My partner and I stayed at the Matheo Suites, Malia for two weeks in September 2010.

Malia was not our first choice of destination however when we spotted Matheo Suites on the Thomson website and secured a great deal we thought why not!

We arrived late at night and were offered a drink by the friendly staff even though the bar was just closing.

We were staying in the suites at the hotel which are a little away from the main building. They are very modern and set within beautiful grounds (olive trees, lime trees, lemon trees...). We were on the ground floor and our patio doors opened onto a very private terrace with beautiful views over the hills. The room itself was lovely - modern, fresh decor and lovely bathroom with wetroom. There was no kitchen but there was a fridge to keep our beers cold! The room was spotless and maid service was every day except Sunday. The rooms were cleaned well as we could smell the bleach after she had been in! My only gripe would be that towels were only changed every three days but we hung ours outside to freshen up so it was bearable!

The pool area was great. It too, was sparkling clean and there was plenty of sunloungers available all day. There was also a covered jacuzzi which made a welcome escape from the blazing Greek sun!

The bar at the hotel was great too. We only ever had lunch there but the food was fresh and tasty and the beer served in a frozen glass! Bliss!

The staff were all so friendly and made us feel very welcome. By the last couple of days the lady let my boyfriend pour his own beer behind the bar!

When we left on the coach we were all kissed and given a hug goodbye - never had that at any hotel I've been too!
It was a 10/15min walk down a back country road into Malia old town from the hotel. We enjoyed the walk (watch out for the hill though!) but it may be a bit of a problem for those with mobility issues or elderly guests.

Malia old town was lovely and I would recommend San Giorgio's restaurant as well as Kalesma and Odas. There is also a beautiful bar across from Odas where we had great service one evening.
As for the Malia strip - despite being young(ish!) and enjoying clubbing and nights out - this was not for us. It was dirty and smelly and the bars were all grotty and not very nice! We ventured own twice in the two weeks but didn't really enjoy it! If you like McDonalds, KFC and drunk Brits abroad then this is for you!!! :-)

The old town of Malia and the beautiful Hotel Matheo made our holiday! We would definately return!

My boyfriend and I stayed in the Matheo Suites for a week in August. The staff were very welcoming. We got to the hotel about 1am and the manager offered to make us toasties and a cocktail. The rooms were very spacious and simply devine, one of the nicest rooms I've ever stayed in. The hotel pool is lovely aswell. The hotel is about a 20min walk away from the crazy Malia centre, its a lovely walk so dont be lazy!!! Really good pubs but got really frustrated with the folk trying to get you into them, I just told them to bolt!! When you get to the bottom of the hotel road you can walk left and about 30-40mins later you come to Stalis which is even nicer than malia. The restuarants and pubs were ace and everyone was really friendly. There is an Irish pub called Druwers or something like that, this was the best pub out of the holiday I think.

Overall holiday was amazing. The only trip we done was going to Spinalonga, where you get taken on a boat to a lepor colony, brill!!

On arrival we were greeted enthusiastically and offered some sanwiches and drinks as we arrived late ,then we were shown to our rooms - these were fantastic - so spacious and modern furnishings - the wet room was lovely. The apartment blocks are only a few years old and this shows - they are top class.
We stayed half board but our fellow travellers had only booked b and b - we wished we had done that too as the food although tasty enough was limited and there was a set menu every night - no choice - soup, salad, main course ( different every night) and desert. The soup was always fantastic, the salad nice but same every night, main courses were adequate but on the small side and the desert - angel delight every night ( at least thats what it tastes like)
The service by Anna was first class and the family who run the hotel are lovely - everyone was waved off onto the bus after being kissed and cuddled - thats never happened to me anywhere else!
All in all we would go back again tomorrow.
The downside - one evening I slipped in the wetroom and banged my head on the foot shower - it was a bad bump and could have been avoided if there had been a handrail - this seems a little expense but worth it.
Tea and coffee making facilities in the room would have been nice, but hey ho, next time I will take my kettle and cups.
This review only applies to the suites as the rooms in the main hotel itself are basic (having retained one for the last day at a cost of 30euros)

Booked at the last minute and what a great holiday we have had. It was our 25th Wedding anniversary treat to ourselves and it couldn't have been better. From the moment we stepped off the coach the owners were their to say hello, along with satisfied guests praising the hotel and its staff... Haven't had this type of welcome before and we have stayed at some prestigious locations over the years..
Do yourselves a favour, book direct with the hotel, their website is easy to navigate @WWW.hotel-matheo.com.
A really special thanks to Irini and Anna for your company and friendship, both my wife and I look forward in seeing you again in 2011....