Best Budget Hotel in Crete Greece: Our Stay in Malia

If you’re searching for a budget-friendly hotel in Crete Greece, especially in the lively town of Malia, this one might surprise you. During our slow travel stay, we spent 3 weeks at Malia Princess Studios. What started with a small hiccup turned into one of our most memorable stays in Greece.

Crete has everything from ultra-luxury beachfront resorts to backpacker hostels. But sometimes the real gems are the smaller, family-run properties that care more about people than polish.

Want to become an Eco Tourist on a budget? I spill all of our secrets here!

Hotel Overview

Address: Odissea Eliti Malia 70007, Greece 

Contact: (+30) 28160 07242

Booking Rating: 9.0 Superb

TripAdvisor Ranking: #30 of 106 in Malia

Nearest Airport: Heraklion International Airport- Nikos Kazantzakis (31.9km)

Opened: Built in 1999, renovated in 2012 and 2021

Number of Rooms: 24

Number of Floors: 3

Restaurant/Bar: 7:30am-12:00am (varies)

Pets Allowed: No

Visited: September 2023

Why This Hotel in Crete Greece Surprised Us

Our first night didn’t go perfectly. But what happened next is the reason we would absolutely return.

The manager, George, fixed everything first thing the next morning. No defensiveness. No excuses. Just kindness and action. By the end of our stay, he felt more like family than hotel staff, and our daughter left Crete with a new best friend.

The Location: Steps From the Heart of Malia

If you’re looking for a hotel in Crete Greece that puts you right in the middle of the action, this location is hard to beat.

It’s a 5 minute walk to the grocery store (which is well stocked and well priced!), and less than a 10 minute walk to the beach! As soon as you walk onto the main strip, there are bars and restaurants as far as the eye can see. Even though you are in the heart of the town (which can get pretty wild at night), we never heard a peep.

The Pool & Atmosphere

For a budget hotel in Crete Greece, the pool area felt like the heart of the property. It’s where people gathered, relaxed, and lingered long after sunset.

The pool was super clean. Never once did it feel or look dirty. There were plenty of loungers and umbrellas, and even a few floaties and pool toys. And the best part, the covered bar area that sells food, drinks, ice cream, and a pool table available for guests.

Food & On-Site Dining

Even though there are plenty of dining options in Malia, while staying at this hotel in Crete Greece, you don’t need to go far to eat.

Complimentary Breakfast

Breakfast was served every morning which included coffee, tea, orange juice, toast, ham and cheese toasties, and cereal. The lady making breakfast every morning is so amazing. She runs that breakfast! And she was so nice and pleasant.

Full Menu

There is also a whole menu selection of breakfast you can purchase, along with lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks. For the best prices in the area!

You MUST try the Carbonara. From the moment we walked in, George raved about his pasta dish, claiming it was the best in the area. We finally decided on a little room service, and watched George prepare his speciality. It’s a dish my daughter still talks about to this day!

The Rooms: Budget, Basic, But Functional

Don’t expect a super cushy, luxury hotel room. This is a budget hotel, and honestly, you aren’t in your room that much. You’re pretty much only sleep there because there is just too much to see and do in town.

What We Liked

Our room had 3 single beds (which we pushed together to make a huge family bed). The beds are comfortable and made up every day. There is a kitchenette in the room equipped with a small refrigerator, burner, kettle, and stocked cupboards with the basics. There is also A/C available, but for an extra €7 per day.

What Could Be Improved

The kettle was pretty old and rusted, and there were no sponges or soap for doing the dishes. Luckily there is a store nearby to stock up on these basics. Even though our beds were made up everyday, the sheets and comforters were never changed. We eventually asked for fresh bedding and they changed them that day. 

Who This Hotel in Crete Greece Is Perfect For

• Budget travelers
  
• Families who don’t need luxury
  
• Long-stay visitors
  
• Travelers who value people over polish
  
• Digital nomads wanting location + affordability

Is It Worth It?

For the price, location, and especially the hospitality — yes.
If you’re expecting luxury, this isn’t it.
If you’re expecting warmth, personality, and excellent value — you’ll love it.

 

Booking – Google –  TripAdvisor