Istro Bay Kalo Chorio
A serene hotel nestled in a magical bay, boasting a private beach, stunning views, and exceptionally warm hospitality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the beach before crowds
Istro Bay Kalo Chorio
Best Time
Enjoy the beach before crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene hotel nestled in a magical bay, boasting a private beach, stunning views, and exceptionally warm hospitality.
"The location is stunning, with breathtaking views that made our stay unforgettable."
🚗 Car Rental Advantage
Hotel offers car rentals at good prices. Newer, clean cars make exploring Crete a breeze. :car:
🛏️ Room View Matters
Opt for a sea view room; it truly elevates the experience and saves the stay. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Private Beach Bliss
Hotel's beachfront
Unwind on a beautiful, serene private beach nestled in a magical bay. Perfect for relaxation and soaking up the sun.
Breathtaking Bay Views
Guest rooms and common areas
Wake up to incredible sea views from your room or enjoy them from the hotel's terraces. A truly picturesque setting.
Culinary Delights
Hotel restaurants
Savor amazing breakfast and dinner options, with a chef willing to accommodate preferences. Beach restaurant is also a hit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bay's Charm
Location is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car Rental Advantage
Hotel offers car rentals at good prices. Newer, clean cars make exploring Crete a breeze. :car:
🛏️ Room View Matters
Opt for a sea view room; it truly elevates the experience and saves the stay. :ocean:
💰 Beware of Overpriced Drinks
The bar and à la carte restaurant can be very expensive. :moneybag:
🍽️ Food Label Mystery
Food labels are missing at buffets, so you might not know what you're eating. :shrug:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car Rental Advantage
Hotel offers car rentals at good prices. Newer, clean cars make exploring Crete a breeze. :car:
🛏️ Room View Matters
Opt for a sea view room; it truly elevates the experience and saves the stay. :ocean:
💰 Beware of Overpriced Drinks
The bar and à la carte restaurant can be very expensive. :moneybag:
🍽️ Food Label Mystery
Food labels are missing at buffets, so you might not know what you're eating. :shrug:
✨ Friendly & Helpful Staff
Staff are incredibly welcoming and go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay. :star:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests rave about the magical location and stunning bay views at Istro Bay Kalo Chorio, complemented by incredibly friendly and helpful staff. While the food is generally good, particularly the buffets, some find the hotel's bar and à la carte options to be extremely overpriced, and certain furnishings are noted as dated. Overall, it offers a solid experience, especially for those prioritizing location and hospitality.
"We spent 7 amazing nights at the hotel, which is located at a beautiful beach in a small bay. It was literally magical. It is extremely easy to travel from to hotel to almost everywhere on Crete by car. So perfect location, everything is close. The rooms were clean, big, but a little bit outdated. The furnitures were heavily used. The view of the room saved eveything. The dinner and the breakfeast were amazing, but unfortunatelly they didnt place little texts to the food, so we didnt know, what we ate...The bar and the alacarte restaurant is EXTREMELY OVERPRICED. They also have a car rental, with good prices, nice, clean and newer cars. Also we met there the nicest people. Overral we were satisfied."
Levente Aranyossy
"We had a very good time in the hotel. The beach is amazing, we took a room for a couple with a sea view which was 10\10, but we got 2 single beds attached. It was quiet and with a beautiful balconi.The breakfast was very nice, and also the beach restaurant. The price is very fair and the staff were very nice."
Inbar Sagi
"The hotel is superbly located, in a quiet area with an incredible view. We made a bad choice of room when booking, and we were given another one without any problems. The staff are really friendly. The only small point for improvement would be the food, it's okay but nothing special"
Vinciane ISART
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The hotel is ideally located for car travel, making it easy to reach from Heraklion or Chania airports and to explore the rest of Crete. The hotel also offers its own car rental service with good prices and clean vehicles.
While car rental is highly recommended for exploring Crete, local buses may serve the Kalo Chorio area. However, specific routes and schedules would need to be checked locally for convenience.
Istro Bay Kalo Chorio is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Heraklion and about a 2.5-hour drive from Chania, offering a good base for day trips.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Istro Bay Kalo Chorio is a hotel with a private beach area. Access to the beach and hotel amenities is typically for guests.
