Crete is an island covered in ancient secrets of history. It was here that many cultures were born, it was here that the powerful heroes of Greek myths lived. Today, this is an island with a developed tourist infrastructure, because many travelers prefer to spend their holidays here. And this is natural, since in addition to excursions, strangers have picturesque beaches, modern hotels and an atmosphere of sincere, Greek hospitality.
Of course, hundreds of hotels are ready to accept tourists in Crete - some of them opened several decades ago, while others are just starting to earn a reputation. And quite often the gaze of travelers stops at the cozy Alkyonides Hotel. What does this place look like and is it worth spending a vacation here? What can a hotel offer to an experienced tourist? The answers to these questions are sought by many readers.
Where to look for a hotel? Location Information
It is quite natural that for many tourists the location of the hotel is important first of all, because not everyone wants to spend their holidays divorced from civilization or, conversely, in the center of a noisy active life. Where to look for the Alkyonides Hotel? Crete, namely the small but colorful fishing village of Stalida - here you can stay for a few days.
The area is very calm, there are only other guest houses nearby, as well as cafes and shops. By the way, the sea can be reached in a matter of moments (the distance is about 20 m). Only 3 km away is the rather remarkable and popular tourist town of Hersonissos. There is a bus stop near the hotel, so you can easily move around the island. The airport is located in the city of Heraklion, the capital of the island, at a distance of 30 km. Package tours, as you know, already include a transfer upon arrival, and the journey will take only a few minutes.
What does the hotel area look like?
Hotel Alkyonides Hotel 3 * is very small, but very comfortable. It is a three-story building with snow-white walls. By the way, the hotel first received tourists in 1992. Naturally, since then repairs have already been carried out here, so today tourists feel quite comfortable here.
The courtyard of the hotel complex is small but beautiful - everywhere there are high cypress trees, emerald green shrubs, bright flower beds. Everything here is pleasing to the eye, and from the windows of the building you can enjoy the seascape. There are recreational areas and even swimming pools where you can always refresh yourself after swimming in the salty sea.
Hotel Alkyonides Hotel: photo and description of rooms
This is a small hotel, which consists of 32 standard rooms, designed for 2 people. A comfortable rollaway bed for a child is delivered to the room upon request. The rooms here are simple, the atmosphere is simple, but there is the necessary furniture, including a work desk. By the way, you will have your own balcony or a small terrace, where you can breathe fresh air and enjoy the local scenery.
As for household appliances, a basic set is also available here. You can count on air conditioning, without which travelers have a hard time in the summer heat. There is a TV, however, you can watch local or English channels. There is also a telephone, an electric kettle, coffee, sugar, tea and mugs. A minibar is available, but drinks come at an additional cost (this service can be ordered 24 hours a day). An iron is available upon request.
The bathroom is modest in size, but there is everything you need for hygiene, including a shower, washbasin, clean towels and a hairdryer.
Meals: can I eat at the hotel?
For many tourists, the issue of nutrition is important, because this point should be planned in advance. What does Alkyonides Hotel offer its guests? When paying for a room here, tourists are also entitled to daily breakfast. They are held in a spacious and cozy dining room in the form of a buffet. Here you can enjoy hot aromatic tea and fresh pastries from the hostess of the hotel. Of course, there are vegetable dishes, light snacks and fruits, which is normal for breakfast.
Unfortunately, the rest of the day, tourists on the hotel are not fed. But this is unlikely to become a problem, as there are enough cafes and traditional island taverns in the vicinity where you can eat. You can find a suitable institution for every taste and budget. Also nearby is a supermarket where they sell food and ready-made meals.
Convenience and leisure by the sea
As already mentioned, the Alkyonides Hotel hotel complex is located almost on the seashore - the distance to it is 20 meters, so you can walk along the coast at any convenient time.
It’s worth saying right away that this beach is public - guests of other hotels, residents of the village, tourists who come here for one day have a rest on it, in a word, sometimes there are a lot of people. Nevertheless, in the reviews, travelers say that it is actually very beautiful here - the coast is covered with soft sand, the water is incredibly clean, and the depth increases gradually, so that here the children feel quite comfortable.
For a few euros, you can take a sunbed with a mattress and an umbrella for greater convenience. Nearby are taverns for those who want to dine, enjoying the sea views. A volleyball court is equipped for vacationers, and for a little money you can rent, for example, a boat. Also, tourists like to water ski or boat, and because of the clear water you can always see people diving with a mask. In a word, here every tourist can not only relax on a deck chair, but also spend time more actively, will receive a charge of positive emotions.
Additional services: what does the guest offer?
Hotel guests can claim for some additional services. Here, for example, you can exchange money, and credit cards are accepted for payment. There is a parking nearby (you can rent vehicles in the center of the village).
For a small amount, you will receive your own safe from the administrator, and the availability of luggage storage is important for many travelers. Throughout the building you can use free Internet, although the speed here during periods of maximum occupation is not too good.
How do hotel guests spend their free time?
Alkyonides Hotel is primarily designed for a relaxing beach holiday. Nevertheless, it is also possible to diversify leisure on its territory. There is an adult and a children's pool in the courtyard, where you can refresh yourself at any time of the day. Umbrellas and sunbeds on the terrace can be used for free, but here beach towels are not given out. You can also have fun playing ping pong. By the way, a special playground with swings is equipped for children.
Entertainment can also be found outside the walls of the Alkyonides Hotel. Greece is a country with an ancient history and a lot of attractions of different calibers. Even on the island itself, you can spend weeks on excursions.
Hotel Alkyonides Hotel 3 * (Crete): reviews and experiences of tourists
When planning a vacation, each person first gets acquainted with the official information about the chosen hotel. But without the feedback of travelers who have already managed to visit a particular place, the picture will be incomplete. What do the former guests say about the hotel complex Alkyonides Hotel 3 *?
Most reviews are either positive or neutral. Your impression of the hotel will directly depend on what purpose you came to the island with. For example, if you want a full-fledged diet and a full range of entertainment in the territory, then you probably should look for other places. This hotel is perfect for tourists who flew to Crete, wanting to enjoy a vacation by the sea - they return to the hotel only for sleep.
The rooms are simple, the atmosphere is straightforward, but there is the necessary equipment and furniture. Water in the bathroom is also present constantly. Maids in the rooms are cleaned daily, and towels are changed very often. Breakfast is very simple, the menu is modest, but the dishes are usually tasty, and more is hardly needed for a morning snack. A rich lunch or gourmet dinner is served in one of the nearest restaurants. The staff here are polite, they welcome guests cordially, and it’s nice to talk to them (though in English).
The hotel has two important advantages. Firstly, it is located almost on the beach itself, and the city center is not far away. Secondly, the cost of living here is record low, which creates demand among budget travelers.