Iliostasi Beach Apartments

This family-run hotel offers a peaceful and authentic Greek experience, highlighted by its unique seawater pool and the charming open-air museum where breakfast is served. It's an ideal choice for families and couples seeking a relaxing getaway, as well as sightseers and explorers who appreciate a quiet base with easy access to local attractions. Guests consistently praise the hotel's great value, serene atmosphere, and the exceptional warmth and helpfulness of the managing family. The hotel is often described as a hidden gem, providing a laid-back feel that contributes to a memorable vacation. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a sea view for a more tranquil experience, as some road-facing rooms can be noisier, and be sure to visit the adjacent museum for a cultural insight, where guests often receive a discount.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a beautiful and well-maintained seawater pool that guests highly appreciate for its cleanliness and lack of chemicals, providing a refreshing alternative for swimming. Rooms are equipped with a kitchenette, which is generally adequate for basic cooking needs, though some guests noted a lack of essential items like kitchen towels. While Wi-Fi is available, a few guests reported issues with its availability or reliability. Many rooms offer balconies with lovely sea views, enhancing the overall experience. The surrounding gardens are described as beautiful and well-tended, contributing to the peaceful ambiance. However, guests should be aware that air conditioning and a safe come with an additional daily or weekly fee, which some found unexpected.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's high standards of cleanliness, with rooms being thoroughly cleaned every other day, often more frequently than expected. The beds are widely described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Rooms are generally considered spacious and are decorated in a traditional, rustic style, which some guests found charmingly vintage, while others noted that the furniture appeared a bit dated or tired. Most guests found the overall environment quiet and conducive to relaxation. However, some reviews mentioned occasional road noise or disturbances from loud quad bikes, particularly for rooms not facing the sea. The bathrooms are frequently described as small or tiny, with the shower area often leading to a wet floor due to design, and some guests suggested improvements like glass panels instead of curtains.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience is a standout feature, served in the beautiful open-air museum located directly opposite the hotel. Guests highly praise this unique setting, often describing it as romantic and offering views by the sea, making it a truly memorable start to the day. The breakfast itself is generally considered rich and satisfying, providing a good variety of options. However, some guests noted that the breakfast service starts relatively late, typically between 9:00 and 9:30 AM, which can be inconvenient for early risers or those planning early excursions. Additionally, there is a cafe located by the beach, which offers drinks and snacks, providing a convenient option for guests enjoying the nearby shoreline. The quality of the food served is consistently well-regarded, contributing positively to the overall guest experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, being just a short walk, often described as 30 meters or 100 yards, from the beach, with direct access through the adjacent museum. This proximity allows guests to easily enjoy the sea. It is also conveniently situated near various local amenities, including a supermarket, mini market, and numerous restaurants and bars, all within easy walking distance. While offering a peaceful and quiet environment, being set slightly off the main road, it remains well-connected. A bus stop (number 24) is just an eight-minute walk away, providing easy access to neighboring cities and attractions like Star Beach. Some guests noted that after the museum closes, accessing the beach requires navigating a small rocky path, which might be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests consistently praising the family-run nature of the establishment. The owners and their team are described as incredibly kind, helpful, welcoming, and attentive, often going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Many guests highlighted their willingness to offer advice, accommodate requests like late check-ins, and even provide thoughtful gestures such as welcome drinks or local treats. The housekeeping service is also highly rated for its thoroughness and frequency. While the vast majority of reviews commend the exceptional service, a very small number of guests reported isolated issues, such as difficulty finding staff at reception or temporary problems with amenities like Wi-Fi or hot water. However, these instances appear to be outliers compared to the consistent praise for the warm and supportive environment created by the team.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several additional charges that may apply during their stay. There is a daily fee for air conditioning and a weekly fee for using the safe, which some guests found unexpected as these were not always clearly indicated upfront. Furthermore, a security deposit and a local "Crete tax" are also collected upon arrival, adding to the overall cost. While the hotel aims for a peaceful atmosphere, some guests noted the presence of mosquitoes, advising others to bring repellent or anti-mosquito plugs for comfort, especially in the evenings. It is also worth noting that there is a policy against playing loud music, contributing to the hotel's quiet ambiance, which is appreciated by many seeking a relaxing stay. Despite these extra fees, many guests still found the hotel to offer good value for money.