"As a budget friendly, family-hotel this was, overall, a good find. The staff at this hotel were its shining glory, and by the time we left, we felt emotional saying good bye to each of them. Anastasia, Tasos, Kristos, Harry and Selma, we appreciate all you did for us!
Great communication with Anastasia before the trip where she helped us get a car rental and airport transfers ahead of time; a kettle for our room and a pool room view as requested. We stayed in room 211. Be aware though, that the enjoyment of rooms facing the pool are subject to the noise of guests who may not show much courtesy. Our first week of two, there was a family who didn’t control their very loud children (one child in particular), which we, and other guests in similar locations, found very disruptive. Though mentioning this to the hotel helped quiet the family a little, it wasn’t until the noisy family checked out of the hotel altogether where we could finally enjoy the pool area and our balcony’s view of it in peace.
The pool is always sparkling clean, no matter how many guests it may be accommodating, and at times, this was many. Though some of the loungers and cushions could use replacing, we were comfortable enough in them under umbrellas and constantly serenaded by the exotic sounds of cicadas. These insects are everywhere one goes on the island actually, rarely seen but always heard. The pool was also partially surrounded by fuchsia bougainvillea along with the odd very elegant stray cat, we we loved. The pool area also has a convenient rinse off shower for washing beach sand off feet and legs upon return from the beach, keeping sand from pool water or your room - or bed!
While the lobby of the hotel is upscale and elegant (complete with the most aromatic frangipani tree to greet you upon arrival), the room decor is basic. It took awhile for the AC to kick in when we first got there but it worked perfectly for the duration of the trip. The bathroom was small but very modern - just be careful of the little step-down lip into the shower.
The hotel supplied plenty of pool towels to also borrow for the beach.
Our stay also included buffet breakfast which was outstanding. Harry served up cooked fried and boiled eggs, bacon, sausage, sauteed onions and green peppers, rich greek yogurt, a variety of cheeses including cubes of famous Cretan cheese, croissants, cakes, cubed island watermelon (the best!), honeydew melon, tomato and cucumber slices, bread to toast with a range of condiments (real Greek marmalade, honey etc), fresh orange juice and plenty of coffee and tea with fresh dairy and sugar. They start at 7:30 am and run until 10:30 am, so unless you've got an early flight or sightseeing trip planned, there's plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful breakfast.
A shout out to the cleaning staff who always left our room - and the entire property - in impeccable condition (thank you, dear Selma!) which is hard to do when the beach is a one-minute walk away.
The hotel staff were constantly attentive, going out of their way each day to see how we were doing and if we needed anything. They were all so very kind and sweet that we really felt connected to them.
Now, the BEACH...Agioi (or Agii) Apostoli...was fantastic and stunningly beautiful. One of the key features that attracted us to Yakinthos Atlantica, in addition to affordability, was its proximity to the beach - about a 50 meter walk.
Because loungers and umbrellas we inquired about cost 50-70 EU each (in August), we opted for buying our own umbrellas and laying towels onto the sand. But the water was spectacular. Red-Flag rough in some spots, but beautiful. (We discovered, on the very last day there, that loungers and umbrellas could more much more affordably rented from Siroccos Restaurant - an awesome spot for meals and sunset - for about 15 EU.)
While the waves were large enough for red-flags on the west side of the beach, there is a calmer little cove-like place to the right near the hill with trees with Green-Flag conditions, which we basked in.
There is a fantastic little market store right next to the hotel (across the tiny street that leads to the beach). We got milk for our instant coffee, instant coffee, wine, water, cheeses and snacks for our hotel mini-fridge as well as many souvenirs that were a good deal.
We really loved dining at Siroccos and Piato which are also steps away. Shopping at the other nearby shops was a lot of fun as well.
In short, we would be very happy to return to this hotel but, in retrospect, would instead choose a room at the back of the hotel that has a partial ocean view as peace and quiet are what we look for on vacation."
