The Bongos - Socially Conscious Rooms, Part of the Room Rate Goes to Charity

This is a very different kind of establishment that most travellers will be used to. Firstly you pay the full reservation cost in advance which is not refundable in normal circumstances. You check-in in advance by supplying your personal/passport details and the reception is unmanned and your key will be in your room door, however this was not an issue and all the information you need to know about whole process is emailed in advance and also contained in a personally addressed envelope left at reception on arrival along with the accommodation hosts mobile number. The main entrance door is always open 24 hours and there is a lift to all 3 floors. Rooms are on the 1st and second floors and consist of standard room and junior suites (which are apartment style with kitchen but only a fridge and kettle and no facilities to cook). We had junior suite 14 at the back of the building but with a distant sea view from our very large balcony. It was large and open plan with a big double bed, crisp white linen, fluffy towels, large wardrobe, dressing table with mirror, kitchen area with sofa bed, great air conditioning but the very small shower room could do with new tiling, washbasin and toilet and a deep clean. There is no TV or safe in any of the rooms but there is free wifi . No issues with water pressure and plenty hot water. the junior suite was kept clean by the friendly staff and bedding and towels changed 3 times in 10 days. As for facilities, the bar/breakfast area/lounge areas are closed so no indoor social space. There is an enormous roof terrace on the 3rd floor with jacuzzi and 10 yoga mats for guests to use, one large bean bag type sun lounger, 2 plastic chairs but only 3 sun loungers as all of the other sun loungers are broken and out of use. The terrace was not used much while we were there in high season so wonder if the broken sun loungers will be replaced in time if the terrace is not used to full effect, however the beach in Maleme is a very poor and just a mix of rocks, pebbles and grey gritty sand so not ideal for a pleasant days sun bathing so we just used the roof terrace. . There is a large and well stocked Synka supermarket just 2 mins walk away to buy breakfast items, drinks and snacks but bear in mind that the basic rooms have no work surfaces or kitchen sink to wash up afterwards. For us the downsides to the accommodation are the noise levels from the busy road at the front of the building and local dogs that bark day and night and disturb your sleep, however fellow guest were respectful of each other and made no internal noise such as playing music at night. We were not very keen on Maleme which is not a typical picture postcard Greek village and would not stay again. However, we would recommend the Bongos resort to anyone wishing to stay as we liked it and it was good value for money especially as a proportion of the reservation costs is donated to charity.

Absolutely wonderful stay at The Bongos in Maleme which I would highly recommend to other travelers looking for a comfortable but no-frills homebase to explore Crete. The location was great, minutes from the beach, grocery store and restaurants as well as the bus stop for easy access to bigger cities. Parking at the property being free was a big plus! We loved the area of Maleme and were very thankful that we chose to stay away from Platanias and Chania for a peaceful experience (but still very accessible thanks to the bus that runs every 20 mins).The area was extremely safe and quiet at night even though it is on the main road. Our room was large and comfortable with a nice AC system for the warmer afternoons. The rooftop is lovely for sunset or a coffee in the morning. There's also a hot tub but we didn't try it as the beach was too lovely to leave! Access to the highway was also easy when venturing to other areas and attractions. All interactions with staff were lovely. The cleaning staff were friendly and helpful as was staff when contacting before the stay. Thanks again, we will definitely return!