Crete's Hidden Gem: AvantGarde Beach Paradise (Downtown!)
Crete's AvantGarde Beach Paradise (Downtown!) - A Review You Won't Forget (Probably)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you’re about to get the real skinny on AvantGarde Beach Paradise (Downtown!), Crete. Forget those sanitized brochure blurbs – I’m here to give you the unfiltered truth, the good, the bad, and the (mostly) beautiful. This review is gonna be messy, just like my tan lines after a week in the Cretan sun.
SEO & Metadata Blitz (Let's Get This Over With):
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- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of AvantGarde Beach Paradise (Downtown!) in Crete. Accessibility, spa delights, food adventures, and the truth behind the sun-soaked experience. Get ready for a wild ride!
- Title: AvantGarde Beach Paradise (Downtown!), Crete: A Messy, Wonderful, and Honest Review!
(Deep Breath) Okay, let's do this…
Accessibility: Finding My Way Around (and Sometimes Getting Lost)
First things first, the important stuff: Accessibility. Kudos to AvantGarde, because they actually get it. Not just lip service, but proper, usable accessibility. The ramps? Present and functional. The elevators? Working. The rooms? Spacious enough for a wheelchair to maneuver, definitely a win in my book. They have a section describing their services for disabled guests, but be sure to call and confirm specific services. But, and this is a minor GRUMBLE, the signage could be a tad clearer. Navigating the labyrinthine hallways sometimes felt more like an adventure than a leisurely stroll. I may have wandered into the staff's break room by accident and, well, let's just say they weren't expecting me. Coffee stains on the tablecloth, though. Someone's been busy!
On-Site Restaurants & Lounges: Food, Glorious (and Potentially Overpriced) Food!
Alright, the food. This is where things get…interesting. The main restaurant, as I recall, was called "Elysium" (I think every Greek hotel has one… or two – I'm getting lost here), and had a dazzling array of dishes. Breakfast was a buffet bonanza, and that, my friends, is a slippery slope. I ended up eating way too many pastries and Greek yogurt with honey. No regrets, but my waistline? Ouch. I'm always looking for the Asian breakfast or Asian cuisine! Didn't specifically see that, but the choices are really wide and different. There was a dedicated bread and pastry station and several hot food stations. I couldn't help myself, but I guess you could describe it at Buffet in restaurant. And I got my fair share of a salad in restaurant as well!
They have a Poolside bar that’s pure temptation: cocktails with umbrellas, and the salty sea breeze mixing with the scent of suntan lotion – it’s the stuff of vacation dreams. Though, be warned: prices are… well, let's just say they’re playing in the luxury leagues. Happy hour helped ease the pain a little. And I could always go get a drink at the bar!
Wheelchair Accessible:
As mentioned before, accessibility is a big win. Wide doors, ramps, and elevators that actually work. That said, it's not perfect. Some of the outdoor areas, while beautiful, had a slight incline that made solo navigation in a wheelchair a bit challenging. I did see other facilities for disabled guests written down, but it's always best to call to confirm your needs.
Internet, Glorious Internet! (Except When It Wasn't)
They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas, and technically, it's true. Which means I didn't have a great experience, unfortunately. It was spotty. The connection in my room varied from blazing fast to "are you even there, internet?" It's a hotel, not a spaceship, and I shouldn't need to reboot my router.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax: Spa-tastic!
Now we get to the good stuff. The spa. Oh, the spa! This is where AvantGarde absolutely shines. Let's just say I spent one glorious afternoon getting a Body scrub, a Body wrap, and a revitalizing massage. The whole experience was pure bliss. The staff were incredibly professional and the spa itself was a tranquil oasis. The Pool with view (one of the stunning ones!) was a major highlight. I think it was more important than the Sauna, Steamroom, and the other options, so let's focus on that. The water was an inviting temperature, but the water was the color of the sky, so it was a perfect combination of blue and clear!
