Hotel Heliotrope, Stalis, Crete
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
The Heliotrope Hotel lies in a beautiful natural surrounding, in a distance of 30 kilometers from Heraklion, in Stalida bay between Hersonissos and Mallia, where is an omulent and remarkable touristic substructure. Built in the traditional Cretan style, Heliotrope Hotel climbs the hillside, providing a magnificent view over the beautiful Stalida bay with clean air and tranquility. loading...
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Hotel Heliotrope Reviews
" I was a little apprehensive before... "
Submitted By: Miss Jones
I was a little apprehensive before going to this hotel but my boyfriend and I had a lovely time. Yes there are a lot of steps, and yes it is on a biggish hill but it really isnt as bad as some people make out. I am not the fittest person in the world but I managed the 137 steps to our room everyday, 3 or sometimes 4 times. Also no it isnt in the centre of Stalis but it is only a ten minute walk away and the views from the hotel more than compensate. They do charge for air-con, it was 35€ for the week, but trust me it is worth it! We arrived at 2 in the morn and my boyfriend was so hot he had to go and get it after being in the room for 20 mins! the safe deposit is 14€ a week but we didnt bother and nothing went missing.
The food was a little samey but at the end of the day it is only a 2 star hotel, but there was quite a lot of choice and there was always fresh bread and salad which was always really nice! The breakfast is also pretty good, lots on offer. Cereals, bread, toast, jams, salads, bacon, sausage, eggs and beans. So pretty much something for everyone. The restaurants in Stalis all look really nice but we never got round to trying any. But it is nice to be able to walk down the street and not get hassled to go for a meal or a drink.
The pool was really nice, cold but really refreshing after lying in the red hot sun! So overall I would reccomend this hotel, I'm 23 and my boyf is 26 and we had a great time. If you want something really lively then go to Malia and if you have walking difficulties then this might not be for you. Although there were a lot of older people staying here who managed it!!
The food was a little samey but at the end of the day it is only a 2 star hotel, but there was quite a lot of choice and there was always fresh bread and salad which was always really nice! The breakfast is also pretty good, lots on offer. Cereals, bread, toast, jams, salads, bacon, sausage, eggs and beans. So pretty much something for everyone. The restaurants in Stalis all look really nice but we never got round to trying any. But it is nice to be able to walk down the street and not get hassled to go for a meal or a drink.
The pool was really nice, cold but really refreshing after lying in the red hot sun! So overall I would reccomend this hotel, I'm 23 and my boyf is 26 and we had a great time. If you want something really lively then go to Malia and if you have walking difficulties then this might not be for you. Although there were a lot of older people staying here who managed it!!
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Decided to go to the Heliotrope as it... "
Submitted By: Miss Z B
Decided to go to the Heliotrope as it was the cheapest HB hotel we could find last minute. Was a little worried about the 2 star rating, and when we arrived at 2am and had to drag our cases up 132 steps to the 5th floor.... (there was a security guard carrying the cases for 2 elderly people at the time, so it wasnt as if we couldnt have got help if we needed it) I was REALLY worried about what we'd gotten ourselves into. But as soon as we walked in the room, I was very pleasently suprised. The room was a good size, very very clean, with what looked like brand new furniture, flat screen tv, samsung fridge, a shower with an enclosed shower screen (unusual in other greek hotels we've been to) and a nice balcony.
The views from the hotel are amazing, as it is half way up a steep hill after all. Food is ok, not a massive choice, but we didnt go hungry.
We only stayed by the pool once, and were on the beach every day, walked to the far end of stalis to get the best and widest bit of beach. Sea was really clean and clear.
I recommend a trip to Restaurant Amici, near the church in Stalis. Delicious.
If you dont like walking, or cant walk far, I would not recomend this hotel, it is a good walk from the town, not to mention the steps at the hotel. But if you dont mind a bit of exercise then I recommend going. It is definately for couples and older people.
