Malia's Hidden Gem: Notos Heights Hotel - Unforgettable Crete Escape
Notos Heights Hotel: My Crete Crush (and Maybe Yours Too?) - A Review with Knots and All!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the Cretan tea on the Notos Heights Hotel. This place. This place. Let me tell you, planning this trip was a headache – researching hotels, comparing prices, the whole shebang. But Notos Heights? It was a diamond in the rough, a genuine hidden gem, as they say. And honestly? It lived up to the hype.
First things first: Accessibility? Let's Be Real (and Maybe Unrealistic)
Look, I'm not a wheelchair user, but I did peep the situation. They SAY it's accessible, and they do have an elevator. But Crete is…well, it's Crete. Think hills! Think cobblestones! Navigating the whole island might be a challenge if full accessibility is your absolute must-have. However, within the hotel itself, I noticed ramps here and there, and the staff seemed genuinely helpful. I'd recommend reaching out directly to the hotel to get specifics on your needs. Don't rely on website promises alone. (Trust me on this.)
The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, so the rooms! We snagged a room with a balcony and that view. Oh. My. God. The Aegean Sea, stretching out forever…it was postcard perfect. You've got all the basics: Air conditioning, essential in the Cretan summer heat. Free Wi-Fi (thank the gods!), a mini-bar (always a dangerous friend), and a safe box for your valuables. They even had bathrobes – always a plus! I was very grateful for the blackout curtains because my body was on a completely different schedule. Daily housekeeping kept things sparkling, which, honestly, I'm not sure how they did it considering the amount of sand tracking. I had free bottled water which let me keep hydrated when I was out and about, also there were extra long beds which were perfect!
Amenities: The Good, the Great, and the "Meh"
- Internet access: The free Wi-Fi in all rooms worked a treat! The Internet access – LAN was a total mystery to me. (What even is LAN anymore?!)
- Things to do/Ways to relax: This is where Notos Heights shines. The pool with a view? Magnificent. Days were spent lounging, reading, and occasionally yelling "Opa!" to the sunset. Their spa was incredible! The sauna, the steamroom, just pure bliss. The massage was so good I almost forgot my name (and the fact that I’d walked the entire length of the beach to get there). They also have a fitness center/gym, but I, erm, mostly stuck to the pool.
- For the kids: They have Kids facilities and babysitting service, which is a huge win for families.
- Getting around: Car park [free of charge] was a lifesaver because driving in Crete can be wild, and their airport transfer made arrival and departure super smooth.
Food, Glorious Food! (And Some Hiccups)
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: The breakfast buffet was the stuff of legends! Forget your measly continental breakfasts. We're talking fresh fruit, pastries, Greek yogurt with honey, eggs cooked to order…I was in heaven. And I'm not even a morning person! Lunch and dinner were a bit of a mixed bag. The restaurants offered a buffet in restaurant and a la carte, but it sometimes felt a little geared toward tourists. However, the poolside bar was perfect for cocktails and snacks. The poolside bar was THE PLACE. (I might have spent an embarrassing amount of time there.) They also had a vegetarian restaurant, which I appreciated, but I have to shout out the desserts in restaurant; I’m pretty sure I tasted every single one. And for those late-night munchies? Room service [24-hour] saved the day more than once.
- Cleanliness and safety: Here's where Notos Heights really impressed. They clearly took COVID seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, all felt reassuring. There's a hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff are trained. They even had individually-wrapped food options at the buffet, including fresh fruit. It definitely gives peace of mind nowadays. (Also, the cashless payment service was super convenient)
The Quirks, the Crumbles, the Imperfections (Because Perfection is Boring)
Okay, so it wasn't perfect. The internet did cut out once or twice (minor inconvenience). And the "safe dining setup" sometimes felt a bit too cautious. But honestly? These were minor blips. The genuine warmth of the staff far outweighed anything. One guy in particular, I think his name was Dimitri, was an absolute gem, always smiling and making us laugh. (He's definitely worth his weight in gold.)
And this is absolutely unique: one night, the power went out! Not the hotel's fault, just a whole-island thing. Chaos ensued! But honestly, it was almost fun. Everyone was out on their balconies, chatting. The staff went around with candles. It was… magical. (And now, a funny thought, I wonder if this ever happens at the hotel when the Doctor/nurse on call is required.)
