Before you book
The questions guests ask us most
A guest house works differently from a hotel, and it helps to know what to expect before you arrive. At Maison Meltem breakfast is included every morning, dinner is served by reservation three evenings a week, and nothing is served at midday. The sauna is available on request, and guests can use the hot tub without booking. Here is what the house serves, at what times, what the room rate covers, and how to get here from Heraklion airport.
These answers apply to all eight rooms and suites. If your question is not covered, write to us.
Do you serve lunch?
No, we do not serve meals at lunchtime. Breakfast is served every morning and included in the room rate. Dinner is offered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings only, by reservation. At lunchtime the pool bar stays open, and the village of Agia Pelagia and its tavernas are a few minutes away by car.
Which evenings is dinner served?
Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, from 7:30 pm to 9 pm, by reservation. A single Cretan set menu prepared by Giannis, a chef trained in Mediterranean cooking in Greece and then in Lyon, with a spell at the Institut Paul Bocuse. Served at one large convivial table or at tables for two on the terrace facing the Aegean Sea. On other evenings, the house does not serve dinner.
Is breakfast included?
Yes. Breakfast is included in the rate of every room. A Cretan and continental buffet is served each morning in the shade of the olive trees, facing the sea, with à la carte options.
Is there a good internet connection?
Yes. The house has Starlink satellite internet, around 400 Mb/s, shared among all guests and available in the rooms and across the whole property. The connection supports video calls and remote working, which is rare in this part of Crete.
Are the sauna and the hot tub available?
The hot tub and the infinity pool are freely available. The Finnish sauna is open from October to May, on request. The fitness room is open from 8 am to 8 pm, and a yoga space is set up facing the sea. Massages can be booked on site.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Rooms are available from 3 pm; check-out is before 11 am.
Is the whole villa available to rent?
No, the villa is not for rent. It is the showpiece of the house, and it is where dinner with the hosts is served when the weather is not good enough for the terrace. Maison Meltem has eight rooms and suites, all facing the Aegean Sea.
How do I get to the house from Heraklion airport?
The house is 26 km from Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis airport, a 24-minute drive along the E75/A90: by car or by taxi it is a straight run. If you would like to hire a car, we can put you in touch with the local firm we usually work with, which offers an all-inclusive rate including insurance; just ask us for their contact details. By bus, allow about an hour: line 12 links the airport to Heraklion’s central bus station (KTEL) in around 9 minutes, then a coach serves Agia Pelagia; get off at the “A1 Super Market” stop and the house is a 10-minute walk away.
Is the house gay friendly?
Yes, and we are glad to say so. Maison Meltem is run by Giannis and Olivier, a couple, and the house is listed on several gay travel sites. You will be welcomed exactly as everyone is here: in our adults-only house, we are proud to host every traveller — couples, friends or solo guests — without anyone having to explain themselves.
Is naturism allowed?
Yes, in the private areas: the private terraces and pools of the rooms and suites that have them, where you are in your own space. Not every room or suite has a private terrace or pool: tell us what you are looking for and we will point you to the right one.
What are the booking and cancellation terms?
Bookings are guaranteed by credit card. The total stay price is paid in three automatic charges to the card on file: 25% when you book, a further 25% 30 days before arrival, and the remaining 50% 7 days before arrival. More than 30 days before arrival, cancellation is free of charge and all payments are refunded in full. Between 30 and 7 days before arrival, the payments made, amounting to 50% of the stay price, are retained by the property; nothing further is due. Less than 7 days before arrival, the full stay price is due. An exception applies only to bookings made less than 30 days before arrival: they may be cancelled free of charge within 48 hours of booking confirmation. To use this exception, contact us directly via WhatsApp, by phone or by email within this period. The local tax and tourist tax are charged when you book. To change your dates or the number of guests, write to us: we will do our best, subject to availability.
Is the house adults-only?
Yes, Maison Meltem is an adults-only guest house.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are welcome on request. Please contact us before booking to make arrangements.
Can we arrive at any time?
Yes, you can arrive at any time, day or night. Giannis and Olivier will welcome you, or you can self-check in. Let us know your arrival time so we can make arrangements. Rooms are available from 3 pm on your arrival day.
Is the house accessible for guests with reduced mobility?
No, the property is not accessible to guests with reduced mobility.
Are Giannis and Olivier there for the whole season?
Almost. In 2027 they are away for four weeks: 7–13 June, 19–25 July, 30 August – 5 September and 11–17 October. The house stays open and Romain and Kallia welcome you in their place, in French, English and Greek. Dinner is not served during those weeks; breakfast, as always, is served every morning.
A question that is not on this list?
Wondering whether to hire a car for your whole stay or just a few days? Giannis and Olivier can advise you based on your plans. If you would like to bring a pet, contact them before booking: they answer directly, by phone or email, in English, French and Greek.
It is also the moment to mention a late arrival, a dietary requirement for the table, or any question this page has left unanswered.
+33 6 11 92 03 55 · contact@maisonmeltem.com