Hi! We are planning to stay for 4 nights in Elounda, Crete in late October. Firstly, has anyone stayed at the new Blue Palace Hotel and secondly, how difficult/easy is it to get around the island...i.e. in that time can we also get to Chania for a day trip? Thanks in advance for any advice!

Can't answer question 1.

As to question 2, it would be doable but a loooong day

Elounda is nothing special and too far from everything really. If you want to see west Crete why not stay there. The Crete bus services are very efficient and go to just about everywhere. Unfortunately places like the Samaria gorge will almost certainly be closed/impassable in late October.

I, too, would recommend western Crete for a more "pure" experience. There are a couple of wonderful hotel in Elounda, but other than that, I can't think of any other reason to stay in that area.

I was surprised to hear that the Samarian gorge would be impassable in late Oct.; why would that be?

I think Samaria gorge is still passable in late October. I have once walked it in early October. When winter rains come it floods, and becomes dangerous and impossible to walk. But the heavy rains don't start in October.

Thanks for your all your advice! We are staying in Elounda because of what we have read of the resort, and I think by that time of year we will be in dire need of R&R. Based on your responses, I may break up our trip to do a night or so in Chania to briefly explore the western side of the island. Could you please tell me how long it takes for a bus ride from Elounda to Chania?

Thanks again!

1/Elounda is a very good choice for r/r ! The Blue
(the Starwood's newest addition ) is an elegant, 2 years old boutique hotel, the service has already been rated as 'outstanding'..
The only problem: there is no private beach , but only, an access(crossing the road) to a public beach wich is not the best of the area.

Check the rates at the Elounda Bay-my favourite - and at the Porto Elounda.They have exclusive private sandy beaches with full 'beach service'and of course plenty of private pools

It is possible to make a day visit to Chania (3h trip) of course you can take the bus or the best solution ,hire a taxi driver for the day.

I recommend of course to spend 1 or 2 nights there!