Stella Village Hotel & Bungalows

Families and some couples come to the all-inclusive Stella Village Hotel for the quiet, relaxing atmosphere and solid list of amenities for all types of vacationers. Lovely grounds and village “streets” between rooms and buildings, along with proximity to a pretty beach, help to create a peaceful environment. Interior spaces are all clean and comfortable, but the dated design and minor wear and tear detracts from the atmosphere. Though the lobby has sleek tiling and an airy feel, bright-pink columns, boxy blue couches, and tired gray carpet are in need of a modern refresh. The main restaurant has a simple style consisting of a lot of blank space on the white stucco walls and dated cabinets lining the buffet area, while the two bars have fresh, contemporary decor using lots of white wood and beachy blues. Outside, palm trees and lamps lining cobblestone pathways, plus fountains and loads of tall, flowering plants create a picturesque scene. Low-rise white-stucco buildings with colorfully painted railings on balconies and terraces add to the ambience. Unfortunately, some of the paintwork is sloppy, and many railings need a fresh coat. While these issues may detract from the atmosphere for some, many guests find the value well worth it. 

Stella Village Hotel and Bungalows is on the northern coast of Crete in the small Analipsi Village, west of Heraklion. The hotel is surrounded by open space and a few other hotels, but there isn’t much to do immediately nearby. From the hotel, it is a 13-minute walk to the central area of Analipsi Village, where there are a few restaurants and shops. A bus stops in front of the hotel once in the morning and returns once in the afternoon. There’s also free parking on-site for those with a car. It is a 10-minute drive to Aquaworld Aquarium, where there’s a focus on rescued sea animals and hands-on exhibits, as well as to Arion Stables, which offers horseback riding and local area tours. The archaeological dig site of Knossos is a 28-minute drive away, where guests can explore the ancient Minoan ruins. Heraklion, with its museums, historical sites, and a plethora of restaurants and shops, is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Heraklion Airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

Stella Village has 224 clean and spacious rooms that largely have dated furnishings. Color schemes vary, but tile floors and white walls are typical, as are simple wood headboards, desks, wardrobes, and tables. The beds have white sheets and bedspreads patterned in beige or shades of blue. This color scheme is echoed in the curtains and a piece of artwork, often with an ocean theme. Terraces or balconies are a good size with plastic tables and chairs. All rooms come with old tube-style TVs, free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges, while minibars and safes can be added for an extra charge. Nondescript bathrooms are tight on space, and have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and soap and shower gel. Though clean, minor rust, worn grout, and sometimes a poor paint job on the window frame give them a neglected feel.

This all-inclusive resort has enough variety of choices for meals, relaxation, and activities to keep vacationers busy throughout their stay. The three restaurants include a buffet with weekly theme nights, an a la carte gourmet with Mediterranean cuisine, and an a la carte restaurant with East Asian dishes. Guests generally find all three to have good food. The two pool bars offer snacks and drinks during the day, and in the evenings serve drinks alongside music. The main pool is surrounded with tile, and pink loungers with wicker umbrellas are packed together on either side. Nearby kids’ pools offer shallow and wading areas, waterslides, and a pirate boat play space. The quiet pool is close by, with little separation to cut down on noise. Past the pools and across a small road, the sandy beach offers free sunbeds with umbrellas. There is a wave breaker installed in the water, creating a calm sea for swimming in front of the hotel.A lovely spa with well-reviewed services offers guests an indoor pool, fitness room, steam room, saunas, and plenty of facial and body treatments, all for a charge. For kids, there are a playground and a simple mini-club with a few tables for activities. The game room has arcade games, a few computers for PC games, and an outdoor space with coin-operated billiards and air hockey. Sports facilities include tennis, beach volleyball, soccer, and archery. Guests appreciate the activities and entertainment provided by the animation team all day and evening.