Greek Island Paradise: Athina Suites 2BR, Private Pool, Platanias!
Greek Island Paradise: Athina Suites 2BR, Private Pool, Platanias - Honestly, My Thoughts! (Messy Review Edition)
Alright, listen up, because I'm about to unleash my unfiltered experience with Athina Suites in Platanias. Forget the perfect Instagram shots, I'm here to tell you the real deal, warts and all. And let me tell you, there were some warts, but overall…wow. Just, wow. Okay, deep breath. Let's dive in, shall we?
SEO & Metadata Blast – Because the Bots Demand It!
- Keywords: Athina Suites, Platanias, Crete, Greece, 2BR Suite, Private Pool, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Luxury Accommodation, Family-Friendly, Spa, Pool Views, Gourmet Dining, COVID-Safe, Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi
- Meta Description: My honest review of Athina Suites in Platanias, Crete! Exploring accessibility, the stunning private pool, the on-site dining, and the often-overlooked details that make or break a vacation. Plus, my take on COVID safety and everything in between. Buckle up!
First Impressions & the "Ooooh" Factor (and Some Early Confusion)
Picture this: You've flown, you're tired, you're cranky from airplane food, and suddenly… BOOM! You're greeted by the most stunning view. Seriously, the Athina Suites boasts some serious visual firepower. The description said "private pool" but the second I stepped out of the taxi, I knew this was something special. The photos don't do it justice. That turquoise water, shimmering under the Cretan sun… I swear, I almost tripped on my own feet trying to get to it!
Accessibility - Partially There, But Room for (Slight) Improvement.
Okay, let's talk reality. As someone who appreciates good accessibility, Athina Suites is…mostly there. The website promised wheelchair accessibility, and the main areas were pretty good - ramps, elevators, the works. However, and this is a small niggle, there were a few areas where maneuvering my suitcase on the cobblestone pathways became a bit of a workout. Nothing insurmountable, but something to consider. Also, the accessible room itself? Spacious, great, but the bathroom… well, it was designed with functionality, not necessarily spa-like ambiance. Minor trade-off for the convenience, I guess.
The Suite Life: Digging Into the Details (and Losing Myself a Little)
Oh, the rooms! We booked the 2BR suite, and it was absolutely massive. Seriously, I think I got lost in the living room once! Air conditioning was superb. Internet access? Yep, blazing fast. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Absolutely. They even had a LAN connection for those feeling old-school (or needing a super-secure connection). The mini-bar was well-stocked (essential!), the shower pressure was perfect (a HUGE win!), and I even had a little balcony overlooking the pool. Just me, the sun, and a perfectly chilled glass of local wine… Bliss. Though, I did wonder… should I have brought my bathrobe to the pool? Probably not. I did it anyway. No regrets.
The Pool: My Happy Place
Okay, let's circle back to the pool. Because, honestly? That's where I spent 80% of my time. Picture this: You wake up, wander over to the kitchen (stocked with a coffee machine, hallelujah!), and make yourself a coffee. You stroll out onto your private balcony, and the sight of that sparkling water hits you like a perfectly-timed splash in the face. And then, you jump. No, you ease in. It’s private, it’s perfect, and it offers a view you would kill for. Every day, I found something new to love in my pool, whether from the beautiful pool colors, or the warm sun on my shoulders. (Side note: getting that first tan line? Priceless.)
Seriously, the pool with the view? The ultimate selling point.
Dining, Drinking & Debauchery (Okay, Maybe Not Debauchery, But Definitely Good Food!)
Here's where Athina Suites truly shines. The dining options? Phenomenal.
- Breakfast: Forget the usual sad continental breakfast. Here, you get a buffet of everything. From traditional Greek pastries (oh, the bougatsa!) to fresh fruit, omelets made to order, and enough coffee to keep me buzzing for days. We ended up having breakfast in our room a couple of times, which I’d recommend if you are a late sleeper.
- Restaurants: There are several restaurants on site. I, in particular, loved the restaurant with the a la carte and the western cuisine options. The Asian Cuisine restaurant was awesome, and the chef made sure my meal was done perfectly.
- Poolside Bar: Perfect for a midday snack, a cocktail, or just escaping the sun for a bit. They even had a "happy hour," which, naturally, I took full advantage of.
- Room Service: Available 24/7! Perfect for those late-night cravings (and the occasional hangover).
