FAQs

What is the nearest International Airport to Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort ?

Amirandes lies on Crete’s stunning north coast 18 km east of Heraklion with easy access to Heraklion’s international airport “Nikos Kazantzakis”.

 

How far from Heraklion and Heraklion International Airport is the hotel located?

– To Heraklion: 23km (approx. 26 minutes)
– To Heraklion Airport (HER) “Nikos Kazantzakis”: 18km (approx. 16 minutes)

 

What are my transfer options from the airport to the hotel?

Guests staying in Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort may book a variety of luxury private transfer according to their reservation applicable charges might be occurred.
Reservations department would be pleased to assist. E: [email protected]

 

What is the weather like in Crete?

Crete is known for its warm and sunny climate that lasts throughout the year with hot summers and mild winters.
The climate of Crete is a temperate Mediterranean and the weather is characterized by long hot, dry summers and mild, sometimes rainy winters. There are relatively few days a year when it rains, but when it does finally rain it tends to be rather heavy and quite spectacular. Summer is the most popular time to visit Crete. The average temperatures are at around 27.5 °C to 29.5 °C and there are between 9 to 12 hours of sunshine that the island receives daily.
In October, there may still be some rainy days. Even when it rains, it is very unlikely to rain for days to an end but during the day or night leaving plenty of time to engage in indoor and outdoor activities in the resort or around the island.

 

What are the parking options at the hotel?

There is a parking area in the hotel premises as well as a valet service.

 

What Time Zone is followed in Crete?

Greece Time is +2 GMT.

Will I get the same benefits as mentioned on the website offers, if I book directly with the resort?

You will get the same offers, benefits as well as inclusions as what is mentioned on the website if you prefer to book directly with the resort. To contact the resort directly, please send an email to: [email protected] or call: +30 28970 41103.

 

What is the payment and cancellation policy of the resort?

Pre-payment is required to guarantee reservations. How far ahead the payment is required and how far ahead you can cancel the reservation free of charge will depend on your stay dates and the offer under which you have booked.

 

How do I pay for my reservation?

Once your reservation is complete, the reservations team will send you a secure online payment link through which you can settle the payment via your credit card. Alternatively, we do accept bank transfers as well.

 

What are the payment methods while on the island?

Credit card, debit card, and cash payments are accepted. For credit cards, we accept VISA, American Express, MasterCard, Union Pay, Discover, JCB, and Diners Club. Guests must present the same credit card used for the booking, along with a photo ID or passport of the cardholder, upon check-in at the hotel.

 

Please note, according to legislation, partial or full settlement of invoices exceeding €500 in cash is prohibited. All payments exceeding this amount must be made by credit or debit card, or via bank transfer.

What is the standard mode of Airport transfer to Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort?

Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort organizes Luxury private Transfers for Arrival & Departure from and to “Nikos Kazantzakis” International Airport for all guests. The journey will be approximately 16-minutes to access the resort from the Airport.

 

What types of vehicles are used for the airport transfers?

Our Luxury Transfers are private according to the reservation terms.
Vehicles we cooperate with are upon request:
Up to 3 passengers: TAXI SEDAN, MERCEDES E-CLASS, MERCEDES S-CLASS,
From 4-14 passengers, MINI VANS: MERCEDES VITO, V-CLASS, SPRINTER

 

Is there a waiting time for the transfers to the resort?

Luxury transfers are scheduled in line with international flight arrival times to Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport. Private transfers are available upon request for an additional fee or free according to your booking (TCs apply).

 

How can Heraklion can be reached?

• Taxi order is available 24/7 at the reception (waiting time from 10 – 30 minutes)
• With a rental car/motorbike, available option at Hertz’s dedicated desk or Resort’s concierge desk
• E-bikes available at the hotel

Are all the restaurants operational?

Depending on seasonality the operation schedules of the restaurants may vary.

 

What is included in the Dine Club Half Board meal plan?

Amirandes introduces THE DINE CLUB, an exciting half board dining concept with many options and extra advantages, including credit in selected restaurants in Grecotel Resorts around Crete, two free à la carte dinners per week and free dining for kids.

