Balos Beach

Balos Beach hotel offers mostly couples and some families a clean, friendly environment in which their basic needs are met without much embellishment. The most recent full renovation was in 2007 (some rooms were updated in 2015) so some of the furnishings are a bit dated. The lobby has gray tile flooring and a couple of seating areas made up of sofas and ottomans in neutral colors. It connects to a small bar with an outdated tile finish and just a few stools for guests. The grounds are pleasant, featuring tiled outdoor walkways and staircases among plants and flowering bushes tucked into nooks and crannies wherever possible. The hotel is composed of four buildings set on a hill, sloping toward the sea so that all areas have a stunning view across the bay. 

Balos Beach Hotel is the last stop on a long, mountainous dirt road up toward Balos Beach. The drive takes tourists to a parking lot which then requires a 20-minute walk down the mountainside to the beach. Those looking for a less strenuous trip may prefer the ferry from the port near Kissamos, a nine-minute drive from the hotel. There isn’t a lot to do near the hotel; it is a 12-minute walk to Kaliviani, a more populated area with a few good restaurants. The town of Kissamos is a 12-minute drive and has more restaurants, shops, and markets. Elafonissi, another beautiful beach, is a 75-minute drive away. The popular historic city of Chania is a 50-minute drive and offers many sites, including a historic and equally charming harbor. The hotel has an hour-long airport shuttle to Chania International Airport for a fee. 

Rooms at Balos Beach Hotel are basic and simply decorated, but are clean and comfortable. In most rooms, tile floors and wood furniture are set against white walls with a couple of small paintings. Above the bed, decorative cutouts features a faux cobblestone wall for a charming effect. The Superior Studios were renovated in 2015 and have more stylish wood floors, modern natural-wood and white furniture, and blue accents in the walls and linens. Terraces are communal and on common pathways, so they’re not terribly private. Balconies are walled from neighbors and offer better privacy. All rooms have ocean views.

Apartments and suites have separate living rooms with dining tables and couches that can double as beds. All rooms have air-conditioning and small tube-style or flat-screen TVs. Kitchenettes are basic, with just sinks, two-burner stoves, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms are simply done with gray tile, pedestal sinks, hairdryers, and tiny shelfs holding basic toiletries. They either have bathtubs or small shower stalls that aren't fully enclosed. Safes are available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free, though the connection is intermittent. 

Balos Beach Hotel is light on features, but provides enough for those sightseeing nearby to enjoy their stay. The restaurant serves a well-reviewed breakfast and an average dinner, both buffet-style. Indoor seating is in a simple little room with a few pieces of decor such as vases with local flora and lanterns. Seating outside on the terrace has a beautiful view out to the bay. 

The pool is large and also looks out over the bay, and has an adjacent shallow wading pool for little ones. Aside from a few loungers with small umbrellas, there's little shade. A small bar in the pool area provides refreshment, but nowhere to sit. The beach is actually a mix of rocks and grass along the coastline, without any loungers. Parking is free on the street, and there’s little competition for spots. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but the connection is not always reliable.