Frequently Asked Questions
At the property
We provide a private parking space conveniently located right next to the property. There are four designated parking spots available, numbered from 1 to 4. Three days prior to your check-in date, you will receive an email and SMS with the check-in details. In these communication channels, we will mention your assigned parking number. We kindly ask you to carefully check the information provided and park your car in the designated spot accordingly.
Absolutely! Several delightful tavernas are located close to our property, offering a variety of delicious Cretan cuisine. Here are our top recommendations (click on the name to see them on Google Maps):
Taverna Filoxenia – Located in the charming village of Elos, Taverna Filoxenia specializes in traditional Cretan cuisine. Their dishes feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with a focus on meat options. Keep in mind that the portions are generous, so it’s advisable to order carefully. The restaurant is approximately 20 minutes away from our property.
Taverna Kosmos – Situated in Chrysoskalitissa village, Taverna Kosmos is renowned for its delectable seafood dishes. They offer a variety of fresh fish sourced from the local area. Additionally, they provide meat and vegetarian options to cater to different preferences. The Taverna is conveniently located just 10 minutes away from our property.
Taverna Kochylas – Also located in Chrysoskalitissa village, Taverna Kochylas is another excellent option for seafood lovers. They serve dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including traditional Cretan cuisine. The Taverna is approximately 10 minutes away from our property.
Taverna Glykeria – Situated a mere 5-minute drive from our property, Taverna Glykeria offers a wonderful dining experience with traditional Cretan cuisine. Their dishes have a touch of elegance, and the restaurant boasts a breathtaking sunset view. Enjoy a memorable meal while basking in the beauty of the sunset.
Taverna Stomio – located just 5 minutes from our property inside the gorge. This charming taverna specializes in traditional local recipes, offering a unique dining experience immersed in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Indulge in delicious dishes prepared with local ingredients while enjoying the serene ambiance of the gorge. Taverna Stomio is a wonderful choice for those seeking an authentic taste of the region.
Aerino Cafe‑Restaurant – Nestled right by the sea on the road to Elafonisi, Aerino offers a stunning sunset‑side dining experience with panoramic views of the coastline. They serve Mediterranean‑style cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including meze plates, seafood, and grilled meats in generous portions—and at reasonable prices. Aerino is a great spot for any time of the day – whether you’re stopping by for a morning coffee and breakfast, a relaxed lunch, a sunset dinner, or just an afternoon beer or nightcap under the stars.
These tavernas are just a few highlights in the area, and there are many more options to explore. Our staff will be delighted to provide additional recommendations based on your preferences. Enjoy discovering the local flavors and culinary delights during your stay at Viva Elafonisi.
There are several convenient options for grocery shopping in the area. Here are two recommendations:
Mini Market “Iris” in Vathi village: This mini market is situated just a 5-minute drive away from our property. “Iris” offers a selection of local ingredients for cooking, as well as snacks, coffee, and occasional food service in their outdoor area.
Mini Market “Chrysoskalitissa”: On your way to Elafonisi beach, you’ll pass by a larger grocery store that is approximately a 10-minute drive away. This store offers a wider range of products to choose from, including local snacks and cold coffee.
Both options provide convenient choices for your grocery needs during your stay.
As we are not a hotel, we do not offer daily room cleaning or room service. However, we take cleanliness seriously and strive to provide a comfortable environment for our guests. Your room will be cleaned every 4 days during your stay to ensure a fresh and tidy space. If you have any specific cleaning requests or require assistance, you can always contact us at info@vivaelafonisi.com or by phone/WhatsApp at +31682549893. We value your comfort and aim to make your stay at Viva Elafonisi as enjoyable as possible.
If you are experiencing a lack of electricity in your room, please ensure that you have inserted the electricity card into the designated spot on the wall. This card is essential for the room to receive power. If you have properly inserted the card and still do not have electricity, please contact us immediately for assistance. You can reach us at info@vivaelafonisi.com or by phone/WhatsApp at +31 68 25 49 893. Our team will promptly address the issue and ensure that you have access to the necessary power supply in your room.
Our hotel utilizes a solar-powered boiler to provide hot water, primarily relying on the sun’s energy. While cloudy days are infrequent during the summer period, there may be instances where hot water is depleted earlier than expected. In such cases, we recommend activating the electric heating system to generate warm water.
