Alai Crete

“if you want to treat yourself and your loved one(s)...”

This is a high end ("haut de gamme") establishment. It had just re-opened when we enjoyed our stay in it, so, it was still in a transitional phase. But when the next touristic season starts in Greece, this is going to be a full-fledged luxury, resort type hotel. We could not have afforded it. Bu… more

This is a high end ("haut de gamme") establishment. It had just re-opened when we enjoyed our stay in it, so, it was still in a transitional phase. But when the next touristic season starts in Greece, this is going to be a full-fledged luxury, resort type hotel. We could not have afforded it. But the network of hotels which operates also this one, upgraded us to it, without any extra charges. Thank you... It was much appreciated. For those who have the means, this place is worth it. It is basically brand new (they are announcing it as a re-opening, but it is clear that they have given the previous version a full uplift, with a fundamentally new concept and approach). Our room was fantastic. In all regards. The immediate proximity to the beach (reserved to the guests of the hotel), is priceless. I don't know why people were spending their time around the 2 swimming-pools, even though they were indeed beautiful and very well maintained. There is a good gym, situated in an unusual way, at a very nice location on the premises. The service is… too much, if anything! I mean it. For instance, at breakfast, we could have very well spared the staff the task of bringing the water to our table, and filling up our glasses with it… Coffee and juices should also be available on the vast self-service part of the buffet. And not only, exclusively, on the extra, à-la-carte menu (which is also free of charge, if you are on the breakfast included plan). This way, you have an option. And it is quite understandable that the guests who, let's say… are not very young anymore, will appreciate going less, back and forth, to the - excellent - buffet. The dining restaurant is not your average restaurant… Otherwise, you can find a lot of nice restaurants, very close to the hotel. The restaurant of this resort is "fine cuisine". The chef is really good, the service is impeccable, so the restaurant is worthy of its aforesaid status. The portions are also satisfactory, for this type of restaurant. In conclusion, if you can afford to offer yourself and your loves one(s) a luxury vacation, in this hotel, in that very nice, hospitable area of the wonderful island of Crete, then, go for it ! And enjoy.

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“A delightful 7 night stay at Alai, Crete”

An exceptionally friendly, clean and well located small hotel which exceeded our expectations. Rooms very clean, modern, well catered with regular linen changes. The freshly prepared breakfast offered a great variety to suit all diets. The poolside and private beach was furnished with good qualit… more

An exceptionally friendly, clean and well located small hotel which exceeded our expectations. Rooms very clean, modern, well catered with regular linen changes. The freshly prepared breakfast offered a great variety to suit all diets. The poolside and private beach was furnished with good quality sun loungers. Each pool had its own bar service and staff subtly patrolled the beach offering a variety of hot and cold snacks and drinks. The location was superb with an excellent variety of local family run tavernas as well as more chic smart restaurants. The bus service to other destinations was very affordable and ran well giving opportunity to explore the island further. A much appreciated touch was the availability of a room to shower and change before departing for the airport for a late flight. A thoroughly enjoyable holiday which we would not hesitate to recommend.

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“Fabulous hotel in a great location with lots of personality”

Our first impression was not great as we arrived very late and the receptionist was a little douer. However, there was a concierge to help us with the luggage which I appreciated and we liked our room. The balcony was small overlooking the street but it was fine for our needs as I mostly used it f… more

Our first impression was not great as we arrived very late and the receptionist was a little douer. However, there was a concierge to help us with the luggage which I appreciated and we liked our room. The balcony was small overlooking the street but it was fine for our needs as I mostly used it for drying towels and honestly who needs anything more than a chair and a table for a morning coffee! The shower was great and very spacious. We also appreciated the regular top up of bottled water in the fridge. The breakfast was excellent especially the poached eggs with Gruyere which my husband devoured. We couldn't find two sunbeds on the beach at one point but we just walked up to the restaurant we'd eaten at the night before and lay there instead so I don't really think that's an issue. However, if I'd been adament about it and I'd seen towels unused on two beds I would have just taken them off. It's unlikely you'd get an argument and sometimes a little chutzpah goes a long way. When we first arrived the street felt somewhat shabby but in the morning I realised it was a friendly seaside town with all the amenities you could want. I read in another review that it was 'touristy' and therefore lacking. I don't agree. Yes you have the usual tourist shops but these guys have got to make a living. If you don't want a bit of local colour holiday in a soulless spot like Oia and after my visit there I appreciated the laid back feel of Stalis which we prefer. Overall the hotel was clean, tidy and the staff were very approachable and the ocation fantastic.

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“What a lovely hotel!”

All I can say is WOW! Now I don't normally leave reviews but this was such an amazing experience I knew I had to share it with others. We booked this hotel as a last minute getaway for 5 nights and we honestly don't have a bad thing to say. Me and my husband booked a bed and breakfast as we normall… more

All I can say is WOW! Now I don't normally leave reviews but this was such an amazing experience I knew I had to share it with others. We booked this hotel as a last minute getaway for 5 nights and we honestly don't have a bad thing to say. Me and my husband booked a bed and breakfast as we normally love to experience local restaurants when we're away, however we ate at the hotels restaurant on our first night, as we didn't want to walk around to find somewhere to eat. After trying other restaurants near by, we both agreed that the best meal we had was in the hotel, therefore returning for our last two evenings. The restaurants manager Antonis, was friendly, amicable, and very generous. He not only took care of us at dinner but was there at breakfast and throughout the day, we had many great conversations with him and we felt we could come to him with any concerns or questions. All the hotel staff were exceptional, from the cleaning staff to the front desk. We were welcomed by Stella, who was very friendly. She ran through all what the hotel had to offer , such as gym access, pilates and yoga every morning, sunbeds on the beach (all at no extra charge) then showing us to our stunning room with a sea view! They had tea and coffee in the room and the fridge was filed with water everyday. We would also be left with cute little notes with sweet treats. On our last day we knew we had to check out of the hotel at 11am and our flight was later that evening. The front desk told us that it would not be a problem as they kept our luggage safe, and we could also book to use a room to have a shower before our coach would pick us up. Even though we were there 5 nights saying goodbye to the staff was very difficult, as we felt we became very close with them all. We defiantly would recommend this to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway :)

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