The views from the hotel are amazing, as it is half way up a steep hill after all. Food is ok, not a massive choice, but we didnt go hungry.
We only stayed by the pool once, and were on the beach every day, walked to the far end of stalis to get the best and widest bit of beach. Sea was really clean and clear.
I recommend a trip to Restaurant Amici, near the church in Stalis. Delicious.
If you dont like walking, or cant walk far, I would not recomend this hotel, it is a good walk from the town, not to mention the steps at the hotel. But if you dont mind a bit of exercise then I recommend going. It is definately for couples and older people.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" a great hotel! i can not believe the... "
Submitted By: Miss J Williams
a great hotel! i can not believe the amount of moans from guests at this hotel!
it is exactly what we wanted. we booked last minute, and was fully aware it was a 2 star hotel, we didn't pay a fortune, and expected very little, all we hoped was for it to be clean, and friendly.
the rooms had all recently been refurbished, the pool, and bar area fantastic, and staff very friendly.
concidering a greek 2 star resturant, the food was very good, a good selection of salads, and main dishes, local and english, generally a good selection to suit all.
the stairs in the hotel cannot be helped, due to the way the hotel has been built, if you are on the 3rd floor or above you have no option but to walk up roughly 100 stairs to get in the 2nd lift, which takes you all the way upto the 7th floor, where the views from here are absolutely breathtaking!
what people seem to forget here is at the end of the day it is a 2 star hotel, if you're expecting a 4 star accomodation and resturant, then pay 4 star prices!!!!
it is exactly what we wanted. we booked last minute, and was fully aware it was a 2 star hotel, we didn't pay a fortune, and expected very little, all we hoped was for it to be clean, and friendly.
the rooms had all recently been refurbished, the pool, and bar area fantastic, and staff very friendly.
concidering a greek 2 star resturant, the food was very good, a good selection of salads, and main dishes, local and english, generally a good selection to suit all.
the stairs in the hotel cannot be helped, due to the way the hotel has been built, if you are on the 3rd floor or above you have no option but to walk up roughly 100 stairs to get in the 2nd lift, which takes you all the way upto the 7th floor, where the views from here are absolutely breathtaking!
what people seem to forget here is at the end of the day it is a 2 star hotel, if you're expecting a 4 star accomodation and resturant, then pay 4 star prices!!!!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Select
- Tour Operator:Manos
" Had an amazing hol at the heliotrope... "
Submitted By: Michelle D
Had an amazing hol at the heliotrope hotel, just got back this morning and we're gutted :-( The hotel and pool are lovely and every1 is really friendly! do not believe the people who moan about this hotel, it couldnt be better situated and can be as relaxing or as lively as you make it! stalis itself is a lovely place with plenty of shops and bars!hello to tolis and yanis we know you will be reading!!! missing it loads :-(...and remember...it's NOT goodbye haha! love michelle and kate! xxxxxx
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Had a fantastic stay here in... "
Submitted By: Mr P Murrey
Had a fantastic stay here in August.Staff are Brilliant,food is ok,Rooms nice clean and tidy ,maid service every other day,Pool Large and very clean.Only problem is if you are on a floor above 3,you have a lot of steps to walk up to get to your room.It is also a 10 minute walk downhill into Stallis and a15 minute walk uphill on the way back.If you can overcome the steps and the walk into Stallis,you will have a Brilliant stay.We will be going back again.The Hotel and rooms have been completly revamped since 2007.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Had a fantastic stay here in... "
Submitted By: Mr P Murrey
Had a fantastic stay here in August.Staff are Brilliant,food is ok,Rooms nice clean and tidy ,maid service every other day,Pool Large and very clean.Only problem is if you are on a floor above 3,you have a lot of steps to walk up to get to your room.It is also a 10 minute walk downhill into Stallis and a15 minute walk uphill on the way back.If you can overcome the steps and the walk into Stallis,you will have a Brilliant stay.We will be going back again.The Hotel and rooms have been completly revamped since 2007.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" WOW, what can i say probably the best... "
Submitted By: Ms J Poole
WOW, what can i say probably the best holiday i have been too. My whole family came, me my teenage son and daughter, her friend (14,16,16) my mum and dad and my sister, her partner and her two boys (8 and 9). The hotel rooms were plush and had everything you needed, the pool and area was beautifull and always spotlessly clean as were the rooms, the weather WOW again, there was a heat wave going on and we touched 40oC but the bar was cool and very friendly and there were plenty of parasols. The staff were the best i have encountered anywhere. Very polite, helpful and nothing was too much trouble. My son hurt his foot while on holiday and everyone was extremely kind and helpful towards him especially the manager. (didn't get his name unfortunately) We were on floors 5 and 6 which killed you climbing the steps everyday but we did it with laughs rather than complaints even my son on crutches with foot in plaster laughed. they do have lifts but not to all floors and we kept forgeting which floors had the lifts so we just climbed the 120 steps every day. The views were fantastic. We were half board and though there was a small choice of meals everything was excellent quality not one of us went hungry.
