Escape to Paradise: Alexandros Hotel, Crete's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Alexandros Hotel, Crete – My Chaotic, Wonderful, and Surprisingly Accessible Experience
Okay, folks, let me tell you about this place. The Alexandros Hotel in Crete. They call it an escape to paradise… and, well, they're not entirely wrong. But "paradise" isn't the perfectly manicured Instagram version. It's the one where you spill coffee on yourself, miss a turn, and then stumble upon something unbelievably beautiful. That's the Alexandros.
(Sighs contentedly, leans back in imaginary sun lounger) I'm still unpacking the emotional baggage (and literal suitcases) from my trip. So, buckle up. This is going to be a messy, honest, and gloriously imperfect review. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, because frankly, this hotel did give me a few.
First Impressions: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
Okay, so accessibility. This is a big one, and honestly, I approached it with a little trepidation. I'm not a wheelchair user, but I've traveled with people who are, and you learn to spot the pitfalls quickly. The Alexandros? Surprisingly decent. Wheelchair accessible, for the most part. There's an elevator, which is a Godsend. Facilities for disabled guests are mentioned, and I could see ramps and wider doorways in certain areas. Now, I didn't scrutinize every single inch (I confess, I was too busy chasing the sunset), but first impressions were positive.
The exterior corridor aspect threw me a little at first. Felt slightly less "luxury," more "motel-chic." But honestly? The sea breeze made it amazing. And the views! Lord have mercy, the views.
The Internet Saga: Wi-Fi Warrior or Net Neutrality Nightmare?
Right, the internet. This is where things got… interesting. Officially, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and Wi-Fi in public areas. However… Let's just say the Wi-Fi was a bit like that unreliable friend who promises to call but never does. In my room, it was hit-or-miss. Some days it was blazing, other days it practically whispered secrets. The Internet [LAN] option? Never touched it. Honestly, after wrestling with the Wi-Fi, I was afraid to try anything more complicated.
BUT! Internet services were available, and they did have Wi-Fi for special events. Though, I have a sneaking suspicion this might just be the same Wi-Fi, just dressed up with a bow.
The Feast of Amenities: Spa, Pools, and the Pursuit of Relaxation
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. The stuff that truly feels like escape.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: HUGE. Breathtaking. I'm talking, a proper "wow" moment when you first see it. Pool with view? Absolutely. You could spend the entire day just staring at the water and the mountains. I almost did.
- Spa/sauna: Oh, the spa. This is where the "escape" really kicks in. The Sauna was divine – even more so after a particularly rough day of exploring. (More on that later.) They also had a Steamroom. I confess, I'm more of a bath person, but it felt very luxe and relaxing.
- Massage: Get one. Seriously. Just do it. I opted for the full body experience after trekking from the hotel down to the beach. Pure bliss. My masseuse, Katerina, was a lifesaver.
- Fitness center: I peeked. It looked…well-equipped. (Shuffles feet…) I’ll admit, I preferred the pool and the beach.
The Body scrub and Body wrap? Didn't indulge. (I was busy chasing sunsets! Again, I'll return.)
Food Glorious Food (and the occasional food-related drama)
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: the food. This is where the Alexandros really shone, but also where it occasionally stumbled.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: There were options galore!
- Restaurants: Main restaurant with the buffet. The A la carte in restaurant was divine.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Honestly, it was pretty good. Great variety of Asian breakfast, Western breakfast.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Available, but the coffee situation was… a bit hit or miss. Delicious though.
- Poolside bar: Essential. Perfect for cocktails, snacks, and generally pretending you're a movie star.
- Snack bar: The perfect quick bite.
- Vegetarian restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant. (I didn't try.)
The whole dining experience wasn't perfect. There were times when the waitstaff seemed a bit overwhelmed. But the food, the views, the chilled white wine… it ultimately smoothed over any rough edges.
A Personal Anecdote: The Beach Trip and the Unsung Hero (Katerina the Masseuse!)
Okay, let me tell you a story. One day – my feet were KILLING me after a walk to the beach, The beach was lovely, but the trek was brutal. I hobbled back to the Alexandros.
That night, I booked a massage. Katerina… she was an angel. She worked magic on my aching legs, my tense shoulders, my general state of tourist-induced exhaustion. I swear, she used some ancient Cretan technique that I could have laid on the ground forever. After the massage, I felt like an entirely new person. Suddenly, the Alexandros felt like home. This is what made it a true "escape to paradise" for me! This is the place's secret weapon and greatest asset.
