InterContinental Crete: Greece's Paradise Awaits (Luxury Included!)
InterContinental Crete: Greece's Paradise Awaits (Luxury Included!) - My Brain Dump Review (Prepare for Chaos!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the InterContinental Crete. Forget the polished brochures, I'm here to tell you real talk. This isn't a review; it's a brain explosion. And trust me, after experiencing this place, my brain needs to vent.
First, the Basics (Because, You Know, Legal Stuff):
- SEO Stuff (Gotta do it, right?): InterContinental Crete Review, Crete Luxury Hotel, Greece Family Resort, Wheelchair Accessible Crete, Spa Hotel Crete, Luxury Included Crete, Crete Honeymoon Hotel, Best Crete Hotel, InterContinental Hotels. (There, I said it. Now let's get weird.)
Accessibility - The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing:
Alright, let's tackle the accessibility thing. They say they're accessible. They mention facilities for disabled guests. But let's be real, I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't give you a definitive "HELL YEAH!" or "ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE." I saw elevators, ramps, and some pretty wide doorways. BUT, and this is a big BUT, navigating a sprawling resort is always a bit of a crapshoot. My advice: Contact them directly and get very specific answers. Don't just trust the website. Ask about the pool access (crucial!), restaurant accessibility, and if those gorgeous terraces are actually usable.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: (Didn’t get to check the full accessibility, but saw some promising signs)
Wheelchair Accessible: (See above. Need more info!)
Internet Access - Wi-Fi: The Lifeline (And Sometimes, the Headache):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Praise the digital gods! Though, let's be honest, even luxury hotels can have Wi-Fi that's slower than a snail wearing concrete boots. I'm happy to report, the Wi-Fi was mostly reliable. I had a few moments of buffering doom during my video calls, but hey, I was in PARADISE. Who cares about a pixelated face when you've got those views, right?
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet Services: (See above. Wi-Fi was the name of the game.)
Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Present and accounted for. Poolside Instagramming was a breeze. (Priorities, people, priorities!)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - My Inner Zen Master (and My Inner Party Animal):
Okay, this is where InterContinental Crete really shines. Let's break this down:
- Spa: Oh. My. Goodness. The spa. I spent a solid afternoon there, and I swear, I aged backwards. Body Scrub: Divine. Body Wrap: I felt like a pampered burrito. Foot Bath: Bliss. I'm not even a spa person, and I was hooked.
- Pool with View: The infinity pools… they're like something out of a movie. I mean, the view is breathtaking. The water is perfectly cool. The cocktails are strong. I could have stayed there forever.
- Sauna, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: Didn't have time. I was too busy swimming in the pool and getting massaged. (Priorities, again!)
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Multiple pools. Choose your vibe. Chill pool? Party pool? They've got you covered.
- Fitness Center, Gym/fitness: I intended to use it. I swear. But the allure of the pool and the endless supply of feta cheese… well, you know how it goes.
- Massage: The best massage of my life. I felt like a limp noodle afterwards, in the best possible way.
Cleanliness and Safety - Did I Survive? (Spoiler Alert: Yes!)
This is a big one in the post-pandemic world, right? InterContinental Crete seemed to be taking things seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They definitely went hard on the cleanliness. Felt safe.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Didn't need 'em, thankfully, but good to know.
- First aid kit: Present and accounted for.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Standard.
- Shared stationery removed: Good riddance.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Definitely present.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach's Story:
Okay, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, that's a major part of the experience.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: The food situation was epic. The breakfast buffet alone was worth the price of admission. The selection was insane. Everything from fresh fruit to pastries to cooked-to-order omelets. I ate so much. And I regret nothing. The Asian restaurant was a particular highlight. The sushi was fresh, the flavors were bold, and the atmosphere was gorgeous.
- Room Service: Excellent and 24/7. Ideal for those late-night cravings.