They advertise a Gym/fitness center, which I didn’t use but walked through. Looked functional. And they had services like Spa/sauna!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
This is a big one for me. The hotel felt clean. Everything looked and smelled fresh. The staff, I could tell, were really trying. I saw them Daily disinfection in common areas. They had Hand sanitizer stations everywhere! They seem to be taking things seriously. They boasted Anti-viral cleaning products, and Rooms sanitized between stays. And they have Staff trained in safety protocol!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Rollercoaster
Besides the main restaurant, there's a Coffee shop, a Snack bar, and, well, plenty of options. They had A la carte in restaurant options, and they gave options to have an Alternative meal arrangement! I was happy to see Vegetarian restaurant options. Then there's the Room service [24-hour]! So helpful. But I didn't use the Breakfast in room option.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual with a Dash of Luxury
They offered the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage. No surprises there, but all executed well. They've got a Gift/souvenir shop - good for last-minute gifts or self-indulgence.
For the Kids: A Mixed Bag
I didn't have any kids with me, but I did see a few families. They advertise Babysitting service, and Kids facilities.
Available in All Rooms: The Essentials, and Then Some
The rooms themselves? Pretty darn lovely. Air conditioning that actually worked (hallelujah!), comfortable beds, and a balcony with a view (if you're lucky). They have the basics: Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer. They also had In-room safe box, Mini bar, Mirror, and so on. They even had Free bottled water!
Getting Around: Easy Peasy with the Right Prep
They offer Airport transfer (definitely a good idea!), Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Taxi service.
The Verdict (My Take, For What It's Worth)
AvantGarde Beach Paradise is a strong contender. The spa is incredible, the staff is friendly, and the overall vibe is luxurious. BUT, the internet can be a pain, and some areas could be tweaked for accessibility. I'd go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Yes, with a few caveats. It’s not a perfect paradise, but it’s a pretty damn good one, and the imperfections are part of the charm. Go, relax, eat too much, and soak up the Cretan sun. You won't regret it. Just maybe pack an extra book (in case the Wi-Fi gives up the ghost).
Unbelievable Balikpapan Luxury! RedDoorz Plus @ Pelita Guest House Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're off to AvantGarde#Beach 2, Downtown Crete, Greece. This ain't your perfectly curated Instagram feed, folks. This is the real, sunburnt deal.
Crete Craze: A Messy, Glorious Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Tzatziki Debacle
- Morning (8:00 AM): Holy Hera, Athens airport! Slept poorly on the plane - those airplane pillows are the devil's own invention. Finally, after a brutal layover, we land in Heraklion. First hurdle: figuring out the car rental. Turns out "small car" in Greek means something akin to a go-kart with a horn. My nerves are already fried.
- Mid-morning (10:00 AM): Drove - let's say "navigated" - to AvantGarde#Beach 2. The view… breathtaking . The water is that electric blue you only see in postcards, except, you know, real.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Okay, so lunch. Tried a taverna recommended by some guy online. This is when things got… interesting. Ordered tzatziki. Simple, right? Wrong. This tzatziki was like a tidal wave of garlic. My eyeballs were practically sweating. I swear I tasted garlic for three days straight. Didn't stop the deliciousness, though. Ate it all.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Beach time! Spent the afternoon getting thoroughly toasted. Found a little spot with an umbrella and a good book. (Don't judge the romance novel. Sun, sea, and cheesy plotlines are a perfect trifecta, okay?)
- Evening (7:00 PM): Sunset cocktails. Watched the sun melt into the sea. Absolute perfection. Tried to order another cocktail but the bartender was a bit of a charming flirt. I think he might have been using the "broken English" charm, but I was fine with it.
- Night (9:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean.More seafood, more ouzo (that stuff is dangerous, but so good!). Attempted to learn some basic Greek phrases. Failed miserably.
- Bedtime (11:00 PM): I was so tired. I slept like a baby.
Day 2: Knossos, Knavery, and a Kitchen Calamity
- Morning (9:00 AM): Knossos archaeological site. (Did you know the fabled Minotaur roamed this place? It's a bit… overwhelming.) Wandered around, trying to imagine the Minoan civilization. The reconstruction is a bit… well, let's just say it's a lot of concrete. Still, amazing to stand somewhere history was made.
- Late Morning (11:30 AM): Got lost. Seriously, wandered into a back alley in Heraklion. Found a tiny shop selling olive oil and local honey. The owner, a tiny grandma with a smile that could melt glaciers, insisted I try samples. Ended up buying far too much. My luggage is going to be a disaster.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Went to a local spot for souvlaki. Pretty good! I'm starting to suspect that everything tastes amazing in Greece.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Back to Beach 2. Spent the afternoon perfecting the art of doing absolutely nothing. Except, of course, fending off seagulls who had their beady little eyes on my sandwich. Cheeky buggers.
