Phāea Blue Palace

The hotel offers a luxurious and serene escape, distinguished by its breathtaking views of Spinalonga Island and a commitment to authentic Cretan hospitality. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional warmth and attentiveness of the staff, who strive to make every stay personal and memorable. This makes it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic and peaceful retreat, as well as families looking for a relaxing holiday with accommodating services. The hotel's design, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape, contributes to a tranquil atmosphere. To enhance your experience, consider exploring the charming village of Plaka, just a short walk away, for local dining, and be sure to inquire about boat trips to Spinalonga.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Many guests appreciate the option of rooms with private pools, though some noted that these pools were not always heated as expected or lacked complete privacy. The main heated pool is a popular spot for daily swims, offering a refreshing experience. A well-equipped fitness center and a professional spa with various treatments are available for wellness. Access to the private beach is convenient, often facilitated by golf carts or a funicular due to the hilly terrain, though the funicular can sometimes be slow. The beach itself is pebbly but well-maintained, offering comfortable sunbeds, towels, and complimentary cold water and sunscreen. Water sports activities are also available on-site.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally praise the cleanliness of the rooms and the hotel grounds, with housekeeping receiving commendation for their attentive service, including daily tidying and thoughtful touches. The comfortable beds and spacious rooms contribute to a restful stay, with many offering stunning views. Some guests, however, found certain rooms to be cramped or noted that their private pools were not as clean or private as anticipated. A recurring concern among some visitors was the noise levels, particularly from ongoing construction at an adjacent property, as well as occasional disturbances from neighboring rooms or hallways, impacting the overall tranquility of their stay. In-room amenities like luxurious bath products and well-stocked minibars are appreciated.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining at the hotel is a significant highlight for many guests, with the breakfast consistently receiving high praise for its excellent variety, freshness, and quality, including delicious Greek yogurt and a la carte options. The Anthos restaurant is frequently mentioned for its exceptional food and attentive staff, while the Blue Door Taverna by the beach is celebrated for its authentic Greek cuisine, fresh seafood, and relaxed atmosphere. Most guests found the food quality to be very high across the board. However, some guests noted that the hotel's dining options, while excellent, were considerably more expensive compared to local restaurants in nearby Plaka, leading some to venture out for evening meals. The Phaea Farmers Feast is also highlighted as a unique and memorable culinary experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an unbeatable location with stunning views of Spinalonga Island and the surrounding bay, creating a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing getaway. Its proximity to the charming village of Plaka is a major advantage, allowing guests to enjoy a pleasant walk of 5 to 15 minutes to explore local tavernas and shops. While offering a sense of seclusion and peace, the hotel remains easily accessible to other areas like Elounda via a short taxi ride. The hotel's design, built into a hillside, means that navigating the property often involves using golf carts or a funicular to reach the beach and other facilities, which guests generally find convenient, despite occasional waits.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and genuine hospitality. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service provided across all departments, from the quick check-in process to the diligent housekeeping team. The concierge is particularly commended for their knowledgeable recommendations and willingness to go above and beyond to assist guests. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a few guests noted isolated instances of less attentive service from some beach staff or minor issues with billing accuracy, which were generally rectified promptly. Overall, the staff's commitment to ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay is a defining characteristic of the guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that there has been construction noise from an adjacent property, which some found disruptive to the peaceful atmosphere, though hotel staff often made efforts to mitigate its impact. The hotel has recently undergone a rebranding and refurbishment, transitioning to a more intimate boutique hotel concept, which many returning guests appreciate for its enhanced personal feel and elegant design. The property offers unique experiences such as an on-site diving center with professional instructors and organized boat trips to Spinalonga Island. Some guests noted that the music policy at the poolside, particularly during certain events, could be quite loud, impacting the desired tranquility for some.