Tl;dr – Bonvoy-ers can rejoice at another points-hotel on the Mediterranean island of Crete.
Just a few weeks ago, I wrote about Marriott’s opening of the JW Marriott Crete. The JW looks super sleek and boasts several attractive amenities, all of which should make for a comfortable stay. Well, Marriott isn’t yet done with its Cretan adventures. Marriott recently onboarded the Alai Crete to Bonvoy as a Tribute Portfolio hotel. This brings the total number of Marriott’s Greek properties to 38, and the Alia Crete joins the JW Marriott, Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection, Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, and the Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete, as the fifth Marriott property on the island.
Let’s Dive In.
The Alai Crete
A beachfront property, the Alai Crete is located in Stalis, Crete, about 30 minutes east of Heraklion. The property features two outdoor freshwater swimming pools, a fitness center, and a watersports hub.
Having recently undergone an extensive reservation, the property now touts six combined dining outlets and bars: Raeti Restaurant, The Sealai; Lyhnama Bar-Restaurant; Strata Kafe, Aphros Surfer’s Bar, and The Lobby Bar, all of which serve local Cretan selections, and general Mediterranean fare. You can also enjoy private dining experiences on the beach.
With 114 keys, it’s not a huge property, and the guestrooms, though they are modern, are not super-varied in their offerings. I don’t believe this property has any suites. What the rooms do offer, though, are great views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Cash rates falls as low as €179 nearing the end of the season, in November. During peak months you can expect to pay closer to €350 per night. Points rates are similar, just eclipsing 100,000 points per night during peak season and dropping to 82,000 during lull periods. You can check out more imagines and information about the property at its dedicated website here.
Marriott has put together a solid roster of hotels across the Greek Isles, somewhat quietly (and with a major hat tip to its soft brand strategy). A Bonvoy Enthusiast who also enjoys the sun and fun of the Mediterranean could put together quite an extended vacation, island hopping from property to property, sampling the Xinomavro and Assyrtiko at each stop.
In comparison, Hilton’s portfolio, although also not strong in homegrown brands, is heavily bolstered by its SLH partnership. IHG, as a UK-based chain, surprisingly doesn’t put up too much of a fight in this market, and Hyatt has a weird array of all-inclusive properties, lifestyle outposts, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith shops, which I like to refer to as the “Little Carmine” project.
IYKYK.
