Aquis Blue Sea Resort and Spa

“ Good hotel - but needs a heated outdoor pool and more things for children to do if the weather turns chilly. The staff are all excellent.

“ Stayed here late October 2011 and can't fault the hotel. We were upgraded, without asking!, on arrival to a room with a pool, and even though the water was so cold we only used it once it was still a lovely room in a great location. All the staff were great (and understanding!) with our 2 young children. As it was end of season the hotel was a bit deserted the last week, but the hotel standards did not slip. And we were delighted to watch a traditional Greek celebration on our last night as the hotel was shutting for Winter, all the staff were celebrating!!
The hotel is in a great location - right next to a lovely beach and 10 minute walk to bars/restaurants. Can't comment on how busy this hotel would be peak season, but would definitely recommend out of season.

“ Top Tip: We specially liked a bar called Pegasus, the owner Maria is lovely.

“ Location / rooms / condition of hotel / staff ( including bar and dining room ) all good.
However food is buffet service and whilst ingredients are satisfactory the end result of the cooking / preparation process is very poor - bland , repetitive and tasteless.
The hotel's ( one night per stay) waiter service a la carte restaurant was little better.
This is not a 5 star hotel - if food was OK it would merit 4 stars - in view of poor food it barely justifies 2 stars !

“ Top Tip: No

“ Our room which was the junior suite was superbly appointed. Very roomy and a fridge (which is rare to find these days). We liked the magnetic door locks. Shower was fantastic but the bath plug was missing. The main bed was a bit of a let down made out of two single beds so during the night one of us would sink further down! We had the pool which was spacious but the water was so cold that I think the water had been imported from the north pole! The wooden sun loungers with the cushioning were still uncomfortable so long periods are not recommended. However, you can still sit outside on comfortable chairs and a table at night.

The main restaurant which served breakfast, lunch and dinner was faultless. The restaurant is a well oiled machine with all the staff being very helpful and friendly. The food was fantastic and delicious. I wish there had been more traditional Cretan food but considering the hotel caters to a wide market, international tastes are represented well. One lovely touch was a free evening at the A La Carte restaurant - five course meal that was superbly prepared. The main bar was a lovely area but I hate people smoking indoors instead of being outdoors. The free drinks were very welcome. The only fly in the ointment food wise was the afternoon tea - sandwiches with slices of ham or cheese but no butter spread which meant they tasted very dry.

The grounds are well kept. In fact, we noticed a broken step and I think the manager goes round and resolves the issues very quickly. Within two hours, a repair had been carried out. If only our hotels in the UK were so vigilant.

Entertainment wise, kids are well catered for - unfortunately adults only have the bar, pool and television. Internet access was available all over the resort but connectivity was not good All in all, a hotel can only really be judged by the staff that run and maintain it. In this case, the hotel really looks after its guests and goes beyond the call of duty. We'll be come back - most definitely!

“ Top Tip: Take some mosquito repellant, band or plug-in device. The mosquitos are very active.

Travel wise -it's worth taking a local bus to some of the local towns. It's not bad in Stalida but in most cases goods were significantly dearer so for just over one euro, you can catch a coach run by Minoan Lines (and these coaches put UK ones to shame).

Photograph opportunities - get up early and get to the beach. You'll get some spectacular shots.

Food - either go early or last thing during the opening hours.