To address this issue, please contact us at +31 68 25 49 893 (also available on WhatsApp), and our team will guide you on how to switch to the electric heating system to ensure you have access to hot water.
The WiFi network you need to connect to is “Viva Elafonisi,” and the password for the network is “elafonisi.”
All guest rooms are 100% non-smoking. Smoking is only permitted outside on the terraces.
Reservations & Rooms
Booking directly through our website offers several advantages. Firstly, we have streamlined the booking process to make it smooth and secure, ensuring a hassle-free experience for our guests. Secondly, by booking directly, you have access to the lowest rates available compared to other booking channels. We want to provide the best value for your stay at Viva Elafonisi. Additionally, booking directly allows for direct communication with our team, enabling us to address any questions or special requests you may have more efficiently. So, by booking directly through our website, you can enjoy a seamless booking process, benefit from the best rates, and have direct communication with us for a personalized experience.
Yes, to secure your reservation, we require a 50% upfront payment. This payment ensures that your reservation is confirmed and reserved exclusively for you. Please refer to our cancellation policy for information regarding refunds in the event of a cancellation.
If you need to make modifications to your reservation, please contact us at info@vivaelafonisi.com. Our team will be happy to assist you with the necessary changes. To ensure a smooth process, kindly provide the details of your reservation, including the reservation ID, check-in date, and the name under which the reservation was made. This information will help us locate your reservation quickly and make the requested modifications accordingly.
To cancel your reservation, please contact us at info@vivaelafonisi.com. Our team will assist you with the cancellation process and provide further guidance. The refund you are eligible for will be determined based on our cancellation policy. For more information on the cancellation policy and the associated refund terms, please refer to the details provided on our website or reach out to us directly for clarification.
You can cancel free of charge up to 14 days before arrival.
If you cancel within 14 days of arrival, 50% of the total amount (the deposit) will be charged and is non-refundable.
In case of no-show or same-day cancellation, the deposit (50% of the total amount) will be charged.
Yes, we do offer the option of adding an extra bed in certain room types. Our “Elafonisos Room” and “Viva House” are equipped with additional space to accommodate an extra foldable bed. Please note that there is an additional charge of 20 euros per day for the provision of the extra bed.
While adding an extra bed can increase the occupancy of the room, it’s important to consider that it will reduce the available space. We recommend assessing your comfort preferences and the suitability of the room size for your needs before requesting an extra bed. Our aim is to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, so please let us know in advance if you require an extra bed.
To request an extra bed for your room, kindly contact us at info@vivaelafonisi.com or include this preference during the booking process. Our team will be happy to assist you and make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your request, subject to availability.
Yes, we provide baby cribs in selected rooms to ensure the comfort and convenience of our guests traveling with infants. Our “Viva House” property is equipped with a baby crib as a standard feature. Additionally, we can also add a baby crib to the Elafonisos room upon request.
Please note that there is an extra charge of 20 euros per night for the provision of a baby crib. This fee covers the setup and maintenance of the crib throughout your stay. To ensure availability and make the necessary arrangements, we kindly ask you to inform us in advance if you require a baby crib in either the Viva House or Elafonisos room.
While there are no car rental services available in close proximity to our area, I can recommend a popular online platform called Kayak for car rentals. Simply search for “Kayak rent a car” on Google, and you’ll easily find their website.
Kayak allows you to compare prices from various car rental companies and read reviews from previous customers. It offers flexibility in choosing pickup and drop-off locations, whether it’s the airport, port, or any other designated spot that suits your needs.
When using Kayak or any other car rental service, we recommend carefully reviewing the terms and conditions of each company. Pay close attention to policies related to deposits, credit card requirements, and other important details.
Due to legal restrictions, we are unable to provide breakfast services as a BnB business. However, we have equipped your room with all the necessary amenities to prepare your own breakfast. You can conveniently find local ingredients at the nearby mini markets in the area. This gives you the flexibility to enjoy a breakfast tailored to your preferences at your own convenience.
While public transportation is available in the form of a bus that travels from the city of Chania to Elafonisi beach, I would not recommend relying solely on public transportation if you plan to explore the area or go out for dinner. Having a car provides more convenience and flexibility.
However, if you still prefer not to rent a car, the bus route passes in front of our property daily.
