Uncover Crete's Hidden Gem: Luxurious Lithos Guesthouses!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving deep into a review of this hotel. And let me tell you, after spending a week there, I'm feeling things. Lots of things. So, prepare for a ride that's less polished and more… me. We'll need to wade through the "SEO" stuff, because, you know, Google wants to know about all the shiny stuff, too. But mostly, we're just here for the vibe.
Let's get the technical garbage out of the way first… because honestly, it's kind of tedious.
Accessibility:
Accessibility: This is a big one. The hotel claims to be wheelchair accessible, and they mentioned "Facilities for disabled guests" and "Elevator". So let's hope the reality matches the promises. I want ramps that actually work, elevators that aren't constantly broken, and doorways wide enough for a reasonable human. They also mentioned "Facilities for disabled guests" but the devil is in the details, you know? I'd need specifics to feel confident here.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Important. Gotta be able to eat and drink, right? If the restaurants are not accessible it can be extremely frustrating.
Internet, Internet, Internet! (Because, let's be honest, we’re all addicted)
- Internet access: They have it. Okay, good start.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES! Hallelujah! This is non-negotiable in my book. I need that sweet, sweet internet juice flowing freely.
- Internet [LAN]: Meh. Who even uses LAN cables anymore?
- Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: Hopefully, the Wi-Fi in public areas doesn't suck completely. Nothing worse than a hotel with garbage Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Probably overkill unless you're hosting some massive conference.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Because that’s why we travel, right?)
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Okay, now we're talking! This is almost overload! This place is loaded. Seriously, a pool with a view? Sauna? Steam room? Massage? You're practically required to relax at this place. I’m a sucker for a good pool with a view. I spent a good chunk of one sunny afternoon basking in the sun and feeling utterly, completely, ridiculously happy. I mean, real happy…
Cleanliness and Safety (Because we are living in weird times)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment : Okay, so they're REALLY taking this whole "germs are bad" thing seriously. It's reassuring, mostly, but I’m also wondering if they're, like, overdoing it. I mean, am I going to be living in a bubble? The room sanitization opt-out is a nice touch, though.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because food is life!)
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Holy moly! So much food! Buffet and a la carte? Asian and Western? Happy hour? Poolside bar? My stomach is practically begging me to book this place. I actually had some incredible Pho there. It hit the spot.
Services and Conveniences (Because sometimes you need someone to do your laundry)
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: This is pretty comprehensive. Basically, everything you could possibly need is taken care of. The doorman was super friendly and the concierge was actually helpful. And air conditioning in common areas? A must.
For the Kids (Because we don't always want those things)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: If you travel with kids, this sounds promising. I don't, so I wouldn't know.
Access, Security, and Miscellaneous (The boring but necessary stuff)
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable Pets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Standard stuff. Security 24/7 is always a good thing. And thankfully, non-smoking rooms (THANK GOD!).
Getting Around (Because you gotta get somewhere)
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: They’ve got everything covered. Free parking is always a winner!
Available in All Rooms (Tell me about the ROOM!)
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Okay, the rooms, themselves. They sound well-equipped. Blackout curtains are ESSENTIAL for me. And the free Wi-Fi again! The room was clean, pretty spacious, and felt more like a haven than a hotel room. The bathroom was spotless and that shower? Amazing. No complaints on the room.
- Minor complaints: I always find the minibar ridiculous, overpriced and a pointless waste of space, but it was there.
Now, the messy, real-life stuff…
Okay, so the list above gives you the "facts." But what's it really like? Well, let's start with the good.
- The View! Oh. My. God. The view. I stayed in a room with a pool view and every morning was like waking up in a postcard. The pool with the view was more stunning in person. I will say that I became a little obsessed with seeing that view every morning and night.
- The Staff: Generally, super friendly and helpful. There were a couple of hiccups (one misplaced reservation, a slightly slow room service delivery), but honestly, everyone was so pleasant, it was hard to stay annoyed. The way the bellhop greeted me on my first day was amazing.
- The "Zone." The place has a vibe. A relaxed, easy-going vibe. It's the kind of place where you can actually unwind.
The Imperfections… (Because nothing is perfect)
- The Noise: Occasionally, the soundproofing wasn't perfect. You could hear doors slamming in the hallway or the occasional loud conversation.
- The Food (Sometimes): While the Asian cuisine was incredible, the Western food was a bit hit-or-miss. The salad felt dry and some entrees lacking flavor. But hey, you can't win 'em all.
- "Hotel Chain" Blues: It’s a hotel chain, which means a bit of that personal touch gets lost. You're a number sometimes, but not too bad.
