During our recent trip to Greece, we decided to explore the stunning island of Crete while experiencing a few Marriott and Hilton properties along the way. We arrived in Chania from Athens, rented a car, and spent our first few nights at Domes Zeen Chania, A Luxury Collection Resort. From there, we continued to The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton, and finally wrapped up our time in Elounda at the Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, before flying out of Heraklion Airport.
Arrival at the Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
The Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, is located on the northeastern coast of Crete, perched on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It offers breathtaking views of the historic Spinalonga Island and its iconic castle. Due to its somewhat secluded location, I highly recommend renting a car to explore the nearby areas rather than just staying within the resort. Domes of Elounda is conveniently nestled between the charming villages of Plaka and Elounda, both of which are worth visiting for their local dining options and small-town atmosphere.
Welcome and Resort Overview
Upon arrival at the Domes of Elounda, we were warmly welcomed, and our rental car was valet-parked. We enjoyed a welcome drink while the staff gave us an overview of the resort. As Marriott Bonvoy Titanium members, we received complimentary breakfast, access to the lounge, and even a free dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants, which was a pleasant surprise. The resort itself is expansive, with a wide variety of room types, ranging from standard suites to luxurious private villas with private pools and premium views.
Our Room: Family 1-Bedroom Suite
We had booked a Family 1-Bedroom Suite with a king bed, sofa bed, sea view, balcony, and whirlpool, which cost 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. During our stay, the cash rate was over €1,100 per night, making the points redemption a much better value. A major perk of this suite was that it accommodated our family of four in a single reward room, which is rare, as we usually need two rooms when booking with points. However, given the high redemption rate, I had high expectations, similar to those at premium properties like Al Maha Resort or Ritz-Carlton Kyoto. Unfortunately, the experience didn’t quite meet that level.
The suite was spacious, with a large bathroom, a comfortable king bed in the main room, and a pull-out couch that created a cozy sleeping area for the kids. We were greeted with a thoughtful welcome gift upon arrival, and the layout provided plenty of room for all four of us, even with the pull-out beds open. The balcony was a highlight, offering stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. However, the whirlpool on the balcony appeared outdated and unappealing, so we chose not to use it. Upgrading these tubs to modern, outdoor soaking tubs would be a welcome improvement.
Dining and Amenities
As Marriott Bonvoy Titanium members, we enjoyed complimentary breakfast for all four of us, not just the standard two-person inclusion. Breakfast was served in the main reception building and featured a great variety of options, with both indoor and outdoor seating, which made for a relaxing experience each morning.
We also briefly visited the executive lounge to pick up some drinks. While the lounge had a selection of hot and cold snacks and a variety of beverages, it wasn’t particularly memorable and lacked the upscale touches found in some other executive lounges.
The Beach and Water Activities
The resort’s beach is located across the main road and is accessible through an underground tunnel. Though narrow and somewhat rocky, it offers beautiful views and is equipped with a hut for water sports and activities. Our kids had a great time with a tubing adventure, and we arranged a private ride from here to Spinalonga Island. The prices were reasonable, and the experience was a fun outing for the family.
Exploring Spinalonga Island
If you’re staying in the Elounda area, a visit to Spinalonga Island is a must. This small island has a rich history, having once been a leper colony, and its fortress and ruins make for a fascinating tour. Boat tours depart from both Plaka and Elounda, and private rentals are available if you want more flexibility. Since we were traveling as a family, we opted for a private rental, and it was an enjoyable ride in both directions. The island is small, and you can walk around it in about an hour, allowing plenty of time to take in its historical sites.
Navigating the Resort
While the hillside setting of the Domes of Elounda offers stunning views, it can make navigating the resort a bit challenging. Golf carts are available to shuttle guests to most areas, though they don’t go to the beach, so you’ll need to use the tunnel to reach it on foot.
Final Thoughts on Heraklion Airport
A final note: if you’re flying out of Heraklion Airport (HER), be prepared for a less-than-ideal experience. It’s one of the busiest airports we’ve encountered, with long lines, limited seating, and bathrooms that could use more attention. It was a challenging end to an otherwise incredible trip to Crete, but the island’s natural beauty and history made the journey worthwhile.
For Hilton Points Users in Elounda
For those looking to use Hilton points, there is also a Hilton property and several SLH hotels in Elounda. However, note that the Curio Collection hotel is adults-only, so if you’re traveling with kids, the Autograph Collection property might be the better option.
Summary
The Domes of Elounda is a lovely hotel with impressive views and comfortable accommodations, though it doesn’t quite reach the level of luxury you might expect given the high points redemption rate. Elounda and Spinalonga Island are worth visiting, and the ability to fit a family of four in one room offers some savings over booking two rooms. However, don’t expect extraordinary value for your points. I would suggest checking both points and cash rates, as they can go as low as 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or just over €400 per night in the low season. At those prices, I would recommend the hotel for its beautiful setting and family-friendly amenities.
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