Stelios Gardens in Malia

If you like party central, come here. I was looking for a quieter place, but then Malia is a party town. I only came to see the Minoan ruins, really. The staff was nice but no one told me when breakfast was and it was a bit slow. The bed linens were not clean. There was hair and some dirt on them.

Stayed 4 nights in the Stelios Gardens, had a couple of friends staying there too but booked my own room. Had a brilliant holiday and Malia is a nice resort. Was going to give the hotel a good 4/5 review but a couple of things let it down. Nice friendly welcome by the entertainments team and man working on reception (the owner's son apparently) who was very helpful. Had to pay for air con which was a surprise as Loveholidays didn't tell me that, and at €34 for 4 nights it's robbery! Air con didn't work first night so the man on reception came round to have a go at fixing it. Couldn't get it working so went without on the first night - very hot in the room but got €9 back. Hotel itself is very good for the price, seems like all rooms have been renovated (basic but passable), the staff are constantly cleaning the place and looking after it. The pool area is immaculate with a nice restaurant/bar area (can't comment on the food as didn't eat there). Unfortunately a couple of things let it down. Firstly, after a few drinks one evening I wanted to sit on my terrace with a friend who wasn't staying there - security said no. Now this really annoyed me as I am 35 and always respectful when I go on holiday. I have paid for my room and I expect to be able to have a quiet drink with a friend at the end of the night (never had this problem anywhere else). But what really annoyed me was when I left the hotel I went to check out and the woman just asked me "what room?" and "have you paid for everything?" No "how was your stay?/did you have a nice holiday?" - Not the sort of rudeness you expect as a paying guest. I feel that as a younger guest at the hotel some of the staff seemed annoyed that I was staying there. I will be back in Malia but next time I will spend a bit more money and stay somewhere with better customer service.