Malena Hotel

“A relaxing Greek experience”

We arrived at Malena Hotel late at night and were warmly welcomed and assisted. The staff were kind and pleasant. The hotel is small, clean, and cozy, with a warm atmosphere. It’s designed like a traditional Greek village — charming and authentic. The place is quiet, not crowded, and conveniently c… more

We arrived at Malena Hotel late at night and were warmly welcomed and assisted. The staff were kind and pleasant. The hotel is small, clean, and cozy, with a warm atmosphere. It’s designed like a traditional Greek village — charming and authentic. The place is quiet, not crowded, and conveniently close to the airport. The breakfast was varied and delicious. Highly recommended!

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“Relaxing and small resort and upgrade to a suite with a private pool!”

HOTEL Malena Hotel & Suites is a small property in the town of Amoudara, about 10 minutes from Heraklion. Quite modern with friendly staff and a nice relaxed atmosphere. Facilities include a restaurant/bar area, outdoor pool and small spa and jacuzzi area. There are various room types and we had a … more

HOTEL Malena Hotel & Suites is a small property in the town of Amoudara, about 10 minutes from Heraklion. Quite modern with friendly staff and a nice relaxed atmosphere. Facilities include a restaurant/bar area, outdoor pool and small spa and jacuzzi area. There are various room types and we had a suite with a private pool so I would definitely recommend paying the extra to upgrade as it was amazing. We had a large living room, separate bedroom and bathroom all of which were well appointed. Outside we had a large private terrace with a bali bed, table and chairs on a large plunge pool. Breakfast every morning was very relaxed with a good choice of European and Greek dishes. We had lunch one day at the restaurant which was lovely and very good value for money. AMOUDARA The town of Amoudara is quite spread out and set across the main road. Where the hotel is located there is not much to do but there are 3 restaurants, a bar and a couple of small supermarkets plus a large hypermarket. The local Greek taverna called Metato serves great food and is very reasonable, as is Blancos beach bar and restaurant. For everything else, you need to walk 20 minutes along the main road to reach the rest of the resort where you'll find many more shops, bars and restaurants. At this end I would recommend Waves beach bar and restaurant as it has a lovely setting and great food. CAR HIRE Due to the location of Malena Hotel & Suites I'd recommend hiring a car so that you can explore a bit more of the island as there is not huge amounts to do in the local area. We got an MPV booked through reception which was €130 for 2 days. We explored Rethymnon, Elounda, Spinalonga Island and Agios Nikolaos Overall we had a lovely relaxing stay at Malena Hotel & Suites.

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“Nice hotel trying to be luxury in a poor location”

Rooms There was 8 of us, between 4 rooms. 3 in the suites, 1 with a jacuzzi. We can confirm that the rooms aren’t a standard across the board, some rooms are better than others. When we arrived we got 3 suite rooms in A block. These are on the main road, noisy and not a relaxing environment to st… more

Rooms There was 8 of us, between 4 rooms. 3 in the suites, 1 with a jacuzzi. We can confirm that the rooms aren’t a standard across the board, some rooms are better than others. When we arrived we got 3 suite rooms in A block. These are on the main road, noisy and not a relaxing environment to stay in. One pair moved to closer to the pool and it was quiet, had more space and with more natural light. B and C block are bigger and newer so request these rooms. A block rooms are cold and dark with an outside space that overlooks a road Jacuzzi rooms. Again, A block is a a room with a bed and small toilet with a long balcony to a jacuzzi. The square ft of the room was less than the cheaper rooms. They got moved to B block jacuzzi and had a larger room, newer jacuzzi and a living area. The rooms are cleaned regularly but I wouldn’t call them clean. Dirt marks on the floor, drinks stains and mould were in all the rooms. The showers were also prone to flooding so dams of towels were built. Bed is comfy and the B block rooms were a lovely place to rest up when cleaned. Includes an adjustable temperature fridge and air-con in both rooms. Pool Pool area is lovely. Soft music is played, some comfy seating is provided and there’s no shortage of loungers or seats. Pool isn’t heated, inflatables and ball games are allowed. Food are drink are sold from 12:30 - 17:30 that can be eaten around the pool. It’s hot or miss and is expensive. You cannot drink your own drinks around the pool or eat your own food so be aware when booking. Day bed can be used by anyone with gardening taking place on Sundays. Staff Staff are incredible friendly and accommodating. We moved 3 rooms due to issues with nose and standards and we were all moved. Breakfast Not a massive breakfast but there’s a wide pool on options. Eggs, bacon and pancakes always on the menu with other random items thrown in. Coffee and juice included with Greek yogurt, cereal and cold meats provided as well as fruit. No toast but you can heat bread on the panini press. Misc Gym has recently done up as have the free jacuzzi. Heavy on the chlorine and the gym equipment needs a refresh. If you are a gym goer you’ll be disappointed. No bag storage so bags are just left in reception. Security, there is none. Anyone can walk in from the road so it can feel a little bit exposed to dangers. Huge supermarket next door so has plenty of snack, drink and food options. Location 15-20 minutes to Heraklion by bus which stops outside the hotel. 10 minutes by taxi which works out a similar price. Food options aren’t extensive outside the restaurant. Limited variety and options so travelling is advised but not ideal. We didn’t eat at the hotel but didn’t seem too inspired. Beach is 10 minutes walk away. It’s not the white sand and blue water of Mamma Mia but is a nice beach with clean, clear water. Conclusion It’s a small B&B, that does other a nice break. Main areas are lovely but rooms need a refresh and upping in cleaning standard. If you lifted this up and put it in a quieter area it was be gold dust. It’s almost unsure what it wants to be with in location.

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