 

The Dine Club Half Board meal plan

BREAKFAST
A stunning variety of choices, ranging from the lavishness of American-style buffet to the elegance of exclusive à la carte options with local delicacies.

LUNCH (in place of dinner)
Take advantage of a meal allowance in place of dinner. Choose our Main Restaurant buffet with no extra charge or dine à la carte at Petrino Sea Food restaurant with a 20€ credit allowance per adult & 10€ per child (reservation required)

DINNER
buffet-no extra charge at The Amirandes Restaurant
or
Embark on a culinary journey and enjoy dining at a wide choice of 16 selected restaurants around Crete with a credit allowance of 20€/adult & 10€/child.

2 FREE DINNERS
Enjoy 2 free à la carte diners at a restaurant of your choice including Agreco traditional farm restaurant in Rethymno. The offer is valid once for every 7 nights’ stay with a dedicated menu. Reservation is required.

KIDS GO FREE
Αn ALL IN-Dining experience for children as part of the Dine Club programme

COMFORT ALL IN PACK UPGRADE OPTION
In addition to the dinner offered in your Dine Club Half board you will enjoy lunch, selected drinks & beverages, as well as snacks at set times within the day.

 

What are the meal options for Children?

The DINE CLUB offers exclusively to children up to 12 years old an ALL IN-Dining experience as part of Half Board offer:

• Tasty Corner lunch buffet at Main restaurant 12.30-14.00
• All Day favorite snacks at Grecoland 11.00-17.00
• Free kids dining at designated à la carte restaurants from kids’ menu including juices & refreshments or credit allowance for regular menu orders

 

Do you have Baby food meal plan?

0-1 toddlers will have arranged their baby food as you wish. Please contact the Restaurant Manager or a Guest Services agent to order in advance. Our staff is happy to lend a hand with warming baby bottles or baby food.

 

Do we need to book the restaurants in advance?

It is recommended to book restaurants a week prior to the arrival date to ensure availability.

 

Can we book restaurants prior to arrival?

If your stay is in Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort, you can book the restaurants within 7 days prior your arrival either through our Grecotel App or by contacting our Guests Services Team via email or our WhatsApp Concierge which will be found through our Grecotel App.

 

Is there any dress-code for the Restaurants?

We follow a resort-casual dress code during dinner time at all our restaurants.
Swimwear and flip-flops are discouraged at all our restaurants.

 

Can we arrange a Private Dinner?

We can arrange Private Dinners in different picturesque locations and with beautiful set ups.

What are the Check-In and Check-out Hours?

Check-out: 11 AM
Check-in: 3 PM

 

What should I have with me upon the check in?

Your ID card or Passport and the credit card you have used to book your reservation.

 

Is it possible to enter my room prior to check-in?

If the room is unoccupied, the hotel may approve earlier entrance. However, if you are planning to arrive early in the morning and you want to ensure that the room is ready, we suggest that you book an additional overnight prior to your arrival.

 

May I use the Hotel’s Facilities before my check-in or after my check-out?

All Hotel’s Facilities are available to Amirandes guests to be used by the time you arrive in the hotel.

 

If I arrive before my check-in time, can I drop my bag somewhere?

Amirandes provides you a luggage area where you can safely store your luggage and personal belongings.

 

Is it possible to have a confirmed late check out?

A day before your departure a late check out may be confirmed at the reception. There are different options with applicable charges to choose according to the availability the resort shall have. However, if you are planning to depart rather late and you want to ensure that the room would be possible to be kept, we suggest that you book in advance an overnight with your reservation.

 

What is the environmental tax? Am I obligated to pay it?

An environmental fee, defined as Climate Crisis Resilience Fee, of €10,00 per room per night is applicable by law, payable by the guest directly at the hotel upon check out.

 

Can we have twin beds in the Superior Guestrooms or Luxury Guestrooms ?

Yes, king size & double beds can be separated into 2 twin beds. Superior Guestrooms, Luxury Guestrooms, Swim Up Deluxe Guestroom have this feature of twin beds available upon request. Kindly inform us about your wish prior to your arrival.

 

Is there a coffee or tea in the room?

