Bella Vista

The staff worked so hard and were friendly enough that it never felt like anything was too much trouble. Yannis & Lucy (I think) even kept food from dinner for us when we arrived late, which was a lovely touch. The hotel bar prices were reasonable, and the measures generous. Food was okay, though the half-board breakfast and dinner combinations were a bit odd for a Brit. One day there was pizza and onion rings at breakfast! There were also sausages (hot dogs), eggs prepared a few ways, fresh bread, Greek yoghurt, honey, cold meats and cheese, plus coffee, tea and juice. Dinner was similarly unusual, but there was a decent choice and we didn't go hungry. We ate out a few times too, and The George Taverna is just a two-minute walk up the road with great food. My main complaint was that the food wasn't piping hot, though the microwave helped. Lunch and snacks were a different story and really good: huge pizzas, delicious burgers and chips or wedges that were nuclear hot. Prices were lower than at the bars and cafes, and the portions were great value. One pizza could easily feed two, and the Gyros Plate was large enough for four. Definitely have lunch here. I think it's a different chef from the half-board meals. We spent 10 days here as a family of six, in three rooms, and had a great time. The hotel is in a peaceful spot up high, with a sea view from our room. It's about a 10-minute walk down to the bay, though people with mobility issues might prefer a taxi, which costs around 7 euros. There aren't other hotels close by, so it was quiet apart from crickets and a few motorbikes. The building has about four levels, with plenty of steps, so mobility can be an issue. My dad is 87, and the hotel kindly gave us a ground-floor room as requested. It was actually a family room, so we got lucky, but there were still a few steps down to it and more handrails on the walls would have helped. The pool area was great, with plenty of sunbeds, and hardly anyone using it at this time of year. The water was around 20-25C. It felt cold at first, but then was fine. There were never more than four people in the pool at once during our stay. The rooms are basic and cleaned daily, with a fridge. The shower was lovely and hot, but it was hard to keep water off the bathroom floor. The mattress was a bit too hard for me. We didn't need the air conditioning because we could tilt open the balcony door, but bring insect repellent. These are 3-star rooms, so don't expect perfection. There were cobwebs and loose fittings, but I thought the rooms were fine and nobody in the family complained. All things considered, it was a great holiday. The included food was acceptable, though self-catering might have suited us better because of the odd combinations. I'd recommend the place for a quiet, relaxing break.

We spent a week here with our two kids and absolutely loved it. The rooms were spacious, spotless and well cleaned, and the pool area was lovely. The food was decent too. The team were incredibly hardworking and accommodating, and we really felt valued rather than like just another customer. Yannis clearly loves his job, and he made an already great holiday even better. Thanks to the whole team, you were incredible.

We'd love to come back. The place had a relaxed feel, and the pool was spotless with nice music playing nearby. Our room was cleaned every day, was spotless, and had a very comfortable bed. The food was tasty, freshly made each day, and offered a good range. Staff across catering, cleaning, reception and the bar were always smiling, respectful and polite. The hotel felt more like a 4-star place. Reception also helped us book a trip to Milos. It's only a short walk to the village, and we had a fantastic stay. Highly recommend.

We found Pelagia Bay Hotel a charming, cosy place to stay in Crete. The views over the hills and sea were stunning, and the small-scale feel suited us. Everyone, from management to support staff, was warm and welcoming, and made an effort to help us feel at home. The rooms were basic but clean, with beautiful views. Breakfast was simple and perfectly fine to start the day. We had dinner at the hotel twice, and it was simple but good for a night or two. The pool terrace was clean and inviting, with plenty of sunbeds. The nearby village has a nice choice of restaurants and tourist shops for a relaxed evening out. We'd recommend renting a car to see more of the area. Niki Cars is a great local option.