A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF THE MISTRAL
Over the years thousands of single and solo travellers have happily holidayed at the Mistral Hotel in Maleme, Crete, becoming ‘Mistralites’. Many Mistralites happily return and, if you fall into that category, you won’t need to read this page. But if you’re visiting the Mistral for the first time we thought you might like to know what to expect upon arrival and throughout the week.
What happens when you land at Chania airport on a Tuesday?
All flights into Chania carrying Mistral guests are met by a hotel representative who will direct you to your free transfer bus. A free transfer will also return you to the airport on the Tuesday you depart.
What will you find when you arrive at the hotel?
Since we opened the Mistral over 30 years ago we have kept it exclusively for single or solo holidaymakers. Currently the hotel has:
- 38 guest bedrooms
- Two swimming pools (one heated) with plenty of sun loungers
- The Oasis Bar & Dance Floor – the beating heart of the hotel – which can be enclosed in inclement weather, with fans for hot weather
- A breakfast room and dining area – which can also be enclosed or ventilated with fans
- The Althea Wellness suite offering massages and other treatments
Upon check-in at reception you will be handed your complimentary reusable water bottle – filtered chilled water is available 24/7
Is there any difference between the rooms?
All of our rooms are doubles but for single occupancy only. All are really comfortably appointed to similar high standards. Some of the original rooms are a little smaller in size. Most have a walk-in shower, some have baths – if you prefer one over the other please let us know when booking – similarly if you need a ground floor room.
We classify and price our rooms based on what you can see from the balcony. Some are full sea view, some are lateral sea view, and a few are garden view. We have 360° panoramic views of our rooms so you can see any slight differences.
Is there a ‘single supplement’ for rooms?
In a word: ‘No!’
What are the other Mistral guests like?
Mistralites are all people who travel and holiday as singles and solos. Demographically you’ll tend to find more women than men, predominantly aged 40 plus. Summer 2024, TV presenter Anthea Turner visited the Mistral and talked on camera to some Mistralites, both regulars and ‘newbies’. You can find the interviews on the link below.
What is the food like?
Breakfast is served buffet-style, and you’ll find typical Cretan dishes – fresh fruit, yoghurt, honey, cheese, cold meats, olives etc. – plus pastries, breads and preserves. Each day we also have a hot plate of savoury options and eggs. To drink there are a range of juices, teas, and coffee from a really good coffee machine (like all Cretans Adonis is very keen on his coffee!).
If you’re in the hotel at lunchtime we have a full menu of dishes available from the Mistral Kitchen ranging from good old British egg and chips, staples like pizza and pasta, to more traditional local delicacies and, of course a wonderful Cretan or Greek salad.
We have a brilliant chef at the Mistral and dinner is a home-cooked 6 course meal using typical Cretan recipes, served with copious complimentary red, rosé or white wine and water. Tea and coffee is available after the meal.
Perhaps the most important thing is that you never have to eat alone or ask for a ‘table for one’!
Does the kitchen cater for food allergies, dietary preferences and intolerances?
Whilst we do everything possible to accommodate those with clinical dietary needs, we only have one kitchen with common preparation areas. As such there is always the risk of contamination and if you have any pathological allergy that may cause anaphylaxis we may not be able to accept your booking. Please notify us prior to booking so we can discuss options.
We are able to cater for the following dietary preferences – please notify us at time of booking:
- Vegetarian and vegan – the Cretan diet is typically vegetable rich
- Gluten free – subject to the risk of potential contamination (see above)
If you have food intolerances – shellfish, garlic, peppers, lactose etc. – please let us know before you book and we will advise whether we are in a position to accommodate your requirements. In many cases we can substitute dishes.
What’s a typical Mistralite day like?
Breakfast starts at 8.00 and runs until 10.00 after which the pool and pool bar open. If you’re going on one of the optional trips we normal board the minibus around 10.30 – on Fridays we run a morning Aqua Aerobics session in the front pool, so the trip leaves a bit later. If you’re planning to hang out around the pool, pick your spot. Lunch can be taken at the hotel, or you can choose to walk down the beach to a local bar or taverna. You might opt to book yourself in for a massage or treatment at the Althea Wellness Centre schedule your time at reception.
The bar is open all day and typically guests come down for a cocktail, beer or glass of prosecco around 7.00. The exception is Wednesday evening when we organise a free-for-all cocktail tasting at the bar at 5.30. At 8.00 every night we all sit down to dinner on long communal tables. After dinner we turn the music up and, depending how you feel, you can hit the dance floor and throw a few shapes.
What are the trips and do I have to join in?
Every Wednesday morning we have a welcome meeting and ‘housekeeping briefing’ at which we also introduce the trips – all of which are optional. Every day we run trips that introduce you to some local Cretan high spots and culture – in July and August we particularly focus on Western Crete’s wonderful beaches. Whether you choose to go out or prefer to find a quiet sunbed around the pool and keep to yourself is up to you. To see more on our trips follow the links below: