Crete's Hidden Gem: Troulis Apart-Hotel Paradise Awaits!
Crete's Hidden Gem: Troulis Apart-Hotel - Paradise Awaits? Let's Find Out! (My Messy, Unfiltered Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups! I’ve just returned from a stay at Troulis Apart-Hotel in Crete, and let me tell you, this wasn’t just a vacation; it was an experience. And if you're looking for a picture-perfect, everything-smooth, brochure-worthy review… well, you're in the wrong place. I’m here to spill the unfiltered tea, the good, the bad, the slightly-burnt breakfast, all of it.
First Impressions: Is It Really Paradise?
The website boasts “Paradise Awaits!” Okay, bold claim. Arrival was smooth, thankfully. Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out were a godsend after a long flight, and the smiling faces at the Front desk [24-hour] were a welcome sight. The place? Let's just say it's got charm. Less polished, more… authentic. And that, my friends, is a good thing.
Accessibility – The Crucial Stuff:
Now, let’s get real. Accessibility is critical. They seem to have put some thought into it. I wasn’t traveling with someone with mobility issues, but I noticed signs of Facilities for disabled guests and an Elevator which is a huge win. I saw a few wider doorways, and the staff seemed genuinely helpful. That said, details on specific room accessibility would be worth clarifying with the hotel before booking if you need it.
The Room - My Private Oasis (Mostly):
My room? Pretty darn good. Air conditioning (essential!), a comfy bed, and the all-important Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I needed to upload my Insta stories, obviously). The Daily housekeeping kept it spotless. Little touches like Complimentary tea and a Refrigerator were lovely. The In-room safe box gave peace of mind, and I appreciated the Blackout curtains. Seriously, a sleep-in is mandatory! Also, I loved the Window that opens! Some places skimp on fresh air and natural light. Not here!
There were some slightly odd things, though. The Mirror in the bathroom was positioned at a weird angle, I swear. And the Alarm clock…well, let's just say it had a mind of its own. I'm pretty sure it woke me up at 3 AM on purpose. (But hey, that's part of the charm, right?)
Rooms Sanitization - Covid Era Concerns:
During this Covid era, things are a little more fraught. On this front, Troulis got it right. Rooms sanitized between stays and they even offered a Room sanitization opt-out available. Anti-viral cleaning products were used, and the Staff trained in safety protocol seemed genuinely careful. It's nice to see all the Hand sanitizer everywhere. I liked that the kitchen and tableware items were Sanitized. I didn’t feel unsafe.
The Food (Oh, The Food…):
Okay, here we go. The food scene at Troulis is… diverse. Let's start with the Breakfast [buffet]. Honestly? I'm a sucker for breakfast buffets. This one had a good range – Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, and International cuisine in restaurant. The Buffet in restaurant itself was pretty decent. I found my fuel for the day. They also offered a Breakfast takeaway service, which was handy for early excursions.
Then there’s the restaurant. It's got a real local feel with restaurants and a la carte in restaurant. More than I can say for the Desserts in restaurant. I'd highly recommend checking out the Vegetarian restaurant. The Soup in restaurant was really top-notch. Some nights, they even had a Happy hour. Yes, please! And good news, they had Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Coffee shop.
Dining with the kids: There was a Kids meal -- good to know for families.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (The Real Deal):
The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. Seriously. The water was crystal clear, the sun loungers were comfy, and the Pool with view was breathtaking. And the Poolside bar… well, let’s just say I spent a lot of time there. This is where it got really good. I mean, really really good. They have a Spa/sauna, a Sauna, and a Steamroom. I'd suggest skipping the Body scrub and Body wrap. You can get those anywhere. This is where the real magic lies.
Let me tell you about my experience with the massage… It was phenomenal. I had a Massage. Just the thought of it makes me want to go back!
For the Kids and Family Friendly Experience
The place seems to have the whole family/child friendly thing down. There's a Babysitting service.
The Little Extras (And Some Quirks):
They have a Gift/souvenir shop, which is handy for last-minute presents. I loved the Terrace – perfect for a sunset cocktail. They also had Car park [free of charge] which is a lifesaver in busy Crete. And the Luggage storage was convenient for my before and after-check in activities.
The Annoyances & the Imperfections:
Let's be honest, no place is perfect. The Internet… well there were moments where the Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless was more “maybe” than “yes, definitely.” The Coffee/tea maker in the room was a bit… temperamental. And I missed a few things, a Gym/fitness would have been nice.