All rooms are equipped with Tea & Coffee Facilities, Nespresso coffee machine and pods (2 pods complimentary daily, daily replenishment instant coffee and tea), let us know if you wish to have fresh milk for tea.

 

Is it possible to accommodate 2 Children in a 2-Bedroom Beachfront Villa Private pool?

We can accommodate 2 children or 01 child and 01 infant in addition to 02 Adults in a 2-Bedroom Beachfront Villa Private pool. We can provide 1 x extra bed and 1 x double bed if twin beds are prior requested or 1 x double bed and 1 x Baby cot in the villa.
Children aged over 12 years old are considered adults.

 

How much do you charge for an extra child in a Villa?

Should the villa occupancy allow to accommodate the children in the villa, children who are 12 years old and below will be able to stay on complimentary basis.

 

What is the size of the extra bed?

All our extra beds are 78 inches (200 cm) in length and 35 inches (90 cm) in width and can accommodate an extra person should the room occupancy allows to be accommodated.

 

Is it possible to arrange 2 x Villas next to each other?

If the booking is made in advance, we can certainly arrange two or more villas next to each to other or the closest as possible according to the type and availability.

 

Can you confirm a certain room number or location?

A request can be made once the reservation is confirmed. We shall do our utmost to accommodate the request as per availability.

 

How far are the Villas from the Beach?

The Villas are located on the north-western side of the resort and are divided in two sections, the seafront one which boast private gardens and direct access to the beach and the upper one with infinity swimming pools & stunning views to the blue Aegean.

 

Which Villas are the most private?

While all our villas offer a decent degree of privacy, the Grand Royal Residence, the Grand Beach Residence, the Royal Residence, the Royal Villas, the Presidential Villa and the Junior Presidential Villa offer the highest degree of privacy as these villas are located on exclusive spots. Privacy fences can be placed on the Villas upon request to further enhance the privacy.

 

Can there be twin beds in the Luxury Beach Villa 2-Bedroom Seafront?

Yes, the king size bed can be modified in 2 twin beds in the second bedroom of the Luxury Beach Villa 2-Bedroom Seafront

 

Can there be twin beds in the Creta Beach Villa Seafront?

Yes, the king size bed can be modified in 2 twin beds in the second bedroom of the Creta Beach Villa Seafront

 

How many bathrooms are there in the Villas?

All our villas have one bathroom for each bedroom, additional wc may be available according to the Villas layout.

 

Do we have a dedicated butler if we book a certain room type?

Yes, you will have a dedicated Essentialist (butler) if you have booked the Grand Royal Residence and the Grand Beach Residence depend on your stay dates and the offer under which you have booked.

 

How often are the bed sheets and towels changed?

Implementing measures of natural resources management with the aim of improving the local environment, bed sheets and towels are changed after the second day of your stay. However, in case you want them to be changed daily, you may place the designated label in the room.

 

Does the hotel provide Iron & Ironing board in the room?

Iron and ironing boards are available for our guests and can be delivered in their room for a limited length of time for security reasons.
Ironing Service is also available with an extra charge.

 

Is there a safety deposit box in the room?

All guests are strongly encouraged to store their valuable belongings into the safety deposit box that can be found in all rooms.

 

What plug adapter do I need to bring with?

The power plugs and sockets in the hotel are of type C. Type C consists of two round parallel pins while the wall plug has two holes where it is connected. The standard voltage is 220 V.

 

Is there an exchange office at the reception desk?

No, you may exchange cash notes at the airport in Euros.

 

Is there an ATM machine in the hotel premises?

There is an ATM machine located next to the Mini Market.

 

Is the hotel accessible to Mobility Impaired Guests?

Not all departments are accessible to guests in wheelchairs. However, there are ramp sections or elevators beside most of the steps in the hotel.

 

Are pets allowed in the hotel?

We do accept pets as well as service dogs under specific conditions. As pets we consider only dogs, and no other animals may be kept in the property.

You are kindly requested to read carefully the T&Cs as well as to follow the mentioned policies.

Do we have to book the spa in advance?

It is recommended to book Elixir Alchemy Spa treatments a week in advance in order to guarantee the preferred timing.

 

Do you have Male Therapists?

We do have Male therapists at Elixir Alchemy Spa.

