Pelagia Bay Hotel

Simply amazing, from the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome, our cases were taken to our room, number 34 which has the best views to the ocean and also the pool..the pool is beautiful and we were there for 10 days with temperatures hitting over 33 everyday and virtually had the pool to ourselves, the sun beds are luxurious and very comfortable, every member of staff from reception to the chefs and including the cleaners are amazing and helpful, the whole operation isn’t run like your a guest but like your an old friend returning, I found the food very good and especially on a Monday when it’s the Greek bbq and dancers, Prices for drinks during the day are so cheap and if you order lunch be warned….the portions are huge and everything on the menu is beautifully served and delicious.. Without a doubt I will be returning, I’ve been home only 3 hours since I left the hotel this morning and I’ve already checked the prices for next year.. The whole atmosphere is calm, relaxed and beautiful… Thank you yannis and every member of staff for making a truly amazing holiday on the beautiful island of Crete.

Positives - The hotel itself is small and friendly with lovely views out to sea. The pool was lovely and never busy, very quiet hotel. Staff very friendly and helpful, could not do enough to help. Yannis fixed my shoe, did first aid on a cut and went above and beyond. The room was clean but dated, very large with stairs to a mezzanine floor, stairs not for the faint hearted or anyone with mobility issues. Lots of hot water, beds made daily and lots of clean towels. Ate lunch on last day and food was fantastic, huge portions and a great price. No idea how same chef produced the evening meal! Negatives - The evening meal was dreadful. Found nothing to eat for first two nights so changed to Bed and Breakfast by EasyJet. I have never seen such a poor quality offer. Breakfast did get better when I asked for bread for the toaster, a basic requirement. Only fresh fruit on offer were oranges, rest were tinned. Breakfast ok if you like onion rings, pizza and curly fries! Porridge on offer for one day but very lumpy. I would go back but only on a Bed and Breakfast deal.

We have just returned from our 9 day stay at Pelagia Bay and fully enjoyed both the hotel and the region. Our hosts, Lucy and Yiannis, were excellent throughout our time and did all they could to ensure we had a wonderful holiday. On our arrival at 01:30 in the morning we were immediately put at ease with the greeting from Yiannis and offer of some cold dishes that he'd kept for us in the expectation we'd be hungry after travelling. This was the benchmark for the rest of our stay, along with Lucy they always put the interests of guests first and set the friendly feel that we experienced throughout with consistent courtesy & authentic customer service. Our room was comfortable with no-frills and very clean with daily maid service, who deserve a mention. We struggled a little for wardrobe space (for a family of four) and certain aspects were looking a little worn (ie. the bathroom would benefit from an upgrade) but the space was perfect with a table for our epic Uno matches(!) and the balcony was the largest we have enjoyed in any hotel we've stayed - enabling us to follow the sun throughout the day. Given that we were probably the furthest distance from the Reception area, we expected Wifi to be poor - but were pleased to find that our technological needs were capably met at most times! The pool area was very tidy with sunloungers that are much more superior than you'd expect for a 3 star rated hotel. While the water temperature was a little bracing, the swimming pool itself was fabulous and never busy (I cannot say if this would be the case at peak times), with the paddle-pool a particular favourite for our little one. Views across the wonderful Cretan countryside and across to the sea were a fabulous complement to our morning breakfast and evening dinner in the terrace area. We all found the food to be sufficiently wide-ranging and to a decent quality, such that we never had the same meal for the entirety of our stay. Particular favourites were the kebabs, moussaka, barbecued chicken and several pork dishes - along with pleasant greek salad options and lovely (but limited) desserts. There was always pasta or potato variations available in the evening and cereals, croissants, eggs, sausage / bacon (+ pizza which made our 6yr old happy) for breakfast. We dined well each day and reflect upon good food and excellent service from the Restaurant team (who did a stirling job to keep stocks replenished). Agia Pelagia is a pleasant, albeit small, resort in a gorgeous bay with unparalled clear water. We found enough local walks around the headland and inland to occupy us over the 9-days, with a visit to Heraklion on market day (Saturday) which is definitely worth the bus fare (4 Euros) and boarded adjacent to the 'Out of the Blue' hotel. Certainly there are gradients to get to and from the main town and hills that surround the immediate locality, which merit consideration if you have mobility issues - but should not be a reason to discount