Overall Vibe: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite the small imperfections, Troulis Apart-Hotel has a certain magic. This place is all about the experience. It's not just a hotel; it's a basecamp for exploring Crete's beauty. I’m already dreaming of that pool, that massage and that view. It's a place where you can truly unwind, recharge, and maybe, just maybe, find your own slice of paradise.
My Unofficial, Honest-to-Goodness Recommendation:
If you're looking for a slick, sterile, perfect hotel experience, this might not be your bag. (Though really, where's the fun in that?). But if you're after a genuine, charming, and memorable Cretan adventure with a whole lot of relaxation, then Troulis Apart-Hotel? Book it. Now.
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The "Book Now!" Offer (Because I'm a Terrible Salesperson):
Tired of the same-old, same-old vacation? Crave real relaxation and authentic Cretan charm? Book your stay at Troulis Apart-Hotel now and get a free… (drumroll, please)… a complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar during your stay! (And a complimentary, slightly sarcastic, review from yours truly.) Don't wait, Paradise (and a stiff drink) awaits!
Tokyo Riverside Oasis: Your Dream 2BR Awaits in Tangerang!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your glossy travel brochure, this is me, raw and unfiltered, trying to survive a week at Troulis Apart-Hotel in Crete. Honestly, I'm writing this before I even go – pre-emptive stress, anyone?
Crete: Operation "Don't Get Burnt (Literally or Figuratively)" - Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bed Panic (and a Cat Named Mr. Fluffernutter…Maybe)
- Morning (and the Airport Nightmare): Okay, first hurdle: getting to the airport. I swear, I'd forgotten how much I hate airports. The queues, the smells (mostly stale popcorn and desperation), the sheer humanity… It's all a bit much. Plane delayed? Of course. This is my life.
- Afternoon (Troulis Tango Phase 1): Finally arrive in Heraklion. Thank God. The transfer to Troulis is… well, let's just say the driver clearly loved the gas pedal. Arrive at Troulis. Breathe. I've seen worse, I've seen better. Reception lady seems… well, she had a look in her eyes, like "another one." Check in. Key card. Done.
- Late Afternoon (Room Raid): The room. Oh, the room. Okay, it's clean-ish. The balcony overlooks… something. Trees? Maybe a road. I'd hoped for a sea view, dammit! First order of business: Inspect the bed. Seriously. Bed quality dictates the entire holiday. Is it saggy? Too firm? Is there some sort of bizarre, ancient spring situation? Praise be, it's acceptable. Minor panic concerning potential bed bugs ensues – check all corners, all crevices. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
- Evening (Local Tavern Temptation): After a quick unpack, quick shower. Explore the closest tavern. I want to try the gyros, the local salad, the souvlaki… and maybe a giant bottle of Retsina. I have two reactions on my mind. First, wow, everything is so cheap. Second, am I going to be up all night? A charming local cat, possibly named Mr. Fluffernutter (or something equally ridiculous), eyes me with disdain. I try to give him a bit of my souvlaki. Mr. Fluffernutter, however, is not amused. My first attempt at Greek food, a mixed bag of delight and indigestion.
Day 2: Beach Blues (And the Sunscreen Debacle)
- Morning (Sun's Out, Guns Out…Maybe): The sun BEATS down. Beach day! Pack the essentials: towel, sunscreen (more on that later), book (probably won't read it), and a vague sense of optimism. The walk to the beach is… a walk. I swear my legs feel like lead.
- Mid-Morning (Beach Bumbling): The beach is packed. Find a spot. Struggle with the umbrella. Get sand everywhere. Sunscreen application. THIS is where I FAILED. First application, good on all parts. Second application. I missed everything, EVERYWHERE. And I am now a lobster. I can practically feel my face burning.
- Afternoon (Sea Sojourn and Seafood Regret): The sea. Ah, the sea. Lovely and clear and cold, which is exactly what I wanted. Actually swim. Then, a beachside taverna lunch. I order grilled octopus. I'm adventurous! It's amazing. I could feel the sun attacking my skin more and more.
- Late Afternoon (The Sunburn's Revenge): By now, I'm starting to resemble a boiled lobster. My sunburn is screaming. Retreat back to the apartment, slather myself in aloe vera, and question all my life choices. I swear I look 10 years older. Never shouldve skipped the cream.