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred room and dates.
Standard hotel check-in is usually in the afternoon (e.g., 2 PM or 3 PM) and check-out is in the morning (e.g., 11 AM or 12 PM). It's best to confirm directly with the hotel.
As it's a private hotel beach, access is generally restricted to guests. Non-guests may not be able to use the beach facilities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hotel offers a private beach, an outdoor pool, bars, restaurants, and a spa. Daily activities are also organized by the staff.
Reviews suggest that while rooms are clean and spacious, some furnishings and bathroom equipment can be a bit outdated, indicating a need for renovation.
The atmosphere is generally described as laid-back, serene, and romantic, especially with the stunning bay views. It's suitable for both families and couples.
Yes, the hotel is considered perfect for families with children, offering a safe and enjoyable environment with a beautiful beach.
Yes, the hotel features a spa, providing an option for relaxation and rejuvenation during your stay.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Breakfast and dinner are generally praised as amazing and abundant, with a chef accommodating preferences. The beach restaurant is also well-regarded. +1
While specific options aren't detailed, the chef's willingness to accommodate preferences suggests that dietary needs can likely be met with advance notice.
Be aware that the bar and à la carte restaurant are noted as being extremely overpriced.
Kalo Chorio is a village, and there are likely local tavernas and restaurants within a short drive or walk, offering alternatives to the hotel's dining.
Typical breakfast hours are from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM, and dinner from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, but it's best to confirm with the hotel upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The private beach with its clear waters, the stunning bay views from rooms and terraces, and the picturesque sunsets are prime photo opportunities.
Absolutely! A sea view room offers consistent, beautiful backdrops for photos throughout your stay, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
The hotel's architecture, combined with the natural beauty of the bay, provides a charming setting. Look for balconies, terraces, and pathways overlooking the sea.
Yes, the food presentation at breakfast and dinner is often appealing, and the beach restaurant offers a lovely ambiance for food photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hotel offers a great base, consider renting a car to explore family-friendly attractions on Crete, such as water parks or historical sites that can be made engaging for children. The overall relaxed atmosphere of the hotel contributes to a stress-free family vacation.
💰 Budget Travelers
Avoid the overpriced bar and à la carte restaurant; instead, explore local tavernas in Kalo Chorio for more affordable and authentic dining experiences.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
While the main dining is good, consider a special evening at a local taverna for a more intimate dining experience. The hotel's location also provides easy access to explore charming nearby villages and scenic drives, perfect for creating lasting memories together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Crete from Istro Bay
Beyond the major cities, consider venturing into the rugged interior for hiking opportunities in gorges like Samaria or Imbros, or discover secluded beaches along the southern coast. The hotel staff are often a great resource for local recommendations, helping you uncover hidden gems and authentic experiences. Remember to pack comfortable shoes and plenty of water for your explorations, as Crete offers a wealth of natural beauty and historical depth to uncover.
When planning your excursions, factor in driving times and the best times to visit popular sites to avoid peak crowds. For instance, visiting Knossos early in the morning can offer a more peaceful experience. The flexibility afforded by a rental car from Istro Bay allows you to tailor your itinerary to your interests, whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking to soak in the Cretan culture.
Understanding the Hotel's Star Rating
However, the dated furniture and older bathroom fixtures in some rooms and common areas are frequently mentioned as areas needing renovation.
Ultimately, the value proposition of Istro Bay Kalo Chorio lies in its breathtaking natural setting and the warmth of its people. If you prioritize a magical location and genuine hospitality over cutting-edge hotel amenities, you're likely to have a wonderful stay. It's a place where the enchanting environment and dedicated staff create memorable moments, even if the decor is a touch nostalgic.
Dining Experiences at Istro Bay
However, a significant point of caution is the extreme pricing at the hotel's bar and à la carte restaurant.
For those looking to explore beyond the hotel, the village of Kalo Chorio and the surrounding areas likely offer a variety of local tavernas and restaurants. These can provide a more authentic and potentially more affordable dining experience, allowing guests to sample traditional Cretan cuisine. It's always a good idea to ask the hotel staff for recommendations on local eateries.
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