Dec 26, 2016, 8:33 am
Last edit by: littlevoices
This is an all suite property. There are about 85 units total including suites, villa and private residence. New villas are planned.
There is no resort fee, no parking or valet fees, and buffet breakfast is included daily regardless of your status with Marriott.
There is no exec lounge for elites.
The resort is located about 8 minute drive North of the town of Elounda. The small town of Plaka is 3-4 minute drive to the North.
The ferry to Spinalonga Island is 10 euro the round trip. The admission to the island is another 8 euro per person.
Haute Living lounge is only available for those who have paid for Villas.
Titanium benefits are generous (as at August 2020):
There is no resort fee, no parking or valet fees, and buffet breakfast is included daily regardless of your status with Marriott.
There is no exec lounge for elites.
The resort is located about 8 minute drive North of the town of Elounda. The small town of Plaka is 3-4 minute drive to the North.
The ferry to Spinalonga Island is 10 euro the round trip. The admission to the island is another 8 euro per person.
Haute Living lounge is only available for those who have paid for Villas.
Titanium benefits are generous (as at August 2020):
- Complimentary Breakfast in our Restaurant (Tholos) throughout your stay (When booking on redemption stay)
- One Complimentary Dinner in our Restaurant (Blend or their choice on check-in), drinks excluded
- Spa thermae Facilities (per Adult, per stay - was a 20 minute back massage)
- VIP Check-in over a signature aperitif overlooking the famous UNESCO protected islet of Spinalonga
- 1000 bonus points (in addition to any normal bonus), posts about 5-7 days later
Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection - Crete, Greece [Master Thread]
Jul 9, 2018, 6:40 pm
#121
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: CT/ Germany - Ich spreche deutsch
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy LTTE, HH Dia, HY Expl
Posts: 4,657
Any ideas between Mystique and Vedema./
Jul 10, 2018, 12:40 am
#122
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
That was the trip we did on our last vacation to Greece. Your in for a treat! I was planning on comparing the BP and the Domes but maybe you want me to wait till after your trip since you’re booked at the BP.
BP was very nice but I felt the Domes was definitely at a different level.
I probably would have booked there if I was booking now. I still feel good about Blue Palace- after reading posts here a few months ago we switched to the Island Suite because we wanted to guarantee a great room with a heated pool. Fingers crossed 🤞
Jul 10, 2018, 5:40 am
#123
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: CT/ Germany - Ich spreche deutsch
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy LTTE, HH Dia, HY Expl
Posts: 4,657
You will still have a great vacation! We did when we stayed there. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. We tried to use an SNA back when we stayed but even that didn't help get a better room since they really are very full in the summers. One advantage of the BP is that you can more easily walk to the little town to the left of the resort and eat there if you want to. Just don't do what we did and assume that the first couple of places you get to will be all the town has to offer...keep walking and there are more options.
Jul 10, 2018, 6:30 pm
#124
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
You will still have a great vacation! We did when we stayed there. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. We tried to use an SNA back when we stayed but even that didn't help get a better room since they really are very full in the summers. One advantage of the BP is that you can more easily walk to the little town to the left of the resort and eat there if you want to. Just don't do what we did and assume that the first couple of places you get to will be all the town has to offer...keep walking and there are more options.
As of today I’m holding reservations at both but need to cancel one as soon as we decide.
This is a special anniversary celebration for us so we are not leaving upgrades up to chance. The prices in Greece were reasonable enough that we booked rooms we would be happy in.
Next weekend I am going to try and find more video walkthroughs to help us make our decision- but any specific reasons you preferred Domes to BP would really help.
One thing I am curious about is whether the private pools will be heated enough to use at each property. Also, which property feels more private and boutique like (sounds like Domes) - which property has nicer rooms (sounds like Domes- although the room we booked at BP looked very nice in a video we found) which property has better service (sounds like Domes).
🙏
Last edited by damon88; Jul 10, 2018 at 6:41 pm
Jul 10, 2018, 8:07 pm
#125
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 222
OK am really hoping for some more details so we can decide between BP & Domes
As of today I’m holding reservations at both but need to cancel one as soon as we decide.
This is a special anniversary celebration for us so we are not leaving upgrades up to chance. The prices in Greece were reasonable enough that we booked rooms we would be happy in.
Next weekend I am going to try and find more video walkthroughs to help us make our decision- but any specific reasons you preferred Domes to BP would really help.
One thing I am curious about is whether the private pools will be heated enough to use at each property. Also, which property feels more private and boutique like (sounds like Domes) - which property has nicer rooms (sounds like Domes- although the room we booked at BP looked very nice in a video we found) which property has better service (sounds like Domes).
🙏
When are you going?
Jul 10, 2018, 9:02 pm
#126
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,965
View above Plaka. BP in the distance.
Our room pool and dark terrace.
OK am really hoping for some more details so we can decide between BP & Domes
As of today I’m holding reservations at both but need to cancel one as soon as we decide.
