Socrates Hotel Malia Beach

We had a TERRIBLE start to our holiday at a resort in Analipsi and when we arrived at Socrates we wanted to go home but the staff here were amazing. Maria was so nice and she gave us tips on where to go, our room wasn’t ready yet so we went out to the bar/ restaurant by the pool and DESPINA was great. She served us and made it a point to learn our names. It was a personalised experience and she makes the best cocktails. Everyday at this place was magical. We had a slight issue with the room and the hotel dealt with it ASAP and always had a smile on their face. It felt like being at home with them. We were chewed by mosquitoes literally eaten alive during the day walking around and Despina came running over with a bite gel, gave us some and like a mother would, told us not to scratch haha but honestly best place to stay, we will definitely be back. Housekeeping kept the rooms clean everyday and were super helpful. Efkaristo Socrates we love you ❤️ And thank you George

Beautiful, clean hotel with a very relaxing atmosphere and great location. All of the staff were very nice, but it is the lovely woman Despina who works by the pool who made the holiday special. Her hospitality was so warm and genuine - she took the time to learn our names and she always had a smile on her face. She is a gem of a human and the hotel is very lucky to have this angel!

The air conditioning didn’t work- was as effective as someone blowing air through it manually 😭 plus the electricity (including the air con) would shut off if the balcony door would open, meaning you couldn’t have someone sit on the balcony and someone else in the room at the same time, unless you locked them out. There were ants ALL over the bathroom, my friend had them crawling all over her toothbrush🤢 dirty underwear found in the room on the first day that DID NOT belong to us. Security would come storming into your room if you were loud too late- we asked what time ‘quiet hours’ were so we could avoid being shouted at, and were told ‘all the time’- great… however, the young girl at the front desk was lovely and Despina was amazing, so kind and the highlight of the whole hotel.

Stayed here with 10 girls on a girls holiday and loved it. The hotel was so pretty, but the 5/5 is completely due to the women who works at the restaurant called Debbie (or Despina). She was my favourite person I met on the trip, took time to learn everybody’s names and goes above and beyond in her role. I really enjoyed getting to know her and on the last day, after noticing me always taking the complimentary sweets from the restaurant, she brought me two packets as a goodbye present as well as hugging all of my friends goodbye. She is such an asset to the hotel and really made my experience what it is. To conclude, if you go I really recommend taking your time to get to know her, other than that the hotel as a whole was lovely but the staff really made the experience. Debbie, if you are reading this, I told you I’d leave you the best review!

Do not recommend coming to this hotel if you are on a holiday with your friends. Very rude staff apart from one lady at the restaurant. Got our door banged down to a woman who works at the hotel screaming in my face saying we need to be quiet and that we need to go sleep on the beach. Came back to the hotel at 10pm and got told by security that we could not sit on our balcony which is the only place that the wifi works. The security man proceeded to come up to the room to shout at us for being loud when we were only talking in bed. Would not come back to this hotel again!

DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU ARE ON A PARTY HOLIDAY. They have a security man from 9pm who doesn’t allow you to talk quietly on your balcony. The rudest person I have ever met, pulling faces as we walk past and not even saying hello. On one occasion we were sat playing cards out on our balcony, he then came and told us we had to go inside. Then the next day another member of staff banged on our door very aggressively, she then proceeded to scream and shout in my friend’s face and made her cry. Bear in mind this was our first time speaking to her and she told us to go sleep on the beach and that we weren’t welcome. We have felt so uncomfortable and unwelcome whilst staying here. You are also not allowed to talk in your room or they will come knocking your door down.

As a couple we stayed here for our anniversary, we were welcomed by everyone at the hotel however one lady who was always at the restaurant everyday was absolutely lovely. She learnt our names on the first day and welcomed us to breakfast every day, and she always had a chat about what we’re doing or what we have done. she genuinely couldn’t do enough for us. Unfortunately we didn’t get her name but we couldn’t be more grateful as she was so lovely. This lady is an asset to the hotel. The hotel itself is worth the money, lovely room and balcony, quiet and not too busy around the pool which is great and relaxing. It’s also located walking distance from the beach and fantastic restaurants/cocktail bars on the way, there’s plenty of things to do in and out of Malia. Again, a massive Thank you to everyone at Socrates Hotel, everyone is so lovely and we 100% recommend.

This house is a 10 minute walk from downtonw Malia, where all the bars and restaurants are located. Our room was nice with 2 balconies. Breakfast was ok, quite simple however, coffee was unfortunately very bad. The biggest asset are all the staff members which were all very helpful and friendly. Another small negative point : when getting out the bathroom, there is a little step and floor is very slippery.

Ideally located near the Malia town centre, about a 10 to 15min walk, but in a very quiet neighbourhood. The beach is very nearby and less than a ten minute walk. There are loads of shops and restaurants very close to the hotel and a short walk away. During our stay of two weeks, the hotel was very clean with towels and sheets changed regularly. The breakfast was a brilliant buffet with a wide selection that should satisfy everyone. Breakfast includes some Greek treats, continental and English breakfast. We found eating breakfast at the pool bar very relaxing. The pool bar also makes some very impressive lunch and I would highly recommend trying something. Between our party we tried most of the menu and were never disappointed. My favourite being the Cretan salad. Portions are also very generous! The pool was beautiful and even though I prefer a swim in the sea I was too tempted and landed up having a swim every evening. The pool never felt overcrowded and there were always load of loungers spare. The thing that stood out for us the most was the staff. They were extremely welcoming and helpful, nothing was too difficult. From advice of where to go (attractions, car hire, etc.) to providing a very personal service. Always friendly and a smile on their face. This level of service made the stay very relaxing and enjoyable. Will definitely stay at Socrates again if I return to Crete!