Sokol Resort

We had a great time on Crete. Our room, number 109, was okay, with a mesmerising view and food that was fine, though it could be improved with more variety and labels showing what dishes are and which allergens they contain for special diets. The staff were kind, especially our room cleaner Valentina. She was welcoming and warm-hearted, did her job very well, and always kept our room clean.

Peace and quiet are what define this resort. There's no children's disco, loud pool music or hyperactive animation team, and it's a lovely place to relax. The view is wonderful, and the beach shared by just three hotels is rarely crowded. It's a five-minute walk along a rough, steep path, which is fine for healthy people and children. If walking is difficult, the hotel's free minivan goes there three times a day. A beautiful, very long beach near Plakias is also around a 20-30 minute walk away. The hotel is very clean, dining area included, and the staff are helpful. Thanks to Kateryna for moving us from our spacious room under the roof, where it was too hot despite the air conditioning, to a ground-floor room. I also appreciated the plastic cover over the shower drain, which keeps odours from coming up, something I've encountered even in five-star hotels on windy days. Sitting by the pool with the lovely cats was a treat. The food is repetitive, though at least nobody pretends the french fries are the vegetarian option. We had fish every day and fresh watermelon each evening. I recommend the Greek fasoli dish, fasolia lathera, with baked potatoes. The spinach rice is brilliant, even if it doesn't look appealing. I was the only one going back for double portions. If you like Greek salad and fasoli, you'll be fine, and the limited variety may help reduce food waste.

We stayed for seven nights and had a nice time. The rooms are modest, but the furniture is new, the bedsheets are clean, and there's a fridge and safe. They also provide soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes. The staff were helpful and easy to communicate with. Valentina cleaned our room every day and worked hard to make us happy. The waiters were quick too, especially Alexandra and Dimitri, who I remember. The sea is gorgeous, but getting there can be unpleasant in the heat. The road is steep and rocky. A nine-seat minivan runs to the beach and back at 10am, 1pm and 6pm. The food wasn't very varied during our stay, but it was fresh and tasty, and there was something to suit us. The location was the main drawback for me. There's little to do nearby besides staying at the hotel, so it's ideal if you want somewhere really quiet. There's a mini market and a car rental place close by. The rental was useful and cost us €50 plus fuel. A hotel bus goes to Plakias for €4 per person, and boats can take you to other beaches. We had no problems with the hotel, but I wouldn't return because of its location, which isn't the hotel's fault.

We were happy with our stay and would recommend this hotel if you want a calm holiday. It's small, so there weren't many people around, and the staff were always friendly and helpful. Our room was clean, everything worked, and the view from the balcony was amazing. The pool area was nice too, and the women at the pool bar were lovely and made whatever drink we asked for. The food was tasty and fresh. We especially loved breakfast and the Greek salad. Lunch and dinner dishes repeated, but they were still good. The beach was about a five-minute walk away, with a clean shore and refreshingly cool water. Staff also helped us rent a car at a low price, and it was a great car. Evenings were the one letdown. The pool bar closed at 10pm, and then everyone went to bed. If you're young and want to party a little in the evening, this probably isn't the hotel for you.