Aulus Chania by Domes Resorts

"A Lovely Resort with Plenty of Potential — but Some Shortcomings I decided to write this review after returning home from Crete and reading some of the recent guest experiences. I particularly agree with a few points mentioned in the review written by Hanna, as we stayed at the resort during the same storm and experienced many of the challenges she described. Of course, the weather was beyond anyone’s control, but I felt the management could have been much more proactive and better prepared to handle the situation. During the storm, there seemed to be little visible leadership or effort to adapt the hotel’s operations to the circumstances. The dining experience suffered particularly. The buffet food, in my opinion, was simply not up to five-star standards. On the positive side, the drinks were good, with plenty of choices, especially considering the very reasonable price we paid for the all-inclusive package. Another issue I find puzzling is the shortage of pool loungers. This has been mentioned in reviews for months, yet apparently remains unresolved. Surely this is something that could have been addressed by now? As for the location, it’s both a blessing and a drawback, depending on what you’re looking for. The views are absolutely spectacular, and for someone seeking a peaceful, relaxing escape, the setting can be truly enchanting. However, the resort is quite far from Chania, and there is no proper beach directly at the hotel. Why not offer a shuttle service to nearby Zorbas Beach? For example, at Sandblu, a Hilton property on Santorini, guests could take a hotel shuttle to a nearby beach where loungers were reserved specifically for them. It was a wonderful arrangement, and I imagine many guests here would happily pay a little extra for a similar service. There is plenty to explore within an hour’s drive, but realistically, you need a rental car to make the most of the area. We stayed at four different hotels during our trip to Crete this year, and each had its strengths and weaknesses (with the exception of one tiny boutique hotel that was so delightful I genuinely didn’t want to leave!). This resort certainly has a lot going for it. The grounds and views are truly spectacular, the rooms are lovely, and the amenities and overall all-inclusive package represent very good value for money. The staff we encountered were also wonderful, friendly, and hardworking. Ultimately, we enjoyed our stay, despite the shortcomings. I believe this property has the potential to be something really special, but a few operational improvements would make a significant difference. I sincerely hope management takes the constructive feedback from guests seriously and addresses these issues before next season."

"Stunning hotel and amazing staff, rooms are gorgeous and pools are superb We loved our stay at Aulus and would definitely recommend it, you won't be disappointed"

"The staff are really helpful especially at the concierge any questions or problems they as fast to sort it out"