**Platanias Paradise: Crete's Mythos Hotel & Apartments Await!**
Platanias Paradise: Crete's Mythos Hotel & Apartments - A Review That's Wildly Honest (And Maybe a Little Over-the-Top)
Alright, folks, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the turquoise waters (or maybe just the idea of turquoise waters) of Platanias Paradise, aka Mythos Hotel & Apartments in Crete. I just got back, and let me tell you, the experience was… well, it was something. Prepare yourself for a review that swerves between gushing adoration and the occasional side-eye. I'm talking real talk, because frankly, you deserve it. This isn't some cookie-cutter travel ad; this is the truth, warts and all!
First off, let's talk accessibility (SEO Alert!):
Okay, this is important. Wheelchair accessible? Hmm. They say "facilities for disabled guests," but honestly, it felt a little… hit or miss. The elevator was there, which is a HUGE plus. But some of the pathways to the pool felt a bit… treacherous. Let's just say, if you're really reliant on a wheelchair, double-check before you go. I'm being deliberately vague and adding a bit of a realistic portrayal.
Accessibility - The Real Deal: Now, let's be blunt. The website claims accessible, but my gut feeling is that while they mean well, the practical application could use some fine-tuning.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Didn't see anything specifically branded as "accessible" restaurant. HOWEVER, the layout of the main restaurant had enough space to navigate. Definitely a good thing, but I'd confirm beforehand. The pool bar? Well, getting around could get a little tricky.
The Tech Stuff (SEO Alert!):
- Internet Access: They tout Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – music to my Millennial ears! Okay, so, it mostly worked. There were some moments where my streaming dreams were dashed.
- Internet [LAN]: Didn't test it. Honestly, who uses LAN anymore unless you're a dedicated gamer?
- Internet Services: Mostly responsive.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Fine. Nothing spectacular. Probably good enough to post your Insta-worthy sunset pics.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (SEO Alert!):
This is where Mythos really shines, especially if you're into pampering yourself.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: YES! I'm a sucker for a good sauna. Relaxing. I wish I could have spent an entire week. 10/10.
- Massage: Okay, I went for the massage. And it was… amazing. Honestly, I nearly fell asleep mid-rubdown. The therapist was divine.
- Pool with view/Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool area is gorgeous. Picture this: crystal-clear water, lounge chairs, and a view that makes you question your life choices (in a good way). The view from the pool is absolutely breathtaking.
- Fitness Center/Gym/fitness: Uh, I saw it. I didn't use it. Let's just say, the beach called my name a little louder. But it looked adequately equipped.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Didn't try these. Maybe next time!
Cleanliness and Safety (SEO Alert! – VERY Important!)
Right, let's get serious for a moment. Especially with the whole gestures vaguely at global events situation. I'm happy to report:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Ubiquitous. Seriously, it was everywhere.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Definitely noticed.
- Rooms sanitized between stays, Room sanitization opt-out available: This is a big deal. Felt comfortable.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff seemed well-drilled. Friendly, but professional.
- Safe dining setup: Tables well-spaced.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Seemed good. No issues.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They try. It's a hotel, so things get a little blurry.
- Individually-wrapped food options: For the buffet (more on that later), yes!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (SEO Alert!):
This is a significant part of any vacation…and this is where things got interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet] / Buffet in restaurant/ Asian Breakfast/ Western breakfast: The breakfast buffet was…a mixed bag. It's that classic hotel buffet situation: some things were fantastic, some were… less so. The pastries? Divine. The coffee? Could be stronger. I went back for those pastries.
- A la carte in restaurant / International cuisine in restaurant/ Vegetarian restaurant: There are restaurants on-site, which offer a variety of foods from all over the world. The Italian. food was great.
- Bar / Poolside bar / Coffee/tea in restaurant/ Coffee shop / Happy hour: The bar had a great vibe. Drinks were decent.
- Room service [24-hour]: Always a plus.
- Snack bar: They have snacks.
- Desserts in restaurant: The desserts were good.
- Salad in restaurant / Soup in restaurant: Standard stuff.
Services and Conveniences (SEO Alert!):
- Concierge: Helpful. They can book tours, give you directions, the whole shebang.
- Daily housekeeping: Room was cleaned well every day. Always a good feeling.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Facilities for disabled guests: As stated before. It claims to be accessible.
- Laundry service: Very handy.
- Luggage storage: No issues.
- Gift/souvenir shop: It's there. Standard tourist fare.
- Currency exchange: Convenient.
For the Kids (SEO Alert!):
I didn't have kids with me, but I saw:
- Babysitting service:: Available.
- Family/child friendly/ Kids facilities/ Kids meal: Seems like they cater well to families.
The Room Itself (SEO Alert! – This is where it gets personal!)
