Intercontinental Crete

Sunbed wars ! We stayed at the IHG Crete for 10 nights - great location with infinity pools on the 5th floor and 9th floor, However, it soon became apparent that unless you ‘reserve’ a sunbed before 9am then forget your dream of relaxing by the pool for the day. Pool buddies are supposed to prevent this and monitor the situation and remove guest items from sunbeds if not used for an hour - this doesn’t happen. Witnessed two arguments between guests who took maters into there own hands and removed items. Guests were seen reserving day beds by the pool edge and beds under the shade, and they just moved between them during the day – in effect 2 people using 4 beds ! Discussed this issue at reception and the advice was that "we should be able to get sun beds by the pool late in the afternoon – by this time it is generally quieter." By 5pm most of the terrace is in shade – great ! We tried the beach opposite where the hotel also has sunbeds – the same issue with people reserving beds by 8am. Furthermore, its open to the public and they freely use the sun beds (they don’t have the hotel towels) More sunbed wars between guests. Holidays are for relaxing and unwinding – not setting alarms to rush down and reserve beds, we were unable to get sunbeds by the pool all holiday. Our ‘private balcony’ view was of the side road looking directly into someone’s private residence – we requested a room change and advised that as the hotel was full it would not be possible for 2 days. So, we didn’t unpack and on the third day asked for an update and our issue was ‘still be reviewed’ on the fourth day we gave up asking and eventually unpacked our cases and kept the curtains closed and didn’t use the balcony. The situation was poorly manged by the hotel reception team – just be honest – if there was no possibility of changing rooms just say that, don’t keep us hanging on. We used our glasses and cups in the room – these weren’t cleaned for 3 days, just returned to the shelf for us use again – dirty ! We had to raise this with reception and the glasses were replaced – this was a reoccurring issue all holiday. Had to ask several times for the tea / milk to be replenished in our room - we ended up taking supplies from breakfast and storing them in the room. We found a previous guest’s dirty underwear in one of our draws – delightful. Having stayed at IHG’s all over the world – this is a real let down to the group and a disappointment to the holiday.

My husband and me could not recommended this hotel enough. Our room was stunning , we had a sea view with a plunge pool which while a tad colder was very refreshing after a day in the sun. We never heard any noise from other rooms during our stay and found all the staff super helpful, friendly and kind. Go above and beyond daily. The breakfast selection was delicious with so much choice. We ate in the restaurant once but had dessert and drinks most evenings. Again delicious and the choices were more thank enough. We used the spa facilities daily and enjoyed 2 massages and a facial but the amazing Maria! I came away feeling so relaxed and stress free which is exactly what I needed. The spa staff were also so friendly and super helpful. The location of the hotel was perfect, the views stunning , the staff were top tier and the food delicious. We would highly recommend.

We decided to book the Intercontinental after reading the positive reviews, but mainly due to it location so close to Agios Nickolas and the wonderful views. We were not disappointed, we booked a sea view room with plunge pool. To be fair, the plunge pool was freezing cold as the balcony did not get much afternoon sun, but a plunge pool is supposed to be cold and it was October! Rooms were modern, staff were amazing, we were only B&B and only eat breakfast 3-times out of our 7-night trip but it was all nice and fresh. Not the best 5-star breakfast we’ve ever had in not going to lie, but we’re not huge morning eaters and we eat dinner late in the evening. Staff were incredibly friendly, couldn’t do enough for you, and yes those views are to die for and fantastic location so all-in-all, fully lived up to our expectations and I would highly recommend to anybody.

Tries hard to be a five star luxury hotel...but fails! We stayed 11 nights and, for the first time on any holiday anywhere, we were happy to be going home. First, the restaurant...promoted as a la carte, but if you want to see the alc menu then you have to ask for it. Otherwise, half-board clients are presented with a drastically reduced dinner selection of three starters, three mains and four desserts (and incidentally, the choice of dessert was the same EVERY evening). A buffet arrangement would have been far better. Service in the restaurant was generally curt and unpleasant. With rare exceptions - a special mention for the lovely Afroditi, who met us with a welcoming smile every time! The chef is said to boast two Michelin stars. For what? Fitting tyres? Every dish was a concoction, designed to look good rather than taste good. For instance, a Greek salad - one of only a couple of attempts at local cuisine - turned out to have all the necessary ingredients, but mixed and chopped and presented like a fruit salad. Breakfast was the IHG standard found anywhere...fried eggs either undercooked or rubbery, scrambled with lumps, bacon tasting like smoked leather, a random selection of pastries - apple pie for brekkie, anyone? - and a fruit salad bowl that was reduced to a few shrivelled grapes and leftover fragments of melon swimming in juice. Special mention for the solitary toaster. In an hotel that's two years old, this antique must be at least 20. Rooms: We were in a junior suite (expensive) with a sea view and a private plunge pool. Not actually a suite, just an extended room to accommodate a small sofa. Bathroom was interesting, with glass walled shower and glass walled wc, so be sure you're good friends with your room mate. The plunge pool was ice cold, since it received only minutes of sunshine a day . And far from being private, we could see a whole row of neighbours shivering in theirs, while they could watch us. What's more, this big tub on the balcony blocked most of the sea view of the wonderful Mirabello Bay. Truly, a disaster of design! Reception and lobby staff were generally helpful and very keen to please, obviously proud to wear the IHG uniform. That's the word to sum up this hotel - uniform. It has no individual character. There nothing about it which is Greek. Luxury? Depends how you define it. But this Intercontinental could just as easily be in Dubai as in wonderful Ag Nikolaos.

Very new, very clean. Excellent 5 star service. The rooms are large which is hard to find in Crete. Everything is top notch. Lovely restaurant overlooking the water.