Grecotel Meli Palace

The whole team made the stay feel like more than just a place to sleep. The service was professional, and the hospitality felt sincere. Ioanna, the Front Office Manager, was especially warm and attentive. Alexandros and Maria, the restaurant manager, also took great care of us. The hotel really stands out because of its people and the experience they create.

The grounds and food were fine, but the rooms we were given were nowhere near a four-star standard. We booked two rooms for four people based on the online photos and description, and what we found fell far short. This stay has cost us vacation days and caused a lot of stress, and I can’t recommend the hotel to anyone who expects the standard they paid for, working air conditioning, or professional treatment. One room was on the lowest floor, down several flights of stairs, in a dark, damp area that felt almost like a basement. There was very little natural light. The door opened straight outside, where anyone could enter, rather than onto a balcony. The air felt clammy and suffocating. The walls were cracked, scratched, and yellow-stained; doors wouldn’t close or lock properly; there was visible dirt and suspicious staining that might have been mold. The furniture was far more worn than I’d expect at a four-star hotel. None of it came close to matching the pictures or description. The air conditioning in both rooms was broken for three days. We complained several times and were told technicians had visited and management would sort it out, but nothing changed. One room was unbearably hot and impossible to rest in. The other was only a little cooler because it was higher up and got some airflow, but its AC also didn’t work. In a Greek summer, air conditioning is a basic necessity, especially for a hotel claiming four stars. Management handled our complaints shockingly badly. They said the hotel was fully booked and there were no other rooms, and made no effort to move us to a partner property, which they are obligated to do under Greek law. When we asked for senior management, they refused and wouldn’t give contact details. Front desk staff even laughed at us when we raised the problem, making it seem they had no intention of resolving anything. I travel a lot and have stayed in hotels throughout Europe and elsewhere, including dozens of four- and five-star places. I’ve never before felt I had to warn people this strongly.

The peaceful private beach and the clean, comfortable, nicely decorated room made for a relaxing stay. Grecotel Meli Palace was beautiful, with lovely surroundings and well-kept gardens, and the staff were incredibly friendly and the service was top-notch. The food was delicious, with something different and varied each day. We felt pampered by all the thoughtful details and the warm atmosphere. Thank you, Grecotel Meli Palace, for such a memorable holiday in Crete. We’d happily return and recommend it to anyone after a relaxing, high-quality break.

The food was high quality and the staff really friendly. The room was nice, though a bit noisy, and the Wi-Fi could be better. Great hotel!