Mesa Lasithion accommodation from NZ$180

Stella Blue We have been searching as a couple for a resort that we can come back to year after year; we have decided that Stella Blue is the one. We don’t say that lightly- we travel a lot and do have high expectations. We came to Stella Blue straight from the Mitsis Rinela, which is a 5*, and were slightly worried that we’d feel we downgraded. We needn’t have worried- it surpassed the Mitsis in every regard other than number of a la carte restaurants. Check in: Check in was 5* quality- the reception team should be applauded- from those at the desk to those rushing out upon arrival to take our bags and the man driving us to our room. It was seamless and better than reception at most 5*s we have stayed in. The reception and concierge team are incredible! Everyone was exceptionally welcoming and seemed excited to have you there- we don’t often feel that. It honestly was the best welcome we’ve ever had- thank you! We also really liked the welcome drink- I believe it was non- alcoholic, and honestly that was the only thing I would change (add alcohol!), but we still loved it.

Let’s start with the many positives of this experience: - location is excellent, a few steps from the beach and with bars and shops on your doorstep - rooms are very big and have a balcony, good air-conditioning and a safe - beds are long - shower pressure is excellent, the olive oil toiletries too - everything feels very clean and tidy - the pool area has many sun-beds - staff is polite and friendly and there is an app to request the time your room is made up - breakfast and dinner buffet offer good variety, were different every night and included meat fish vegetables and local specialities. Items are constantly replenished and overall I think meals are excellent value - overall, it’s a very good experience. The following would require improvement, small adjustments would allow to step up from good to excellent: - when you book a double, as a couple, you expect a double bed or at least not to have single sheets and single mattress toppers, that leave a gap between you and your partner during the night. We basically slept in separate twin beds for a week. The bed itself is ok but I didn’t enjoy the twin bed set-up or find it relaxing when on holiday with my partner! - bathroom towels are small and rather thin - the hotel’s beach has no sun-beds (but the nearby beach does at 7 euros a day) - no private parking…we had no issues street parking in October but I wonder how busy this may get in peak season - the coffee from the machine at breakfast could be better.