This is a special anniversary celebration for us so we are not leaving upgrades up to chance. The prices in Greece were reasonable enough that we booked rooms we would be happy in.
Next weekend I am going to try and find more video walkthroughs to help us make our decision- but any specific reasons you preferred Domes to BP would really help.
One thing I am curious about is whether the private pools will be heated enough to use at each property. Also, which property feels more private and boutique like (sounds like Domes) - which property has nicer rooms (sounds like Domes- although the room we booked at BP looked very nice in a video we found) which property has better service (sounds like Domes).
🙏
Last edited by david55; Jul 10, 2018 at 9:08 pm
Jul 11, 2018, 5:47 am
#127
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: CT/ Germany - Ich spreche deutsch
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy LTTE, HH Dia, HY Expl
Posts: 4,657
damon88....I guess you saw what I posted in the Aspirational Marriott Property thread! Here is a quote of it for others in case they cannot find that thread at a later date when reading this thread.
I have already covered the restaurants but I wanted to post a pic of the restaurant list I took which shows the options as well as when they were open during our stay. Overall we found the quality of the food better at the Domes in comparison to the BP. We aren't talking Michelin Star rated here but overall better. I can't swear to this but I also think the food was slightly more expensive at the BP. I seem to remember the Steakhouse being ridiculous for what it was.
Two other things that might impact a choice between the two properties are the beach and how you get to the beach!
- Beach...I have posted pics of the beach at the Domes above. I wouldn't consider it the nicest sand beach I have been to but it is ok. You can walk into the water without any footwear like flip flops or those crazy rubber socks. At the BP it is a rock beach and I am talking larger 6 inch plus rocks and not little pebbles. One slight advantage the BP might have is that the beach area seemed larger so you had a little more space between the chairs. See comparison pics below. I took a panorama video of the beach but cannot get it to post and it seems to turn on its side when I email it to myself. If anyone know how to post and correct sideways layout...please PM me.
- Getting to the beach...at the Domes you need to walk down from the reception building and at the BP there is a hillside electric transported (sorry can't think of the real name for it) the walk at the Domes is not a big deal but some might like the BP better. I must say we liked riding the thing at the BP but it was like being in a sauna while you were in there. Riding it down was a cool picture/video opportunity. I also have a video of the ride on from the beach to the main building but as noted above on the panorama video of the Domes beach I cannot figure out how to post.
Domes Beach:
Blue Palace Beach:
Private Pool
- At the Domes we had a Residence with a private pool and the temperature was acceptable. I am not sure if they are heated or not.
- At the Blue Palace we had the same pool shown in david55's pic above. It was definitely NOT warm and I only got into it once or twice to take the necessary pictures by my SO.
Departure
- This REALLY shows how they go above and beyond on the service side! The day before our departure day we inquired about a late checkout since we had a late flight to ATH from HER (I had asked when we arrived but they said it was too early to confirm or deny). They said they would check but when they called they sadly could not honor it since they were completely filled up. Instead of just saying your SOL they said they would let us know if anything opened up but we could definitely shower in the spa or there evidently were also showers near the adult pool we didn't know about. On the morning of our departure they reached out to us and again confirmed that we would sadly need to check out of the Residence at the 11:30 checkout time. They did however confirm that they had a "Courtesy Room" for us where we could store our belongings between the checkout time and our departure time and we gladly accepted. I wasn't sure what to imagine under "Courtesy Room" but it turned out to be a very basic hotel rooms that was perfectly fine to just come back into after the beach and to shower in before our departure. We wondered if maybe this was a staff room that they could use if they needed to stay at the resort overnight as it definitely couldn't be sold as a regular room in the resort due to the basic nature of the room. Regardless of it being basic...it was much appreciated as it allowed us to enjoy some time in the resort the day of our departure and still get cleaned up before we left the resort. I have no idea if they just have one of these rooms or if there are several. I'm unsure if they typically offer these to guest or if they made a special accommodation for us for the issue we had with the Italian restaurant for which they bent over backwards to resolve even thought we did not see it as big of a deal as they did.
I've stayed at both and just got back from the Domes two weeks ago. I have been wanting to post a comparison but haven't really had time. All I can say without a full comparison is that there is a BIG difference and the Domes is a much better property IMHO. Staff, service and elite recognition is on a completely different level...at least for my two stays! The new award level pricing for the Domes is just plain ridiculous but the Blue Palace should NOT be a the same level.
The Domes felt all round more luxurious than the Blue Palace. The BP was more of a mass tourism feel and less intimate than the Domes. One example...the Platinum breakfast at the BP is in a huge restaurant with tons of people and kids. At the Domes the Platinum breakfast could be eaten at a number of the onsite restaurants. We chose to eat at the Italian restaurant because it was close to the Residences area. At most there were 6-8 tables of people so even with some kids around it just felt more quiet and less like a mad zoo.
Two other things that might impact a choice between the two properties are the beach and how you get to the beach!