Services and Conveniences - Making Life Easy (and Sometimes Annoying):
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: All the usual suspects. The concierge was super helpful, the housekeeping was flawless, and the convenience store saved me from running out of sunscreen.
- Concierge: They were absolute lifesavers. Seriously. They helped me book tours, gave me restaurant recommendations, and even managed to track down a lost phone charger (thank you, universe!).
For the Kids - My Inner Child (and The Real Kids):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn't bring any kids, but this place seemed built for families. There were kids' clubs, activities, and special menus. Everyone seemed happy.
Access, Security, and Other Important Stuff:
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: All the security stuff was present. Feeling safe is important, right?
Getting Around - Transportation Chaos (Or Not?):
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: They had everything. We rented a car, which was a great way to explore Crete. Parking was easy.
Available in All Rooms - The Nitty Gritty:
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: The rooms were luxurious. Comfortable beds, plush robes, and everything you could possibly need.
The Anecdote That Sums It All Up:
Okay, picture this: I'm on the balcony of my room, overlooking
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Phoenix Villas Sun Feria C 301 in Ha Long Bay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my chaotic, sun-soaked adventure at the InterContinental Crete By IHG in Chavania, Greece. Prepare for a schedule that's less "rigid itinerary" and more "suggestions with a healthy dose of winging it." This is gonna be a glorious mess.
The Unofficial, Unedited, and Utterly Unreliable Crete Itinerary (with a healthy dose of me):
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Olive Oil Heist (Kinda)
- Morning (ish): Land in Heraklion. Jet lag is a thing. I swear, I'm always slightly disoriented the first day, like a bewildered hamster in a sun hat. Finding the transfer to the hotel felt like a mini-quest. The directions were… optimistic. "Follow the donkey cart path" wasn't helpful, especially since I couldn't find a donkey cart. Eventually, after a brief, panicked negotiation with a taxi driver who seemed to speak solely in shrugs, we made it.
- Afternoon: Arrive at the InterContinental. Woah. Okay, woah. The lobby is fancier than my apartment, and the view from the balcony… breathtaking. I actually gasped. (Don't judge. The ocean has that effect on me.) Check-in was smooth, though I did accidentally call the concierge "Mr. Wonderful" because, well, he was incredibly helpful.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Exploring the hotel grounds. This place is a labyrinth of pools, restaurants, and hidden corners. I got lost twice trying to find the pool bar. (Note to self: Invest in a brightly colored flag to wave when disoriented.) Found it eventually, thankfully. Ordered a ridiculously overpriced cocktail (worth every penny, honestly) and promptly spilled half of it on myself. Classy.
- Evening: Dinner at a hotel restaurant. Tried the local olive oil. Amazing. Seriously, I'm convinced it's liquid gold. I may or may not have attempted to "borrow" a small bottle. (Okay, I didn't. But the thought crossed my mind. Don't tell anyone.) The food was incredible, the service impeccable, and I spent the entire meal trying to discreetly Google "how to smuggle olive oil." (Still working on that.)
Day 2: Knossos and the Minotaur's Labyrinth (and My Own Internal Labyrinth)
- Morning: Okay, cultural immersion time! Off to Knossos. I'd read all the history books, prepped my brain, and expected to be profoundly moved. I was… mostly overwhelmed. The scale of the place is incredible, but the sheer number of tourists is… a thing. I spent more time dodging selfie sticks than contemplating the mysteries of the Minoans. (Also, apparently, my sense of direction is even worse in ancient ruins. Got lost for a solid 15 minutes. Again.)
- Afternoon: Lunch in a taverna near Knossos. Ordered the "mixed grill for one" and immediately regretted it. The portion was enough to feed a small village. Delicious, though. I ate until I could barely move. (Worth it.)
- Late Afternoon: Back to the hotel. Nap. Needed. Seriously. The sun, the history, the food… it's all exhausting in the best possible way. Woke up feeling like a new person.