Spa Lyfe: Relax and Recharge (or just nap)
Okay, the spa was… chef's kiss. I indulged in a body scrub, and a massage (who am I kidding, I got BOTH), and I think I might have actually drooled a little bit during the foot bath. The sauna and steam room? Divine. And the pool with the view? Even better from the spa. I mean. It's all great, so just book it and see what you think.
COVID-19: Safety First (But Don't Let It Ruin the Vibe!)
Look, nobody wants to talk about it, but we have to. Athina Suites took COVID safety seriously. Staff wore masks, there was hand sanitizer everywhere (literally, everywhere!), and everything was meticulously cleaned. There was also a pretty good system in place to maintain physical distancing. I felt safe, but it didn't feel sterile and clinical. They struck a good balance.
The Small Stuff: Services, Conveniences & the Little Things That Matter
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms were spotless. Seriously.
- Concierge: Super helpful for booking tours, recommending restaurants, and generally fixing everything.
- Cash withdrawal: Useful for those moments when you run out of cash.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Great for picking up last-minute presents.
- Laundry service: Because, let's be honest, I'm not doing laundry on vacation.
- Safe deposit boxes: Always appreciated.
Getting Around: Transportation, and the Importance of a Good Map
- Airport transfer: Definitely a plus. After those long flights, you DON'T want to deal with taxis.
- Car park: Free of charge! Nice.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
Things to Do (Beyond the Pool…if You Can Bring Yourself To Leave It)
Okay, so, it may be hard to leave your pool, but the hotel isn't just a pool hotel. They had seminars (I skipped them all, sorry!), kids activities (I don't have kids, but looked fun!), and more.
What Could Have Been Better (Because No Place is Perfect)
- Even More Accessibility: A few more grab bars in the bathroom would have been welcome.
- Slightly Better Coffee in the Room: I'm a coffee snob, what can I say?
- An App for Everything: Like being able to make requests or report a need, using a phone, is a good upgrade to have,
The Verdict: Worth It? Hell Yes.
Look, Athina Suites isn't perfect. But the pros far outweigh the cons. The stunning views, the fantastic pool, the delicious food, the impeccable service… it all adds up to a truly unforgettable experience. I left feeling refreshed, relaxed, and already planning my return. It’s a true Greek Island paradise.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just go. (And pack your swimsuit!)
Uncover KL's Hidden Gem: INNSiDE's Luxury You Won't Believe!Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this "itinerary" ain't no pristine travel brochure. This is the chaotic ballet of a vacation attempting to happen at Athina Suites in Platanias, Crete, and trust me, it's gonna be messy. Prepare for emotional whiplash and a healthy dose of "did I really do that?"
The "Itinerary" (More like a Suggestion Box For Disaster)
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Tzatziki Scramble
- Morning (Maybe): Land in Chania airport. Pray the luggage gods are feeling merciful. Let's be real, I'm already picturing one suitcase lost forever in the labyrinthine depths of baggage claim. (Cue internal monologue: "Okay, breathe. You're in Greece. Even without your lucky socks, you'll be fine.") Finding the transfer to Athina Suites is a test of patience. I'm notoriously bad with directions. "Okay, left at the… what was that word again? The Greek word for a road? Oh, crap."
- Afternoon: Finally, finally, arrive at Athina Suites. Two bedrooms! An outdoor pool! I'm picturing myself as a chic, sun-kissed goddess. Reality will probably involve me wrestling with the air conditioning remote and accidentally setting off the smoke alarm. Let's just hope there are enough towels.
- Evening: The real mission. Dinner. First stop: Platanias Square. I'm craving authentic Greek food, the kind that makes you sigh in pure contentment. (Okay, and maybe a shot of ouzo to lubricate the whole process.) The tzatziki, though… this will be the defining moment of the holiday. I can already see myself, dipping warm bread into that creamy, garlicky goodness. Disaster likely: I'm pretty sure I'll manage to spill some on myself within the first five seconds.
- Anectode: Last time I tried "authentic" tzatziki, I ended up with a giant garlic breath that chased away my husband for the rest of the meal. This time will be different (probably not)
- Night: Pool-side lounging, listening to the cicadas, and trying not to feel too guilty about all the delicious carbs I've consumed. And desperately hoping the mosquitos decide to have dinner somewhere else.
