Whilst the apartments and the hotel grounds are pleasant and the location reasonable, this is not (in my view) a 4 star hotel. If you are looking for a comfortable room to retire to at the end of a day's sight-seeing and only need a euro-buffet breakfast, then the hotel is a reasonable (though not cheap) choice. However as a hotel it does not provide the facilities which would enable you to spend your time at the hotel itself, unless you wish to lay by the pool and sunbathe. Contrary to how it is described, the hotel is not in Platanias (so when trying to find it, head towards Maleme, not Chania). This may be regarded as an advantage, but it does mean that any teenagers are away from 'the action' and have little to do. There are many beautiful beaches in Crete, but this is not one of them. It is not really suitable for young children or weak swimmers. The hotel restaurant is pricey and limited in style, ambience and imagination. The (only) taverna next door is a far better bet. If you hate continuous euro-pop 'mood' music ( worthy of the cheapest relaxation cd from woolworths) avoid the pool area (which includes the restaurant and bar).

“ASTERION” is a wonderful Hotel in a peaceful side of Platania with excellent service, very friendly staff and cool atmosphere. The "a la carte" as well as the buffet restaurants offer a wide choise of magnificent and tasteful dishes based on Greek and Cretan kitchen. I suggest to try the “Asterion” or “Koralia” salad and, as a mane dish, the “Mentagion” or Meraklis” fillet. There is a separate Tavern nearby the establishment which, unlike of those believe, I found out that except it is dirty, the waiters recycle food of those dishes left them aside. Do not try this Tavern if you wish to remain healthy. “Koralia”, Hotel’s a la cart Restaurant serves an excellent quality of food and the Hotel’s Guest Rooms are extremely clean and comfortable. I recommend this establishment and its services to those who wish to enjoy their vacation in the area. Konstantine Smith

We booked this hotel through a great last minute deal. It seems to have been recently renovated with high quality materials throughout. Our room (an appartment which consisted of one bedroom and a sitting room with small kitchen and dining table) was very spacious and had a nice balcony with sideways view of the ocean). It missed some atmosphere as there were no pictures and not much furniture. The hotel is located next to a quiet piece of beach which is very enjoyable. The pool is good and the service was very genuine and friendly. When we were there it was very quiet and they said that it is typically quiet (it only has 80-ish rooms so is smaller than some of the bigger places). The big negative was the bad quality of the buffet food (breakfast and dinner). No cut fresh fruit, limited meats/cheese, watery juice, when you come late you get cold or long standing food etc. Fortunately there is a small taverna outside the hotel on the beach which serves genuine local food. I would advise to go without the buffet if possible. That is the only fault though. Location is excellent if you like peace and quiet (but not far from platanias which offers nightlife etc). International crowd, some with kids. I would prefer to see them serve proper food before going again, but if the price is right I could. The aegean palace is nearby but it does not sit on the beach as this hotel does.

Very nice and quiet hotel ideal for a relaxing vacation. Very good facilities, excellent swimming pool and friendly stuff. Great location on the seaside with all the major night life just 3 minutes drive away but far enough for a peaceful stay. True five star hotel serving excellent local cuisine, definitely recommend it.

Mosquito infested swamp...... It looks nice when you sit at the lobby, but then in the morning when you go the breakfast you discover the worst food possible in the island of natural food recources. The milk was instant from a can with added tab water. the rest completely inedible. The stuff rude and unprofessional. In the evening the place in full of mosquitos- and around the hotel it smells like sulfur. this hotel was the biggest disappointment in Crete. We spent hundreds of dollars renting cars and scooters just the escape from our holiday hotel.