Kyknos Beach Hotel & Bungalows, Stalis, Crete

Hotel Information

Recent Price: £59
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User Rating:
5.5 / 10
(15 User Reviews)
Hotel Class: Kyknos Beach Hotel & Bungalows Studios ReviewsKyknos Beach Hotel & Bungalows Studios ReviewsKyknos Beach Hotel & Bungalows Studios ReviewsKyknos Beach Hotel & Bungalows Studios Reviews

Hotel Description:

Kyknos is a 4-star Holiday Resort, situated 32kms east of the airport of Heraklion between Malia and Stalida, a place that attracts thousands of visitors every summer. The hotel is ideally located in the middle of Cretes most important points or interest, the archaeological site of Knossos, the plateau of Lassithi, the tropical beach of Malia, etc. Although it is quiet and peaceful around the hotel, one of Cretes best nightlife resorts, i.e. Malia town, is just a 15 minute walk. The family of Georgios and Eva Tsamandouras have been running this hotel for the past 12 years and they know how to offer unforgettable holidays and unique memories to their guests!
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Kyknos Beach Hotel & Bungalows Reviews

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" Avoid the Hotel or at least the All Inclusive Package "

The location of the hotel was good. It is situated between the two towns of Malia and Stalis and just 5 minutes to the nearest beach.
BUT the hotel staff wasn't very friendly and helpfull. To all women, please be aware of foul langange and not very nice comments from the staff (especially from the manager!!!).
I can't recommend this hotel at all and hope that all tour operators will check this hotel again. For the moment i would stay away from this hotel to enjoy Crete and the nice taverns which is always worth a trip!

Advice: Stalis is quieter than Malia but has lots of bars and restaurants to discover.

Activities: there are plenty of different options - most of the greek taverns are good :-)

Good for: Beach 

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  • User Rating:
    2 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2009
  • Board Basis:Half Board
  • Tour Operator:Ltur

" I don't know how to begin?? Myself... "

I don't know how to begin?? Myself & 3 best friends all aged 21 stayed i Malia's Kyknos hotel for 1 week. The staff thoughout the stay were brilliant, helpful and informative. The rooms were better than expected, clean spacious and basic. I ate everyday at the hotel and loved the food. Kyknos is only a 10min walk/less than 5min ride from the beach and nightlife. Heraklion airport is only a 20-25 minute drive. I would HIGHLY recomend Kyknos. We experienced no problems at all, worth every pound spent and looking forward to returning next year!

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
  • Board Basis:Half Board
  • Tour Operator:Direct from hotel

" I have been to the Greek islands... "

I have been to the Greek islands several times over the past 25 years and it has taken me 20 years to persuade my husband to visit with me.

Imagine my concern when I read some of the reviews below!

Our room was of a high standard although basic, although not less than we would expect when holidaying in Greece.

The breakfast was plentiful and we had no problems choosing from the wide selection of (continental) food. When on holiday in Europe we really don't expect (or want) British fayre! If you want a British holiday abroad, then stick to Costa del sol or Dorada!!

Plenty of hot water, the shower was superb and the rooms were spotless. The pool was lovely and the surrounding areas of a high standard. We had a problem with our air conditioning and when we went to report it, they were already on the case because the maid had already done so!!

The staff were very pleasant and although there were many Germans at the hotel, we and our friends found them to be as freindly as we were.

I would have no hesitation in coming back to this hotel and recommending it to others.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
  • Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
  • Tour Operator:Thomas Cook

" well from the many review that i read... "

well from the many review that i read on this site i was expecting the worse from the hotel that i booked and expected a bollocking off all my mates for it.
the minute that i walked into the hotel the front desk staff were polite and friendly and i had no complaints.....
the facilities were very pleasant, pool etc but the table tennis pool table and the foosball machine need to be updated old and rotting to say the least.
the fact that you have to pay for a safe and a fridge when i paid £400 for the holiday is a joke for starters 14euro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i piece of advice would be not to go half or full board with the hotel deal because the food is bland and very unpleasing to the eye.
but for a peaceful day in the sunshine and nice scenery this was the hotel.
only 1 row ocured with staff where one of my friends asked for a fork that wasnt handed to them at the table and she was very rude answering him ...............would recommend but bring extra dough for the dinner each night!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • User Rating:
    7 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
  • Board Basis:Half Board
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independentlyfreedom direct

" The Kyknos is not 4* however the... "

