ABATON ISLAND RESORT & SPA

We are a couple in our late 50s with health issues who happened to be walking along the coast from Koutouloufari to Stalis. We'd walked through and past a few hotels along the way. There was no sign saying private or "no through road" on the path before this hotel. We reached the end of the resort and this rude man asked if we were guests and upon realising we weren't guests, ordered us back. I told him we'd just cut through the hotel to the main road but he expected us, in 30° heat to add another 20 minutes to our journey by walking all the way back. Anyway we tried to join the driveway that would clearly have us back on the road in 2 minutes. The guy noticed what we were doing and started shouting and ordering us back like we were criminals. We continued to walk towards the road, sweat pouring off us, and he followed us on his quad bike, very intimidating. We continued to ignore him and reached the road and their guard on the front challenged us further. Now wouldn't you expect that if a mature couple, possibly potential customers, had accidentally wandered into their hotel that the staff would politely guide them out and show them the quickest route away? I can't remember the last time I was spoken to so rudely and I wouldn't stay there if it was free.

Absolut zum Empfehlen

Uodate: hotel trying to delete bad review.

The premises and rooms are nice, but be aware that you will have to go through a lot for minor things.

To resume: misinformed by staff regarding our reservation during check in that dinner was included.

After dinner at a buffet which was neither good nor worth it (breakfast is decent, but avoid the dinner). We were surprised with a bill for 100e (50e/person). When going to the manager Popi, she made no attempt to resolve the problem. Informed that we would have to pay despite being the hotel's error. Her solution was that we could pay an extra 90e for the next night to benefit a very not worth it half board experience.

Quite frankly, she was very condescending and was not at all attentive. Placing the blame on us to have known better when we had booked. However, hotel.com does not explicitly mention the half board system and we were confirmed by staff several times during check-in the dinner was included. As someone who has personally worked in a service role, her behavior and actions were highly unprofessional.

In the end, we did not get charged, but we had to contact hotel.com in order to fix the problem as the hotel manager refused to correct their mistake. When hotel.com contacted them, they lied and said we knew about the mistake on the hotels part regarding our reservation before the dinner.

This was a problem with a super easy solution which they did not do until pushed by external party. I can't imagine how more serious problems/mistakes are treated.

All staff except the manager mentioned above were super kind and professional.

For people who do not heed this review and book here, go to restaurants elsewhere. You are in Greece and should be enjoying delicious food.

Service was excellent from arrival to departure.
Guest relation was very courteous.
All employees was very polite and nice.

The Abaton was really one of those stellar experiences when you're looking for a tranquil yet stylish resort hotel.
The food options are varied and very nicely defined with each restaurant having its own house on the premises.
One of the famous "Buddha Bars" are also located there which we loved for seaside lunches or the occasional cocktail/champagne shenanigans.
Staff was extraordinally friendly and helpful.
Huge pool areas and a very cozy and beautiful beach are the main focus of the hotel.
The relatively short drive from the airport is also very comfortable thanks to modern and luxurious shuttles.
All in all we definitly plan on returning on our next trip to Crete.