Crystal Waters

I want to start by saying this is not a bad hotel. So why am I rating it poor? Well, for the price that we paid (EUR 500 per night or thereabouts), they fell significant short of our expectations and we were, to say the least, disappointed. The amenities are fine, but the overall customer experience is significantly lacking. Sadly the people running the hotel don't know how to offer an experience commensurate with the price they charge. Some examples: - they have 3 pools and almost zero shaded area. The only shaded areas are reserved for people who want to pay extra for a 'bed' (no one was using them by the way), so you are forced to stay under the burning sun - there was 1 lifeguard for all 3 pools. For the majority of the time he was busy serving and cleaning tables, so we were very lucky that we didn't need his services. I suspect only having 1 lifeguard for 3 pools who is actually constantly occupied on other duties isn't even in line with regulations - the towels had to be returned always by the reception. So I was 3 levels down, yet still had to go up in the burning sun because you could not return them without signing against the form. I guess after paying them over EUR 3000 they were worried that we might steal a towel that cost 5 EUR. - the breakfast area was understaffed and we were always waiting under the burning sun until a table was found. Did they think to provide some shade? No. - Good thing that they had an area for children. But because hotel management didn't want to pay someone qualified for the job, they had an 18 year old girl managing children. She was very nice, but policy was that children under the age of 6 had to stay with their parents even in this supervised children area. This was never the case in any of the large hotel chains and would not have been the case if the hotel management would have not been cheap enough to not hire someone qualified for the job. - I have one of the worse things for last: during one of the lunches, we were charged a different type for mineral water than the price on the menu. This is actually illegal. I didn't realise this at the time but only during the check-out. When I complained and asked to be refunded the difference (a total of a few Euros), I was refused. Again, evidence that a hotel that has already charged you thousands of Euros cares more about gaining a few Euros more than about respecting its customers. I am sure I am forgetting a few things, but wanted you to get the overall idea. Clearly not everyone can run a hotel that delivers customer experience, and the people running this hotel thing that just by charging higher prices they will make their hotel luxurious. Please spend your money somewhere else, there are so many hotels in Greece that actually deliver an experience in line with the money that you paid for it.

From the moment we arrived to the when we left two weeks later, Crystal Waters was an oasis of calm and relaxation. The layout of the hotel, spread around 3 super pool areas was excellent and gave it much more of a resort feel. The room was well appointed, clean and comfortable. The restaurant was excellent, both for the wide range of breakfast options and the excellent dinner choices. The staff were all super friendly and helpful, and happy to indulge my attempts at the Greek language. If the opportunity arises, we will most definitely return to Crystal Waters.

Despite not being a boutique hotel (there are lots of rooms) the attention is great. Nice breakfast, lovely rooms and excellent location. Nikiana is close to the island centre but also to nidri which is where all the tours departure. And you ll find supermarkets and restaurants three blocks away if you want to have dinner nearby

overall we enjoyed our stay at crystal waters - the location was really good and the amenities provided were perfect. our only comment is that the wifi wasn’t working at nights which made it quite frustrating.

The staff was great the breakfast was perfect. Only bad experience was the fine dinning restaurant was a bit of a tourist trap. I didn’t mind the high prices of the entrées and appetizers especially since everything was tasty but they charged me 14 euro for 4 slices of bread and 5 euro for 1 bottle of water was a bit much. I am in the restaurant business so I understand that everything costs money and should be paid for but it should be within reason. It was 22 euros for tun tartar which I considered fair

Beautifully decorated hotel, rooms are spotlessly clean and spacious. Pool areas are lovely with comfortable sun beds. Would definitely consider upgrading to pool room as they looked fab. Breakfast was good. Staff at pool bar and Emerald restaurant very helpful. Staff at reception were not as attentive, knowledgeable or helpful as would have been expected for a 4 star hotel. Manager was rude and constantly spoke over me during an interaction. Food and drinks very overpriced. Shower doors fitted on wrong side of door so bathroom flooded every time it was used. Nikiana itself not the most attractive village, limited choice of restaurants and nowhere to walk or sit in the evening. However, the NV beach bar close by was nice and it is a good base for exploring the area.

Not advertised as a full on “kid friendly “ place to stay Pool area where bar is should be an adults only pool Some staff had attitude Our stay was not pleasant at all We actually checked out 2 days early

Staff was always friendly and helpful, property has all the amenities.

Great resort.