The bus typically departs from our location around 10:30 – 11:00 in the morning, heading towards Elafonisi beach. The return journey from Elafonisi beach to our property takes place at approximately 16:00 in the afternoon. It’s important to note that this means you have only one opportunity per day to travel to and from Elafonisi beach using the bus.
Considering the limited bus schedule and the advantages of having your own transportation, renting a car would provide you with greater freedom to explore the area and enjoy your stay to the fullest.
Payments
Absolutely! We prioritize the security of your payment transactions. To ensure a safe and reliable online payment experience, we have partnered with Stripe, one of the largest and most trusted payment processors worldwide.
Stripe employs advanced encryption technology and adheres to stringent security standards to protect your financial information. When you make an online payment for your reservation, your sensitive data is securely transmitted and stored using industry-leading security measures.
Rest assured that we take the privacy and security of your personal and payment information seriously. By leveraging Stripe’s robust infrastructure, we strive to provide you with a secure and hassle-free payment process.
If you have any further concerns or questions regarding online payments, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to address any inquiries and ensure your peace of mind throughout the reservation process.
At Viva Elafonisi, we value your trust and are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all our guests.
Yes, to secure your reservation, we require a 40% upfront payment. This payment ensures that your reservation is confirmed and reserved exclusively for you. Please refer to our cancellation policy for information regarding refunds in the event of a cancellation.
We accept cash payments on the premises. Additionally, we can provide you with a Stripe payment link that you can use to pay online using your mobile phone. Please note that we do not have a point-of-sale (POS) system, and we are unable to process debit or credit card payments directly at our location.
To cancel your reservation, please contact us at info@vivaelafonisi.com. Our team will assist you with the cancellation process and provide further guidance. The refund you are eligible for will be determined based on our cancellation policy. For more information on the cancellation policy and the associated refund terms, please refer to the details provided on our website or reach out to us directly for clarification.
We understand that plans can change, and we strive to provide flexibility for our guests. You can cancel your reservation up to 14 days before your check-in date free of charge. If you need to cancel after this period, a cancellation fee of 50% of the total amount will be charged.
To cancel your reservation, simply contact us at info@vivaelafonisi.com. We will assist you with the cancellation process and answer any questions you may have. Please ensure to provide your reservation details, including the booking reference or any other relevant information, to facilitate a smooth cancellation process.
The refund for your cancellation will be processed using the same payment method you selected when making your reservation unless we have agreed upon an alternative arrangement. The refunded amount will be returned to the original payment source. If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding the refund process, please feel free to contact us at info@vivaelafonisi.com. We will be more than happy to assist you and provide any necessary clarification.
We appreciate and value our furry friends; however, to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests, we have specific guidelines regarding pets. These guidelines are in place to prevent disturbances to other customers and potential damages to the property and furnishings.
If you would like to bring a pet with you, please send us a request specifying the details. We will promptly respond with all the necessary information, including any applicable pet policy, additional fees, and any specific requirements. Our aim is to provide a pleasant stay for both you and your pet while maintaining a harmonious environment for all guests.
Arriving
You can easily locate our property, Viva Elafonisi, by searching for us on Google Maps. Simply click on the following link: https://goo.gl/maps/gRLa5HKEJLWnFXS39. This will direct you to our precise location on the map
Our check-in process follows a self-check-in policy for your convenience. Prior to your check-in date, you will receive an email and SMS containing the code for the key box located outside your room. The key box will provide you with the keys to your room. Please note that check-in is possible from 02:00 pm.
Additionally, along with the keys, you will receive an electricity card. It is essential to keep the electricity card on the dedicated spot in the wall to ensure continuous power supply to your room. Please avoid separating the card from the keys.
In the unfortunate event that you misplace the electricity card, a replacement fee of 20 euros will be charged.
For a detailed guide on the check-in process, including step-by-step instructions, please visit our check-in guide. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information to ensure a seamless check-in experience.
Departing
The check-out time is at 11:00 AM. We kindly ask our guests to ensure that they have completed the check-out process and vacated the room by this time. This allows us to prepare the room for incoming guests. If you require any assistance or have any special requests regarding your check-out, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
We understand that unexpected changes in travel plans can occur, and if you need to leave earlier than your scheduled departure date, you are free to do so. However, please note that no compensation or refund will be provided for the remaining unused portion of your reservation. We kindly ask that you inform us in advance of your revised departure date so that we can update our records accordingly.