L, Chersonisos 700 14, Greece
V: 26th September 2018 T: +30 2897 025328 W: www.mediterraneohotel.gr
It took me this long to compile this write-up intentionally, as I wanted to ensure it includes sufficient detail and coincides with the completion of the Greece Vlog videos.
This marks my inaugural visit to Greece, specifically Crete, and I arranged my holiday through a travel agency. This agency facilitated my stay for a duration of 5 nights.
Due to my evening arrival, I had limited time to explore; however, I can provide an initial glimpse into my experience with a description of my room.
Bedroom Area :
The room was quite pleasant and spacious; however, there was one issue – the bed.
Every time I moved even a little, it squeaked! So, when I moved more, it was a continuous squeak, squeak, squeak. As a result, I had to adjust my sleeping habits to minimize movement.
Bathroom :
Considering the hotel’s standard, it was nice and very clean.
The only drawback for me was the presence of a curtain in the shower, which I am not a fan of. Additionally, the shower head required replacement, as the metal/silver plating was chipping off.
The Rest of The Stay
I opted for the all-inclusive package, a choice I hadn’t made in many years.
This arrangement covered all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as well as beverages, with the caveat that alcoholic drinks were limited to local options like wine and beer. This focus on local products was acceptable to me.
In terms of the food, it was just average for my taste. While they did cater to a diverse audience, I was disappointed by the limited availability of authentic Greek dishes. The daily menu remained relatively unchanged, leading to a sense of monotony as I encountered the same foods repeatedly.
To clarify, the meals I did have were enjoyable, but not outstanding. For a more authentic Greek culinary experience, I sought out different restaurants in my vicinity or explored options during my trips.
Location :
I regret not choosing a different location, a realization that only dawned on me during my travels.
The beach, just a short walk from the hotel, turned out to be more rocky than sandy, contrary to my expectations. This was another letdown, as I couldn’t really lounge and soak up the sun on this beach.
On the left side of the hotel, approximately a 20-minute walk away, there is a local SPAR where you can purchase drinks and food. This proved to be quite useful when I embarked on a trip or two and needed to stock up on water bottles.
Given my inclination to explore rather than confine myself to the hotel 24/7, I visited a few places:
- Heraklion – To travel here it takes around 40 mins by bus from the hotel.
- Malia – It is a highly appealing tourist area, boasting numerous shops, restaurants, and a fantastic beach, all conveniently located just 10-12 minutes away by bus from this hotel.
- Lerapetra – It is a highly recommended place to visit, and I suggest either going through a company or planning the trip independently.
- Spinalonga – While in Crete, I visited the island of Spinalonga, officially known as Kalydon. Here is a short walk-around video, but I highly recommend taking the tour as it is truly educational and interesting to see.
- Agios Nikolaos – A brief video, but the place is worth a visit.
Overall
Overall, my first visit to Greece (Crete) was positive; the weather wasn’t great, but it was still an improvement from what I would have experienced in Glasgow.
Considering what I paid, the hotel was good, but I believe with a bit more time spent on Google Maps, I could have found a better-situated one.
The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the hotel had an appealing aesthetic. However, the issues with the bed and shower head were notable.
Would I go back? Perhaps not. As mentioned, I wasn’t satisfied with the location; Malia looked nice, and the beach was appealing, as were some other places I visited. So, apologies, but there it is.
If I do return to Greece, I might explore another island.
If you’re content with staying within the hotel and by the pool, this hotel will be perfect for you. However, if, like me, you prefer walking to a sandy beach, etc., then you might want to consider a better-located hotel.
Review Scores –
- Room : 3.5
- Pool : 5
- Service : 4
- Dining : 4
- Food : 2.5
- Amenities: 3
- Overall : 3.5
