Neos Omalos Hotel

I knew as soon as I heard goats with their little bells on that I’d like this place. Quiet, quaint, country accomodation on the way to Samaria Gorge. The family who run it were all lovely, and mum even made me up a picnic to take on the hike before dad gave us a lift to the starting point. Maybe it’s because it never happens back home, but I ordered a beer downstairs upon arrival, and got given free olives - that made my absolute day and, though previously incorruptible, my loyalty was bought instantly and totally. I also had the rabbit fry up thingo, which tasted great, although the salad itself was even better, though it curse my carnivorous tongue to say it. The bedroom had a great balcony for looking out over the green and rocky hills. Bed was super comfy, and it actually was a little colder way up in the Omalos elevation (in June) which made sleep come very easily for those like me who run hot. Big fluffy blanket in the cupboard though for those of you who like to be warmer. The bathroom is a bit small and being on the tall end of the height spectrum I had to be wary not to knock myself out on the hand basin when using the toilet. But if you’re under 6 foot you’ll patting your genetics on their small back. The building is relatively old so expect to hear some footfalls as other guests go past your room, but other than that, blissfully quiet overnight. The daughter of the family speaks really good English which helped a couple times, when regretfully I seemed to have forgotten all my Greek (which I rudely hadn’t learned prior to arriving). I can’t recommend this homely hotel enough, so if you’re on your way to hike the gorge, park your car here and stay the night. Then stay in Agia Romelli at the very end of the hike. Then come back to Omalos the next day and get some home style cooking back into your weary body. Or whatever floats your ferry.

Best taverna in the snow. Comfortable wood charm winter a**osphere with well-placed fireplace. Large windows along the front giving a good view of the mountains across the road. Lively dinning room full of families. Good food and friendly service.

If you're going to Samaria, you should 100% stay here, no hesitation. The rooms are clean, it's near the hike, the food is so good - and the people are incredible. The second day of our stay, I had a flat tire near the hotel. The staff (possibly the owner) went above and beyond to help me: he called and successfully followed-up with the car company which led to them simply exchanging the car for a new one (they had previously told me I'd have to go on a 1+ hour ride with the truck, then wait for the repair, then come back in the middle of the night); he helped me find my girlfriend who I was headed to pick up (called the harbor in the city where she arrived to find her) and called a taxi company to pick her up and bring her back to the hotel - all of this without even having had to ask. This took 1+ hour of his time and he refused that I give any sort of compensation AND he initially didn't even know I was already staying at the hotel while he helped me - a very generous and kind man and staff. We were already extremely satisfied with the hotel, and were glad to come back here after a long hike - now, we'll make sure we visit again, and we encourage you to do the same if you're ever in the region.

Perfectly located for Samaria Gorge Hike

Nice family run hotel with friendly service. Its location is perfect for the hike in the Samaria gorge (a free shuttle from the hotel was available daily during our stay) or around the Omalos Plateau. The restaurant serves a good breakfast and also lunch/dinner with tasty local food.

Basic hotel that provides a great service, good value for money. We booked over the phone with no hassle. There is parking, a restaurant on site that does delicious cretan food, a very good breakfast included in the price and a free shuttle service to the entrance to Samaria Gorge park at half hourly interval from 7:30 to 8:30 (thus beating the coach-loads). Simple rooms indeed, a good sleep until people start moving in the morning- not a place for a lie in. We had a room on the street side and slept with the balcony doors partially opened for ventilation (our room didn't have windows) and to the sound of goats bells providing a soothing background through the night. But then I love rural living! They even accommodated our desire to have breakfast outside, a bit of extra hassle to them no doubt, since tables were already set inside. The second morning it was all set for us already, thank you! The packed lunch for the trek was great too! Although the breakfast provided enough sustenance to last until early afternoon :) Would definitely stay there again, as a base for more walks to do in the area and a great break from the heat of the valleys! No food shops that we could see, but the room had a small fridge so you can bring some supplies if you want. Nothing much to do in Omalos itself, very small place, rest, a few walks, reading and relaxing.

This is a very beautiful hotel in a beautiful setting. It is like a mountain lodge. There are communal seating areas throughout. There is an attached restaurant but we didn’t have a chance to eat there. The room was pretty clean. There was no rubbish (garbage, trash) bin in the room which meant that your only option is to use the customary Greek toilet paper bin which we would have preferred to keep only to that use. There aren’t any extras in the room. The TV is a 12” screen CRT(tube) type television. That didn’t matter to us as we didn’t want to watch TV and found everything to be sufficient. There were beautiful wooden shutters that opened a large window. We had it open most of the time for the fresh mountain air. I don’t believe there was AC but the temperature is milder than on the coast. Ample free parking and a shuttle to the gorge should you desire, though you need to sign up for it as it only makes trips at scheduled times. The only complaint I’d have is the same as almost every accommodation that I’ve experienced in Greece. I am 6ft/182cm and 150lb/68kg so fairly light and thin. I have found these and other beds here to be extremely firm. For my weight and build, and as a side sleeper, the beds feel like wood with a blanket on top for cushion. I would not take off any points for Neo Omalos though, because that has been my experience everywhere in Greece.

Loveley hotel on the Omalos plateau. The rooms were quiet and clean. I enjoyed my stay very much. They also have nice food and the location is great if you would like to go hiking in the beautiful mountains of Crete. Definitely a place that I would like to return to.

Clean room, good restaurant. But no housekeeping the next day. And no towels when I checked into my room. A very hot summer day, and that’s when I found out that none of the hotels in Omalos have air conditioning. Lesson learned. Also, no grocery stores or mini markets in the village. Fortunately the hotel has a snack/bar area downstairs to purchase snacks and drinks.