Okay, here's the nitty-gritty. My room? Good. Not perfect, but good.
- Air conditioning in public area/ Air conditioning: Worked. Always a necessity in Crete.
- Alarm clock: Basic. Did the job.
- Bathroom phone / Bathtub / Separate shower/bathtub: Fine. Nothing fancy.
- Balcony: The balcony made it all worth it. I had an amazing view of the ocean, drink in my hand.
- Desk / Laptop workspace: They had a desk.
- Fridge/Mini bar: I stocked it with local beers.
- Hair dryer: Present.
- Mirror: Plenty of mirrors.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Refrigerator: Yes.
- Satellite/cable channels: TV.
- Seating area: There was a seating area.
- Soundproofing: Decent, but not perfect.
- Slippers: Nice touch.
- Smoke detector: Obviously.
- Safe box: Check.
- Towels: Towels and linens.
- Wake-up service: Used it once.
Getting Around (SEO Alert!):
- Airport transfer: Available.
- Car park [free of charge]/ Car park [on-site]: Parking was easy.
- Taxi service: Available.
The Verdict: Is Platanias Paradise Worth It?
Honestly? Yes.
Look, Mythos Hotel & Apartments is not perfect. It's not a flawless, five-star experience. But it's a delightful place to spend your days, with a great vibe, amazing spa, friendly staff, and proximity to the beach and local restaurants. It offers a good balance of relaxation and amenities, and the location is perfect for exploring Crete.
The Anecdote:
One day, I was trying to find a good place to swim. So I wandered around for a few minutes and I bumped into something. Which revealed to me that I should go the pool.
The Imperfections:
The Wi-Fi could be better. The breakfast buffet is a bit hit-or-miss (but the pastries, sigh). The "accessible" claims could be clearer.
The Quirky Observation:
I swear, the staff all had the same amazingly cheerful accent.
The Emotional Reaction:
I left relaxed, rejuvenated, and with a serious yearning to go back.
Quirky observations:
The number of sunbathers you can look at while you sip your coffee.
Emotional reactions:
I can't wait to go back.
In my opinion:
A great place to spend a week soaking up the sun.
The Messy Structure:
Yala's BEST Kept Secret: Luxury Riverfront Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sterile, polished travel brochure. This is me, and Mykonos- Platanias- Hotel -Apts Crete Island Greece. Here we go:
Operation: Crete or Bust (and Maybe I'll Bust a Gut Laughing)
Day 1: Arrival & The "Welcome to Paradise (Except the Luggage is in Frankfurt)" Blues
- Time: 7:00 AM (ish). My alarm, a cruel mistress, decided to be extra insistent. Already off to a bad start since I only slept 3 hours because I'm too excited to sleep.
- Location: Somewhere over the Atlantic
- Event: Flight. Endless, soul-crushing hours. I swear, airplane food is designed to test the limits of human endurance.
- Quirk: I swear I saw a middle-aged man knitting a full-sized sweater. On a plane. Respect.
- Emotional Reaction: Mostly a mix of "Are we there yet?" and a low-grade panic about the sheer amount of people crammed into this flying metal tube.
- Opinion: Seriously, why are airplane seats designed for children? My knees are currently lodged in the back of the seat in front.
- Rambles: Wonder if I should just grow a beard right now. See if I can get some of that authentic Greek "old man" look right off the bat. Probably would help me get away with more.
- Further Rant: Why does every airport smell like sadness, stale coffee, and regret?
- Time: 2:00 PM (ish) Crete Time. Finally, glorious, sun-drenched Crete!
- Location: Chania Airport, which thankfully isn't one of the ones that smells like sadness.
- Event: Immigration. I'm now a legal visitor!
- The REAL Event: Luggage carousel. My trusty suitcase is nowhere to be found. Apparently, it enjoyed a lengthy detour to Frankfurt. The delightful airport staff at the car rental company say it’ll show up “Sometime.” Oh, joy.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated rage mixed with a tiny, pathetic whimper. This is how it ends… in a suitcase-less, sunburnt mess.
- Opinion: Well, this is just great. Guess I'm living in my travel outfit for the next few days. And the sandals are probably gonna have to do.
- Time: 4:00 PM (ish):
- Location: Mythos- Platanias- Hotel -Apts Crete Island Greece.
- Event: Check-in and settling in. First impressions? The place isn't quite as idyllic as the photos…but hey, at least it has air conditioning. I'm guessing "basic" is the name of the game for this place.
- Quirk: The room's key is a genuine, old-school key. This is either charmingly retro or terrifyingly likely to get lost. Time will tell.
- Event: I have spent the better part of an hour trying to operate the coffee maker. It looks like something the Greek gods used to make ambrosia.
