MEET CRETE: An annotated list of 24 of the best hotels and resorts on Greece's "big island"
The Times of London rounded 'em up...but do they all pass muster?
The Times of London put together a list of “24 of the best hotels in Crete.” Sounds pretty straightforward, right? Well, remember two things: The Times is owned by Rupert Murdoch, for whom I once worked as an independent guidebook author and who doesn’t understand the meaning of objective reporting. Second thing: their article “contains affiliate links” that “will earn them” — meaning, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. — revenue.
Do you really want to invest thousands of dollars in travel bookings on the basis of making Roop’s wallet fatter than it already is? We didn’t think so…
One of the article’s co-writers is one of the most respected experts on Mediterranean travel there is, Dana Facaros, so that’s a good thing. But after that, and after having reviewed the list, we have some reservations — not that all of the hotels mentioned aren’t fine, because they are all fine. But notice how shrewdly Mr. Murdoch’s minions (and we are sad to see the talented Ms. Facaros is now one of them) cover their arses: 24 “of the best” hotels, not “the 24 best hotels” in Crete. That’s pretty sneaky, if you ask us.
Maybe you’re not asking us. In any event, with the foregoing in mind, we reprint the list, without affiliate links and with commentary where relevant:
1. Kapsaliana Village Hotel, near Rethymno
This looks like a winner to us.
2. Manili Boutique Suites & Villas, Archanes
Also looks good. Acharnes is a nice village near Heraklion.
3. Numo Ierapetra Beach Resort Crete, Ierapetra
We visited this resort recently. We will say that it does have some fans.
4. Monastery Estate Retreat, Sougia
Yes to the dress.
5. Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas, Elounda
We are not fans of Elounda in general. And btw do not use Bookingcom, ever.
6. Paralos Kosta Alimia, Anissaras
7. Isla Brown Chania Resort, Chania
We are not huge fans of Brown Hotels.
8. Asterion Suites & Spa, Platanias
Comment N/A
9. Elounda Peninsula, Elounda
We are not big fans of Elounda in general.
10. Cayo Exclusive Resort and Spa, Plaka
Looks good to us.
11. Creta Maris Resort, Hersonissos
680 rooms??
12. Daios Cove, Vathi
Yes, please. And not only for the killer location just west of Heraklion.
13. Phaea Blue, Plaka
It’s #13 on the list, so it must be good.
14. Nana Princess Suites, Villas & Spa, Hersonissos
Ok, but around Hersonissos we also like the Crete Golf Club — not just for the golf.
15. The Royal Blue Resort & Spa, Panormos
16. Domes Zeen, a Luxury Collection Resort, Chania
Looks good to us.
17. Candia Park Village, Agios Nikolaos
Looks good.
18. Amirandes Grecotel, Gouves
We once stayed at a Grecotel in Rethymnon, which was nice. Good brekkie.
19. Paralos Irini Mare, Agia Galini
Our favorite place to stay in south Crete.
20. Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa, Analipsi
21. Minos Beach Art Hotel, Agios Nikolaos
22. Azade, Chania
Yes.
23. Paralos Venus Suites, Analipsi
24. Milia Mountain Retreat, Vlatos
Ok, but what for some is “immersion in nature” is for others “middle of nowhere.” Some of those Cretan roads that are gorgeous by day can be something else altogether at night. Ever driven from one side of Crete to another in stormy weather, by the way? Come on Murdoch, pay your writers to do some actual field work. It’s not like you haven’t got the dough. 🍞