- Evening (Rethinking Life Choices): Dinner at the apartment - salad, leftovers, and a fervent prayer for the aloe vera. The pain is starting to subside. Mostly.
Day 3: Exploring Chaos (And a Lost Passport Scare)
- Morning (Road Trip of Terror): Rent a car! Driving in Greece. It's an experience. The roads are winding, the drivers are… enthusiastic. I'm fairly sure the car is older than me, but hey, at least it's got air conditioning (sort of). This is probably a horrible idea.
- Mid-Morning (Knossos, the Labyrinthine): Knossos! The Minoan palace. History! Culture! Tourists! Okay, it's a bit overwhelming. The sheer volume of people is mind-boggling. I wander around, pretending to understand what I'm looking at, and occasionally feeling a twinge of awe. The guide is interesting, but he has a very specific way of speaking, and I couldn't keep up.
- Afternoon (The Passport Incident): Panic moment! I can't find my passport. My heart leaps into my throat. Empty every bag. Search the car. Check under the bed. My whole trip flashes before my eyes. I'm stranded! Lost! A terrible fate awaits! Then, relief. Turns out, it's in the little pouch of my bag I thought I didn't search. Note to self: Breathe.
- Evening (Local Wine and Dinner to Heal the Soul): Find a taverna with sea views. Order some wine (a large glass, thank you). Watch the sunset. Eat some moussaka. The world suddenly feels a little less chaotic.
- Night (Late Night Drink): Sit with some locals. Talk to them. Enjoy the drink. It's the first time I felt as if I was living in GREECE for real.
Day 4: Doubling Down: Samaria Gorge (And the Hiking Hysteria)
- Early Morning (The Bus of Doom): Okay, now things get serious. The Samaria Gorge hike. They say it's beautiful. They also say it's long. Wake up. Rise and shine. I get the bus. The bus is a full of other hikers, the air is thick with anticipation and the smell of damp hiking boots.
- Morning (Gorge Glory… and Gore?): Start the hike. The gorge is, indeed, beautiful. Towering cliffs, rushing water, the scent of pine… it's stunning. I'm trying to remember the last time I did this much exercise. I'm not sure what I'm trying to achieve.
- Half the way to the end point -: My feet ache. My legs ache. My back aches. I swear I'm going to die. The people. So many people!
- Afternoon (The Struggle Continues):
- Three quarters to the end point -: I am now completely convinced I cannot go any further. My will to live dwindles every hour. The gorge feels longer. The scenery is suddenly a bit less stunning. Only a little further. I think about the bus. I fantasize about the bus.
- To the end -: I made it. I SURVIVED. My reward. A ferry back to civilization.
- The point of ending: My legs are jelly. I can barely walk. But I did it.
- Evening (Food Baby):
- The Food: The first thing I did? Eat. I was hungary, ravanously hungary.
- The sleep: I was asleep within 3 minutes.
Day 5: Rethinking Sunburn and Rethinking Plans (and the Unexpected Olive Oil Lesson)
- Morning (The Sunburn's Revenge…Part 2): Wake up feeling stiff. The sunburn is back with a vengeance. Aloe vera, my old friend. We meet again. Decide to be sensible, and make plans to stay under shade.
- Mid-Morning (Olive Oil Odyssey): Visited a local olive oil farm. It was unexpectedly fascinating. Not just tasting, but the process, the history, the pride… The farmer, a grizzled Greek gentleman with a twinkle in his eye, kept talking. The olive oil was incredible. Ended up buying a bottle. Maybe I am starting to understand this place.
- Afternoon (Relaxing by the pool): The pool at Troulis! The oasis of peacefulness I desperately needed. It's clean. It's quiet. I can finally relax.
- Evening (Sunset and Some Thought): Watch the sunset from a local bar, sipping a cocktail. I actually feel happy. Okay, maybe Crete isn't so bad after all.
Day 6: Beach, Rest, Repeat. (With a Twist!)
- Morning (Beach Part 2): Return to the beach. This time, with a serious dose of sun protection. A proper book this time (I almost finish it! Almost!).
- Mid-Morning (Seafood and Swimming): Swim and eat fresh seafood. The food is amazing.
- Afternoon (R and R): Relax! Read. Sunbathe.
- Evening (Live Music, and an Attempt at Dancing): Found a small taverna
Troulis Apart-Hotel: Paradise... with a Side of Unexpected! Your Unofficial FAQ
Is Troulis REALLY a hidden gem? I've seen the pictures!
