Asterion Hotel Suites and Spa

Asterion Hotel is a quiet place for couples and families looking for a relaxing vacation. The grounds are pleasant, stretching back from the street in a narrow column toward the beach. A path through a nice garden area with local plants and some pretty flower beds stretches from the pool and beach to the front lobby. Flower boxes decorate patios and walkways all around the building. Most common areas are also nicely designed, but some are in need of an update and may be a letdown because of the hotel's advertised five-star rating.

Asterion Hotel is in the municipality of Platanias, on the western end of Crete’s northern coast. However, it's actually a nine-minute drive to the small port at Platanias where boat rentals and harbor excursions are available. The hotel is in a quiet area with open space on either side of the property and only a couple of other hotels nearby. A 10- to 15-minute walk will bring guests to several restaurants, but there’s not much closer. For those with a car, there is free parking at the hotel. The town of Chania -- with its historic harbor district and many shops, museums, and restaurants -- is a 19-minute drive to the east. Kissamos Port, with a ferry to the breathtaking Balos Beach, is a 35-minute drive west. There’s a bus stop less than a minute walk from the hotel. Chania International Airport is a 36-minute drive away. 

Guest rooms at Asterion Hotel are pleasant and spacious, if a bit underwhelming. Decor varies from room to room, but all have tile or wood floors, neutral-colored walls, white linens, and comfortable wood furniture. Accent colors are picked up in the sofa, decorative pillows, and attractive artwork. Though simple kitchenettes with a sink, minibar, and two electric burners seem like a perk, there is a daily charge for dishes and cooking utensils. Kettles and safes also require a fee. Attractive bathrooms are done in white and gray tile and include a small counter with the sink, free toiletries, a hairdryer, and a deep tub with a handheld shower head. Furnished balconies and terraces have views of either the garden or sea in the distance. Every room has a TV -- some of which are old tube-style -- and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms offer options such as whirlpools, private swimming pools, and two separate bedrooms. Some rooms offer a separate living area, though there is not always a door to truly separate them. 

A solid list of amenities offers guests plenty to do on-site, but some of the facilities are worn and out-of-date. There are three restaurants; the buffet-style main restaurant gets mixed reviews for its breakfast and dinner service. The a la carte restaurant next to the pool is better liked but is not included on meal plans. The lobby bar has seating indoors and out, with an air hockey and billiards table on the terrace. The spacious pool area is clean and appealing with a quiet atmosphere. Umbrellas over white fabric loungers and stools at the pool bar offer the only shade. A shallow end is sectioned off for smaller children. The pebbly beach is accessible directly from the hotel. A couple rows of yellow loungers are available, and there’s plenty of open space. Some guests complain of restrictions on fresh towels for the pool and beach, and charges to get more. Sailing trips are arranged for guests to visit nearby beaches, like Balos and Menies. The spa has some decorative touches such as a mural of a bird and modern couch in the reception area, plus a whirlpool, sauna, and hair salon. A worn gym is in the basement. The small kids' club is simple, outfitted with toys in an indoor space to play. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but the connection is very slow in some areas.