 

Do you have a salon at the SPA?

Unfortunately, we do not have a Salon at the Elixir Alchemy Spa, however we could arrange either an in-room hair treatment or book an appointment at the nearest salon of your preference.

 

Do you have a Sauna, do I have to book?

We do have sauna rooms in our Elixir Spa no reservation prior is required.

 

Do you have a Gym?

Amirandes Gym has an equipped indoor gym with the latest Cardio-fitness equipment as well as an outdoor gym so to enjoy.

 

Do you have a medical facility on the island?

The University Hospital of Heraklion (Pa. G.N.I.) is the largest hospital facility in Crete and one of the largest public hospitals in the country. Additionally, a private medical center can be found nearby (in Gouves). Doctor visits are available on site too.

Do you have a kid’s club?

We have a very well-equipped Children’s creative and educational facility called Grecoland.

 

What age is allowed in the kid’s club?

Children between the ages of 04 – 12 years old will have complimentary access to the Grecoland kids club. Children who are 3 years old and below will also have access to the Grecoland kids club in the presence of a parent or a guardian. Alternatively, babysitting service can be booked for children who are 3-years old and below.

 

Is it possible to book babysitting service?

Babysitting service can be booked with the below prices and terms and conditions.
Prices:
1 child: Normal hours (8am – 22:00 pm): € 35 per hour
Extended hours (22:00pm – 8:00am): € 45 per hour
2 children: Normal hours (8am – 22:00 pm): € 45 per hour
Extended hours (22:00pm – 8:00am): € 55 per hour

• Guests are required to book baby-sitting services 24-hours in advance, and they may do so via the Guest Services Team.
• All bookings are for a minimum of 1 hour and follow with 1-hour increments. For example, if the babysitting lasts for 1.30hrs the guest will be charged for 2 hrs.
• If baby-sitting services are required for more than 3 hours, the babysitter can avail one meal from in-villa dining which will be charged to the guest.
• The baby-sitting services are available for children of 4 years old or above. For children below the age of 4, a baby-sitting service can be arranged exceptionally in specific circumstances and will be subject to a prior discussion
• For children below the age of 2, we allow one babysitter per child and for children above the age of 2 years, 2 children per babysitter at a time.
• Each babysitter is assigned to a single room/villa.
• Rates and taxes are subject to change without prior notice.
• The babysitter is chosen on best availability. We are not able to guarantee any specific requests such as gender, language or a specific Teammate. Teammates from Grecoland are available for babysitting duties outside of operational hours and the availability is always requested via the Guest Services Team.
• The payment should be directly arranged between the guest and the babysitter in cash. In case this is not possible, after authorization from the RDM, the babysitting service will be charged to the room account of the guest as Paid Out and the babysitter will be paid by the Reception.

What Types of Water Sports Activities do you have?

We do have both non-motorized as well as motorized Water Sports activities.
With our Argo Watersports school, you can learn water-skiing and wakeboard, rent SUP, have fun on the coast with banana, and rings, or go extreme with parasailing.

 

Are there good diving spots near Grecotel Amirandes?

A PADI diving center is situated near the hotel, offering lessons, excursions and equipment hire. Wreck, reef, wall, cave, drift, and night dives are available for certified divers. Diving Courses for both seasoned divers as well as absolute beginners of all ages.

 

Do you do Excursion boat trips?

Experience the thrill of exploring the stunning coastline and pristine waters of Crete. Enjoy a half or full day speedboat trip and embark on a journey to captivating destinations like Saint George, Dia island, Agia Pelagia or Elounda.
We do have different types of boat trips and a wide option of boats from yachts to enjoy the sea breeze of the Cretan emerald waters to cruises and experiences like snorkeling and fishing. Amirandes concierge team will be eager to provide you plenty of information to plan the trip of your dreams.

 

Do we have to pre-book Watersports, Scuba Diving and Excursions?

We recommend booking Excursions a week prior to the arrival date to ensure availability. Soon after your arrival will also be possible to explore options and suggestions with our concierge team. For Scuba diving, you’re in-person presence is required during the booking process, hence, this can be done upon arrival. As for the watersports, no pre-booking is required.