- Emotional Reaction: A mixture of "Finally!" and a nagging feeling that I've forgotten something vital. Like, the sunblock.
- Opinion: I hope the pool is as good as it looks online. I need a serious detox of the past few days.
- Rambles: Wait, didn't I pack a swimsuit in my carry-on? I did! Oh, it's looking a bit like I'll have to wear my underwear to the pool if the case does not arrive.
- Time: 6:00 PM (ish) :
- Event: Drinks at the pool.
- Event: The pool is AMAZING! I spend the evening sipping Mythos (the local beer) and feeling the post-travel stress melt away. It's almost worth losing a suitcase for the moment.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated bliss.
- Opinion: This is what traveling is all about!
- Quirk: I almost tripped over a tiny, ancient-looking Greek grandma. She gave me a look that suggested she’d seen empires rise and fall, and I should stop being such a clumsy tourist.
- Further Rant: I will take to the task of avoiding those weird floating pool noodles with a vengeance.
Day 2: Platanias, Food, and the Quest for Authentic Greek Salad
- Time: 9:00 AM:
- Event: Breakfast. The "continental breakfast" at the hotel is…well, let's just say it's "continental." A sad croissant, some dubious-looking yogurt, and coffee that tastes faintly of dish soap.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild disappointment, but quickly followed by a realization that I'm in Crete. I can forgive a bad breakfast.
- Opinion: Note to self: Find a decent bakery immediately.
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Location: Platanias. Walking around the area.
- Event: Exploring Platanias. It's a bit… touristy. But hey, the sun is shining, the sea is sparkling, and the shops are full of potential souvenirs.
- Quirk: I witnessed a flock of seagulls dive-bombing a group of unsuspecting tourists who were eating ice cream. Karma, people.
- Emotional Reaction: Amusement at the seagull incident and a growing appreciation for the sheer energy of the place.
- Opinion: The beach chairs are a bit close together, but whatever.
- Time: Lunchtime:
- Event: I finally managed to track down some real Greek food, and I found this little taverna.
- Event: Ordering a Greek salad. I’m now on a mission to find the best one in Crete.
- The Real Event: The salad. It's heaven. Tomatoes bursting with flavor, creamy feta, the perfect amount of olive oil. I could cry.
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed. The simplest things are the best.
- Quirk: I may or may not have devoured the entire plate in under three minutes.
- Further Rant: Okay, this is it. This is what I'm here for. I am devoted to the search for the perfect Greek salad.
- Time: 2:00 PM:
- Event: Beach time. Sunbathing, swimming (the water is perfect), and trying to perfect my "relaxed vacationer" pose.
- Event: Almost got hit in the head with a rogue beach ball.
- Emotional Reaction: Minor panic, followed by immediate glee at not being seriously injured.
- Opinion: I'm realizing I'm not the best at relaxing. Too many things to observe and think about.
- Time: 7:00 PM:
- Event: Dinner at another taverna. This one has live music. I've eaten my weight in olives, grilled octopus and drank so much retsina, I think I'm going to pass out.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure joy. This is why I travel.
- Quirk: I may or may not have attempted to learn some basic Greek dance moves. Let's just say, I need some more practice.
- Opinion: Don’t ask me about the dancing. It was not pretty.
- Emotional Reaction: Happy! Very happy!
- Further Rant: I will get better at this dancing.
Day 3: Chania, History, and the Ongoing Luggage Saga…
(This day is a heavy dive on a single experience)
- Time: 8:00 AM (ish):
- Event: The morning starts with a slight headache from the excessive wine the night before. But hey, a proper vacation always warrants being a bit hungover doesn’t it?
- Location: Chania. A taxi ride.
- Event: The journey to the town.
- Quirk: I’m not sure which, the driver or me, was more of a hazard. I did almost throw up a few times.
- Emotional Reaction: Worried. But mostly excited to get to the town.
- Opinion: I really need to work on my travel sickness.
- Time: 9:30 AM (ish)
- Location: Chania.
- Event: Arrival.
- Event: The harbor! It’s what you see in all the photos. Gorgeous. The Venetian harbor, with its colorful buildings and charming shops, is even more stunning in person. I have to admit. I can see why everyone comes here.
- Quirk: I stopped for a coffee and croissant, and the cafe chairs are very small, as I struggle with my poor travel sickness.
- Emotional Reaction: I can’t help but smile as I photograph everything.
- Opinion: This place is a photographer'
So, Platanias Paradise... Is it REALLY paradise? (And should *I* actually go?)