Stalis itself was lovely about a 10 minute walk from the hotel but a pleasant stroll, it has everything you need and larger than i expected. You don't get hassled into the bars or restaurants and you can get a taxi into Malia and Hersonisis very easily in fact the hotel staff called the taxi's for us every time.
We hired a quad bike for our last day and it was great, you have to be careful of course but simple road awareness is enough, they don't drive like lunitics over there. The quad, i didn't want to give up and would highly reccommend hiring one for a few days as they are a great way to get around. I went on the motorway on mine and felt quite safe. The boat trips and such like are cheaper to book in town rather than with your rep, i'd advise the boat trip to island Sissi rather than Dai that we took, it was still a good day but rather basic.
I would go back to Stalis again and definately the Heliotrope hotel which says a lot for me as i have enjoyed all my holidays but most wouldn't go back too, been there done that kind of thing but Stalis and the Heliotrope really impressed me.
Stalis itself was lovely about a 10 minute walk from the hotel but a pleasant stroll, it has everything you need and larger than i expected. You don't get hassled into the bars or restaurants and you can get a taxi into Malia and Hersonisis very easily in fact the hotel staff called the taxi's for us every time.
We hired a quad bike for our last day and it was great, you have to be careful of course but simple road awareness is enough, they don't drive like lunitics over there. The quad, i didn't want to give up and would highly reccommend hiring one for a few days as they are a great way to get around. I went on the motorway on mine and felt quite safe. The boat trips and such like are cheaper to book in town rather than with your rep, i'd advise the boat trip to island Sissi rather than Dai that we took, it was still a good day but rather basic.
I would go back to Stalis again and definately the Heliotrope hotel which says a lot for me as i have enjoyed all my holidays but most wouldn't go back too, been there done that kind of thing but Stalis and the Heliotrope really impressed me.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" This was mine and my boyfriends first... "
Submitted By: HolidayTime!
This was mine and my boyfriends first holiday abroad together. We were VERY impressd with the look of the hotel on arrival. It looked beautiful with all the lights (we arrived very late). We got on very well with one night recptionist (Sylvester Stallone look-a-like) so this made our trip pleasent. The others...wernt so talkative or happy! We had one case of raw chicken nuggets so we would suggest to eat out. There is not much to do but we spent our days lazing by the gorgeous brand new pool and nights wandering into the town to look at the local market stalls which were open until about 12am. Our view from our room was FAB. It was a sea view. The room was very basic indeed but we did get shown the new refurbished room which is LUSH! They plan to referb all rooms like this and they are very plush indeed. the walk into town takes about 15 minutes and is located directly across from the beach. The bar people are very pushy and try and sell you anything (but isn't it like that everywhere). The walk back to the hotel is very tiring during the day as this hotel is located on top of a huge hill so is not advised to venture out on hot days! The town Malia is very very lively! There is a local bus that takes you there and the bus stop is just locaed 10 minutes away and will cost around 1.50 euros. Make sure you are clothed! My boyfriend had his top off (as we had a heatwave while over there of 40degrees) and the bus conductor wouldn't let us on until he put his top on. Thats an hourly service and the last bus back is at about half 11 at night.