Final Verdict: Book It! (Unless You Hate Paradise)
Notos Heights Hotel is more than just a place to stay. It's an experience. It's a taste of Cretan life. It's a chance to relax, recharge, and fall in love with an island. Was it perfect? Nah. But it was real, it was charming, and it was utterly unforgettable.
Here's the deal: If you're looking for sterile, cookie-cutter, impersonal luxury, this might not be your jam. But if you crave authenticity, a stunning view, and a healthy dose of Cretan hospitality, then run, don't walk, to book your stay at Notos Heights. You won't regret it!
SEO - A Little Something Extra!
Here's the SEO-friendly pitch for you!
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Call to Action (and a sneaky offer):
Ready to experience the magic? Book your stay at Notos Heights Hotel now! For a limited time, get a FREE bottle of local Cretan wine upon arrival and a discount on spa treatments when you use the code "CRETANLOVE" at checkout! This offer helps get people to book, and offers a discount so that you want to book and experience what I've said.
Uncover Hangzhou's Hidden Gem: Wushan Pleasure Hotel's Untold Secrets
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly polished, glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is MY Malia (Crete) trip diary – warts and all, straight from the sun-baked, ouzo-infused trenches of the Notos Heights Hotel! Prepare for chaos, questionable decisions, and the undeniable allure of a truly terrible tan line.
The Disorganized Guide to Notos Heights Hotel Malia: My Brain Vomit Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Hysterical, Hungover, and Hell, Yes I'm Here!
- Morning (or what felt like morning, after the brutal red-eye): Landed in Heraklion. Actually managed to locate the pre-booked transfer. The driver looked like he’d seen some things. Crete sun immediately tried to melt my face off. First impression: humidity is REAL, and I’m woefully unprepared.
- Mid-Morning (or what passed for it after a near-death experience in a rental car…kidding…maybe): Hotel check-in. Notos Heights. First thoughts: the pool looks divine, the lobby smells faintly of chlorine, and it took forever to navigate the stairs with my enormous suitcase (seriously, why did I pack so much?). The lady at reception (let's call her "Katerina, with a C") was a saint. My brain was mush, I couldn't remember my name (I think it's Sarah?), and I was starting to sweat and smell.
- Afternoon: The Poolside Debacle. Found my room. Decent view, slightly questionable cleanliness (dust bunnies the size of small dogs). Changed into a swimsuit that felt like a betrayal of everything I stand for! Headed straight for the pool. Sat on the lounger next to a German couple who were SO tanned and SO relaxed that it pissed me off slightly. One sip of a frozen strawberry daiquiri (the first of many!) and I was feeling a little bit more…human. Until, disaster! I went for a "quick dip". Fell forward! I then almost drowned and could not understand why my feet wouldn't touch the ground!! (I'm not the brightest)
- Early Evening: Drunkenly ordered souvlaki from somewhere by the pool. Ate it with gusto. Watched the sky turn a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors. Felt a surge of pure, unadulterated joy. Then the jet lag hit, and I hit the bed.
Day 2: Malia Strip – The Day I Officially Sold My Soul (to Gyros)
- Morning (or more accurately, Mid-Morning after hitting snooze approximately 7 times): Woke. Head pounding. Realized I’d forgotten to apply sunscreen. My chest was that delightful shade of lobster red. Coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
- Afternoon: Exploring the Malia Strip – a Sensory Overload. Decided to venture out. The strip's reputation preceded it, but…wow. Rows of neon-lit bars blaring music. The air thick with the smell of booze, fried food, and something vaguely floral (presumably, the local “recreational herbs”). Crowds of energetic people, and a few who were most definitely not awake. It was both terrifying and exhilarating. Ate gyros. Best damn gyros I’ve ever tasted. Had another one. Then another. The gyros, they called to me.
- Late Afternoon / Early Evening: Drank more "beers" (or what could have been "beers" maybe a mixture of water with some alcohol?). Saw all the sights (or maybe just saw the flashing lights).
