Archanes-Asterousia, Crete hotel rooms at the Independent

"We stayed here in June. The large family suite with bunk beds was very comfortable and the staff was very diligent about replacing towels which was really appreciated. The room was supposed to be seafront but in reality we were looking at trees blocking the view. The beach is great IF not windy. We had a few days where the wind meant no swimming at the beach was allowed. No big deal but something to be aware of. Mezze and Mouries restaurant had great food. The breakfast options are also great. The Italian restaurant was our least favorite, with some of the food lacking flavor, but the view overlooking the beach is special. It was a bit frustrating that the Beach Shack was closed for food on Sunday but the food was good when open. There were always chairs on the beach. We were there for over a week and the kids requested to try kids club and enjoyed it. It was very well staffed (6 staff for 3 kids) so they clearly enjoyed the attention. Cons: wish it was possible to order drinks poolside. We were coming from the States and in hindsight, Malia is a bit far to visit some of the best beaches on Crete. We chose it because it was close to Palace of Knossos and the archeology museum but we ended up spending a night in Chania to go to Elofonisi bc it’s too far for a day trip. The hotel app was not particularly useful. Everytime I tried to make a reservation for dinner I got an error. On the plus side, I called the hotel to make the reservations and always got what we wanted."

"Great service, wonderful rooftop restaurant views, spacious room and very good location by the water and historic district."

"Great hotel and resort!"

"Great stay, staff was very helpful for recommendations. Only downfall is the parking is difficult which it is for most hotels in the area"

"Close to the marina and the shops. "

"Absolutely amazing stay. Every member of staff were so incredibly friendly, the food and drink offering was extensive and food was excellent. The pool areas offered options for everyone, evening entertainment was brilliant and a pool party with a DJ was a big highlight. A la Carte restaurants were excellent and overall, a perfect holiday that I would love to do again "

"Staff were all so friendly and helpful. The breakfast buffet was delicious with so much choice. The hotel was very clean & the rooms were a little small, but had everything and were also very clean.The pool area was small, but lovely and suited us perfectly. The hotel is located about a 10-15min walk from the city centre and the sites were all accessible by walking, taxi or bus which was perfect for us. We will definitely be back."

"Stella Island is a beautiful and peaceful resort with a truly premium feel. The rooms were superb, and the design—with pools running throughout—adds to the relaxing atmosphere. The food was consistently excellent, with plenty of variety and top-quality dishes. While the location isn’t ideal for walking to nearby attractions, the resort has everything you need, and taxis to local towns are easy to arrange. Highly recommended for a luxurious, hassle-free getaway. "

"For me this was a near perfect set up if you want to relax and unwind, having a collection of villa's rather than a single building means it doesn't feel cramped, likewise being spread out over a big site meant you rarely felt you had to worry about getting a space by the pool like you can at other places. The staff could not be more helpful, most of the extras food and drink where good value and a mini market onsite meant you could top up any supplies easily. No real negatives other than the "mocktails" were incredibly expensive compared to normal soft drinks but that is a choice I made equally the local town is VERY touristy and so don't go there expecting an authentic Greek experience. If I want to chill for a week by the pool in the sun this would be top of my list."