We stayed at Pilot beach for a week through Travelzoo from 30 April to 7 May 2013. We had a superior bungalow on the beach room 2101. Other room choices 2030 is right on the beach you couldn't get any closer. If you are not particularly bothered about having the beach on your doorstep rooms 4411-4772 are in the vicinity of the spa with gym and indoor pool, small garden with loungers and a hammock. We paid 15 euros for use of the spa which has steam room, sauna and one other which seemed to be a combination of the two and their is a calm relaxation area. The gym and indoor pool are free to use during opening hours and are separated from the spa area.

Our room was well positioned for the main building, restaurants and beach. Yes there is a main road running through the resort but frankly I did not notice any noise during our wonderful stay. It is hard to find fault with this holiday. The sun shone for us all week and went in on the last day :-) There has been previous negative reviews about the food but honestly apart from are first night when we chose a fish dish from the a-la-carte menu (Sauce was banana based yuk!!!) I had to contain myself so as not to be spending all my spare time on return home on diet and in the gym. I am quite a fussy eater and would not hesitate in giving warranted criticism. We were not staying during high (extremely hot) season so there were no problems with flies around the food. I inquired about the temperature of the food from a guest who visits Greece frequently. Apparently in Greece food is eaten warm and not hot, how true this is I'm not sure but certainly at Pilot Beach the hottest food I had was pizza from the children's food section.

We didn't travel around Crete, one we were not driving and two this holiday was really about rest and relaxation and that is exactly what we had. We did travel to the small Georgioupolis village first by the hotel train and on the second occasion we walked. You can walk to the village by roadside or along the beach front, the beach front is the quicker and more scenic view. We also took a taxi (7 euros there and back) to Lake Kourna the only freshwater lake in Crete. We went out on a paddle boat for another 7 euros for just over an hour, it was picturesque.

We became well acquainted with some of the staff and will be sending them photographs we took with them including the resort manager. We will definitely be returning to Pilot Beach as we now hold some very fond memories of the resort and some of its staff.

I stayed with my husband and our 2 year old boy in a superior bungalow (room).

This hotel is defiantly set up for families, the children's pool is fantastic and so is the play area.
There is a kids club open until 10pm to keep the children entertain with regular activities.

The maids stock your bathroom with olive oil toiletries every 2 days whether you have used them all or not. We ended up taking lots home.

The hotel is right on the beach. Fantastic beach and free sun beds.

Train ride around the complex after dinner - around 7:30pm (for children and adults alike) then a mini disco.

There are regular buses, actually more like coaches. We took the 40 minute bus journey to Chiania a couple of times. I can defiantly recommend it. Beautiful place, historic harbour and wonderful people, shops and eateries.

Overall this holiday was fantastic. I would return in a heart beat.

One more thing, on your departure you are given a bottle of pure olive oil from the hotels olive grove.

Enjoyed a week long break during April this year. Weather could have been kinder but there were plenty of things to keep us occupied in the hotel and grounds. The indoor pool is nice and warm and the complimentary use of the spa was really good, it was nice and relaxing and comfortable. My wife booked the special offer facial and was very impressed. The food was good, we dined in the Greek restaurant where your main course is served to you at the table, makes eating a bit more special. Breakfast outside on the veranda ( on the nice days ) was a great way to start the day. All restaurants have lovely white linen table covers which are changed after every each setting so you always have a fresh table, nice touch. Our room overlooked one of the pools in the grounds and it was nice to have the option of sitting outside your room or at the side of the pool. Be warned, the pools are fresh water and a bit cold, but really clean, the staff are out washing and brushing the poolside early every morning. The beach is nice and clean and it was great to have free use of the sun beds and umbrellas. The hotesl dedicated Lifeguard at the beach was comforting, he was very friendly and approachable. The rooms are well finished and clean, with maid service every day, nice to have the use of the white towelling robes and slippers and the sliding patio doors with the additional sliding louvre on the outside kept out any noise, and with both being lockable gave a good sense of security.
All the staff that we encountered went out of their way to make sure you were happy, particularily in the restaurants, and everywhere you looked people were cleaning or tidying up. My only slight grumble during our stay was the lack of table water with meals, if you wanted water with your meal you had to buy the bottled water which was dearer than the other drinks, small point but annoying. However, overall great value for money if you book one of the special offers, we will definitely return.