Stella Blue Seaside Resort

We recently stayed at Stella Blue and, while there were some definite highlights, there were also several areas where we felt the hotel fell short of expectations. The resort is beautiful and very aesthetic. It takes around 20-25 minutes to get there from Heraklion airport. It’s in the quiet town of Analipsi, with not much around, but a few tavernas approximately a mile away. Unfortunately, our room (128) cleanliness and general comfort were disappointing. The pillows were very uncomfortable, and the lack of soundproofing meant we could hear people walking around in the room above us, as well as toilets flushing. We didn’t really sleep well the whole week we were there. Cleaning also appeared to be quite superficial. The floor was dirty, glasses seemed to be rinsed rather than replaced, and both the toilet wall and bin were dirty on arrival and were not properly cleaned throughout our stay. There was also mould on the shower door. The minibar was not consistently replenished with water, meaning we regularly had to ask reception for more. We also found a few basic items missing that we would have expected to be provided, such as an ashtray and bottle opener. Food, drink and service The buffet felt relatively small considering the size of the hotel, with very limited choice and a lot of repetition between lunch and dinner. We struggled a few times and ended up going out for dinner. You are able to dine at each of the à la carte restaurants once during your stay, but when you’ve already paid for your all inclusive trip, it seems mad to pay to eat there again. We appreciate that the weather during early October caused difficulties outwith the hotel’s control, but there was not enough indoor seating to accommodate guests comfortably, and service was incredibly slow during this time. However, not all of the dining experiences were disappointing. Dinner at both Ocean and BLE was really good, and lunch at Anima was a particular highlight of our stay. Dinner service occasionally felt a little rushed, with us being asked to order all three courses upfront and not always being given enough time between courses to enjoy the meal at a relaxed pace. Poolside drinks service was another area that needed improvement. On several occasions, service was extremely slow or practically non-existent, which was frustrating when trying to relax by the pool. Other feedback We also heard from other guests that they had received €20 spa vouchers, but we were not offered the same. While this may have been part of a specific promotion or arrangement, the difference was noticeable and left us wondering why this had not been communicated to us. Rania in guest services is amazing and super helpful! Overall There were some genuinely enjoyable aspects of our stay, particularly the dining experiences at Ocean, BLE and Anima. However, the issues with room cleanliness, soundproofing, replenishment of basic amenities and inconsistent service took away from the overall experience. With improvements to housekeeping, buffet variety and the speed and consistency of service, we feel the hotel could offer a much better experience. Unfortunately, based on our stay, there were too many small but noticeable issues for it to feel as polished as we had hoped, and probably wouldn’t return.

Such a relaxing resort! Low key, chill, just what we wanted. Rooms are fab, although would benefit from a set of drawers for undies. We chose a whirlpool room and glad we did. Had conversations with multiple people who paid for swim up rooms but had no sun this late in the year and were using the main pool anyway... food has been excellent, both a la carte restaurants were lovely, and always plenty in buffet regardless of what some have said on Facebook and previous reviews, i have no idea how much choice some want! Ble at lunch is fab but my favourite is Anima by the smaller quieter pool, the spring rolls and beef noodles, as well as the chicken skewers at lunch are so good. Drinks have been fine, although most cocktails are too sweet for my liking, there is a good variety. Aperol is my go to, the local beer is fine, and the usual G&T or rum n coke spot on. The hotel is only a short walk along the main road, and although not a "lively" place it has its share of local tavernas, a sports bar, and some really nice seafront bar/restaurants. Entertainment in the hotel is not what u usually get in mist hotels, but this suited us perfectly, saxaphonist, pianist, violinist, in bars is just enough. No loud crazy acts, or animation crews bothering you lol. Would highly recommend for a chill, low key holiday in a beautiful hotel.

Stayed at the hotel for 12 days, and could have actually stretched to longer (even with not so great weather). Everything was absolutely top notch. I am not typically one to write reviews, however this hotel was exceptional. As much as we wanted to explore, and it was very easy to get public transport around, we were in a position where we did not even want to leave the hotel. The list could really go on, but everything was absolutely phenomenal; staff, cleanliness, facilities, rooms, food, drinks, friendliness, service, atmosphere, value. Would 100% recommend without a doubt. Went above and beyond expectations.

