Malia Bay Beach Hotel & Bungalows

"We stayed at this hotel in the penultimate week of the season so had the benefit of great weather at a quieter time. The hotel is located a good 30/45 min walk from the main hustle and bustle of Malia with very little nearby (although a nearby restaurant by the port and Eva Taverna are worth venturing out to, both only 10/15 min walk). The hotel itself is very clean, with good size pools and plenty of sunbeds (with a strict "no reserving sunbeds" policy). It's perfectly located next to the beach which again, was very quiet at this time of year. Be prepared to pay extra for sunbeds on the beach, although we didn't bother - the sand was perfectly comfortable. If there's any room for improvement, I'd suggest that the hotel invest in some decent, brand name soft drinks - the cola on offer, for instance, wasn't great. However, it's by far the staff that make this hotel standout from other holidays. Special call-outs to George, Kalimera and Stella on the front desk with their welcoming smiles (and thanks to Stella for the late checkout), to Karim and Hassan in the restaurant who we very much enjoyed chats with every mealtime ("Shukran!"), to George the live-grill chef who was always so friendly (and a great singer), despite having been working long hours, and the effervescent, vibrant Hope in the main bar who went beyond being a bartender - she brought the bar alive and made us feel like we were part of a private party (thanks for all the coffee liqueurs and cocktails, Hope!). We were sorry to say goodbye to everyone.... This hotel is ideal for a quiet break away from it all."

"Lovely relaxing holiday with our 3 children. Beautiful views, clean rooms daily and clean swimming pool. Staff friendly, food nice. 10 euros in a taxi to go to strip where it is more lively. We loved the beach which is just at the back of our hotel. No complaints other than there was no evening entertainment but I am guessing it was because we went end of season. Would definitely come back."

"Hey we had a great time. My daughter has coeliac disease. So gluten free. The chefs and catering staff did so much fir her. Everyday they made her fresh food. I will come back next year. I miss so much. Cold here."