Galaxy Hotel Heraklion

“ The hotel was excellent with very attentive helpful staff ready to give their service at any time. The location was good taking about 10 minutes into the main shopping area and 20 minutes to the port and bus station. Only small criticism was that the room and bathroom were on the small side and no drawers to speak of to put your clothes in. However this in our opinion was minor and did not affect our stay in Crete.

“ Top Tip: The location of the hotel was very good as you were in walking distance of the main shops, port and bus station. We found the bus service to be very useful as it was regular and cheaper than the advertised tours offered. We visited Knossos which is only 3 - 4 miles outside Heraklion by bus. Go early to avoid the crowds and heat! Do visit Rethymno - charming little seaside town with lovely beach.

“ I have just returned from spending a week in Crete staying at the Galaxy Hotel. I was there by myself to visit my daughter who is currently working in Crete.

The hotel itself is a superb clean building, with all floors accessible by lift or stairs. The entrance has a ramp for wheelchairs.

All bedding in my room was changed on a daily basis. Air conditioning was part of the price and WiFi was free. There was a safety deposit box in my room.

The pool is large, if a little cold at this time of year, but there were lots of sun loungers and hotel staff provide towels and regularly check up to see if you want any drinks or food.

I was there on on a bed and breakfast basis, and the breakfasts were excellent. Being greedy, I tended to have a "Scottish" breakfast (bacon, eggs, toast, etc,) followed by a "Greek" breakfast (Yoghurt, fruits, cretan bread, etc) each day and then fattened myself further on the large range of sweetie type things. This kept me going until evening. I didn't eat an evening meal in the hotel.

Best of all, though, were the staff. Those I met were very friendly and efficient. All spoke English, and some also conversed easily with Italian and German guests.

When my daughter came to visit, they photocopied her driving licence as evidence of her identity, and after that she was free to visit me, laze by the pool, arrive early for breakfast. She was also made very welcome.

So I have nothing but praise for the hotel. I was also exceedingly impressed with Travelrepublic, who provided a seamless service of flights, hotel accommodation and travel insurance. Well done.

“ Modern, very comfortable, helpful English speaking staff (nothing too much trouble), excellent breakfast, 2 hour happy hour makes otherwise expensive bar affordable (complementary nuts), geat pool, well located for airport (10 minutes in a taxi at mid day) and easy access to town centre. Only used the restaurant on the last night - very good with complementary drinks.

“ Top Tip: Three Pines taverna - across the road and follow the side road next to the shell filling station to the 2nd junction - real Cretan food and local wine - friendly owner - lots of extras. Just a great evening.

“ This hotel is perfect for a 1-2 night stay. Close to town[5 minute walk] shops, restaurants. Designer type rooms but with little storage space . Excellent breakfast. Lovely pool area but poolis not heated and noone goes in it. Best point of all is the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff.

“ Top Tip: Kyriakos is a very typical taverna where they ask you to go the kitchen to choose food[2 mins away]. Excellent knowledgeable wine shop 100yds from hotel [turn left on same side of road.]