Radisson Blu Beach Resort, Milatos Crete Reviews & Prices

Caroline Alden

By Caroline Alden | Updated 3 Days Ago

On the sun-drenched northern coast of Crete, where the Aegean laps at golden shores and Mediterranean pines stir in the breeze, Radisson Blu Beach Resort, Milatos Crete, claims its place as a lavish, multifaceted resort with equal appeal for families, couples, and seekers of leisure.

A sweeping complex of elegant rooms, sprawling villas, and activity-packed grounds, the resort wraps its guests in a world that moves at the pace of sea tides and garden blooms. But beneath the idyllic setting lies a mixed chorus of praise and critique, making this one resort worth examining in full detail.

A Resort Framed by the Sea

Radisson Blu Beach Resort, formerly known as the Minos Imperial, is nestled in the fishing village of Milatos, a short drive from the vibrant town of Agios Nikolaos. From the moment guests arrive, the ocean takes center stage. Many of the 318 accommodations face the water, offering balconies and terraces where soft winds accompany coffee at sunrise or a chilled glass of wine as dusk drapes the landscape.

The property’s architecture is a blend of whitewashed elegance and contemporary Greek design. Interiors echo this duality, divided between two aesthetic paths: warm earth-toned Minoan motifs and a breezier palette inspired by the light and minimalism of the Cycladic islands. Every room includes modern amenities such as interactive 40-inch satellite televisions, high-speed Wi-Fi, and well-stocked minibars.

Accommodations range from entry-level Superior Rooms with garden or sea views to a commanding Five Bedroom Royal Villa complete with a private pool, sea views, and outdoor hot tub. In between, guests can choose Junior Suites, Grand Villas, Island Suites with hot tubs and terraces, or beachfront villas with direct access to the sand.

Swimming, Sunning, and Spa Retreats

The resort’s outdoor playground is its crown jewel. Seven swimming pools are scattered across the grounds, including an adults-only pool for peaceful afternoons and a lively water park for children. The main infinity pool near the beachfront frames the sea like a work of art, creating an environment that encourages long, lazy days under the Mediterranean sun.

Guests looking to unwind can retreat to the in-house spa, which offers hammam, sauna, whirlpool tubs, and signature treatments. Meanwhile, a well-equipped gym and tennis courts provide active guests with ways to energize the body and mind. Families are well served too, with a supervised kids’ club, playgrounds, and plenty of child-focused activities designed to keep young guests entertained.

Dining Across Continents

With six restaurants and six bars, Radisson Blu Milatos makes a bold statement about the culinary variety it offers. The Mosaic Main Restaurant delivers a mix of international fare in a buffet-style format that accommodates the broad tastes of families. Ariadni Taste of Crete champions traditional Greek dishes prepared with olive oil, mountain herbs, and fresh-caught seafood. There’s also an Italian deli, among others, adding a European accent to the offerings.

Food reviews, however, span a wide range. Some travelers praise the restaurant staff for their attentiveness and highlight the diverse breakfast spreads as a daily delight. Others criticize the limited à la carte options and the inconsistent quality of meals served during all-inclusive stays. One notable concern: guests on all-inclusive packages have occasionally found themselves with fewer refreshments and snacks available than anticipated, with some opting to dine out in nearby villages.

The bars perform better, with strong endorsements for the beach and poolside options, which serve a steady stream of chilled cocktails, local wine, and coffee-based refreshments.

Room Rates and Packages

Pricing at Radisson Blu Beach Resort varies considerably based on room type, time of year, and meal plan selection. For a standard Superior Room with garden view in May, rates typically start around $210 per night before taxes, with breakfast included. Upgrading to a sea view adds about $20 to $30 per night. Island Suites and Junior Suites fall in the $230 to $270 range.

For those seeking privacy and indulgence, villa options climb rapidly. A two-bedroom beachfront villa with a private pool can cost upwards of $600 per night during peak season. The pinnacle of luxury, a Five Bedroom Royal Villa with a private pool and hot tub, ranges from $900 to over $1,200 per night, depending on occupancy and extras.

Meal plan upgrades are clearly defined and flexible:

  • Breakfast only is the base tier
  • Half board includes breakfast and either lunch or dinner
  • All-inclusive covers all meals, snacks, and beverages

Each tier increases the nightly cost by $40 to $80 depending on the room type, but includes added value like free self-parking and cancellation flexibility. Most plans offer full refunds up to the first week of June, though it’s important to verify cancellation policies at the time of booking.

Service and Staff Feedback

One of the most polarizing topics among reviewers is the service. On one hand, multiple guests cite polite and enthusiastic staff, particularly in April and early season months. Those arriving during quieter periods often find the check-in smooth, rooms well-prepared, and staff accommodating. On the other hand, reviews from late summer paint a different picture.

Guests visiting during peak weeks have reported staffing shortages, long wait times for dining, and underprepared rooms. Several reviews describe the need to repeatedly request room repairs or basic housekeeping essentials, such as working phones or properly draining showers. These issues appear concentrated in high-occupancy periods like August and early September, suggesting that the resort occasionally struggles with scale.

Nevertheless, guests who focused on outdoor enjoyment whether swimming, lounging, or exploring nearby coastal trails, found their experience satisfying even when the in-house logistics faltered.

Real Reviews: The Good and the Bad

Reviews of Radisson Blu Milatos vary widely by date, room type, and expectations. Guests traveling in spring often describe a tranquil, well-managed stay with elegant surroundings and thoughtful hospitality. Reviewers in April have noted top-tier views, professional staff, and good value for money.

Summer reviews reveal more strain. Some families expressed frustration at having to queue for restaurant tables or navigate broken air conditioners during the heat. Others noted the lack of variety in children’s menus or the need to schedule dinner reservations due to crowding.

There are occasional glowing reviews even in peak season, particularly from those who spent most of their time outdoors or booked higher-end suites with better access to services. Villas with private pools and sea views garnered strong satisfaction, as they offer more control and comfort independent of the main facilities.

Final Thoughts

Radisson Blu Beach Resort in Milatos, Crete offers a multifaceted holiday experience that blends beachfront serenity with family-friendly excitement and premium accommodations. Its strength lies in the breadth of its offerings: private villas, sea-facing suites, multiple pools, varied dining, and wellness options. For travelers looking for a coastal Greek escape with flexibility in lodging and pricing, the resort delivers visual drama and Mediterranean ambiance.

At the same time, it’s important to match expectations with seasonality. A visit in spring or early autumn yields a more intimate and polished experience. High summer months may come with a few inconveniences, especially for guests expecting seamless luxury from start to finish.

Booking a stay here is best approached with care. Opting for upgraded rooms and meal plans during shoulder seasons can offer the best value and comfort. For families and large groups, villas provide the space and privacy to make the most of the surroundings.

Radisson Blu Milatos is not a uniform experience, but for the discerning traveler who knows what to prioritize, it can be a rewarding one. The sea remains its greatest constant, shimmering quietly beyond every terrace and reminding every guest that Crete’s true magic flows in with the tide.