My boyfriend and I have just returned from a wonderful week in Elounda, staying at the Irene Apartments. We were looking for a low cost holiday at self-catering accommodation which we could use as a base - we were planning to go out most days rather than spend most of our time here - and this was perfect.

When we booked (on a late deal) we were told the smaller apartments were already booked, so we had to pay extra for a larger one - but in the end we didn't mind as our apartment (104) was probably one of the nicest. It was on the first floor with two balconies with a view of the pool and hills, and was clean, with an adequate bathroom and kitchen area. My boyfriend, who's been on lots of similar holidays, says this is the best accommodation he's had.

Irene Apartments has a friendly atmosphere, and the pool, while fairly small, is clean, with enough sunbeds and a poolside bar. It's only a few minutes' walk from the centre of Elounda and less than 10 minutes' walk from the beach. The only negative points I can think of are the price of air-conditioning, maybe the towels could have been changed more often, and also with some of the apartments the balconies aren't very private. There's a weekly BBQ but not much other entertainment, if you're looking for that sort of thing (which we weren't). Also, a few things you might want to bring along with you: tea towels, bath mat, soap.

I'd thoroughly recommend Elounda for a holiday - it's an attractive place, overlooked by hills, with a nice beach, and you're spoilt for choice with all the restaurants and bars. (I recommend a cocktail served with a sparkler at Eden Bar!) But it's not really a resort for younger party-goers like some other places in Crete.

So if you're looking for a reasonably basic but pleasant place to stay in a great resort, Irene Apartments is recommended.

I have just returned from a 2 week stay at the Irene apartments with 11 other family members ages from 80 to 4 years old. This was my 3rd year in Elounda and 8th year for some of the others.The apartments are the best we have ever stayed in, the cleaners came in every day to empty bins and sweep and mop the floors and sheets and towels were changed 3 times during our 2 week stay.We were lucky to get a ground floor apartment with our 4 year old, so we had no worries of steps and no worries about the pool as it is just across the road from the apartments.The pool is very clean and there are plenty of sun beds.All the people that work at the apartments were very friendly. We were in the apartment next to the owner and he told us if we needed anything day or night to knock on his door.The apartments are a few minutes walk from Elounda square and beach.Some of us are hoping to go back to the Irene apartments in August, and will be staying there again next year for our family holiday, i don't think we will stay anywhere but the Irene apartments again.................

It was our first time in Crete as we were visiting family, but an experience not to be missed ! Elounda is the most beautiful place, with stunning scenery and beaches. Access to nearby villages is pretty easy, and if you drive, a moped is definitely the best way to get around - although there are some crazy drivers out there ! The Irene Apartments were very basic, but comfortable, and were the perfect base for exploring the area. You got a simple bathroom, bedroom, and kitchenette, and our room had a small balcony. There is a small pool on site with snackbar, and shops and amenities are in close proximity to the hotel.

This was our second time in Elouda, it is a georgeous place and we fell in love with it the moment we got there. This time we stayed at Irene Apartments and had a lovely stay. The rooms were basic as they are in Greece, but clean and the bathroom was brand new and sparkling. The pool is lovely and great for kids, very clean also. The pool bar stayed open as long as you were drinking (within reason). Nan who works behind the pool bar was a treasure, she really looks after you and advises you which are the best supermakets etc. The owner was not over friendly but did welcome us and waved when he saw us. Everyone we spoke to around the pool has been before to Irene apartments...
I would advise anyone to stay here. The location is perfect, its just 5 mins aways from all the georgeous restaurants & the beach..