Maria Lambis

Holiday did not start well. Arrived after 2am to be 'greeted' by barman who asked why we were so late - it was a late flight and took a long time for baggage to come off then we were second to last drop off - not much we could do about that but clearly he wanted to go home. I noted when I booked, review and photo posted by Elizabeth Murray in June 26 and jokingly said to my friend I hope we don't get that studio. Guess which studio we got yes that one number 34! Our reaction same as Elizabeth. When you have been booked for nearly 12 months and both paid £800 and that was with Jet2 discount we were not best pleased. Went straight back to reception but understandably was told we would need to speak to someone the next day. We didn't unpack as had no intention of staying in number 34. Spoke to Vicky, who was very nice, the next day and it was obvious that this wasn't the first time guests had asked to be moved from this studio with its outdoor space of a 10 foot wall on 2 sides and barbed wire to look out on on the other! Vicky explained they were full so nothing else available until the Wednesday, we arrived early hours Saturday morning. I phoned Jet2 to ask if we could move accommodation to be told that we would need to identify 2 different accommodations, it would take 72 hours to go through process and we would be charged £150. Not to prepared to do this and we felt we had paid enough. They said the holiday details didn't include a view but I don't think its unreasonable to expect not to be looking at a brick wall and barbed wire fence. We had little choice but to make the most of it. We were offered choice of 2 rooms on the Wednesday both with a terrace looking onto garden which were fine so we had to repack and unpack again. If Jet2 and Maria Lambis continue to sell studio number 34 they need to be upfront about the outside space and charge accordingly. The owners had obviously tried to make the space more appealing with some better furniture and a row of artificial flowers but it was still awful.

Positives - Both studios, including 34, had great bathrooms with showers with glass doors not the usual shower curtain or wet room that we have come to expect when booking 2/3 star studios in Greece. Gardens were nice and well maintained. Cleaners lovely. Located a couple of mins to Supermarket one way and a great bakery the other. Set back from main road so quiet for sleeping. Pool was very clean.

Negatives - This was sold as 3 star possibly because of bathrooms but there was no toaster, hairdryer or television. While these did not spoil our holiday they are usually the things that you would be expected to be included in 3 star and as mentioned we felt we had paid top end for a studio. There was little room around the pool for sunbeds but a lot more space on the grass areas but I personally don't like being on grass as it tends to attract mozzies. The sunbeds were also very uncomfortable so struggled to lie on them for very long.

The apartments are about 10/15 min walk to start of main bars and restaurants in Stalis through underpass (nearest one turn right or longer walk turn left) or you can risk crossing the road and climbing over a barrier. We had a thunder storm which left the right hand underpass flooded so had to use the other one. If you struggle to walk far or use stairs not sure these apartments would be suitable.

Stalis as a resort was okay with lots of restaurants, bars including on beach with sunbeds. We tried a number of restaurants in the evening and found the food pretty average noticeable exception Jasmine House (Chinese and good price) and the Greek restaurant next door (portions too big for us!). We also had a couple of nice lunches at Dianomeas (spend 24 euros beds free). In general in comparison with our favourite resort in Kos and other resorts in Crete we found it expensive paying around 10 euros more for 2 meals and half a litre of wine. Rhythm Cocktail Bar quickly became our go to after a meal - greeted at entrance and girl who served us most nights super friendly.

Buses are very regular, clean and cheap if you want to get out and about.

Our stay at this hotel was fantastic.

The staff were extremely helpful and welcoming.

The pool area was beautiful and not overcrowded.

Rooms were spacious, clean and with a good large strong shower.

Bed mattereses were a little hard in the main bedroom but that is preference