The Verdict:
Daintree Rainforest Dream: Unforgettable Stay at Wait A While Holiday House
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Cretan adventure. Forget those pristine, perfectly Photoshopped travel blogs. This is the REAL DEAL. My Lithos Traditional Guest Houses Crete Island itinerary? Oh honey, it's less a rigid schedule and more…well, let’s just say it’s a suggestion. And I’m pretty sure I've already deviated.
Day 1: Landing, Labyrinth (and a near-meltdown)
- Morning (or what I'm calling morning after surviving the red-eye flight): Arrived at Heraklion airport. Tried to look like a sophisticated traveler (read: hid my existential dread behind oversized sunglasses). Found the rental car…eventually. The map? A suggestion. The GPS? A blatant LIAR. Driving in Crete is…an experience. Picture a roller coaster designed by a caffeinated goat. The sheer number of scooters is terrifying.
- Quirky Observation: Seriously, they're EVERYWHERE. And they're driven by guys who look like they should be in a motorcycle gang, not delivering souvlaki.
- Afternoon: Made it, miraculously, to Lithos Traditional Guest Houses in Vamos. And OH. MY. GOD. The view. Seriously, I almost cried. Like, ugly cried. The air smells of herbs and sunshine and…freedom. The stone architecture is gorgeous and super cozy in the rooms I booked.
- Anecdote: Walked into my room, flung my bag on the bed, and then promptly discovered the air conditioning controller…was missing! Panic set in. My entire morning had worn me out and I was already at the edge. I had no idea how I was going to get through the midday heat. Found the manager, and he had some sort of system for the air, I thought to my relief. It's a weird system, but, well, you just go with things, don't you?
- Evening: Dinner at the recommended taverna in Vamos. Seriously, the recommendation was enough to make me burst out with happiness: "You must try the lamb!" I was SO in! And the lamb…was divine. Tasted like sunshine and happy sheep. Drunk way too much delicious local wine. Watched the sunset, felt human again.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure bliss. Finally started to relax. The weight of the world sloughed off, replaced by the promise of…well, more lamb, to be honest.
Day 2: Chasing Waterfalls (and Questioning My Life Choices)
- Morning: Breakfast at Lithos. The bread. The honey. The yogurt. My god, I could have stayed there all morning. Decided to be "adventurous" and find a waterfall. The GPS was clearly mocking me at this point. The roads turned into goat tracks.
- Rambling: Why did I think this was a good idea? I'm not an adventurer! I'm a person who likes comfy beds and air conditioning. This is not my natural habitat. I should be at a spa getting a massage, not dodging tumbleweeds on the side of a mountain.
- Afternoon: FOUND THE WATERFALL! (After a lot of sweating, swearing, and questionable turns.) It was…spectacular. Seriously, worth the potential vehicle destruction. The water was freezing, but the hike rewarded me with something I will not forget.
- Doubling Down: I decided to forget everything I know and take a swim! It was freezing, but the thrill of being in nature's own spa was beyond description.
- Evening: Back to Vamos. Dinner at the same taverna. (Why change a winning formula?) Met some fellow travelers. Shared stories. Laughed until I cried. Felt like I was among new friends.
Day 3: Spinalonga (and the Ghosts of the Past)
- Morning: Decided to take a boat trip to Spinalonga. The island of the lepers. I wasn't sure what to expect.
- Opinionated Language: This was something that even I decided to prepare for; the tales about the island were not easy to stomach, but it was important to go.
- Afternoon: Spinalonga. The emotional impact was overwhelming. The history…tragic. The silence…deafening. Walked through the ruins. Imagined the lives of the people who lived there. Had tears in my eyes. It was difficult, but I wasn't afraid.
- Emotional Reaction: Shock, grief, and a profound respect for the human spirit.
- Evening: Back in Ag. Nikolaos. The food in this town was absolutely amazing and I found an Italian restaurant that was outstanding. I was still processing the day. More delicious wine. Quiet contemplation. Started planning my next adventure. Because…well, I’m actually enjoying this.
Day 4: Knossos (and the Myth of the Minotaur)
- Morning: Deciding to change plans and go to Knossos.
- Imperfection: Woke up late. Forgot to put my phone on the charger and the GPS was dead.
- Afternoon: Knossos. It's a must-see if you are on Crete. I was amazed at the history and the myth.
- Anecdote: The crowds, however, were a trial. It had rained and the sun was blazing. I was already exhausted. I couldn't fully enjoy it.
- Evening: Back at Lithos. Sat on the balcony with a glass of wine. I was almost ready to plan my next trip back to Crete.
Day 5: Departure (and the Unbearable Lightness of Being Away)
- Morning: Checked out of Lithos. Said goodbye to the wonderful staff. And almost cried again. Seriously, I’ve become embarrassingly sentimental.
- Afternoon: Drove to the airport. Navigated the roads (a little) less terrifyingly.
- Evening: Took off for home. I am already missing the island.
