We absolutely loved our stay at Aptenia House. Me, my husband and our 8 month old baby spent a week at George and Dina’s apartment in early May 2019. The apartment was immaculately clean on arrival and had all of the equipment we needed including travel cot and high chair. The kitchen was also well equipped and the rooms are all a good size. The apartment is nicely styled and the best bit is definitely the large balcony that overlooks the beach front and the Mediterranean Sea. The outside area has lots to do for kids or adults: table tennis, beach volleyball, football goals, swimming pool, sunloungers and a barbecue. The garden is well kept with green grass and nicely planted flora. In addition the beach is literally right at the end of the garden so easy access to the waves!
George and Dina were fantastic hosts. They were very responsive over Airbnb and provided information that we asked for in a timely fashion. During our stay George was brilliant. He met us at the bus stop, gave us a lift to the local supermarket (we took about 2hrs but he waited for us!), gave us some of his farm produce to try and provided us with lots of recommendations for our stay. In addition, when we needed something, he was on hand to help out (he helped us to rent a car and figure out the slightly confusing bus timetables). George and Dina also went to the effort to make our stay extra special by providing us with some local pastries to try, nice shampoo etc in the bathroom, coals for BBQ - everything had been thought of!
The apartment is located on Episkopi beach at the end of a row of three tavernas. There is nothing else within easy walking distance, so a hire car is recommended. We did walk up to Episkopi (2km away) but the road was a bit narrow and busy. Episkopi is well equipped with a great supermarket, bakeries etc, but is a very quiet village. We used our car to visit Rethymno (20mins drive), Plakias (south side of the island, 55mins drive), Lake Kournas (15mins drive), Agirouropolis (15mins drive). All are worth a visit, especially Rethymno (old town, fortress and Venetian Harbour). At the time of our stay there were two apartments in the building (though no-one was in the other when we were there), which if booked together could be great for a big group / family booking.
Overall we had a brilliant time and would definitely come back. Thanks to George and Dina for all the effort.