The Kyknos is not 4* however the rooms were reasonable and the air conditioning worked well and at 40 degrees it was needed. The water was always hot unlike the food at times but there was always plenty on offer and finding huge bowl of strawberries as part of dinner was a surprise. Being given an information sheet on arrival we were directed to a beach across the road, if you like tips its OK, but a short walk after turning right out of the hotel and going through the Kernos complex will bring you to a good beach and 2 bed and brolly will set you back 5 Euros, cheap compared to Balearics. The hotel had a mixture of Russians, Germans, French, Poles and Dutch and only 6 English but we all got on quite well. That was until the foul mouthed, drunken, pot smoking British youths arrived then it was hell. Slowly the whole of the area was taken over taken over by British yobs and I felt quite ashamed of my nationalty. Laws on riding scooters and quad bikes don't seem to apply in Stalis and Malia being ridden by anyone, even as young as twelve. They travel as fast as possible and some have no lights at night and certainly wear no helmets. The main Beach road is murder as there are no pavements and i would think they would ride the bike on it if there were. So if your age and IQ is is over 30 avoid Stalis and Malia for the rest of the season

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
  • Board Basis:Half Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomas Cook

" My wife and I stayed at the Kyknos... "

My wife and I stayed at the Kyknos Hotel (Thomas Cook has it incorrectly advertised as Kyknos Beach Hotel) for a week on a B&B basis.

The hotel is located on the main beach road that runs through Stalis into Malia and as such is ideally located if you enjoy going out for meals or enjoying cocktails in the evenings amongst other things. As advertised it is only about 200m from the beach, although I'm sure it's not the beach shown on the website. The coastline around the area is very rocky and the sandy beaches are small in both width and length. Fortunately we visited Crete off-peak at the end of September so were able to find beach space. I would imagine that in the height of Summer you may find it difficult to both find some free sand to lay your towel or find a decent bit of sea without any rocks.

Being our Honeymoon my wife and I decided to "live it up" and enjoy the delights of a 4* hotel. Unfortunately Kyknos Hotel is 3* at best. We had hoped to feel a little spoiled but those hopes were soon dashed when the double bed we had requested turned out to be 3 individually-made single beds put together. The mattresses were hard as well - possibly good for those with back problems? There was a TV with about 8 channels, but apart from BBC World News all other channels were either in Greek (understandable), German, or Polish. Not that many people go away to watch TV but anyway... The room also had air conditioning which was excellent, and a decent bathroom with a fantastic shower - good pressure and hot water. A safe box and fridge were also in the room but they incurred an additional cost for their use - I think it was €24.50 in total for the week.

Despite other reviews we found the food to be ok. Nothing special - certainly not what I would imagine from a 4* - but there was at least a selection. I think that bacon and egg were offered once but, as mentioned in other reviews, the majority of the holidaymakers at the hotel were German and so I think the breakfast menu was developed mostly for them - sausages, bread, cheese, ham etc. From what we saw of the lunch and evening meals I would certainly suggest that you don't opt for all inclusive.

The swimming pool was excellent and I had it to myself most of the time. Unlike pools over here the deep end really was a deep end at 2.7m and floats, rings, balls etc were provided if you wanted a more active swim. Two smaller childs pools we also available. There were tennis courts although I don't know how much they are to use.

The hotel bar was pretty uninspiring. The waiter didn't seem to have much time for us and was quite disinterested - a couple of times I gave up trying to order a drink as he refused to be prized away from conversations. There was a very limited stock of drinks but to be honest with the beach road bars on our doorstep it wasn't a great loss.

The Thomas Cook rep was equally uninspired and was only really keen on selling day-trips. She appeared to have no knowledge of the area, or any insight into other activities outside Thomas Cook's trips. To be honest we did our own thing and didn't need to see her after the induction meeting so we might have gotten the wrong impression.

We enjoyed "Greek Night" on the Thursday night which was free and included Greek musicians and dancers. I understand Greek night and BBQ night are on alternate Thursdays. We didn't see the magician on the Sunday so can't comment.

Overall I would say that the hotel does the job if you want it as a base as it's excellently located, clean and friendly enough. If you enjoy spending your time predominantly at your hotel because of children etc then I would suggest considering an alternative.

Just to finish I would definitely recommend hiring Quad Bikes to tour the area including Sissi, Mochos and Hersonnissos, and also take a coach tour to the Palace of Knossos (travel agent is opposite the hotel). Having a tour guide makes the whole experience so much more interesting.

