The Noverian Scenic Crete 5 Star Hilltop Villa Resort & Spa

This was the most dissapointing hotel I've ever stayed in and I highly recommend you don't repeat the same mistake as me. This is the only hotel I've ever stayed in where I've had to ask, repeatedly, for the room to be cleaned (and they eventually came once and did very little). The only hotel I've stayed in with a shower missing a door (when I complained they told me they already knew, but appparently wanted me to discover for myself). The only hotel where I have had to buy my own soap, or go to reception to get more toilet paper. The customer service ranged from acceptable to neglectful and to rude. I felt that a majority of the staff didn't understand English very well. Moreover we were made to feel like a burden throughout. I could go on: the cheap and repetitive food, the annoying location, the unexpected bugs coming through the broken door seal, and so on.

We stayed for a week in September in an apartment not a private villa and the staff and service were 5* I stayed with my wife and our 1 year old son and they made our stay a very memorable experience, food and chef were a delight and made a really good impression

I stayed at The Noverian Scenic Crete 5 Star Hilltop Villa Resort & Spa for 5 nights in September as a solo female traveller and had a truly positive experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff were warm and welcoming, and the hotel manager in particular was attentive and genuinely cared about guest satisfaction. The panoramic hilltop views are breathtaking – a perfect backdrop for a peaceful getaway from my busy 9-5. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with tasteful décor that makes the resort feel both luxurious and serene. My 2nd-floor room (without private pool) was modern, spacious, clean, and offered distant sea views. I especially appreciated the small kitchenette with a full-size fridge-freezer, which was handy after picking up bits from the supermarkets and tourist shops in Malia old town (about a 30-minute walk downhill). The uphill walk back can be a challenge, so I recommend comfy shoes – though taxis are easy to arrange either from town or directly via reception. There are also many restaurants to dine at if you fancy eating out locally during your stay. For fitness lovers, the hotel gym is one of the best I’ve seen abroad in terms of variety – commercial-grade equipment, making it easy to stay on track with workouts. I also booked into the spa for the jacuzzi and sauna, which was a lovely, private experience since facilities are reserved in advance. Dining is half-board, and while a few meals at the start weren’t quite up to standard, I was impressed by how responsive the staff and manager were to feedback. My meals improved significantly throughout my stay, which really highlighted their commitment to guest satisfaction. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this hotel to solo travellers, couples, and families alike. I felt safe, relaxed, and well looked after – everything I needed for a peaceful and restorative break.