Villa Mare Monte

We were happy with the simple room and comfortable bed, since we spent our days out and about. Breakfast had a good range of continental options. Dinner changed each night, sometimes as a three-course meal and sometimes buffet-style, so we got to try plenty of different dishes over the week. The staff were incredibly friendly, and housekeeping visited every day. Towels and sheets were changed twice during the week. I'd definitely recommend it.

It's a peaceful spot above the main strip in Malia, but the Old Town, bars and restaurants are still just a short walk away. We also liked having the hotel bar for a quieter evening in. The staff were friendly and helpful, and we'd absolutely stay here again.

I needed some quiet after a huge tragedy at home, and this break did me good. There was no late-night noise or drunken idiots, which was exactly the peace I was looking for. I really enjoyed the time on my own at Villa Mare Monte. I arrived at a ridiculous hour in the morning and found a note with my room number and instructions to bring my passport to breakfast after I woke up. The staff were wonderful and helped with everything. My studio had a very small kitchenette, which suited me well because I wanted to do my own thing when I needed to. The room was cleaned daily and the bed was made. I didn't use the pool because it was still early in the season and a bit cold. Getting around was the hard part. The nearest shop was a 13-minute walk downhill, then a 30-minute walk back up with shopping bags. It's quite a hike, and taxis are extremely expensive. Food is also quite expensive throughout Crete. I don't drive and managed just about, though I got lost once. You really do need a car. I walked to both Malia and Stalis beaches, each under 40 minutes on the way there, and longer on the uphill return. I also had a lovely day out on a tour to Herklion and the Crete aquarium. It would be helpful to have a sheet in each room with local information: the area, taxis, internet, walks to and from the beaches, tours, food times, things to see, and a map of the hotel and grounds. I would've liked something to read about the area.

We stayed recently with my girlfriend and really liked the place. The staff were so friendly and chatty, and the food on site was genuinely good quality. I'd definitely recommend it.