Mare Hotel Malia

This place must be one of Crete's best kept secrets. Copious amounts of GREEK food beautifully cooked and created. Manolis , Stavrula and Sofia are just the most pleasant and attentive staff you could wish for.beautiful situation and so close to the beach. Swimming pool small but hey with all that beautiful sea a stones throw away who needs a pool. Can't wait to go back like many of their regulars.

We have been to this hotel in Malia before in 2002 and we had a wonderful time, the main town was always buzzing but the hotel would be very peaceful and relaxing, as you would expect from a small and friendly Thomson hotel but now I offer this review as a warning to others who might be considering going to the Mare Hotel.

When we arrived, the place was just as we remembered it, clean and polished with a fantastic pool and pool bar but it soon became apparent that all was not how it is described in the brochure. Gangs of young adults and teenagers began populating the pool area in the early afternoon, throwing each other in and generally being very disruptive to the other guests. At the welcome meeting the Thomson rep did a freestyle welcome meeting, remember this hotel is sold as small and friendly mainly for couples. I complained to the rep about the gangs of teenagers, she just said that's what Malia is about these days! So my message to you is, if you're thinking of booking here for a peaceful holiday, then don't cos you won't get one. If you are already going as a couple bad luck. Shame on you Thomson holidays, you have managed to spoil a top class hotel.

The Mare Hotel in Malia is right on the strip, and we presumed it would be good for young people, but we couldn't even sit and chat on our minute balcony without being told to keep down the noise. I would not stay in this hotel again if I was paid to. The maids kept leaving open the door after she had cleaned the room, and some of my clothes went missing.

Malia Mare Hotel - The service in the Malia Mare Hotel could not be faulted - the owners were very friendly and always there to help should we need it. The rooms, although relatively small, were very tidy and were cleaned on a daily basis - and sheets were changed which is a rarity in Greece!! The hotel is positioned in the perfect position for access to both the old town and new Malia - can walk to bars, restaurants and the beach. The pool was lovely - although a bit cold at times!! And it was nice and relaxing to sunbathe there - although this may change in summer - as I went at start of the season. I really can't fault the hotel - and would definitely consider returning there - although maybe not through Thomson.