the premises. The resort has been built in a “village” form for your relaxing holidays. There are plenty of gardens, full of olives oil trees and Mediterranean flowers that give you the true local atmosphere of Crete. The apartments are spacious with their own equipment and balcony / terrace. The story of the hotel began in the early 80's when the first 4 apartments were built. 4 villas... In the beginning of 90's there were 6 villas and it was time to change and invest to a new concept. Tourism was turning into a big business, but small and elegant hotels are the traditional accommodation that gives the customer the true local feeling. In 2006-2007 we had a big remodeling project that reshaped the hotel to a modern-looking resort. In 2018 we opened the new buildings that expanded the hotel to total 57 apartments. The new superior apartments have the modern design and premium equipment that improves your holiday experience even more. Every year we give all of our efforts to make your holidays unforgettable and enjoyable as never before.
What a fantastic surprise Ourania was for us. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, we felt totally at home. The apartments are set out in the form of an old Greek village with cobblestones, whitewashed buildings and bougainvillea arches. No two balconies face exactly the same way and the layout feels totally relaxing. Our room (206) was small but perfectly formed and suited us completely. Really comfortable beds, immaculately clean, spacious shower room and efficient shower - never ran out of hot water - and air conditioning included in the price. There are also some newer apartments that are laid out differently along a straight walkway. We used the courtesy shower room in this section and it was superbly fitted out. The pool area is glorious and we never once struggled to find a lounger. The pool bar is delightful with seating under the canopy of olive trees and excellent service from all the staff. At night, the lighting enhances the feeling of a Greek village. There is a decent range of meal options to choose from - all good quality and delicious. The apartments are about a ten minute slow walk to the beach and the nearest restaurants are at a similar distance. I have some mobility issues and never once struggled! Finally, I have to mention the amazing Kalli who absolutely made our stay. She welcomed us on arrival late at night, answered every question we had with a superb sense of humour, helped us organise a mini trip to visit historical sites and mountain villages and kept us laughing!
It’s fair to say the rooms are basic but if you can’t live with this you’ll need to pay a lot more money. There is sufficient in the rooms for a comfortable stay. The rooms and the surrounding areas are very clean and more than adequate. There’s plenty of sunbeds around the pool and in the garden area. It’s a short walk to the resort centre with lots of restaurants. I would certainly stay here again as for the money it’s excellent value.
The Ourania is in a peaceful setting within an easy walk to restaurants, local beaches and the seafront. We were in one of the older i.e not renovated two bed apartment. Yes it was tired but in keeping with many Greek self catering accommodations. The complex quirky so the outside space varies. We saw some lovely balconies but also some that were very small. We didn’t have the best but we relaxed into it. The kitchen was the usual extremely basic 2 ring hob, sink and drainer but it was the best equipped we’ve had ever. The pool area is great, lots of sun beds and shade under the trees if the parasols are taken. The bar is really pleasant and the staff friendly and helpful. Special mention of the housekeeping team who keep everything beautiful. Finally I must mention Callie on reception, she is welcoming, funny and so helpful but she tells it like it is which made me laugh more than once.
Around the resort we loved walking to Analipsi beach absolutely gorgeous. If you are reasonably fit It’s 35 minutes along the sea front/shore. Through one hotel’s grounds and back down to the shoreline. Outside the Thalasea restaurant bar you can rent sun loungers for €12
⭐ 1/5 – A VERY DISAPPOINTING AND UNACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE
I want to make it very clear that this review refers specifically to the older, unrenovated section of the property where we were accommodated. I cannot comment on the renovated apartments, which may be completely different.
In my opinion, the apartment we received in the older section should not be rented to guests in its current condition, especially not at a price comparable to the renovated accommodation. Most importantly, I do not believe the difference between the renovated and unrenovated accommodation was made sufficiently clear when booking through TUI. Had we understood the actual condition of the apartment we would receive, we would never have booked it.
The problems started immediately.
The electrical installation was extremely concerning. Bedside lamps had cables but nowhere practical to plug them in. One electrical socket was directly behind the bed, meaning we had to physically move the bed approximately 10 cm away from the wall just to plug in a phone charger.
There were also cables coming out of the floor in the living area and cables visible in the bathroom.
Most seriously, one of my children received an electric shock from a switch during our stay. We subsequently spent approximately FOUR HOURS without electricity and without air conditioning while waiting for the problem to be dealt with.
For a family travelling with children, I consider this completely unacceptable.
The bathroom was another major problem. It is unbelievably small, with a shower area approximately 50–60 cm wide. It is extremely difficult to shower properly without water going everywhere.
The drainage repeatedly backed up, leaving dirty shower water around our feet. We reported the problem, but nobody came promptly to resolve it.
There is virtually nowhere to put personal hygiene products. No proper bathroom cabinet, no useful shelving and no adequate storage. Toothbrushes, toothpaste and toiletries end up falling onto the floor – the same wet bathroom floor people are walking on.
The living room and kitchen area also have NO AIR CONDITIONING. Being on the first floor in the Cretan summer heat, these areas became extremely hot and uncomfortable. Only the bedrooms had air conditioning.
However, one of the most disappointing aspects of the entire experience was the way our concerns were handled.
When we approached reception and attempted to explain and physically show the problems we were experiencing, we felt completely dismissed. Instead of someone coming to inspect what we were reporting, we were told that the manager would be available the following day. We felt that nobody wanted to listen or even look at the problems.
When you are reporting electrical problems, drainage problems and an incident involving a child receiving an electric shock, being made to feel that nobody is interested is simply unacceptable.
We repeatedly asked for assistance and for an alternative room/apartment, particularly because we understood that renovated accommodation exists elsewhere within the property, but no satisfactory alternative was provided to us.
My biggest warning to anyone considering booking here is therefore this:
MAKE SURE YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHICH SECTION AND WHICH TYPE OF APARTMENT YOU ARE BOOKING.
Do not assume that all apartments correspond to the renovated photographs or are of the same standard. Ask specifically whether you are receiving a RENOVATED or UNRENOVATED apartment and request confirmation in writing before travelling.
Our experience in the older section was extremely disappointing and, in relation to the electrical issues, genuinely concerning.
I have photographs and videos documenting the condition of the apartment, the exposed/visible cables, bathroom problems and other issues described in this review.
Based solely on the apartment we were given and the way our complaints were handled, I cannot recommend this accommodation! We repeatedly and insistently asked both the hotel and TUI to move us to another apartment because of these problems. Despite our repeated requests, nobody has provided us with a reasonable alternative.
We have also asked again and again for the existing problems to be fixed, but we feel that our complaints have simply been ignored. We were told that there were no alternatives available, despite seeing indications that other rooms/apartments appeared to be vacant.
What makes this particularly upsetting is the feeling that once you have paid for your holiday and arrived at the property, your concerns no longer matter. Instead of trying to find a solution, we have been left to deal with these conditions ourselves.
We contacted both reception and TUI repeatedly, asking for either a room change or for the serious problems to be properly resolved. Neither provided us with an acceptable solution.
After paying for a family holiday, being treated this way is extremely disappointing. We did not expect luxury — we simply expected safe, functional accommodation and for someone to take responsibility when serious problems were reported.
A very disappointing way to treat paying guests.
Great location for beach, supermarket and fabulous restaurants. Lovely pool- not too crowded. Excellent cocktails. Staff were amazing- so friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend.