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  • User Rating:
    6 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2007
  • Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
  • Tour Operator:Thomas Cook

" Well I have to say I find the reviews... "

Well I have to say I find the reviews on Kyknos harsh to say the least. I never felt uncomfortable with the guests or staff - OK sure, they are mostly Europeans there but plenty of English people as well.

Pool bar was disappointing drinks wise but a great atmosphere. Food was fine - OK, it was pretty much the same buffet at dinner time every day but inc. fresh fruit, ice cream, hot food and more. None of it tasted bad really (except the strange green ice cream they have!).

Having said that - it's never 4 star, 3 is more accurate as the rooms are fairly basic. I would however, return.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
  • Board Basis:Half Board
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" Hmmm. Don't visit if you don't like... "

Hmmm. Don't visit if you don't like Greek food? Well, it is Greece after all. I mean, if a Greek person came to the U.K. they might complain that they did not see one gyros or kleftiko all week. I personally feel that if you go to a foreign country you eat foreign food. And the food was good.

German tourists arrogant and rude? Nothing more arrogant than a little Englander who expects the whole of the world to be like a little piece of England and do things THEIR way, otherwise they MUST be backwards.

I found the hotel and its staff to be what I expected. Clean and Polite.

Rocky beach? Try walking 15 mins into Stalis and find the most wonderful golden brown sandy beach with the sea being like warm bathing water, so crystal clear you could count the scales on the occasional fish? With bars and tavernas sitting all along the coast with all sorts of Greek specialities and, for little whinging Brits, all English breakfasts and dinners.

The pool bar only offered Raki, Brandy, Ouzo, Wine, Beer and soft drinks? What more could you want?

To sum up I would say that my family and I had a very good stay at the Kyknos Hotel. I would agree with Miss Calverley's complaint about the disabled access, mind. It's stairs and steep slopes here. There was enough variety in the breakfast menu for us for a 2 week stay. Let's face it, at home do you eat the same breakfast and dinners week in week out?

Stalis is chocka with bars and restaurants, not to mention supermarkets and souvenir shops. There really is no reason to go much further and wider. But we did 'cos we hired a car and went all over the place.

Nearby Malia is for hyper active 18-30's. A true meat market. If you've ever been to Magalluf or Faliraki you will know what I mean. Best left alone if you don't fancy falling asleep in a pile of your own vomit.

So, my overall advice is BOOK IT. It's ideal for families with children and you can lounge around the pool all day or fall asleep on the cheap sun loungers on the beach.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2007
  • Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
  • Tour Operator:Argo Holidays

" My husband and i have been returning... "

My husband and i have been returning to this hotel for about 6 years and were here in May 2007. We have always been made very welcome by staff and owners. Yes the food could be better and hotter but as we know this we only book bed and breakfast.

We have made friends with Ronnie and Sylvana in Mambos, a lovely restaurant 5 mins walk from the Kyknos and most of our meals are eaten there. We have met up with regulars who stay in the Kyknos and who also eat in Mambos over the last few years.

We have also booked to return in October 2007, no we are not sad we like the hotel which has always been clean and well looked after, the staff, who we look upon as friends especially George at the pool bar Costas in the restaurant and even the room maids.

The star rating means the facilities the hotel has to offer which i don't think people realise and the only thing lacking is choice of food for children {not that we see many stay there} and entertainment for them.

Yes i agree that there are a lot of Germans but also Dutch, Scandinavian and Polish who have all been friendly and they didn't hog all the sun beds by leaving their towels on them all day.

For the price we have paid to stay at the Kyknos, which has got cheaper each time, we are pleased with the hotel, staff and location and will be looking forward to returning in the future.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2007
  • Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
  • Tour Operator:Thomas Cook

" Had already booked this hotel on the... "

Had already booked this hotel on the net before reading these previous reviews. I was therefore slightly worried. However we thoroughly enjoyed staying at this hotel.

The accommodation was clean and spacious for four people (had booked a family room). This hotel is more like apartments without the cooking facilities. Reception staff were very pleasant and helpful. There were always sun beds around the pool, people actually did remove towels when leaving the pool area. Although there were a large number of Germans /Europeans we found everybody to be friendly.

We had the breakfast most days and it was fine. I would not book all inclusive or half board because there are so many good restaurants and bars nearby.

