Asterion Suites & Spa

So back story to how we ended up booking this resort – we had a matter of days to change our planned holiday due to a last-minute surgery taking place on our original dates. We weren’t fussed in coming back to Crete again but as I wanted a 5* resort, adults only with a private pool the choice was literally non-existent and Asterion seemed to fit the bill. On arrival to the resort we were checked in swiftly and given a brief look around. Fine. I could immediately tell the clientele was older than I expected (without causing offence, social media portrays something else!). Now my first problem was when being taken to our room (115) it became apparent just how ‘private’ the pool was – we were literally on a path. Now just to make it clear I don’t want to lie there all-day starkers but I do like my privacy! I don’t want guests/workmen/cleaners walking past every 5 minutes. I’ve never previously been anywhere and experienced such a lack of privacy when we’ve paid for a private pool. There are screens towards to bottom end of the pool so why not extend this across the bottom end (across the path) there’s nothing to look at so why not cover it up? Room inside was nice and spacious but that didn’t make up for the exterior unfortunately. Food wise breakfasts were the best meal of the day – lots of choice, everything was always fresh and the yoghurt and granola were 11/10. We were half board meaning you could choose lunch/evening meal. Lunches were very overpriced if you were to choose to pay at the resort. Evenings we mostly ate at the al a carte which was OK but after a few days we were deflated by the lack of choice on the menu. I agree with a previous review re. the lack of traditional Greek foods on the menu. Now here is where this holiday was literally my worst nightmare………..the cats. I genuinely have a phobia of cats, I absolutely cannot stand the thought of them touching me (this really is a thing – Ailurophobia). I seemed to be on my own with this one as the outdoor area of the restaurants was like a cat café, not just one or two but constantly 4/5/6/7 of them lurking about, the reason why they are constantly lurking is the other guests found it acceptable to throw/plop/toss food on the floor for them – I find this absolutely disgusting and unhygienic. I have two dogs, would I ever toss my food on the floor in a restaurant to let them eat!? Absolutely not. It is dirty and I don’t know why the resort allows it? I understand they are skinny but if you are that keen on feeding them take some food in a napkin and go to one side and feed them? It turned my stomach and honestly gave me the worst anxiety for the whole week. I couldn’t relax and enjoy my meals. Sorry but no. And before anyone says stray cats are a thing in Greece we’ve been to Greece several times in the past few years and never seen as many as here. Staff were all good but tbh I’m struggling with this whole ‘family for life’ concept on repeat on here, it’s a holiday resort? I’m not too sure I buy into some of these reviews. I am very well-travelled and have years’ worth of experience of 5* luxury resorts all around the world I’m not sure of other people’s comparisons. Gym didn’t do it for me really, not much space and really needs a water cooler in there. Area around the hotel is literally baron, very underdeveloped and looks a mess. Beach again is a bit of an eyesore, stony and dark sand here and there. We went into Chania few times by taxi, 50 ish euros return, much prettier to look at and I would recommend Pallas roof terrace for food, our bill was roughly 130 euros for two steak dinners and a decent bottle of white wine. We wouldn’t return because it simply wasn’t the place for us.

Way late in posting this, i cannot remember everyone's names. Two things, is this close to Chania? No, but when you are from NYC and bunched scrunched with millions of people every day, you don't need to stay near Chania. Easy to drive or take a cab. Second, we loved, loved this property!!! The location was perfect for us. Gosh were to begin! My husband and I stayed for 3 nights in August 2023. I wanted a place between Chania and not too far to explore the other well-regarded beaches by car. This location was perfect. I would recommend you provide your estimated arrival time and flight information so the bellman can be prepared for your arrival, which ours was. We were greeted by the most amazing staff, I felt like I could just hug all of them! Fresh yummy healthy green drink of some kind, delicious! Check-in was easy. and the most lovely woman took us to our room, we had #201? it is not facing the ocean, but we had a private pool, which again, sooooo freaking amazing!! They even provided fresh fruit and champagne, which i ate and drank straight away! I loved our room, very very very clean, and super spacious, and a/c was perfect. Breakfast was simple but ample. Dinner onsite was great lamb chops and mushroom pasta was excellent. We walked a little to the local restaurant near the beach, also very fresh and delicious and recommend checking it out. The guys at the pool bar, so fun and accommodating. I met the manager, who DID give me a hug. He is always on site and making sure everything is running smooth, which loved. I wish we stayed her longer, there is a lot of great things to explore and the waterfront was terrific. To all members of the Asterion, job well done, i would stay here in a ny minute!! We loved it.