Filia Hotel Apartments

The resort town of Stalis attracts tourists with its sandy beach and laid-back seafront, and the Filia Hotel Apartments occupies a great spot near them. The trio of brother owners have been welcoming travelers here for over 20 years, and a largely British crowd form a loyal following. Cheerful welcomes are echoed in decor, which is basic, but bright. The tiled lobby is colorful from light-blue ceilings, yellow and white paints in walls with island artwork, and fun fish ornaments, plus some artwork showcasing the area. Guests are here for the outdoors, though, and padded loungers with umbrellas at two outdoor pools offer plenty of lounging space, alongside cabana bars serving popular meals, snacks, and drinks. The larger, main pool receives more sun, and music here is more vibrant, but it travels to nearby rooms. Both families and couples are drawn to this hotel for its sufficient on-site offerings and excellent location.

The hotel is well-placed for quick access to Stalis' beach, bars, supermarkets, and restaurants. All are within a five-minute walk. Removed from Crete's party capital, Malia (but a six-minute drive to it), Stalis is quieter, and gentle waters at its beach are great for families. Loungers and umbrellas can be hired here, but they're often free with beach bar purchases. A vehicle is useful, but regular busses stop near the hotel. They run to capital, Heraklion, and Agios Nikolaos (both are a 32-minute drive), plus Malia, Hersonissos, and other towns. Offering an insight into Crete's history and culture, the Lychnostatis Open Air Museum is a five-minute drive, with water park Acqua Plus six minutes farther. Heraklion International Airport is 25 minutes by car.

Apartment-style rooms are straightforward, but clean, outfitted in tiled or carpeted floors, light walls with russet or blue paints, decorative Cretan artwork, and fresh welcome flowers. Salmon-colored bedspreads are dated, as are woods in headboards, small dining areas, and kitchenette units. Cooking facilities are limited, offering one- or two-ring hobs, sinks, mini-fridges, kettles, and cookware, but no microwaves. Expect similar simplicity in beige or loud checkered tiled bathrooms with showers, toiletries, and towels -- these are replaced twice-weekly, alongside bed linens. All rooms have small furnished balconies with pool or street views, although some balconies are shared. Studios measure 269 square feet (25 square meters) and sleep three, while Apartments sleep four and have tired-looking sleeper sofas. This is also the case for the 538-square-foot (50-square-meter) split-level Maisonettes. Flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, Wi-Fi, and crib fittings come standard, but safes and air-conditioning incur fees. Rooms near pool bars can be noisy, but rear rooms are quieter. On the downside, some rooms are in the basement. Also note that beds are two twins pushed together, which is common for the region.

Unfussy features are reasonable for the price, with the main draw being the hotel's pools. The two pools have terraces lined with loungers and umbrellas and each has its own bar, although the larger, main pool sees more activity. Music here gives the space a pulse, and light-weight dining furniture decorates the cabana-style bar, which has sit-up stools, plus a protected indoor space. The bar serves cooked English breakfasts, Greek, and kid-friendly meals. Sunday evening "Greek nights" offer all-you-can-eat barbecue fare, Greek wines, and dancing for a flat rate, and guests rave about them. Additional features include a small kiddy pool, mini lawn playground with toddler swing set, plus poolside billiards and grown-up cushioned swing seating. Lobby computer use is free, as is on-site parking. Pets are not permitted. Wi-Fi is free throughout.