Overall we really enjoyed this holiday, we just found we needed more to do, more facilities on the room and a more lively atmospher being a young couple. To us, we think the perfect people to go here would be the retired, and cultured and people seeking a relaxing holiday by an amazing pool.
Overall we really enjoyed this holiday, we just found we needed more to do, more facilities on the room and a more lively atmospher being a young couple. To us, we think the perfect people to go here would be the retired, and cultured and people seeking a relaxing holiday by an amazing pool.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Overall i thought this hotel was... "
Submitted By: Mr A Mason
Overall i thought this hotel was perfect, me and my girlfriend stayed for 2weeks, we really enjoyed it. you do get charged for a/c , the fridge, and the safety deposit box but they are worth it.
We will be returning next year for sure, my only concern was the food very basic not a lot of choice at all, we ate out most nights, george the barman was a great laugh. For a good meal out i do recommend the curry park on beach road very reasonable, the cater both indian and chiniese food.
All in all the hotel was very good and me and my girlfriend will be back in july 2008.
We will be returning next year for sure, my only concern was the food very basic not a lot of choice at all, we ate out most nights, george the barman was a great laugh. For a good meal out i do recommend the curry park on beach road very reasonable, the cater both indian and chiniese food.
All in all the hotel was very good and me and my girlfriend will be back in july 2008.
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:First Choice
" We absolutely loved this hotel and... "
Submitted By: Miss Lyn Rider
We absolutely loved this hotel and Crete. What more could you want, 47 degrees and brilliant sunshine, perfect location and friendly people. We had a fantastic holiday and will definitely consider a return visit.
The hotel is a slow 10 minute stroll (only pace we could manage in the heat) from the beach and Stalis centre. Slightly up hill coming back however no need to rush on holiday so was no problem. Perfect location to have a totally chilled time or move into the main centre attractions with ease.
Yes the hotel climbs up into the mountainside, however the views are stunning and even though we were on the 2nd floor we would go to the top floors just to admire the beautiful areas around.
Rooms are basic and "rustic" yet for the time you spend in them on holiday they are comfortable and clean enough for what you need. And yes the reception staff are a bit frosty.
The restaurant always had a chilled and pleasant atmosphere. Natalie was lovely and friendly and there was always something on the menu that satisfied our appetites and we enjoyed.
The pool and bar area of this hotel is the best. There is no "in your face" hotel entertainment yet evenings in the bar were always great, whether you spent the whole night there or had one, two or three for the road a bit later. What can be said about George that has not already been said, he is the best.
All in all great value for money, thank you to a great friendly hotel team and to Michelle at Going Places in Broughton for arranging this perfect holiday for us.
The hotel is a slow 10 minute stroll (only pace we could manage in the heat) from the beach and Stalis centre. Slightly up hill coming back however no need to rush on holiday so was no problem. Perfect location to have a totally chilled time or move into the main centre attractions with ease.
Yes the hotel climbs up into the mountainside, however the views are stunning and even though we were on the 2nd floor we would go to the top floors just to admire the beautiful areas around.
Rooms are basic and "rustic" yet for the time you spend in them on holiday they are comfortable and clean enough for what you need. And yes the reception staff are a bit frosty.
The restaurant always had a chilled and pleasant atmosphere. Natalie was lovely and friendly and there was always something on the menu that satisfied our appetites and we enjoyed.
The pool and bar area of this hotel is the best. There is no "in your face" hotel entertainment yet evenings in the bar were always great, whether you spent the whole night there or had one, two or three for the road a bit later. What can be said about George that has not already been said, he is the best.