Cleanliness and Safety: Covid-19 Considerations – The Good and the… Less Good
Okay, let's be real: We live in a different world now. How did the Alexandros handle the COVID-19 protocols? Pretty well, I think.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Observed.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Supposedly.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed so.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Observed.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Generally observed.
However, the Room sanitization opt-out available. I found this surprising (I'm not sure if I would opt out) but I appreciate the offer.
(Rambles a bit) It's a tricky balance, right? Finding the line between safety and feeling like you're in a sterile hospital. The Alexandros struck a decent balance. I felt safe.
The Room: My Sanctuary (and Occasional Battleground)
The rooms themselves? Comfortable. Not overwhelmingly luxurious, but comfortable.
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Blackout curtains: Thank you, sweet baby Jesus, for the blackout curtains.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Free bottled water: Always welcome.
- Hair dryer: Present and accounted for.
- In-room safe box: Useful.
- Private bathroom: Always a win.
- Wi-Fi [free]: You know the drill.
- Window that opens: Very important for that sea breeze.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Concierge: Helpful. They helped me with everything (the beaches/local transport) even found a doctor/nurse on call, when I was stung by a jellyfish.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always nice.
- Laundry service: Also handy.
- Luggage storage: Very helpful.
For the Kids (because I have to, even though I'm kid-free):
- Family/child friendly: Seemed like it.
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Kids meal: Apparently.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Score!
- Taxi service: Available.
The (Slightly Overwhelming) List of "Things To Do" and "Ways to Relax"
(Exhales) Okay, here's the list. It's long.
- Spa, gym, sauna, steamroom, pool, massage
- Pool with view: Again, amazing.
- Safe dining setup: Definitely a plus.
- Happy hour: Yes, please! (Bottle of water – a necessity after a few ouzos!)
- Bottle of water-essential
- Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Alternative meal arrangement - I will return for this next time!
Quirky Observations and Minor Gripes (Because Let's Be Real)
- The Happy hour could be a little more… generous. Just sayin'.
- The Breakfast [buffet] could use a few more options for the non-meat eaters, but I'm just nitpicking.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Cretan adventure at the Alexandros Hotel! This isn't your glossy-magazine itinerary, this is real life, folks. Think crumbling feta, questionable decisions, and enough sunshine to fry an egg on your head. Let’s get messy…
Alexandros Hotel, Crete: My Chaotic Cretan Chronicle
Day 1: Arrival, Assessment, and Attempted Relaxation
- Morning (aka: The Great Greek Jetlag Massacre): Landing in Heraklion. Ugh, that airport. Talk about a disorganized cattle call. Finding the pre-booked transfer… let's just say it involved a lot of frantic waving and a near-miss involving a particularly aggressive scooter. Finally, blessedly, we arrived (a little sweaty and frazzled) at the Alexandros. First impressions? Charming, in a slightly worn-around-the-edges way. The lobby smelled faintly of sunscreen and something delightfully herbal… maybe oregano? I knew I was in the right place.
- Afternoon (the Pool: A Love-Hate Relationship): Checked in, unpacked (ish – I'm a chronic over-packer, sue me), and made a beeline for the pool. Ah, the life! Except… it was packed. Like, sardines-in-a-can packed. Finding a sunbed involved a competitive sport I didn't know existed. Managed to snag one with a slightly lopsided umbrella. Spent the next hour battling the wind trying to keep my hat on and dodging rogue water balloons. The water was glorious though. Absolutely. Glorious. So many cute kids having the time of their lives. Made me almost forget I almost lost my debit card to that scooter!
- Evening (Dinner – a Culinary Rollercoaster): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Pretty standard fare, but the view was stunning – overlooking the sea, the twinkling lights of the town, all that romantic jazz. Ordered the moussaka. Now, I love moussaka. But… this moussaka… Let’s just say it had a certain… rustic charm. A little too much cinnamon for my liking. But the local wine? Chef's kiss. Forgot all about the iffy moussaka. And the waiter? Sweetest guy, kept refilling my glass and telling me terrible (but hilarious) jokes. By the end of the meal, I was practically singing "Opa!" and feeling like I could take on the world (or at least, a second glass of wine).
