A Greek travel agency (Greenways) booked the Nontas complex for us. On our arrival, a surly receptionist told us that we would receive an apartment instead of a studio. But little did we know what a malicious "upgrade" it was.

The main problem of the Nontas complex is its location on an extremely busy Old National Road which connects Chania to all neighbouring touristy villages. Our "upgraded" apartment faced that road, as did ten other apartments and studios in the Nontas complex (out of 35 total). The Old National Road may look a peaceful county road on my picture but in fact it is the busiest transport artery of the region. In additon to passenger cars, heavy lorries keep passing all day and night. Popping of motorbikes and scooter is still worse.

If the Nontas people tell you that noise is no problem because they have double glazing on all windows, do not believe them! Well, they do have double glazing but it does not help - roaring engines are just a little bit less audible. Besides, they charge you an outrageous fee of 7 euros a day for using of air conditioning - this is not mentioned anywhere on their site. Even if you get a studio overlooking the pool, you are not safe from the road noises - the complex is constructed in a weird way where you can access the pool area not only through a normal reception, but also through a huge archway giving on the same road.

In short, we spend the most horrible and restless night in the Nontas complex because of heavy car and bike traffic and left in the following morning. The Greek travel agency (Greenways) only reimbursed us for one night of the three we had paid.

The noise problem apart, the Nontas place is unspectacular. The pool is ok, so are the common areas. But furniture is run down and dates back to 1970s or 1980s, the bathroom is gloomy and in need of renovation. There is nothing attractive in the neighbourhood where the complex is located and it is no less that 20 min walk to the nearest beach (crossing two more busy roads on your way).

Giving the abundance of accommodation options in the Chania region, I strongly suggest to stay away from the Nontas complex. Their price may appear attractive by North and West European standards, but it is only average on the Crete.