All in all great value for money, thank you to a great friendly hotel team and to Michelle at Going Places in Broughton for arranging this perfect holiday for us.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Sunset
" We had a fantastic honeymoon in this... "
Submitted By: Mrs C A Brookes
We had a fantastic honeymoon in this ideal location.
Yes the hotel is on a hill and about a 10 minute walk from Stalis, but this is great as close enough to the action if you want it but far enough away if you don't.
The views from the room were spectacular.
The rooms are very basic yes but what more do you need. Like others have said a place to put your head down and have a wash nothing more is needed.
They charge 5€ per day for the air conditioning and to be really honest the time of year that we went you didn't need it. The sun was on the room in the morning but come the mid afternoon it was moved over and so no direct heat so no real need for the air con.
The safe is a must it is now 12€ but well worth it. The fridge is totally up to you but the water is much better cold!! If you look around you can get 6 x 2 litre bottles for as little as 1.20€.
Some bars offer free sun loungers and umbrellas if you buy your refreshments from them so well worth it. The water is just so clear.
We went half board, breakfast is catered more for the continental visitors and not so much for the English, but if you go to the sea front you will get a full English for about 4€. The evening meals were a bit better a good selection buffet style.
George is definitely the life and soul of the afternoon/evenings/nights!! He makes the place really! Drinks are well priced, but who cares when you can have a laugh.
The pool and bar area were updated this winter and what can we say - how lovely!So clean and tidy and very well looked after.
The staff were ok - only really George had a good understanding of English - you have to communicate best way you can.
We booked 2 excursions with the rep and to be really honest only one was worth the money. We booked a day out with a tour company in Stalis and was much much cheaper! It was next to a bar/taverna called Maria's which by the way is a fantastic place to eat and drink!
We are hoping to go back, and are really looking forward to this.
Yes the hotel is on a hill and about a 10 minute walk from Stalis, but this is great as close enough to the action if you want it but far enough away if you don't.
The views from the room were spectacular.
The rooms are very basic yes but what more do you need. Like others have said a place to put your head down and have a wash nothing more is needed.
They charge 5€ per day for the air conditioning and to be really honest the time of year that we went you didn't need it. The sun was on the room in the morning but come the mid afternoon it was moved over and so no direct heat so no real need for the air con.
The safe is a must it is now 12€ but well worth it. The fridge is totally up to you but the water is much better cold!! If you look around you can get 6 x 2 litre bottles for as little as 1.20€.
Some bars offer free sun loungers and umbrellas if you buy your refreshments from them so well worth it. The water is just so clear.
We went half board, breakfast is catered more for the continental visitors and not so much for the English, but if you go to the sea front you will get a full English for about 4€. The evening meals were a bit better a good selection buffet style.
George is definitely the life and soul of the afternoon/evenings/nights!! He makes the place really! Drinks are well priced, but who cares when you can have a laugh.
The pool and bar area were updated this winter and what can we say - how lovely!So clean and tidy and very well looked after.
The staff were ok - only really George had a good understanding of English - you have to communicate best way you can.
We booked 2 excursions with the rep and to be really honest only one was worth the money. We booked a day out with a tour company in Stalis and was much much cheaper! It was next to a bar/taverna called Maria's which by the way is a fantastic place to eat and drink!
We are hoping to go back, and are really looking forward to this.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Well what more can I say about this... "
Submitted By: Miss T Marland
Well what more can I say about this hotel that hasn’t been said. We were very luck with the positioning of our room, only had to use the lift and we were there. Maids were rude, Receptionist ( or the dragon lady as she was know by all the kids) was very unhelpful other then that when the manager and his assistant came on duty it became a very nice atmosphere!
Food was very basic, ideal if you like cucumber and bread rolls! Oh just don’t forget to pay for your evening drinks, just in case you aren’t aware, you don’t pay for it at the end!