- Beach...I have posted pics of the beach at the Domes above. I wouldn't consider it the nicest sand beach I have been to but it is ok. You can walk into the water without any footwear like flip flops or those crazy rubber socks. At the BP it is a rock beach and I am talking larger 6 inch plus rocks and not little pebbles. One slight advantage the BP might have is that the beach area seemed larger so you had a little more space between the chairs. See comparison pics below. I took a panorama video of the beach but cannot get it to post and it seems to turn on its side when I email it to myself. If anyone know how to post and correct sideways layout...please PM me.
- Getting to the beach...at the Domes you need to walk down from the reception building and at the BP there is a hillside electric transported (sorry can't think of the real name for it) the walk at the Domes is not a big deal but some might like the BP better. I must say we liked riding the thing at the BP but it was like being in a sauna while you were in there. Riding it down was a cool picture/video opportunity. I also have a video of the ride on from the beach to the main building but as noted above on the panorama video of the Domes beach I cannot figure out how to post.
Domes Beach:
Blue Palace Beach:
Private Pool
- At the Domes we had a Residence with a private pool and the temperature was acceptable. I am not sure if they are heated or not.
- At the Blue Palace we had the same pool shown in david55's pic above. It was definitely NOT warm and I only got into it once or twice to take the necessary pictures by my SO.
Departure
- This REALLY shows how they go above and beyond on the service side! The day before our departure day we inquired about a late checkout since we had a late flight to ATH from HER (I had asked when we arrived but they said it was too early to confirm or deny). They said they would check but when they called they sadly could not honor it since they were completely filled up. Instead of just saying your SOL they said they would let us know if anything opened up but we could definitely shower in the spa or there evidently were also showers near the adult pool we didn't know about. On the morning of our departure they reached out to us and again confirmed that we would sadly need to check out of the Residence at the 11:30 checkout time. They did however confirm that they had a "Courtesy Room" for us where we could store our belongings between the checkout time and our departure time and we gladly accepted. I wasn't sure what to imagine under "Courtesy Room" but it turned out to be a very basic hotel rooms that was perfectly fine to just come back into after the beach and to shower in before our departure. We wondered if maybe this was a staff room that they could use if they needed to stay at the resort overnight as it definitely couldn't be sold as a regular room in the resort due to the basic nature of the room. Regardless of it being basic...it was much appreciated as it allowed us to enjoy some time in the resort the day of our departure and still get cleaned up before we left the resort. I have no idea if they just have one of these rooms or if there are several. I'm unsure if they typically offer these to guest or if they made a special accommodation for us for the issue we had with the Italian restaurant for which they bent over backwards to resolve even thought we did not see it as big of a deal as they did.
Last edited by christianj; Jul 11, 2018 at 6:53 am
Jul 11, 2018, 7:36 am
#129
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Posts: 8,965
In reading christianj post above...I had forgotten about the tram at the BP that traverses the property from the reception down to the beach. It was our least favorite"amenity" on the property. Slow, crowded and claustrophobic, airless, and too many stops, it was frustrating that you had to get into a small enclosed space to get from point A to B when the only alternative was to walk a maze like confusing path through the property. For that alone, we would not return.
Jul 11, 2018, 10:39 am
#130
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
So it seems as if Domes is the clear winner- the pool temperature is the only thing hanging me up. I had already changed our Blue Palace room to the more expensive Island Suite specifically because the Island Suite is the only pool they heat. I am going to reach out to Domes and see if heating the pool is an option. We are going late in the season (October) and the pool is useless to us if it isn’t heated.
Jul 11, 2018, 10:54 am
#131
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: CT/ Germany - Ich spreche deutsch
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy LTTE, HH Dia, HY Expl
Posts: 4,657
damon88 go to their actual website where they have a chat function that I found really helpful. You can ask questions and I got the details for the private car transfer from them that way.
Welcome to Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Hotels
Welcome to Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Hotels
Jul 11, 2018, 10:56 am
#132
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
I just did a little more research- it seems as if the Island Suites come with a few extras:
The decision will probably come down to heated pool. Hopefully Domes can clarify when I call them this weekend.
- Enjoy access to The Haven, the private section of the beach, exclusively reserved for guests staying in Island Suites and Villas
- Enjoy an enhanced breakfast experience, with access to the private Breakfast Section at Olea Restaurant
The decision will probably come down to heated pool. Hopefully Domes can clarify when I call them this weekend.
Jul 11, 2018, 10:59 am
#133
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: CT/ Germany - Ich spreche deutsch
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy LTTE, HH Dia, HY Expl
Posts: 4,657
Jul 11, 2018, 11:15 am
#134
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
Haha- yes
Back to Domes I just found this on their website:
Heated 35 sq.m. (377 sq.ft.) private pool
Now I just need to find out how much the charge is.
(Heated upon extra charge)
Jul 11, 2018, 11:17 am
#135
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Will be very curious to learn what charge is imposed to heat a private pool. That isn’t a good sign IMO. I wonder what they charge to use the air con or heating in the rooms/suites, too.