Akali Hotel Chania, Maleme

Advantages: Well away from tourist trap hotspots
Disadvantages: 2-3 hr drive from capital; but Chania has the second airport

...Micke has on a small private estate a very special group of spacious villas for visitors and tourists, in a part of Crete that is much less spoilt by seasonal overloading with holidaymakers. Whereas the great Knossos, near the capital (Iraklion), is a major disappointment, on the contrary, the lesser antiquities in the east (Chania province), around the villa location (Maleme town), are far more satisfying, as are the historial sites associated with the battle for Crete in 1941. The infamous Maleme airstrip can almost be seen from the villas, and hill 107 is behind them. Both German and Commonwealth cemetaries are easily accessible. Numerous medieval monasteries and churches are worth visiting. The provincial capital of Chania is the former Cretan capital, and its old town is suprisingly easy to visit by car for museums and inexpensive... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: good location, nice breakfast, comfortable rooms
Disadvantages: thin walls

...I recently stayed at the 98 room, 3 star Hotel Kriti in Chania, Crete for one week. The hotel is located about 5 minutes walk from the waterfront, and 8 minutes from the main shopping district. The room was comfortable, with an en suite bathroom, balcony tv, mini bar, hairdryer, and air conditioning with plenty of storage for clothes. However the walls of the room are thin, and occasionally noise was a problem. The hotel has a large swimming pool, bar, snack bar with light meals, and a large lobby. There are also public use P/Cs, with ADSL 1024 connection, for internet and e-mail services. Staff were friendly and always on hand if we had any problems. Breakfast was buffet style with a wide range of different cereals, juices, jams and spreads, breads and pastries, as well as cold meats, cheese, hot eggs and sausages. Overall I would... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Long sandy beach, village feel, friendly locals, good base to explore
Disadvantages: Mosquitos can be a nuisance, maybe too quiet for teenagers

...Georgioupolis lies directly between Rethymnon and Chania on the North West coast of Crete. Despite several European tour operators bringing groups of tourists here throughout the summer months, the resort still manages to hold on to its fishing village atmosphere and is a good choice for a relaxing holiday. There are 9km of sandy beach, with crystal clear water, and sand dunes in places, so if all you want to do is sunbathe - no problem. If you like to explore the surrounding area, Georgioupolis is also a good base to discover the Western side of Crete. The main square is surrounded by cafeterias, bars and restaurants, and there is also a good selection along the main routes throughout the village. I stayed there a month and NEVER had a bad meal. Locally caught fish are a speciality in most of the restaurants and are generally... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful