Want to be with english speakers, wrong hotel and very much part of the attraction for me and my daughter. We could make ourselves understood and the staff were very helpfull. Yes it is full of germans and that is fine with me. Very deep pool no real shallow end but a very good children play area.
Nice big rooms and bathrooms.

10 minutes walk from the beach 2 hour drive from heraklion, not very well sign posted.

Not a single Newcastle top or a Man u top sighted in our three day stay no lager louts or stag party's. yipee

We were the only non-German speaking guests. If you do not speak German fluently this is not the place to go for your holiday.

The worst part of our stay was missing the chance to visit Santorini because a member of reception staff told us there was no message for us (we made a point of asking), then told the tour rep who tried to give him a second copy of the fax that he had already given it to us. When challenged by the rep he continued to lie, insisting he had given us her fax.

Most staff were friendly and helpful but did not really speak enough English.

The rooms were basic and reasonably clean - but the towels were frayed and sheets did have some holes in them. No airconditioning and a fridge that did not work. No television in the rooms but there was satelite TV in the bar/lounge/dining area (it's all one space). The TV was turned up loud to compete with the Greek music from behind the bar, the other guests then shouted at each other to hear over the noise and we retreated to our room.

Food was generally okay with some notable exceptions - a little rice cooked in tinned tomatoes is not soup! One or two of the meals were particulary nice and the food was plentiful.

They had problems with the hot water system so we were without hot water. That was the final straw - we moved out. They didn't bother to ask why we were leaving five days early.

There is little to do in Matala so don't book for more than a week (and only if you speak German) and make sure you have a hire car. Any excursions you book will be in German, even if you are told they will translate, they won't. Don't go looking for the red beach mentioned in the guide books unless you are a mountain goat!

My family stayed at the Matala Valley Village Hotel August 2005 and it was the best experience of our entire trip to Greece. We stayed in one of the villas and it had all of the amenities of home (e.g., washer, toaster, coffee maker, dishes, etc) with the service of a hotel. This was especially important because we have two small children. These conveniences allowed us to relax and enjoy our stay. We also enjoyed the amazing food, the pool, and the evening drinks. This hotel is located only a short walk to Matala beach and caves. We will definitely stay there again when we go to Greece.

Rhonda and Family

Just returned from a two week stay at the Valley Village Hotel & Bungalows, in Matala, Southern Crete. Duration of stay: July 23rd - Aug 6th. Cannot fault the place!!! The hotel is family run, and all are very friendly and helpful.
Initially we were given a standard room, with no air/con or fridge, but a friendly chat with the director changed that and for a mere 5 euro extra per night we were upgraded to a more luxurious room. Easy as that!!!
The food was excellent. We were on a half-board basis and not once did the menu repeat itself for the whole two week period.
The pool area was very good. An large family sized pool and a smaller childrens pool by the side. Plenty of sun loungers too and plenty of shade for those escaping the hot rays.
Matala is a quiet, tranqil, some would say 'boring' town, so definitely not for those seeking all night partying. But, an array of taverna's and bars on the beach will keep most couples contented.
However, a car is advisable. Matala has one road in and the same road out. So if you want to discover the area you need a car. We did, and it was great to see other local towns such as the delightful Agia Galini, and the Palm Beach of Prevelli.

We would return in a second.