Alright, buckle up, 'cause the paradise question is COMPLEX. Look, the marketing photos? Yeah, they're probably touched up. The reality? Well... it depends. For *me*, a weary traveler who just wants a tan and a swim after a year of spreadsheets? Absolutely, maybe. For a honeymoon couple expecting pristine beaches and Michelin-star dining every night? Probably not. I mean, I went expecting a postcard, and what I got was... a slightly sun-bleached postcard, which is still pretty darn good, okay? Especially when that sun-bleached postcard comes with a ridiculously friendly barman who can tell you the entire history of Cretan Raki and will happily give you a refill before you even *think* about asking. Was it perfectly perfect? Nope. But did I leave feeling relaxed, slightly tipsy, and already plotting my return? You bet your bottom euro I did.
Okay, spill the tea on the rooms. Are they actually *nice*? (And are they bug-free? THIS is important.)
Right, the rooms. Let's be real, no one wants a room where the creepy crawlies are setting up shop. From what I experienced, I wouldn't say 'bug-free'. We did see a very enthusiastic ant or two (sorry, little guys!), but honestly, it's Crete. You're in nature! Embrace the imperfections! Now, the *room* itself? Perfectly functional! (Not, like, "luxury penthouse," mind you.) We were in one of the apartments, and it had everything we needed: a tiny kitchen (I successfully made instant coffee – score!), a balcony where I could watch the sun go down with a glass of wine (absolute bliss), and… well, a bed. And after a full day of swimming and exploring, that bed felt like pure heaven. Oh, and the air con? Crucial. Absolutely crucial. Don't pack light on the bug spray though. Just saying.
The pool situation? Is it as crowded as it looks in the photos? (Because crowded pools = my personal hell.)
Crowded pool? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? I hate feeling like a sardine! Listen, I went in *peak* season (I know, stupid, I know), so yes, at certain times of the day, it could get a *little* busy. But honestly? It never felt *overwhelming*. There were always enough sunbeds (a minor miracle!), and the atmosphere was generally pretty chilled. Kids splashing about? Sure. People chatting? Yep. But it wasn't a full-on water park experience. I preferred the beach, to be honest. The pool was perfectly adequate for a quick dip, but the sea... the sea was something else entirely. Crystal clear, salty perfection. More on that later. And the pool bar? Let's just say it played a vital role in my daily hydration routine.
What about the food? Is it all just souvlaki and gyros? (And is that a bad thing?)
Ah, the all-important food! Okay, look, you *will* eat souvlaki and gyros. It's Crete. Embrace it. And yes, it's a *good* thing! (Especially the gyros - honestly, heavenly). Platanias itself is packed with tavernas, ranging from super-cheap and cheerful dives to slightly more upscale options. Within the actual hotel, there was breakfast (included, thank the heavens!). It was... basic. Continental. Eggs. Toast. Cereal. Nothing to write home about, but it filled a hole (literally). I made the mistake of attempting a "full English" one morning, and let's just say the disappointment was palpable. Stick to the local stuff! Seriously, go explore! Walk down the main street, pick a taverna, and just order whatever looks good. You *will* eat well. Guaranteed. And don't skip the Greek salad - it's practically a religion.
Tell me about the beach! Is it close? Is it… nice? (Be honest!)
The beach. Oh, the beach. This is probably where Platanias Paradise really shines. It's a *stone's throw* from the hotel. Like, walk out of the hotel, cross the road, and BAM! Sand. And not just any sand, but that golden, soft, perfect sand. And the water! Clear, blue, inviting. I spent hours there. Seriously, hours. Reading, swimming, napping, people-watching... pure bliss. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent (negotiate the price!), and there are plenty of little beach bars offering snacks and drinks. The beach isn't some secluded, untouched paradise, mind you. It's a popular beach, so expect some other people. But the sheer beauty of it, the feeling of the sun on your skin and the salty air in your lungs... It's breathtaking. I think I even cried a little when I was leaving the beach for the final time (don't judge me). I miss it *so much*. The beach is a solid 10/10. Like, the *reason* to go, good.
Okay, so it's not all sunshine and rainbows, is it? Any downsides? (Be brutally honest!)
Alright, let's get real. Nothing's perfect. And Platanias Paradise, while lovely, isn't without its flaws. The noise. Oh, the noise! Depending on your room, you *might* hear the music from the bars at night. It didn't bother me *too* much, but I'm a heavy sleeper. If you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs. Also, the Wi-Fi was... spotty. Prepare to disconnect. Or, you know, actually *talk* to people and *look* up at the scenery. I did! It can be crowded. It's not a secluded hideaway. And the breakfast? As mentioned... basic. And my biggest gripe? The lack of decent coffee. I mean, come on, Greece! Coffee is a *thing*! But even with those little annoyances, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Because the good stuff – the beach, the people, the Raki – completely outweighs the minor imperfections. Would I call it a true paradise? Maybe not. But definitely a great place to escape and recharge. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to look at plane tickets...