Day 2: Knossos Ruins, Ancient History, and a Near-Disaster
- Morning (Knossos – Glory and Dust): Ah, Knossos. I'd been looking forward to THIS. The Minoan Palace. The history! The mystery! Well, it was all that and more, but also, it was HOT. Like, "I'm melting into a puddle of sweat" hot. The crowds were insane. Guidebooks were getting completely useless. The best part: the frescoes! Brilliant colors, surviving the test of time. The worst part: I dropped my sunglasses into a well while taking a photo. (Deep breath. They were from Primark. I can live.)
- Afternoon (Lunch – A Gastronomic Triumph): Escaping the heat of Knossos we found a tiny taverna in a nearby village. No English menus. No problem. We pointed at things. The waiter, probably in his 80s (in the best possible way), just shrugged and smiled. Best. Meal. Ever!! Freshly grilled fish, lemony potatoes, and a salad so vibrant I thought it was a painting. I ate so much I almost burst. This is what I came here for!
- Evening (The Hotel – A Questionable Choice): Back at the hotel, and time to freshen up before dinner. I tried the shower. The hot water… well, it was a bit like a game of Russian Roulette. One second, scalding. The next, ice-cold. Decided to skip the shower and just embraced my sweaty self. I had another glass of wine to calm the nerves, ordered a takeaway and crashed in front of the TV (the cable was dodgy, but who cares?).
Day 3: Beach Day, Beach Blues, And Beach Bar Bliss.
- Morning (Beach Hunt): I NEEDED the sea. So, we decided to hit the beach! After a quick Google search, we selected an idyllic-looking cove, complete with promises of crystal-clear water… Famous last words. Getting there involved a hair-raising bus ride (seriously, the driver took corners like he was auditioning for a Fast & Furious movie).
- Afternoon (The Beach – Hype vs Reality): Arrived at the beach… which was lovely. But also, crowded. And the promised crystal-clear water was… well, it was more like "slightly cloudy, probably full of sand" water. I got sand absolutely everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Found a beach bar, which was a godsend.
- Evening: (Bar Bliss) Sitting at the bar was a dream. I had a cocktail (or maybe two – memory a little hazy) and watched the sun set over the sea. It was stunning. The best sunset of my life. I think I fell in love with the bartender (he was cute, okay?) and vowed to never leave Crete. This is it. This is the life.
Day 4: Rethymno Exploration, Venetian Vibe, And a Questionable Souvenir
- Morning (Rethymno – Pretty Pictures and Pilgrimages): Took a day trip to Rethymno, a gorgeous Venetian town. Cobblestone streets, flower-filled balconies, and that Venetian harbor was gorgeous. Wandered the narrow streets, got completely lost (in the best possible way), and ogled the shops.
- Afternoon (Souvenir Saga): Found myself in one of those tourist shops, and… well, I made a mistake. I bought a ceramic plate. A very… unusual ceramic plate. It's shaped like a rooster, painted in garish colors, and it squeaks when you touch it. I don't know why I bought it. Maybe the heat got to me. Maybe I just wanted a reminder of this chaotic, glorious trip. Probably not.
- Evening (Farewell Dinner, or, the "Last Supper"): Ate at the same restaurant as the first night. Same charming waiter, same stunning view, same questionable moussaka (okay, it was a little better this time). Drank the same wine. The mood was bittersweet. I didn't want to leave.
Day 5: Departure, Reflections, and a Promise to Return
- Morning (Goodbye, Crete!): Woke up with that crushing feeling of "it's all over." Packed (much more efficiently this time, I'm practically a pro now). Had a final, lingering look at the pool (still packed, still gorgeous). Said goodbye to the lovely staff at the Alexandros (who probably thought I was a complete lunatic by this point).
- Afternoon (The Verdict): Heading to the airport. I'm tired, sunburnt, and slightly hungover. My clothes are probably still clinging to sand. But you know what? I wouldn't trade a single moment. This trip was messy. It was imperfect. It was hilariously chaotic. And I absolutely loved every second of it.
- Evening (Final Thoughts): As the plane takes off, I look out at the sparkling sea below and knew I’d be back. And, hey – the rooster plate on the fridge is a great conversation starter. And the memories? Priceless (even if they involve questionable moussaka and sand-stuffed… everything). Opa! Until next time, Crete! I'll be back. Maybe with a slightly more sensible itinerary. Emphasis on maybe.