- Evening: Decided to skip the fancy restaurant and hit up a smaller, more casual place in the village. Found a place with amazing seafood and even better people-watching. Watched a local fisherman argue with a cat for ten minutes straight. Pure gold.
Day 3: Beach Bliss and the Pursuit of the Perfect Sunset (and a Near-Disaster with a Goat)
- Morning: Beach day! The hotel beach is stunning. Crystal-clear water, soft sand, the works. Spent the morning alternating between swimming, sunbathing, and reading a trashy novel. Pure bliss.
- Afternoon: Decided to be adventurous and rent a car. (Bad idea. I am a terrible driver. This is not a secret.) Drove to a slightly more secluded beach. The drive was… eventful. Let's just say I narrowly avoided a head-on collision with a goat. A goat. It just wandered onto the road, looked at me with utter disdain, and then sauntered off. I'm still recovering.
- Late Afternoon: Attempted to watch the sunset, which was a spectacular failure. Clouds. Big, fluffy, obscuring clouds. But even without the sunset, the view was gorgeous.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel. This time, I remembered to order a smaller portion. (Mostly.) And I finally learned how to properly pronounce "tzatziki." Victory!
Day 4: Spa Day and the Realization That I Need to Leave
- Morning: Spa day! Massages, facials, the whole shebang. I emerged feeling like a limp noodle, in the best possible way. Honestly, I could get used to this.
- Afternoon: Wandering around the hotel shops. Bought a ridiculously expensive scarf that I probably don't need. Regretted it immediately, then fell in love with it again.
- Late Afternoon: The dreaded packing. Sigh. I'm not ready to leave. Not even close.
- Evening: One last, long, lingering look at the view from the balcony. Another delicious dinner (with a significantly smaller olive oil consumption rate). And a quiet toast to the amazing, messy, wonderful trip. The kind of trip that leaves you exhausted, sun-kissed, and already planning your return.
Day 5: Departure (and a Vow to Return)
- Morning: Heartbreaking farewell to the InterContinental. Check-out was quick, thankfully. One last, slightly frantic search for a decent coffee before the transfer.
- Afternoon: Flight home. Already missing the sunshine, the food, and the general sense of being utterly carefree.
- Evening: Back home, jet-lagged, and already plotting my return to Crete. And this time, I'm bringing a bigger suitcase for the olive oil.
Things I Learned:
- I am terrible at driving.
- I need to invest in a brighter flag.
- Goats are judging.
- Crete is magical.
- And the InterContinental Crete By IHG is a little slice of heaven, even with all my imperfections.
So, there you have it. My Crete adventure. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't always smooth, and it was definitely not the itinerary I'd planned. But it was real, it was fun, and it's a memory I'll cherish forever. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to start planning my return trip… and maybe learn a little Greek this time.
Escape to Paradise: Lavender Pool Bliss in Kusadasi, Turkey
InterContinental Crete: Greece's Paradise...Maybe? My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) FAQ
Okay, so "Luxury Included!" What's that *really* mean at the InterContinental Crete? Is it just marketing fluff?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury Included" is… well, it's a *vibe*. You're not getting the raw, gritty, "I'm roughing it in Greece" experience. Think polished marble, staff who *actually* remember your name (mostly), and a general sense of being pampered. But, and this is a big but, it’s not perfect.
Take the included activities. They say "watersports!" What they *don't* say is that some are extra. I remember wanting to jet ski, and my jaw nearly hit the floor when they told me the price. (My wallet is still recovering.) But the free stuff? Beautiful. The beach is stunning, the pools are gorgeous, and the included yoga class at sunrise? Worth the early wake-up call, even if I spent half the time giggling because I’m not exactly a yogi. So, yes, luxury. But with a side of "check your bank account, just in case."
The food! Is it actually good, or just pretty? Because I need *delicious* with my view.
Oh, the food. Okay, buckle up. The buffet breakfast? Heaven. Seriously. Every Greek pastry imaginable, fresh fruit bursting with flavor (those figs!), and enough coffee to fuel a small army. I may or may not have eaten three plates of those little spinach pies every single morning. No regrets. Zero.