Day 2: Beach Bliss & The Great Sunburn Incident
- Morning: Wake up. Realize I've forgotten my sunscreen. Repeat after me: "I will apply sunscreen religiously. I will not resemble a boiled lobster by noon." (Narrator side-note: this is a lie.) Beach day at a nearby beach. I'm picturing myself, radiant and carefree, lounging on a sunbed. Reality will involve battling waves, and getting sand, in the most uncomfortable places.
- Afternoon: Okay, the sunburn situation is worse than anticipated. Maybe I should have listened to my own pleas. Back to the suite for some aloe vera rescue and major self-chastisement. Time for a nap in the shade, while ignoring the fact that the mosquitoes are probably feasting on me.
- Evening: Trying to salvage the day with a sunset stroll. Finding a hidden taverna for a dinner of grilled octopus and a glass of local wine. The quiet and a chance to breathe, maybe even watching people, who seem to know the rules.
Day 3: Adventure! (Or, the Day I Almost Fell Off a Horse)
- Morning: Decide to be "adventurous." This usually involves me getting hopelessly lost. Today, we're renting a car. I am a terrible driver. Pray for the locals. Pray for me.
- Afternoon: Option 1: a day trip to a nearby gorge. Option 2: Horseback riding. Option 3: Staying in the pool all day. Given my history with heights, driving, and general coordination, I'm leaning towards the pool. However, the romantic side of me screams "horseback riding across the beach!"
- Anecdote: Last time I considered a horse, I fell off in a parking lot. The horse wasn't even moving. Wish me luck, or maybe stay away.
- Evening: If, and let me repeat, if, I survive the day, a celebratory dinner. Maybe a fancier restaurant this time, wear something other than my swim cover-up.
Day 4: Relaxation and Retail Therapy (aka, My Credit Card's Worst Enemy)
- Morning: Sleep in! Enjoy the luxury (and the relative coolness) of the suite. Actually cook breakfast instead of just grabbing a granola bar. This could be lovely.
- Afternoon: Explore Platanias. Shopping! Souvenirs! The thrill of the hunt! The potential for overspending! I'm already salivating over the prospect of beautiful ceramics and handmade jewelry. (My husband is already hiding his wallet.)
- Evening: Romantic dinner with a view. Or maybe pizza. The key is to relax and absorb the Greek vibes.
Day 5: Farewell Feast & The Tears Will Flow
- Morning: A final lazy morning. Soak up every last second of sunshine. This feels like its flying by, or maybe that's the ouzo.
- Afternoon: A final, epic Greek feast. I'm talking all the dishes. All the wine. All the regrets (just kidding…mostly).
- Evening: Pack. Curse packing. Say goodbye to the pool, the sun, and the overall blissful chaos of the trip. Tears will be shed. (Probably partly from the wine and partly from the inevitable sadness of leaving paradise.)
- Night: Reflect on the glorious mess of a vacation. Already planning the next one. Because, despite everything, Greece, you're a beautiful disaster, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Important Considerations (aka Disclaimers):
- This "itinerary" is highly subject to change.
- My sense of direction is notoriously unreliable.
- I am prone to sunburn.
- My love of food is only surpassed by my capacity to spill it on myself.
- Expect improvisation, spontaneity, and a whole lot of laughter (and maybe a few tears).
- And, most importantly, don't take any of this too seriously. Embrace the chaos. That's half the fun.
Athina Suites: Platanias, Here's the (Unvarnished) Truth - Ask Me Anything!
Okay, so Athina Suites... Is it actually paradise? Or just, you know, a regular nice place?
Paradise? Look, let's be real. It's *close*. Picture this: We arrive, jet-lagged to hell and back, sweat dripping (that Cretan sun is a *thing*!), and BAM. Private pool. Turquoise water that looked suspiciously like the photos. I actually did a little involuntary *squeal* of delight. My husband, bless his stoic heart, just grunted and went straight for the fridge. But even he cracked a smile once the ice-cold Mythos hit his lips. So, paradise-adjacent. Definitely recommend. Just... don't expect the clouds to part and angels to start singing. Unless, maybe, you've had a few too many Ouzos. (Which, incidentally, is quite likely.)
The two-bedroom suite - is it really spacious enough for a family? (Or, you know, *two* families pretending to be friends?)
