Hotel Overview
Pilot’s Villas is a family run complex of luxury suites built in various sizes and styles and is situated in the heart of the traditional village of Koutouloufari in Hersonissos on the island of Crete just 15 miles east of the capital Heraklion and its international airport.
Offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the local harbour of Hersonissos from most rooms Pilot’s Villas is a relaxing resort and a perfect home away from home. The complex is built in the traditional white stone design and incorporates modern room features.
The convenient location of Pilot’s Villas offers opportunities for walks through the narrow picturesque streets of Koutouloufari and an excellent choice of local restaurants.
Check In
On arrival at Pilot’s Villas we were met by the owner, Yourgis and made to feel very welcome. As we were early our room wasn’t quite ready so we were offered drinks and found a shady spot to relax in whilst we waited.
It wasn’t too long before we were shown to our villa. The check in process couldn’t have been easier and was dealt with swiftly and efficiently.
Accommodation
The villa we were given was number 54 at the top of the complex, it was a maisonette with the lounge area, kitchen and bathroom all on the ground floor. From the lounge area there were french doors that lead on to a good sized balcony with beautiful views of the harbour and out to the Aegean Sea.
The kitchen area was fairly well equipped with everything you’d need to make light meals although quite honestly there was no need to cook as the village had a fantastic choice of restaurants.
The lounge area was well fitted out with a small sofa, desk with mirror, coffee table and a chair. There was also a small TV fixed on a bracket on the wall, something we never used.
In the bathroom was all the usual facilities with a shower over the bath tub. There were plenty of towels – which were changed daily – and even soap and shampoo which I thought was a nice touch.
Outside on the balcony were two comfortable chairs with pads and a small table perfect for eating al fresco. There was also a clothes dryer which was great for damp beach towels. Apart from the pool I think the balcony was where we spent most of our time just admiring the view.
Upstairs was the bedroom with a very comfortable bed and a small wardrobe, more hanging space was available under the stairs in the lounge. The bedroom was the only room in the villa that was air conditioned and in the September heat it really was good to have.
The villas were cleaned daily which is unusual for a self catering place and bedding was changed every two to three days. As mentioned earlier towels were changed daily.
Restaurants & Bars
Pilot’s Villas is a small complex and also self catering so the only place to eat and drink is the bar area around by the pool. You can include breakfast in your room rate if you wish but we didn’t although talking to those who did said the breakfast was very good and all home cooked by Katrina one of the owners.
Snacks were available to purchase from the bar up until around 3 pm, there was a good variety on offer from light food like a toasted ham and cheese sandwich to a more substantial Cretan omelette. All of it was homemade and I can tell you that everything I tried was delicious and reasonably priced.
Drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic were served all day and I believe the bar was open to around 1 am.
On the Saturday night that we were there the family organized a BBQ for the villa guests which proved very popular and was priced at 15 Euros per person.
If dining at the villas or cooking yourself isn’t your thing then you’ll find plenty of good restaurants just outside the gates of the complex. Most places served breakfast, lunch and dinner and I found nearly all of them to be reasonably priced with excellent food. There were also two small supermarkets within a five minute walk.
Hotel Facilities
There is a lovely swimming pool at Pilot’s Villas and a good sized sun bathing area with plenty of sun loungers. We never had any problems getting a sun bed when we were there even if we turned up at lunch time. It did get busy but there always seemed to be some beds available.
The pool area was very clean and well kept and had a nice quiet relaxed atmosphere.
Staff
Pilot’s Villas is a family run business and you can tell that the family take great pride in their complex. They really want you to have an enjoyable stay and they go out of their way to make sure that you do. Nothing is too much trouble and everyone I met was genuinely friendly and pleasant. You couldn’t meet nicer people.
In My Opinion
Pilot’s Villas gave me one of the best holidays I’ve had in years. I didn’t want to leave and only wish I had been staying longer than a week.
The place is spotlessly clean and run by a wonderful family who treat you like a friend rather than just a guest spending money. I can’t recommend this place enough and look forward to returning next year.
mr bell travels 