Iraklis Studios & Apartments

I was there for five minutes total, and left angry and upset after how Maria treated me. On arrival she was incredibly rude, as if I were a problem rather than a customer. She said there was an extra €2 government tax, something I’d never come across at any other place I’ve stayed in Crete over the past 12 years. I paid anyway. Then she wanted another €10 for early check-in. I went to McDonald instead and got a large meal with an extra chicken wrap for €8, just for comparison. When I came back, Maria was a little more polite and offered me three rooms, but all were disgusting. I chose the cleanest and sat on the bed, then noticed there was no air-con remote and no TV. When I asked for a remote, she said it would cost another €7. I asked if this was some kind of place, and she replied, “Do you want me to give you money?” I just wanted the basics. She said I was only there for one night and asked what I expected because it was cheap. I told her it wasn’t cheap if they kept charging extra for basic things. I laughed and went back to the room, but I was still upset by the way I’d been treated. The room was €15, plus €2 tax, which felt like a con straight away. If I’d paid what she was asking, it would’ve come to €34 a night with the €10 early check-in and €7 for the air-con remote. That’s a joke for a place like this. I’d just stayed at a sea-view place in the south for €23 a night. I’d recommend Minoa sea view. I threw the key on the desk and left. Maria got €17 for nothing. I then booked Balos beach hotel for €46 a night, and it was amazing: sea view, very modern, with a gym and private beach. The staff were nice and carried your bags. Go somewhere else. Don’t be cheap, it never works out well. Avoid Maria and that place like the plague.

Our room may or may not have had a TV, and the rooms vary a lot in size, so it seems to come down to luck. The pool has no shallow end, which isn't suitable for young kids. We were also charged for a chair that was already broken when we left, and suspected there were bed bugs in the beds.

The pool area was really comfortable, and the bar had a good stock. We also tried the Greek themed night, and the food was very, very good, definitely worth it. We hadn't stayed here before and usually take reviews with a pinch of salt, but we were very happy with our stay. The room was very clean, cleaned every other day, and the towels were changed then too. With the cost of living so high, this place is an absolute gem. It'll be my new go-to for holidays in Stalis.

The location was amazing, and I highly recommend the area, but I'd avoid Iraklis hotel, especially if you're travelling as a couple. We had ants in the room, no cleaning service, and leaks in the shower that left the bathroom wet and waterlogged. The hosts were both rude. I've never stayed at a hotel where they couldn't provide at least a double bed or even a queen. It wasn't an enjoyable stay at all, one of the worst hotels I've been to.