Escape to Paradise: Alexandros Hotel - The Unfiltered Truth (and a Few Tears)
What's the deal with this Alexandros place, anyway? Where IS it?
Right, so Alexandros Hotel is tucked away in Ierapetra, on Crete's southern coast. Think sun-drenched, less-touristy, and... well, kinda sleepy. It's *not* the flashy, all-inclusive craziness. It's more like your quirky aunt's beachside cottage, but with actual service and (usually) functioning air conditioning. I say "usually" because, let's be honest, I had a *moment* with a faulty unit one night. Let's just say it involved sweat, a lot of fanning, and a silent promise to never complain about the UK's weather again.
Rooms: Cozy or Cramped? Give me the tea!
"Cozy" is the official word! You know, like when your friend describes their microscopic apartment as "cozy"? They're functional. They have a balcony (a MUST in Crete), a bed (I slept soundly, minus the aforementioned AC debacle), and a shower (I *mastered* the art of showering without flooding the entire bathroom). Don't expect luxury, expect convenience and good old fashioned Greek hospitality. Some rooms might have a slightly wonky view, others might be right on the sea. It's a gamble, but a worthwhile one.
Food, glorious food! Is the Alexandros a culinary goldmine?
Okay, here's where things get interesting. The breakfast is...adequate. Think a buffet of fresh fruit, local pastries (try the bougatsa!), and the usual suspects.. I wouldn't call it Michelin-star worthy, but you won't starve. Dinner? It's at the hotel's taverna. And the taverna, my friends, is the heart of the place. Imagine a sea-facing terrace, overflowing with locals and hotel guests sharing stories with plates piled high with grilled octopus that melts in your mouth. My first night, I ordered the lamb chops. I'm not kidding, those were the best lamb chops I've EVER tasted. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it! The food, in all it's simplicity, truly encapsulates the spirit of the place.
Seriously, is it really paradise? What's good, what's...less good?
Paradise is relative, darling. The *location* is paradise. The hotel itself? It has its quirks. Let's start with the good: the staff are AMAZING. Seriously, the warmest, friendliest humans you'll ever meet. They make you feel like family. The views from the sea-facing rooms are stunning, the beach is right there, perfect for a morning swim and a sunset stroll. Okay, the "less good": the Wi-Fi is... temperamental. Embrace the digital detox, people! The decor? It's a bit dated, but that's part of its charm, honestly. It's not sterile and perfect; it has character. Think a touch of grandma's house meets a Greek island taverna. I loved it. But if you're after sleek modernism, look elsewhere.
Tell me about that beach! Is it crowded? Sandy? Clean? (The important things!)
The beach is... well, it's fantastic! It's right there, steps from the hotel. The sand isn't the powder-soft stuff, but the sea is crystal clear, and perfect for swimming. I spent entire afternoons just floating in the water, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The best thing? It's *not* overrun with tourists. You can actually find a quiet spot to relax. Bliss. The hotel provides sunbeds and umbrellas for guests, a welcome relief from the relentless Cretan sun.
Okay, the "quirks." Be honest. What's the most Alexandros-y thing about the Alexandros?
The breakfasts. They're not a culinary masterclass, but the staff is incredible. One morning, I slept through breakfast (post-lamb chops coma, obviously). I woke up to a knock on my door, and there was one of the waitresses, holding a plate piled high with pastries and a thermos of coffee. She'd seen I hadn’t been down, and clearly knew what I needed. That’s the Alexandros spirit, right there. That's why I fell in love with the place.
Would you go back? Like, REALLY go back?
Oh, hell yes! I'm already plotting my return. It's not a show-stopping luxury resort. It's better. It's genuine. It's where you make memories, not just take Instagram photos. It's the kind of place that gets under your skin and makes you feel like you've found a little piece of home. I miss the smell of the sea, the sound of the waves, the laughter of the staff... and those damn lamb chops. Seriously, go. Just... go. And tell them I said hi. And order the lamb chops. You won't regret it.
Any advice for staying at Alexandros? Tips and tricks?
Pack light. Embrace the simplicity. Learn a few basic Greek phrases - they'll appreciate the effort (and you might get an extra helping of lamb chops). If you're expecting perfection, you might be disappointed. If you're looking for an authentic Cretan experience, a dose of sunshine, and a whole lot of heart? You've found it. And for the love of all that is holy, book a sea-facing room. You won't regret it.
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