Sissi Bay Hotel & Spa

Suited to those looking for a quiet break away from city noise, Sissi Bay Hotel & Spa is a decent option. However, those expecting a true beach will be disappointed, as the hotel only has a rocky coastline. It's also separated from the hotel by an unpaved road, though it is popular with guests for its pretty views. Interiors are largely dated, done in mismatched color schemes, old-looking pleather seating and wood furniture, and patterned linens. However, the lobby's swish front desk, the gray-scale buffet restaurant with stone detailing, and outdoor areas are more modern and attractive. Additionally, grounds are lovely with their flowering plants, pale-pink building facades with wrought-iron balconies, and thatched umbrellas. Although all-inclusive plans are available, they're not that comprehensive, and many past guests have found it not worth it. Note that the hotel is divided into two sections by a road, which may be confusing at first, but conveniently isolates the kid-friendly pools to one side, allowing tranquility to prevail by the other pools. A light approach to poolside recreation adds further calm, while a Cretan performance with live music and traditional dancing livens it up weekly.

Sissi Bay Hotel & Spa is situated at the edge of the fishing village Sissi, just a five-minute walk into the center of town. There, travelers will find a handful of restaurants and small shops, as well as a charming marina lined with local tavernas serving fresh seafood caught right from the bay. A sandy/pebbly beach with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent is also a five-minute stroll along a coastal dirt path, and the hotel provides a free shuttle bus to the beach for those less mobile (advanced booking required). The busy resort of Malia can be accessed by the local bus service, or it’s a 15-minute drive. Heraklion International Airport is a 40-minute drive west. 

Rooms are on the basic side, but they're clean and comfortable. Expect a mostly beige palette with some pops of blue, tile floors, and a couple of artwork pieces on the walls. Furnished outdoor spaces come standard, some of which have sea views. Also provided are mini-fridges, flat-screen TV’s with satellite channels, and desks. Air-conditioning and safes are both available for a fee. Neutral-tiled bathrooms have small showers or shower/tub combos. Higher-category rooms have patios with shared pools, plus tea- and coffee-making facilities are supplied in suites. Wi-Fi isn’t available in rooms, unfortunately.

With an even balance of facilities split across two sections -- the North and South -- guests have plenty of space to spread out. The North section has access to the oceanfront and a popular bar that serves lunch and snacks. It also houses the main pool with an adjacent bar, adults-only relaxation pool, grassy sunbathing area with free sunbeds, and the restaurant. The buffet eatery serves international and local cuisine, and half-board and all-inclusive plans are available. Freshly baked pizzas are a hit, and there’s always live cooking stations (including desserts on occasion) and grilled options. Breakfast is a buffet selection of hot and cold options, including omelets and local fresh pastries.  The South section houses the Blue Lagoon swimming complex, a collection of three pools -- one for adults, one for kids, and one for toddlers -- plus an outdoor hot tub. A poolside bar serves snacks. The spa has an indoor pool (not heated), sauna, steam room, basic gym, and treatments rooms. Unfortunately, all wellness facilities require a fee to use. A kids' club and outdoor playgrounds are spread across the two sections, plus there are a variety of sports facilities including beach volleyball, billiards tables (fee), table tennis (fee), garden chess, and basketball. Light poolside recreation takes place during the summer season only, while a Cretan performance with live music and traditional dancing occurs weekly. The Cretan night requires a fee to join, but most guests report it's a fun show accompanied by a traditional barbecue spread. Free Wi-Fi is available in public spaces only, and there’s free parking adjacent to the North Section.