Hotel Matheo

Due to problems at our original apartment elsewhere in Malia, we only booked our stay at the Matheo once we arrived in Crete. What a find it turned out to be. We were shown the property before deciding whether to stay, but as soon as we saw the setting, and better still, the apartment in which we would be staying, we could not say "yes" quickly enough. Some new apartments were built in the hotel grounds within the last year or two and we were even more fortunate to be staying in one of those. The rooms are stylish, modern and vast - nicer than some 5* rooms. There were three private terraces (one of which is particularly large) surrounding the apartment, and so we had sun all day long and could also take in the views of the lovely grounds, with the town and then the sea further beyond. The room If you are looking for something tranquil and sophisticated, then this hotel is for you. I would suggest that it's best suited to couples, but cannot see anybody other than Chavs and whingers being unhappy here. It's situated in a perfect location, being just outside the hustle and bustle of Malia town centre, but less than a 15 minute walk into town. You're also only a five minute walk to the main road where you can get the bus to either Agios Nikolaos (recommended) or the capital, Heraklion.
The hotel is run by George and his sister Tina who could not have been more helpful and friendly. Anna is the waitress; she is permanently smiling (and makes great cocktails too). By the end of the first day, we felt like we had known them for years. My girlfriend and I are both vegetarian and special meals were prepared for us every night which were delicious and in abundance. The staff could not have tried any harder.
We cannot recommend this hotel enough (and we've stayed in enough to know the good from the bad).