Aegean Sky Hotel & Suites

Aegean Sky is a fun hotel for young single groups, and some couples, looking to enjoy the nightlife of Malia. The hotel is made up of four separate buildings spread out over a few minutes’ walk through Malia. Each building is easily identifiable with its white facade featuring yellow accents and blue trim. The main reception, in Aegean Sky 1, is a good indicator of what to expect, as the walls and parts of the ceiling are covered with snapshots of past guests -- many topless or scantily clad -- posing with the owner, "Sexy Panos". This, and the lively Greek Night -- which includes food, drinks, and dancing -- hosted by the hotel, exemplify the party atmosphere of the hotel. Guests who enjoy the property rave about the hospitality of the staff and the family of owners who will go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. Others, however, are less than satisfied with extra charges and occasional maintenance issues. As Malia’s nightlife gets rowdy at times, the hotel has nighttime security whose job is to ensure guests’ safety and they do not allow anyone to bring outside visitors back to the rooms.

Malia is a tourist town on the northern coast of Crete, about 30 minutes east of Heraklion. The coast is lined with beach resorts and the main town is a five-minute drive to the south. The four buildings of Aegean Sky Hotel are on the western end of the main town, and all are a short five-minute walk from the center of Malia, with plenty of shopping and restaurants by day and a thriving club scene by night. The main building, Aegean Sky 1, houses the lobby and pool. From there, it is a two-minute walk to a supermarket and a 20-minute walk to a beach. Malia Palace, the archaeological dig site of ancient Minoan ruins, is a seven-minute drive from the hotel. The town of Elounda is a 35-minute drive, from which guests can take a boat to the historic and beautiful island of Spinalonga. Heraklion Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel.   

Rooms are generally small and simply appointed, but clean. Beige-tile floors, empty white walls, and plain wood furniture give rooms a very bland feel. Accents are all in shades of blue, from the bright-blue door and window trim, to faded curtains, patterned bedspreads, and textured blue accent walls. All rooms have a kitchenette equipped with a sink, plug-in electric burners, a mini-fridge, and kettle. Air-conditioning and safes are available for an extra charge, though they are included if booking through the hotel’s own website. Wi-Fi is also not included, and guests who pay for it say the signal is inconsistent. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, as well as furnished balconies or terraces. Bathrooms are tight on space and outfitted with a small stall shower, pedestal sink, and shelf under the mirror for toiletries. A hairdryer and free shampoo and soaps are provided. Upgraded rooms offer ironing boards, bathtubs, rainfall showerheads, and separate living spaces. Some guests have complained of maintenance issues such as broken air-conditioners and showers.

Aegean Sky is light on amenities, but a pool and bar are available at Aegean Sky 1 for those looking for a hangout spot or a quick meal. The area is packed with blue and bright-yellow sunbeds, but the only umbrellas are over patio seating for the bar. Lots of pretty bougainvillea on hotel balconies brighten up the space. It's a lively spot, particularly at night when there is music and the bar is serving drinks. A weekly Greek Night features barbecue fare, music, alcohol, and dancing, though there is a charge for it; some guests report receiving a hard sell by staff to attend. Guests say the snack bar serves good food for the price, and they especially appreciate the plentiful “Hangover Breakfast".