Pool was fantastic very clean very spacious and ideal for kids! George the bar man was probably what made the holiday, always friendly even betting on Greece to loose to England 5-0 at half time. He was always friendly ready to help out when needed.
Stalis was a very short walk, even possible for those of us wearing heels! Except the hill can be quite a killer, especially if you wear heels all day!
The facilities provided by the hotel were fantastic a/c 5€ per night and 10€ for the fridge for a week (we recommend both) The nearest supermarket was literally 30 seconds walk with some amazing bargains (6 1.5l bottles of water for 2€) the hotel normally charges 1€ for 750ml. Drinks at the hotel were costly but for an evening with georgie you didn't mind
The view over Malia was fantastic ideal for a romantic stroll. Nothing more to really add...except the hotel was fantastic for meeting and making new friends.
Food was very basic, ideal if you like cucumber and bread rolls! Oh just don’t forget to pay for your evening drinks, just in case you aren’t aware, you don’t pay for it at the end!
Pool was fantastic very clean very spacious and ideal for kids! George the bar man was probably what made the holiday, always friendly even betting on Greece to loose to England 5-0 at half time. He was always friendly ready to help out when needed.
Stalis was a very short walk, even possible for those of us wearing heels! Except the hill can be quite a killer, especially if you wear heels all day!
The facilities provided by the hotel were fantastic a/c 5€ per night and 10€ for the fridge for a week (we recommend both) The nearest supermarket was literally 30 seconds walk with some amazing bargains (6 1.5l bottles of water for 2€) the hotel normally charges 1€ for 750ml. Drinks at the hotel were costly but for an evening with georgie you didn't mind
The view over Malia was fantastic ideal for a romantic stroll. Nothing more to really add...except the hotel was fantastic for meeting and making new friends.
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" I really loved this hotel. The rooms... "
Submitted By: Miss L Dawson
I really loved this hotel. The rooms were lovely apart from the stairs but the view made up for it! It had table tennis, pool and a table football table which would be great for the kids.
The staff are really nice especially Stella the bar maid. I think she was everyone’s favourite. The only person I didn't like was the woman at reception who was really nasty.
The breakfast and dinners there were really good and had a different variety each day. It is about a 10 minute walk to the town and the beach which have a different range of water sports there. I tried the parasailing which I loved. Also the shops and bars are open till quite late. I think this was the best holiday I have ever been on. I am certainly thinking of going back!
The staff are really nice especially Stella the bar maid. I think she was everyone’s favourite. The only person I didn't like was the woman at reception who was really nasty.
The breakfast and dinners there were really good and had a different variety each day. It is about a 10 minute walk to the town and the beach which have a different range of water sports there. I tried the parasailing which I loved. Also the shops and bars are open till quite late. I think this was the best holiday I have ever been on. I am certainly thinking of going back!
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" My husband and I were a bit... "
Submitted By: Mrs V Mcglinchey
My husband and I were a bit apprehensive about going here after reading the reviews but we've got to say it was one of the best holidays we have ever been on.
The room was basic, as every room in Greece usually is, it has two beds, two wardrobes and a bathroom, everything you need on holiday, somewhere to lay your head, hang your clothes and get washed. The rooms are just plain white with dark wood shutters, which were great for keeping the morning sun out.
There are a lot of stairs at the hotel but there is a lift. The view from the hotel was fantastic. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The cleaners came in everyday. The sheets got changed when we were there and fresh towels were given to us three times, which is good considering some places don't change your sheets all week.
You get charged 10 euros per week for the fridge, 35 euros for the air conditioning and 10 euros for the safe. The only charge extra for these things because the electricity over there is expensive and it's not compulsory to get these things.