The hotel is in a good position with easy access to the beach, bars and restaurants.
Enjoyed this holiday and would go again.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
  • Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" Warning! Do not go to this hotel! I... "

Warning! Do not go to this hotel! I have just got back and I hated every minute of it. Crete is definitely worth seeing but do not stay in the kyknos hotel! Me and my boyfriend paid £900 for a week half board and I am disgusted by what we got for this money. The rooms were disgusting!

The food was terrible especially if you like typical English foods. I never saw one fried egg or piece of bacon the whole week. I ended up getting ill because of lack of food they offered and had to eat out every night. The hotel is also full of rude Germans so do not expect to get a seat round the pool as they like to get up early and pick a seat then not turn up till afternoon which is extremely rude! The hotel staff are very rude!

I am complaining to Thomas cook as they should not rate this hotel as a 4* I would rate it a 3 or less. I wish I had taken notice of the other bad reviews as they are all true!

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  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jun 2006
  • Board Basis:Half Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomas Cook

" I have just returned from these... "

I have just returned from these apartments and was most upset that I wasted my money.

The apartments were heaving with Germans who think that they own the place and treat you like ****. The staff were not very welcoming at all and didn't seem that bothered that our toilet was blocked. We reported this several time's but staff still took no action by the time we left.

The breakfast was the biggest waste of money, it was horrible and I am not usually one to moan but this was bad and we just got evil looks if we complained. Although breakfast was the talk amongst other guests at the hotel who thought was bad.

My boyfriend and I were really looking forward to this holiday but this hotel spoilt it big time for us, I have never been anywhere so unwelcoming and with standards so poor. This is not a 4 * hotel at all. My advice is DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY and book some where else, it is such a lovely resort!

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  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2006
  • Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
  • Tour Operator:Thomas Cook

" I booked this holiday for me and 3... "

I booked this holiday for me and 3 friends and we were looking forward to a week away, I was disappointed with the accommodation as it was very basic for what you call a 4 star hotel, I would rate it at 2.

The hotel was full of Germans who were very rude, we were the only English group there. The staff were very unfriendly and it was a waste of time even getting out of the hard bed to eat breakfast! I like my food to be hot, this food was cold and looked very un appetising so we went to the beach for breakfast most mornings.

The hotel bar was also very poor, not a very good selection of drinks I must say.

Over all I had a good holiday and this hotel was the only let down, I would never use this hotel again even if it was free!

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  • User Rating:
    1 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Mar 2006
  • Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
  • Tour Operator:Cosmos

" I would not give this hotel a 4 star... "

I would not give this hotel a 4 star rating, i would say more a 2 star, I stayed in a bed and breakfast board basis with my family.

The breakfast was disgusting, cold food that looks like it has been re used from the previous day, it was that bad that we often went out to a restaurant to eat.

The only good thing that I can say that his hotel is in a good location but I would definitely not book at this hotel again.

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  • User Rating:
    2 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2006
  • Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
  • Tour Operator:Thomas Cook

" I booked a holiday in Crete/Malia at... "

I booked a holiday in Crete/Malia at Kyknos Beach hotel because it was advertised as 4 star, in my opinion it is not a 4 star hotel I would rate it as a 3 star at the most.

I went with my disabled mother and my 2 children. The hotel was advertised as disabled friendly but it was not, when we arrived there were stairs to climb to reception, which had no hand rail, then after checking in there were more stairs to go down to get to our accommodation.

The pool bar had toilets but again you had to go down lots of stairs with no handrail, which made it very difficult for my disabled mother.

The accommodation was very poor very basic, we stayed in a bungalow.

The food was disgusting it was cold every sitting, also very repetitive, pork was on offer every lunchtime and evening.

There was only entertainment on a Wednesday (every fortnight) night which was a BBQ and you had to pay 15 euros each person. We did not pay for the BBQ and was having a drink at the bar before heading out to Malia, when we were told we were in the way and were moved off and the manager said why didn’t you book the BBQ it is only 15 euros. (very rude). The other entertainment was every Saturday and was not worth watching, men prancing around and singing and also a so called magic show.

The pool bar only offered Raki, Brandy, Ouzo, Wine, Beer and soft drinks. The Vodka had to be paid for, which was disappointing for a 4 star all inclusive hotel. My overall opinion is DON'T BOOK IT!!!! <br>

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  • User Rating:
    3 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2005
  • Board Basis:All Inclusive
  • Tour Operator:First Choice
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