Vasia Sea Retreat

Just returned from a week at the Vasia Sea Retreat in Sissi. Although a few things weren't that great, we still enjoyed our stay and would recommend it as a quiet, well-kept hotel on the edge of the Sissi area. On arrival, we were greeted with a glass of fizz before being taken to our "Premium Inland" room, booked via our UK travel agent - this room type was not an option on the hotel website (only Premium or Inland), so we weren't sure what we would get. It was a first-floor Inland view room overlooking an old shack / junk pile with a partial sea view. It was not the "Premium" style as per the website pics, but it had been renovated. The bed and air con were great. There was a small fridge, ceiling fan, large TV, coffee machine, safe and a hairdryer. Bathroom sink and mirror in the bedroom (we didn't like this). Also, there are only 10 hangers. Rooms cleaned daily and given plenty of water bottles. Room towels were replaced every other day. Pool towels were also provided. Three nice pools - two for lounging and one for swimming. Pool beds were great, but by 8am, at least half were "reserved", and many remained so until the afternoon or occasionally all day (with nobody coming to use them at all) which was selfish and awful for those who couldn't find one for a few hours in the morning. Wished the hotel had a stronger policy on preventing this. Breakfast was a basic continental selection, same every day. Anything that was supposed to be hot was lukewarm at best, usually cold. The better items were the Greek yoghurt, honey, fruit, and bread. Evening meals were a la carte, and dishes were well prepared. They also have daily specials, which are worth considering. Drinks at dinner, even bottled water or soft drinks, are not included in the half-board package and were pricey. The pool bar was over-priced, so we only used this a couple of times. Despite the issues, the staff were exceptional. The housekeeping team were friendly and respectful, and the restaurant staff were warm and welcoming to everyone. So... unless you have an issue with leaving the resort (nothing is too far in Sissi), then I would recommend eating elsewhere. If you can, book a Premium room (or better) unless you are fine with what could be a disappointing view. Being on the edge of Sissi meant it was quiet at night - but shops, car rental and tour agencies, bars, and restaurants are all a short distance away.

We booked this for a well deserved Fly and Flop and that is what we got The sunbeds are really comfortable and the main pool is great for a proper swim . Great choice at breakfast and the best service from the fabulous Nico Shout out to Olga on reception very efficient. We were disappointed with our room as it overlooked a rubbish dump it did spoil our holiday a little as we didn’t want to sit out on the balcony overlooking a tip The hotel pool bar food was excellent only issue which everyone else agreed with was the drinks were overpriced So many fantastic restaurants and bars close by , we had a lovely holiday trying somewhere different every night Would highly recommend Vasia Sea retreat and Sissi in general for mature couples wanting a chilled out break with good choices for food and drink

I was between 4 and 5 stars but looking at overall experience, I am rating 5 Reasons: Cleanliness 5/5 - hotel is spotless Rooms 5/5 - we stayed in premier room with sea view and jacuzzi. Very comfortable bed Amenities 5/5- three swimming pools, no problem with sun beds Breakfast - 5/5 - good selection Dinner 4/5 - we didn't like that water/soft drinks were not included in half board dinner offer, menu is the same every day but they do have special of the day that saves the situation Prices - 3/5 - expensive as for Crete and comparing to tavernas and coffee shops around. Again, we don't mind to pay for water but not 5 EUR for large bottle of water to dinner. Service - 5/5 - amazing team, they work very hard and make every guest feel special Reception - 2/5 - some ladies there, especially blond one do not have any people skills and may seem rude. Dont know how she could be put in customer facing position Management 5/5 - very helpful always Location 5/5 - walking distance to Sissi.

Impressed from the first second we arrived to the last. arrived at 1am and were given a lovely snack and drink. room was spotless and well maintained. staff were exemplary. pools great. first hotel as you enter sissi, so nice and quiet . but only 15 min walk from town centre along coast road or main road. next to the sea where you can use free beds. but no sand and swimming would be difficult, very rocky. but lovely to sit and sunbathe or find a rock pool to lie in (natures jacuzzi). perfect spot to view sunset. free shuttle to a lovely beach. a few tavernas along main road and in town centre and some bars but definitely a family/couples kind of place. very small town. would recommend AMELIA, great food, staff, atmosphere, value. because its a small town off the main highway the local bus only runs once a day early. 9:30 out 2pm back in, so if you like to get out and about , book some trips or hire a car. there are taxis too. checked out at 11am but they allow you to get a shower and use hotel towels at anytime after that before transfer which was a nice touch.