The food was nice, we are fussy eaters so we didn't eat there every night but when we did eat there the food was delicious, well cooked and very tasty. There was soup and rolls for starters, a pasta dish, two meats and chips or potatoes for main course, there was a salad bar and there was always fruit and a cake of some sort for desert. We only made breakfast once and that also was fine, there was sausage, bacon (although it was streaky), boiled eggs, and fresh rolls. The salad bar was opened, and tea, coffee and orange juice.
The walk into Stalis main town was about 5 mins, nothing to moan about. Malia costs 8 euros in a taxi.
The pool at the hotel has the sun all day, good if you are a sun worshipper. You don't get charged for sun loungers.
The pool bar at night is great, George the bar man makes it. He is very funny. We spent most nights there having a laugh with him and the other guests. The town is nice at night also but the pool bar was easier to roll up to bed from.
We booked excursions with the reps, the Cretan night and the boat trip. We paid 42 euros each for both trips but when we went into town we found that the Cretan night was only 28 euros each and the boat trip was only 15 euros although you don't get your lunch on these boat trips. Also the rep failed to inform us that we would be on a bus for an hour and a half picking up other people from other hotels on the way to the trips and about an hour on the way back. Also you don't get picked up from the hotel or dropped off there either.
All in all, for a 2 star hotel, it was great value for money, we'd have said it was at least 3 stars. Yes the rooms were basic and there were extra charges but its not over the top charges.
The room was basic, as every room in Greece usually is, it has two beds, two wardrobes and a bathroom, everything you need on holiday, somewhere to lay your head, hang your clothes and get washed. The rooms are just plain white with dark wood shutters, which were great for keeping the morning sun out.
There are a lot of stairs at the hotel but there is a lift. The view from the hotel was fantastic. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The cleaners came in everyday. The sheets got changed when we were there and fresh towels were given to us three times, which is good considering some places don't change your sheets all week.
You get charged 10 euros per week for the fridge, 35 euros for the air conditioning and 10 euros for the safe. The only charge extra for these things because the electricity over there is expensive and it's not compulsory to get these things.
The food was nice, we are fussy eaters so we didn't eat there every night but when we did eat there the food was delicious, well cooked and very tasty. There was soup and rolls for starters, a pasta dish, two meats and chips or potatoes for main course, there was a salad bar and there was always fruit and a cake of some sort for desert. We only made breakfast once and that also was fine, there was sausage, bacon (although it was streaky), boiled eggs, and fresh rolls. The salad bar was opened, and tea, coffee and orange juice.
The walk into Stalis main town was about 5 mins, nothing to moan about. Malia costs 8 euros in a taxi.
The pool at the hotel has the sun all day, good if you are a sun worshipper. You don't get charged for sun loungers.
The pool bar at night is great, George the bar man makes it. He is very funny. We spent most nights there having a laugh with him and the other guests. The town is nice at night also but the pool bar was easier to roll up to bed from.
We booked excursions with the reps, the Cretan night and the boat trip. We paid 42 euros each for both trips but when we went into town we found that the Cretan night was only 28 euros each and the boat trip was only 15 euros although you don't get your lunch on these boat trips. Also the rep failed to inform us that we would be on a bus for an hour and a half picking up other people from other hotels on the way to the trips and about an hour on the way back. Also you don't get picked up from the hotel or dropped off there either.
All in all, for a 2 star hotel, it was great value for money, we'd have said it was at least 3 stars. Yes the rooms were basic and there were extra charges but its not over the top charges.
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- Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
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The staff were helpful especially the bar man Manos and the manager, my only complaint was with the barman on the night - Tolis who was a bit of an arrogant bloke and a little rude depending on how you take it - My advice just dont put up with him!
The only problem with the hotel would be the steps and the hill and I wouldnt really recommend it if people have walking disabilities, heart conditions or any other health complaints, but if you fancy losing a litlle weight on holiday this is definatley the hotel to go to!
Overall I would give the hotel a big thumbs up and it was an enjoyable holiday and a score of 8/10 as the staff were very helpful and friendly and the facilities were of a good standard.