Spacious? Okay, let's talk about the real world. We went with the kids, right? And the in-laws. (Don't judge. I love 'em... mostly.) It was... manageable. The rooms themselves were decent-sized, enough space to not feel like you were constantly tripping over each other's luggage. The living area... well, that became the kids' official "battleground" zone for Lego wars and Nerf gun skirmishes. (Which, by the way, the cleaning lady handled like a true Cretan warrior. Seriously, the place always looked spick and span!) The kitchen? Slightly smaller than I'd anticipated, but hey, who wants to *cook* on vacation? We ate out almost every night. Which is a bonus, right? I'd say, for a family of four-to-six, it's totally doable. Two families "pretending" to be friends? Depends on how much you truly like each other. (Just kidding... mostly.)
The private pool. Is it *actually* private? Or does the neighbor's dog have a direct line of sight?
Oh, the pool. This is where the magic happens. YES, it's actually private. Mostly. The walls surrounding it are high enough to keep out prying eyes (mostly). I actually had some of my most blissful moments, floating on a lilo with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other. Pure bliss! However... and there's always a "however," isn't there? One morning, I swore I saw a particularly persistent seagull eyeing up the edge of the pool... I think it was going to use it as a perch to dive bomb the food. That was my only concern. On the whole, privacy level: EXCELLENT.
Platanias itself... is it just a tourist trap? Or is there some authentic Cretan charm lurking beneath the surface?
Platanias. Okay, here's the deal. It's *definitely* touristy. Think restaurants with English menus (and sometimes, frankly, *questionable* food), souvenir shops selling the same generic knick-knacks, and a definite hum of English voices swirling in the air. But! And this is a BIG but… if you’re willing to look a little deeper, the charm is there. Take a walk down to the harbour, watch the fishermen unload their catch (the smell of the sea and the fresh fish is just amazing!). Wander away from the main drag and you'll find traditional tavernas where the locals eat (and the food is *miles* better). Explore the old town of Chania (which is a short drive away). That’s the authentic Crete you crave, and I'm telling you, that's where the true magic is. Platanias is the entry point, the easy access. Just…don’t expect it to be the *only* thing you experience. Explore.
Okay, so... the food. What's the *real* deal? Is it all gyros and chips, or can I get some proper Greek grub? (I'm talking authentic!)
The food? Ah, now we're talking. Let's be crystal clear: Get away from the main strip! Yes, you'll find your gyros and your chips (and they *are* good, admittedly, after a few too many beers). But for the true Greek cuisine experience, you absolutely *must* venture off the beaten path. We had these amazing meals at a small family-run taverna, away from the main chaos, where they didn’t even speak English. It was hilarious, and we had to communicate with hand gestures and pointing, but the food... Oh. My. God. The fresh grilled seafood, the *horiatiki* salad bursting with flavor (the tomatoes were sunshine incarnate!), the slow-cooked lamb… I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! Find a local taverna. Ask the Athina Suites staff for recommendations (they're super helpful). Embrace the chaos, and the food will blow your mind. And the wine? Don't even get me started! It's like liquid sunshine.
How far is it from the beach? Beach condition? What's the vibe
Distance: The beach is a not a stones throw away, but a very manageable walk. We are talking about 5-10 minutes walk at most. The beach itself, is lovely golden sand. The water is clear and inviting. Vibe: Family friendly, with plenty of space., also good beach bars. Beach condition is generally clean and well-maintained, though sometimes it gets a little crowded. The vibe feels relaxed and welcoming.
Transportation - How to get around, and what's the best move?
Getting around: Renting a car is probably your best move if you plan on exploring the surrounding area. Buses are available, but they can be unreliable. Taxis are always an option, but can get expensive. Best move: Renting a small car, which will also make parking, which can be tricky in crowded areas, is also easier. That way, you can visit the many beautiful beaches, and historic sites at your own pace
Is it noisy at night? Are there any problems with local wildlife?
Noise: Platanias can be lively at night. There are bars and restaurants nearby, so some noise is unavoidable. However, Athina Suites are located in a quieter area, therefore it never felt too disruptive. Wildlife: Thankfully, we didn't run into any major problems with wildlife. However, we did encounter a few stray cats, who were more than happy to be fed. Be aware, particularly in summer, you may find yourself being bothered by mosquitos.Germany's BEST Burger? This Hotel-Restaurant Will SHOCK You!