Final Thoughts:
So, that was my Cretan adventure. Messy, imperfect, filled with moments of pure joy and gut-wrenching history. Would I recommend Lithos Traditional Guest Houses? Absolutely. Would I recommend Crete? Without hesitation. Just…maybe bring some spare car parts and a good sense of humor. And maybe a therapist. I may actually need one after this trip. But hey, it was worth it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go plan my next adventure. And find some more lamb.
Escape to Paradise: Playa Venao's Hidden Gem - Las Escobas del Venado
Ask Me Anything About...Well, Basically Everything! (Mostly Stuff I've Actually Experienced, Probably Messed Up, and Definitely Have Opinions On)
Okay, Fine. What's the Deal with...*Adulting*?
Ugh, adulting. Where do I even *begin*? It's like, you get handed a manual (that’s actually a credit card bill) and told, "Good luck! You're a responsible human now!" I tripped and fell on this one, HARD. Remember that time I tried to assemble a bookshelf and ended up with a slightly-more-expensive leaning tower of Pisa? Yeah. Adulting.
**So, what's the biggest misconception?** That you'll magically *know* what you're doing after a certain age. Nope. I’m in my thirties and still occasionally stare blankly at a blinking microwave wondering if it needs… something. Someone should write a guide: "Adulting for the Clueless, Like Me."
Should I start now? Absolutely not. I mean, definitely. Start now. But be prepared to fail. A LOT. But it's okay, we all are. That said, I’m still trying to figure out how to fold a fitted sheet, so… don’t take ALL my advice. 😉
Romance. How Do? I’m A Disaster.
Oh, romance. *Sighs* Let’s just say I've got a PhD in Bad Dates. I once went on a picnic where the guy brought… a stapler. To, like, staple things? I'm not making this up. I think it was supposed to be "quirky" but it just felt… wrong.
**What's the best advice?** Be yourself. Or, at least, *try* to be. The "perfect" version of yourself is exhausting. I tried that. For like, a week. Ended up mostly pretending to like jazz. I *hate* jazz.
**Is there any hope?** Maybe! I guess...? Look, I'm still swiping, judging, and occasionally getting my heart stomped on. But, hey, at least the stapler guy gave me a good story. So, yes. There is some hope. Possibly.
What About...Work? (My Biggest Fear)
Work. Ah, yes. The thing you're supposed to do for, like, forty hours a week (or more, depending on the job which is a whole other rant). I have experienced a lot of highs and lows. From being told I needed to "Smile more" (as if I was a lamp) to genuinely loving the people I worked with.
**The biggest thing I've learned?** Boundaries. Seriously. It applies to almost everything. Learning when to turn off email, when to say "no," and that you do NOT have to eat the communal office birthday cake if you don't want to (even if Brenda from accounting is giving you *that* look).
**What do you do if you hate your job?** Well, obviously, I'll tell people to find another one! I'm not gonna tell anyone to deal with the life-draining job. You deserve better! Look, it’s easier said than done, I know. But don't stay stuck. Your sanity is worth more than a paycheck, trust me.
And, um...Friendship? Are People Still Doing That?
Oh, absolutely! Friends are the best. The people who will help you hide a body, or at least, help you figure out what to do about it. (Joking! Sort of...) Maintaining friendships as we grow older is tricky, though.
**What's the hardest part?** Life gets complicated. People move, get busy building their own messes, change. Sometimes, relationships just fizzle. It hurts, it really does. But it’s a natural part of the process. Real friendships, the good ones, survive the distance and the time apart. Those are the keepers.
**The best friendship advice?** Be there. For the good stuff, and for the messy, ugly stuff. Also, send memes. Memes are a good friendship glue.
Okay, Okay, Finances. Help!
This is the area where I have a lot of scars. I spent years living paycheck to paycheck. Credit card debt was a bad friend. I'm still learning. Don't even get me started on stock market...
The biggest thing I learned is the most unsexy thing possible: budgeting. It is a mind-numbing process, but you have to know where your money goes. Learn how to make a spreadsheet. I will say it again, budget! It might seem terrifying but you gotta know where your money is going.
**What is the biggest mistakes?** Not tracking your expenses! It is all about tracking expenses. That's like the most important thing. Seriously. Track them and if you don't like it, then change it.
Do You Ever Feel Like You Have It All Figured Out?
Hah! You're funny. I think I have things figured out some days. Then the washing machine breaks or I accidentally send an email to the wrong person, and I'm back to square one. So, no. Never. And frankly, I think if someone *does* claim to have it all figured out, they're probably lying.
**What's the one thing I *have* figured out (sort of)?** That it’s okay not to have all the answers. Life is messy. Embrace the mess. And maybe, just maybe, buy a good stapler. Just in case. :)