We had a fabulous stay at Stella Blue, so much that while relaxing by the pool on our penultimate morning we cancelled our October 2027 holiday in Rethymno and booked to return to Stella Blue. This hotel is our benchmark. Aesthetically beautiful, tranquil and the nicest we’ve stayed in. Very much suited to couples. It’s well kept, spotlessly clean and being relatively new, it’s modern. High quality sunbeds, day beds and bean bags dotted around several pool areas. We found Anima pool quieter and more relaxing than the main pool with its ambient music. The floating beds around the swim up rooms were the most relaxing but unfortunately due to time of year, lost the sun behind the buildings a bit too early for us. Wi-Fi available throughout. Staff are the friendliest and most welcoming staff we’ve encountered that work tirelessly to ensure your stay here is faultless and want for nothing. Everyone employed here deserves credit but Rania in customer relations deserves a special mention for how friendly and helpful she is. Kushal at Anima bar also deserves a mention here for his tireless order taking and serving of drinks by the pool, memorising our order of a Coke and Coke Zero and even handed me a cold beer while cooling down at the edge of the pool one afternoon. We stayed in a comfort double room. Spacious, modern and airy. Very clean and well furnished. Comfy bed, good size. Fridge, large TV with Netflix, amazing shower and enough storage space. We were originally in room 101 and while a lovely room above reception/Etereo bar, we found the level of noise a little much. We asked if it was possible to move and Rania couldn’t have been anymore understanding and accommodating. Despite being at 99% capacity she moved us to room 317 which was in a much quieter area and far better. Location. Stella Blue feels more isolated than we thought it would despite watching YouTube walking tours. Analipsi is only a very small village that offers little and takes around 15 - 20mins to walk to. We ventured into Hersonisos centre (€15 by taxi both ways) for the first and last time. Didn’t stay long. Not for us. Should have gone to the old town instead and believe our taxi driver suggested as much very subtly. Next year! Food is the best we’ve had on holiday. The real stars here are the pool bars Anima and Blé from 1300. - 1700 available throughout your stay and the two À la Carte restaurants Ocean and Blé you’re entitled to visit once each during a 7 night stay for a 3 course evening meal. Anima pool bar is Asian themed serving up the likes of sushi, spring rolls, chicken yakatori and beef noodles while Blé bar during the day offers salad, pasta, deconstructed gyros, burger, souvlaki. Both hit our taste sweet spot. Beautifully presented like an expensive restaurant and very good quality. The showstopper was the huge T-bone steak for two in Blé in our 3 course evening meal, cooked to staff recommendation. Unbelievable melt in the mouth good. For that single main course alone it is £88 in Miller and Carter back home and Blé was without doubt, nicer. The lobster ravioli and beef fillet in Ocean were also beautiful. Drinks plentiful and the inclusive Aperol spritz here was better than one I paid €11 for in Hersonisos…! The sunbed situation. It didn’t take us long to fathom if you want a prime spot in the sun, you’re going to have to get up very early. I’m a restless and naturally wake up early so would come out to read / listen to earphones on bean bags at Anima allowing my wife can have a few hours of undisturbed sleep and many of the prime sunny spots were already gone pre-0700 with nobody in sight. That said, theres plenty and you’ll always find somewhere. One thing the hotel can’t control is the minority of guest behaviour. My wife witnessed a man being very aggressive towards reception and Rania. Absolutely disgusting behaviour but handled very calmly and professionally. Secondly was the very out of place and incredibly mouthy “Girls Trip 2026” group of 5 women that arrived in their matching Inbetweeners P-Patrol like t-shirts and actively drawing attention to themselves from dawn til dusk seemed their MO. It’s not a Brits-abroad kind of place and they’d have been better suited to Benidorm or Magarough than the tranquility of Anima pool. Thank your god of choice for different pool areas/bars, earphones, Apple Music and the fact they left after 3 or 4 days. Finally, if you have a late flight you’re entitled to use all facilities and all inclusive until the minute the bus picks you up. There’s several shower rooms under the main lobby where a decent time slot is bookable at reception and luggage can be left in storage room. Can’t wait to return next year.

We spend 5 days in this super beautifull hotel. The food is amazing, the staff is great !! We hade a wonderfull stay in this hotel. Next year again !!