Pilot Amphora Boutique

There isn't much I can add that others haven't already mentioned but I must say that this hotel is pretty close to perfect. The staff and the rooms are as fabulous as many others have said. It had a coffee machine, balcony and fabulous shower that was as hot as you wanted, when you wanted! It has a lovely pool and seating area, but what made it extra special for us was the food. We were half board and fully expected a buffet of an evening in keeping with our previous trips to Greece but this was a la carte and although not everything was amazing or delicious, most things were. We have never had food as good in any Mediterranean hotel. The hotel is very well situated for the town centre and although its not on the beach the relationship with the "sister" Pilot Beach hotel meant you could stroll along the beach and use their loungers/ umbrellas and facilities. You can also choose to dine there if you were to decide the a la carte at the Pilot Amphora isn't for you or you just want a change. The restaurants at the Pilot Beach are buffet. This can all be done via the hotel app which ideally you should download asap as you do need to book dinner each day and this is easier to do via the app. The app also contains a lot of extra information. There is a shuttle bus between the two hotels should you not fancy the walk along he beach (about 15-20 mins). If you do use the beach facilities at the Pilot Beach don't forget to try the smaller Kalivaki Beach at least once. We loved this smaller beach (you can rent loungers and an umbrella for 8 euro) and particularly watching the Kingfishers flying around near where the river joins the sea. Georgioplois itself is lovely. Much quieter than its bigger neighbours and for us still retaining the charm we first discovered in the Greece of the 1980s. The town and the Hotel were almost entirely occupied by German tourists, which we prefer, but English was still the predominant language and the staff in the shops and restaurants all spoke English. I would say however that late October might not be the best time to visit. In our second week the mountains to the South of the village were almost completely covered in cloud which meant that so too was Georgiopolis. An option would be to hire a car and visit the smaller resorts on the South coast. We did this and had full sunshine everyday. Unfortunately the staff at the hotel did not mention this, but luckily we had discovered that the south of the island has much better weather late in the season on a previous visit. We also took the bus to both Chania and Rethymeno. The hotel is only around 10 mins from the bus stop and the buses were cheap and efficient, though only run hourly. It was 3.7E to Rethymno and 4.7E to Chania (one way).

What a gem of a hotel this is. Small, intimate, adults only. We arrived in the early hours of the morning to a warm welcome from the night concierge who showed us to our room and got us a snack. The next day we awoke after a restful sleep on a comfortable bed, better able to take in our surroundings which were lovely. All the meals were delicious. Great cooking from the chef and kitchen staff. We were half board and enjoyed an a la carte menu each night. With tasty breakfasts in the mornings. Eggs were cooked to order, so fresh each day. On the mornings we had to leave early for day trips, we were given a packed breakfast. I can truly say the staff are exceptional. Polite, helpful and do their best to make the stay a memorable and relaxing one. The manager goes out of his way to make sure all goes well throughout the stay. He and the table staff ensure they get to know your personal preferences so that coffee is always as you like it! We didn’t get all the names but thank you to Panos, the manager, Nanos, Dinos, Irene and Menia. Also to the chamber maids who looked after our room. Even my nightwear was neatly folded. Fresh water each day and toiletries as needed. We made good use of the pool which is a reasonable size and kept clean. We also visited the sister hotel located next to the beach. A shuttle service is provided between the two hotels . We opted to walk back along the beach which took about half an hour to forty minutes on the day we went to the Pilot beach. On some evenings there was entertainment. Saturday and Sunday the music was provided by a young couple, with beautiful singing by the young woman across a range of musical genres from jazz to pop. The village itself is pleasant to walk around, with plenty to see and explore. It is a good place from which to explore this area of Crete. The one word to sum everything up is EXCEPTIONAL and we can’t wait to go back. Thank you for a memorable holiday.

We have just returned home from a wonderful week at the Pilot Amphoria. The hotel is an oasis of calm short distance from the town square. You arrive as guests and leave as friends because the staff treat you as individuals with such courtesy and respect. Nothing is too much trouble,there is no list of dos and don'ts, the manager Panagiotis and his team only have a can-do attitude. They sorted laundry for us and organised a late check out due to our flight being late home. The hotel is spotlessly clean, and our room was no exception. It was cleaned to the highest of standards daily,fluffy towels,and plenty of toiletries replenished as needed. The bed was the comfiest we have ever slept in away from home, so much so we wanted to bring it home with us. Fresh,good quality and tasty food was served at both breakfast and dinner. Dinner being a five courses, well worth the half board supplement Thank you to the chefs . We would love to return one day but booking early will be a must as we think the secret is out as to what an amazing hotel this is. Thank you for everything .

We traveled with a couple of friends and we all had the same experience: This stay was One of the best vacations we have ever had. Everything was absolutely outstanding!! The breakfast buffet was well presented with all you could wish for including very very good coffee free of choices as well as different kinds of eggs prepared by the chef next to the bar area. The 5 courses dinner every evening was absolutely amazing: tasteful and very beautiful arranged at the plates. We definitely recommend to try this. Big/huge compliments to the chef. Spacious rooms which were very beautiful decorated . The rooms were cleaned every day, fresh new towels every day and not to forget: free body lotion, shower gel and shampoo of top quality.. The cleaning ladies did a very good job even though they were busy all day long. The pool area was beautiful placed in the center of the hotel - all peaceful and luxurious - and plenty of possibilities to find a spot in the sun in a comfortable sun lounger. But most of all the manager Panos and all his staff made this vacation unforgettable for us. The service was over the top EVERY day. Friendly, helpful, familiar, smiling and good for a joke too - we definitely felt welcome and part of a small “family” Our very very best recommendation to this hotel. You will not regret to go visit this place. So again: a huge THANK YOU to all of you at the Pilot Amphora Boutique Hotel and thanks for taking so good care of us - hopefully we will see you again

Overall a really nice and enjoyable 6 nights. Positives: Clean rooms and hotel Spacious (Maisonette) room Good quality food and in the majority very tasty. The 5 course a la carte is plentiful and so are the options at breakfast. Can also use the sister hotel (Pilot Beach Resort) which has its own stretch of beach and free sunbeds - note this is a family resort so lots of young children (predominantly german clientele). The resort is only a 5 min drive away and Amphora offers a free timetabled shuttle service. Close to restaurants and cafes nearby (in Georgioupoli). Irina and the blond lady at dinner (sorry we did not note her name down) were so friendly and accommodating. Negatives: The biggest gripe for us (on a beach holiday) is that towels, shower amenities were not replaced daily. This is an inconvenience when you are showering multiple times a day. A number of TV channels didn't work. Only 2 english speaking news channels. No capability to watch apps in the room i.e. Netflix Although most the staff (including the hotel manager) were friendly, we sensed a couple were disingenuous. This is exacerbated when it's a small hotel.