- Early Evening (5:00 PM) Decided to make dinner in our apartment - BIG MISTAKE. Bought some fresh ingredients from the market (beautiful zucchini, tomatoes, and… a whole bloody octopus). Attempted to make a Greek salad. Sliced my finger. The kitchen is now resembling a scene from a horror movie. The octopus is still staring at me. Ended up eating more garlic soup. At least the wine helped.
- Night (9:00 PM): Watched the sunset, wine in hand, from the balcony. Tried to forget about the kitchen massacre.
- Bedtime (10:30 PM): Exhausted. Tomorrow, the octopus will be defeated.
Day 3: Samaria Gorge & The Feet of Despair
- Early Morning (6:00 AM): Up before the sun for the Samaria Gorge hike. Note to self: this is NOT a gentle stroll. This is an epic, leg-burning, blister-inducing trek through a stunning canyon.
- Morning (7:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Hiked. And hiked. And hiked. The scenery was mind-blowing: towering cliffs, rushing streams, wildflowers everywhere. The air was crisp, the sun was fierce. But my feet… my poor, abused feet. I think my toes might actually fall off.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): At the end of the gorge. Found the best cafe, the best Greek Salad I've ever tasted, and the best beer.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Took a boat (finally!) from Agia Roumeli. Watched the coastline drift by. My legs are jello, but the view is worth it. That's exactly what I told myself, at least.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Back to AvantGarde#Beach 2. Collapsed on a sun lounger. Ordered a massive cocktail. Celebrated the fact that I actually made it through the gorge.
- Night (8:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant in the town. Ate all the food. (Carb-loading is essential after a hike, right?)
- Bedtime (10:00 PM): More sleep, more rest.
Day 4: Sun, Sand, and… (hopefully) a Proper Nap.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Slept in! Finally. Needed it. Woke up to the sound of the waves. Bliss.
- Mid-Morning (10:30 AM): Beach time. Focused on doing absolutely nothing except soaking up the sun and reading. Success!
- Lunch (1:00 PM): More Greek salad. More sunshine. More bliss.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Attempted to snorkel. Failed miserably. Ended up mostly swallowing seawater and getting sand in my mask. Still, the water was beautiful.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Visited a local artisan shop, bought some handmade jewelry, and some of that delicious olive oil.
- Night (9:00 PM): Final dinner in AvantGarde#Beach 2. Ate a mountain of grilled seafood. Drank a final glass of wine.
- Bedtime (11:00 PM): Packing up my bags. I'm already missing the sound of the waves.
Day 5: Departure & The Garlic Aftermath
- Morning (8:00 AM): Goodbye, Crete! Depart from Heraklion. Reflecting on the best experiences of the trip, including the beach, the people, the views, and the food.
- Departure (9:00 AM): Saying farewell. I am already planning my next trip to this beautiful island.
- Arrival (10:00 AM): Waiting to leave the airport.
Final Thoughts:
Crete, you magnificent, messy, sun-drenched beauty. You've tested my patience, delighted my senses, and left me utterly exhausted (in the best possible way). There were mishaps, mistakes, and a whole lot of garlic-infused breath. But it was perfect. And the best part? I wouldn't trade a single moment.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to order some more tzatziki. (I'm a glutton for punishment, I know.) Yamas! (Cheers!)
Escape to Paradise: Jeju's Kkothyanggi Badasori Pension Awaits!
AvantGarde Beach Paradise: Downtown Crete – Seriously? Let's Dive In (and Maybe Complain a Little)
Okay, so AvantGarde Beach Paradise... downtown? Isn't that a bit of an oxymoron? Don't you expect… well, *sand*?
What's the *vibe* like? Is it all Instagram models and champagne wishes?
Are the cocktails actually good, or are they just pretty? And how about the food?
Tell me about *the water*! That's got to be the most important thing, right?
What are the downsides? Because there MUST be downsides. (Please, tell me).
Okay, you've mentioned the vibes, the water, the cocktails… but *the experience* – hit me with a truly memorable moment.
So, overall… would you recommend it?