Dinner, though? It's a mixed bag. The a la carte restaurants are generally excellent, but you need to book in advance. I learned this the hard way. One night, we ended up eating at the… well, let's just say the less-fancy restaurant because we’d left it too late. The food was… edible. Think “hotel food” rather than “culinary masterpiece.” My advice: BOOK. THOSE. RESTAURANTS. And definitely try the Cretan specialties. They are *divine*. I'm still dreaming of the grilled octopus. And the wine? Oh, the wine…
Is the InterContinental Crete good for families? I'm traveling with kids, and "luxury" can sometimes mean "no kids allowed."
Good question! And the answer is… it depends. There's a kids' club, which is a definite plus. My friend’s kids loved it. They spent hours there, building castles and doing arts and crafts. She got some actual *relaxation* time, which, let's be honest, is priceless on a family vacation.
However, the resort is large. Very large. Getting from your room to the pool to the restaurant can feel like a trek, especially with small children. Also, some areas are definitely geared towards a more adult clientele. So, while it's not *strictly* a no-kids zone, you might want to consider the layout and your kids' energy levels. It’s not a Disney-style resort, but it's definitely family-friendly… with a few caveats. And maybe pack a stroller, even if your kids are usually past that stage. You’ll thank me later. Trust me.
What about the rooms? Are they as luxurious as they look in the photos? And what about the view?
The rooms? Yes, they're pretty darn luxurious. Think plush beds, spacious bathrooms, and balconies with *views*. The views! Oh, the views. I spent a ridiculous amount of time just staring out at the Aegean Sea. It's mesmerizing. Seriously, I felt my stress melt away just looking at the water.
The only slight hiccup? The AC. It wasn't quite as powerful as I'd have liked. Okay, maybe it was a bit underpowered. It’s Crete, and it gets *hot*. I like to sleep in a chilly room. I mentioned it to the staff, and they were super helpful about it (they really are lovely), but it still wasn't quite ice-cold. Minor quibble, though. The overall experience was worth it. And the balcony? Perfect for sipping wine and watching the sunset. Just… pure bliss.
Is it worth the money? Because let's be honest, luxury comes at a price!
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Is it worth it? Well… it depends on your budget and what you're looking for. It's not cheap. Let's just put it that way. You're paying for the location, the service, and the overall experience. And it’s a *good* experience, mostly.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I save up for it? Probably. It's a splurge, but it's a *memorable* splurge. Think of it as an investment in your sanity. After the year I've had? Worth every penny. Just… maybe pack some extra euros for those jet skis. And those spinach pies. You'll thank me later.
What's the vibe? Is it stuffy, or relaxed? I don't want to feel like I have to wear a suit to breakfast!
Relaxed. Mostly relaxed. You can definitely wear your resort wear (think nice sundresses, smart shorts and a polo shirt, etc.) everywhere. I saw people in everything from swimsuits to more formal evening wear. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is generally upbeat, and nobody's going to judge you for not wearing a tie to dinner.
The only place that felt a little… dressier was the fine dining restaurant. But even then, it wasn't overly formal. Think "smart casual." You're there to enjoy yourself, not to feel uptight. And trust me, after a day of sun, sea, and spinach pies, you'll probably be happy to just throw on a nice shirt and some sandals. That's the Cretan way, and I'm here for it. Bring some nice clothes for dinner, but don't feel like you need to pack your ballgown.
Okay, spill the tea! Any major downsides or things I should be aware of before booking?
Alright, honest time. Besides the AC issue, and the slightly-pricey extra activities, there were a few minor things. The resort is big, as I've mentioned. Getting around can take a while. There are golf carts to help, but sometimes you have to wait. Patience is a virtue, right?
Also, the beach, while beautiful, isn't exactly pristine white sand. It's more… pebbly. (But the water is crystal clear, so it's a fairRoam And Rests