- Evening: Karaoke at The Lucky Leprechaun – Regrets? Maybe A Few… Apparently, somewhere in my gyros-induced haze, I decided karaoke was a good idea. My rendition of "I Will Survive" was more like "I Am Barely Surviving." Mortification level: MAXIMUM. Still, everyone cheered. Maybe the alcohol helped. The karaoke itself was a disaster, but that's where the magic happened. I met "Dave from Derby" and his entire (loud) stag do. We all became best friends (for about 3 hours). The next morning I felt as though I had the hangover from hell, I thought I remembered singing though… (Rambling aside: It’s moments like these, the gloriously messy, slightly embarrassing ones, that I live for. This isn't a vacation, but a life. And life is meant to be messed up.)
- Late Night: Managed to stumble back to the hotel, completely forgetting I needed to buy sunscreen. Woke up with even worse sunburn, and the remnants of kebab.
Day 3: Beaches, Booze, and a Near-Death Experience with a Watermelon Smoothie
- Morning: Sunburn misery. Spent the first few hours trying to remain still.
- Afternoon: Beach Day – Finally! Hired a taxi (Katerina from reception to my rescue. She gave me aloe vera and a concerned look. She probably thinks I am an absolute mess). Found the beautiful beach. Turquoise water, soft sand…bliss. I fell asleep under a sun umbrella for maybe 2 minutes.
- Late Afternoon: The Watermelon Smoothie Incident. Ordered a watermelon smoothie from a beachside bar. Looked good. Tasted amazing. Suddenly, felt very, very dizzy. Thought I was going to die from sugar rush or something. The world was spinning! (Actually, probably a combination of sunstroke, lack of food, and dehydration).
- Evening: Back at the hotel. Ate some of the best food from Notos Heights hotel restaurant!
Day 4: Culture Day (Attempted) – Ancient Ruins and Existential Crises
- Morning: Decided to be a cultured individual. Or rather, convinced myself I had to balance my hedonism with a dose of history. Hired a car (the "Death Trap 2000," as I affectionately named it). Headed off to Knossos.
- Afternoon: Knossos – The Labyrinth of Confusion. Got lost. Found the ruins. They were impressive. Tried to imagine what life was like back in the Minoan era. Failed. Kept getting distracted by the heat. The sun. And the fact that the guide was speaking English. Felt very hot and confused, then gave up on the whole "culture" thing and bought a gelato.
- Late Afternoon: Drove back to Malia. Did some shopping. Bought some sandals. Lost some money. Felt slightly empty.
- Evening: Got pizza. Binged on Netflix in my room. Had an early night.
Day 5: Pool Day…Again. And the Unexpected Friend
- Morning: Woke up and the sunburn had almost gone.
- Afternoon: Pool. Lounging. More cocktails.
- Late Afternoon: Met "Maria," a local woman who worked at the pool bar. She was kind, and spoke perfect English. We got talking, and I realised how lonely I had felt, not even knowing anyone. Maria was a breath of fresh air.
- Evening: Went out with Maria for "real" Greek food (not the tourist stuff). It was incredible. Felt a small sense of connection to the place and to Maria. She was a star.
Day 6: The Last Hurrah and the Bitter Goodbye
- Morning: Packing. Sighing. Realised I still didn’t have any souvenirs. Panic-bought some pottery and a very questionable t-shirt from the airport shop.
- Afternoon: Final dip in the pool. Said goodbye (for now) to Maria. Actually felt sad to leave.
- Evening: Got back to the UK. Jet lag. Feeling melancholy, but already planning the next trip.
Final Verdict: Would I go back to Notos Heights Hotel and Malia? In a heartbeat. Messy, imperfect, and glorious. Exactly what I needed.
Cousin's Country Inn: Your Dalles Getaway Awaits!
Malia's Hidden Gem: Notos Heights Hotel - Unforgettable Crete Escape! (Or… Was it?)
So, Notos Heights. What's the big deal? It *is* a hidden gem, right? Spill the tea!
The Views! Everyone talks about the views. Are they *really* that good? Be honest.
Tell me about the rooms. Were they… luxurious? Or a bit more… "rustic charm"?
What about the food? Was it all delicious gyros and moussaka dreams?
The Pool! Because, you know, pool pics are essential. What was the pool like?
What about the staff at Notos Heights? Were they helpful, friendly?
Okay, the "Unforgettable" part. What's *the* story? Spill! What made it unforgettable?
