Elia Meronas

This is such a hidden gem! The views are absolutely incredible and the staff are incredibly friendly. It was by far our favourite stay of our trip!

The hotel is located in an adorable, calm village in the mountains and there is a wonderful view from the windows, balconies, and the pool. The hosts were very nice and helpful. Evelina was very nice and polite and always there to help us.

There is no supermarket in the village so the food options are the hotel's own restaurant or a different tavern down the road.

We absolutely loved this place! Not only were views incredible and they gave us a free room upgrade as the hotel wasn’t busy, but It felt more like a homestay than a hotel. Everyone who worked there was extremely nice, caring and up for a chat. The homemade food was delicious and the homemade Raki was incredible! Thank you so much Elia Meronas team for our memorable stay in the mountains!

We stayed at the Elia in early May and were the only guests in the hotel, which meant the staff took really good care of us. Maria (young Maria - many of the local women are called Maria) made our visit to Crete. Maria was a brilliant host: really fun, interesting and very attentive. We ate breakfast and evening meals at the hotel. As it was early in the season the menu was slightly limited but the staff made up by preparing food they picked that day from the gardens and wild greens from the mountains. The food was excellent quality, fresh and plenty of it.... a refreshing change from the Chania tourist trap. The food and wine was also less than half the price of what they charged in Chania. The location for us was perfect: in the mountains 10 mins from Gerekari and also had a cracking walk to the Old Fort directly above the hotel. Meronas itself is beautiful and we spent a few hours just strolling around looking at the old houses and taking in the view. We also met the owner, Maria's great uncle who was an amazing gentleman and very knowledgeable about the local history. May is an excellent time to visit the mountains as the meadows are in full colour and the wildlife in abundance. Admittedly it is a little cool but this helped us with the walks in the mountains (we didn't even attempt a short stroll last August due to the heat). Tips: research the area first - the locals really appreciate when you show an interest. The Amari Valley is stunning and well worth driving around. The abandoned village of Gourgouthoi is worth a visit and a picnic up in the woods above the ruins (turn left just before the old church and follow the path jp into the wood. Also... ask the locals how to pronounce Gourgouthoi - only the older folk can pronounce it! Finally thank you Maria, you really are a fabulous person! Jim & Ashley!

It was perfect. Nothing to dislike

Very friendly and helpfull staff

The people and family members that operate Elia Meronas are friendly and superb.The views were outstanding. The breakfast was good. The location was good to tour the Amari Valley

The bed was very firm. We had a very windy night, so the room whistled.The town was very small, not many places to eat.

The most fun and helpful hostess. Beautiful views . Easy walk into the charming tiny town of Meronas. Congenital dinners with the other guests and hosts

Not much to criticize! Location is remote but not a far drive