Okay, let's be honest, the pictures *are* amazing, right? That pool... that view... Honestly, yes, Troulis is a hidden gem, but a gem with a few imperfections, like all of us. It's not swarming with tourists like some of the bigger hotels. You actually *feel* like you're in a little Cretan oasis. It's not some picture-perfect, sterile resort. There's a certain... character. And that character? I'm here for it.
What's the deal with the location? Is it...accessible?
Ah, the location. Think "remote but reachable." You *will* need a car. Seriously, pack your patience along with your swimsuit – those Cretan roads have a personality of their own. The last stretch to Troulis? Let's just say my rental car, bless its heart, got a workout. But the views from the apart-hotel? Worth every single bump, hairpin turn, and moment of "Are we *really* there yet?" You get a sense of the real Crete, not just the postcard beaches.
The pool looks incredible! Is it as good in real life?
The pool… okay, prepare yourself. It *is* as good as it looks. Maybe even better. I spent a solid afternoon (or two… or three… who's counting?) just floating, staring at the hills, the sky… It's seriously idyllic. And the water? Refreshing, not overly chlorinated. My only real complaint? That I didn't bring a rubber ducky. Seriously pondering bringing one next year.
What are the apartments like? Are they modern?
They're comfortable, clean... and definitely not your generic, minimalist hotel rooms. They have a certain Cretan charm. Think sturdy furniture (I swear, the bed could withstand a small earthquake!), a well-equipped kitchenette (for my instant coffee addiction, at least), and a balcony or terrace with, you guessed it, killer views. They're not ultra-modern, but the traditional feel is part of the charm. You're not here for a sleek, design-led experience; you’re here to *live* Greek life.
Is there Wi-Fi? Because, you know… Instagram.
Yes, there's Wi-Fi. But let's just say it's… *rustic*. It's not super blazing fast. Embrace it! Put down the phone, look around. Connect with the *actual* world, not the digital one! I tried to upload a video of the sunset, got the spinning wheel of death. Fine! I sat on the balcony, watched the sunset, and had a glass of wine. Problem solved. Prioritize sunset, people. It’s more rewarding.
What's the food situation like? Are there restaurants nearby?
Okay, food. You're going to want a car. There are several charming tavernas within driving distance, serving up traditional Cretan cuisine. The owner, bless his heart, gave us some recommendations, and they were gold. (He also recommended we try his wife’s homemade cake. Do it. Just do it.) Honestly, those meals were some of the best food experiences I've ever had. Think fresh seafood, local wines, and a whole lot of laughter. You absolutely must try the slow-cooked lamb. And the zucchini flowers; I could eat them all day. It's like the food itself is a hidden gem.
Is it good for families?
Yes, definitely. There's plenty of space, the pool is kid-friendly (though keep an eye on them, obviously), and the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for families. I saw a few kiddos running around, laughing, splashing… It seemed idyllic. Plus, what kid wouldn't love exploring the nearby beaches and villages. It's a holiday, so be ready for the chaos.
How about couples? Is it romantic?
Oh, it's *very* romantic. The sunsets from the balcony, the quiet evenings with a glass of wine… It's perfect for reconnecting. I went with my partner, and we spent hours just talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. One evening, while sitting on the balcony, we both had a moment of pure bliss. It felt like we were the only people in the world. And a bonus: the lack of glaring lights means gazing at the stars is a treat. If that isn't romantic, I don't know what is.
What's the price range like? Is it affordable?
Compared to big resorts and other hotels, yes, it's definitely affordable. You get a lot of value for your money. You *are* paying for a unique experience and a beautiful location. Just remember to factor in the cost of a rental car, because trust me, you'll need it, and you'll want it. It's an investment in your sanity and the experience, I promise.
Any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, real talk. The Wi-Fi can be… spotty. The drive up the mountain… let's just say I was grateful for my rental car's decent suspension. And the air conditioning… it works, but it’s not ice-cold. You might find the occasional bug, but hey, you're in nature! But honestly, these “downsides” fade away the second you step onto the balcony and breathe in the fresh air. The biggest “downside”? Leaving. Seriously missing it already.
Are the owners friendly?
Absolutely. The owners and staff are incredibly welcoming and helpful. They genuinely care about making your stay special. Don't be afraid to ask them for recommendations. They know all the secret spots and are more than happy to share them. They are some of the mostSerene Getaways
