Members' reviews saved me making a mistake in my first selection of hotel and in return, I am sharing my experience of Minoa Palace. We arrived late at the hotel and we were warmly greeted at reception. We were given information regarding the hotel and we were most impressed that since we were too late to have dinner, they had left us a cold platter in our room. They also left a bowl of fruit and a bottle of wine. We had paid extra for a sea-view. Our room overlooked the very attractive pool area with the sea in the distance. The room was well appointed, modern bathroom, air conditioning, clean and spacious. Very modern with TV, desk, bar fridge, balcony table and chairs. We found the staff very helpful and courteous. Having stayed in large hotels, I was impressed that Minoa Palace has spacious public areas - large pool areas with plenty of loungers, and pool bar area. Kids club. The general bar/lounges were also spacious with large terraces and sofa seating areas. The pool arrangement is large and a combination of pool areas and water features. The water has a superior filtration system and is crystal clear. If I have to look for any downside it was the buffet evening meal and that their other restaurant was only open for lunch, but we were told it was because it was nearing the end of the season. Also, the beach is across the road. It is not golden sand, and is volcanic from neighbouring island. However, the hotel has it own area with beachbar. The buffet food was lovely with plenty of choice. The chef had a speciality each evening but there were many other hot and cold choices. The hotel is well situated, with bus stop outside. It is on the edge of Plantanias and it is a few minutes walk into town. Plenty of tavernas, cocktail bars, shops etc.

We did not find the need to hire a car. Plenty of trips available and the local bus service is well run, inexpensive, luxury coach style, fast and efficient. Chania is very lively and about half an hour by bus and is well worth visiting. We booked our trips through the tourist information centre in Plantanias as they were much cheaper than offered by our tour company.

From experience be warned - we took the trip to Samaria Gorge. There are two on offer, one is the full trip from the top of the gorge to the bottom around 16 km and the other is what they call the 'lazy way'. Be warned, good shoes are absolutely necessary and if you are not fit or walk regularly do give careful consideration before attempting it, as it is very, very demanding. We were told that there were donkeys available if we found it too difficult. There are donkeys in the gorge, but they are really for serious injury. I found it very tough on my knees as the descent is very steep and they were painful for a few days afterwards. Experienced walkers had walking poles and hiking boots with ankle supports. The lazy way is starting from the bottom of the gorge and walking up for as long as time allows to get back to the port to catch the ferry boat back. On reflection, I feel the alternative 'lazy way' should be renamed the 'sensible' way. There is a good website I have found subsequently which I wish I had found before ---------- I am sure there are others. We took just over 7 hrs to complete the walk.

We had a great holiday in Plataniasa and would return to Minoa Palace.