Horizon Beach Hotel

The food was a real highlight: plenty of choice, tasty meals, lots of salads and good vegetarian options. The staff were also excellent, friendly and ready to help with anything. For us, the price made the stay a very good deal. We were two adults and a 12-year-old, and paid a little over €1,300 for six nights, flights from Zurich included. It doesn't feel like a true four-star hotel, but the value for money was excellent. The hotel is by the sea, though the shore right there is rocky rather than sandy, and you get into the water from a pier. There's a sandy beach about 500-600 meters away on foot. The area is pleasant for walks along the coast or up into the hills, with hiking options nearby. You can rent a car at the hotel or in the nearby village, where it costs much less. Having a car makes it easy to explore Crete. The hotel itself is simple. I'd put it closer to two or three stars than four. Our room had very basic, older furniture that could use renovation, and the bathroom was tiny. Showering in the tub sent water and foam out through the drain outside it. At least everything was clean. The facilities were okay, but some areas looked old while others had been renovated or newly built. Some outdoor chairs were very worn, and one broke right in front of me, which could have been dangerous if someone had been sitting on it. For a lower-cost holiday in Crete, I'd recommend it.

The only things I liked were the friendly staff and the view from the dining room. The rest was a very bad experience, and I wouldn't recommend this hotel at all. It's far from the city center, and renting a car through the hotel is very expensive. Our room looked nothing like the online photos and felt extremely old. The days dragged because I was so disappointed. Towels were provided just once and changed only after I asked. The pillow was thin, old and so uncomfortable it gave me neck pain. There wasn't a proper blanket, just an old green cover that seemed dirty and full of insects. With no window screens, we kept getting bitten. Shampoo was only available if we asked, and room Wi-Fi cost 9 euros for 3 days, despite websites saying it's available 24 hours. I'd read bad reviews beforehand and thought people were exaggerating. I was shocked to find what they said was true. The hotel doesn't deserve more than one star. Don't go.

The setting was beautiful, with several small villages nearby that were fun to explore. Staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and everything was kept clean and organized. We spent a week at Horizon Beach in Stalis, Crete, for our first all-inclusive trip and really enjoyed it. Having food available whenever we wanted, without worrying about it, was so nice. There was a wide choice at every meal, including lots of healthy options, and the food was genuinely delicious. We'd definitely recommend the hotel.

Maria, the waitress in the restaurant, made the holiday for us. She was so polite and friendly, and as parents of three children, we could actually relax and enjoy the delicious food. The meals were outstanding, with something new every day as well as the daily basic Greek food. The pools were lovely and the beach is very close. Thanks, Horizon Beach, for the peaceful, beautiful break we needed!