Iberostar Creta Marine

Beautiful setting and grounds, lovely and clean rooms. Disappointing kids club as you really had to seek things out rather than the activities being visible/available, evening entertainment was acceptable but very samey. We booked half board but this meant we were only allowed 1 dinner in a restaurant outside of the buffet during our whole 10 days stay - this was not made clear when booking and meant the food became really boring in the buffet every day, particularly for vegetarian/pescetarian. Equally there were very limited lunch options so we ended up eating at their food truck or splash park most days which was very poor quality junk food (burgers, hot dogs, chips). This was a huge disappointment and did not feel as though we were dining in a 5 star environment. The staff were generally friendly however this varied - we have been to Greece many times but did not feel there was huge warmth and friendliness. For example my husband wanted a whisky drink at the bar one evening but was told he wasn’t allowed it because it wasn’t in a cocktail. We were baffled and the manner in which we were told was plain rude and unwelcoming. Another small point was that the main pool is salt water - a lot of activities happened around the main pool each day, however my kids find salt water quite stingy so we were unable to enjoy being in the main pool for the majority of our stay. Whilst the ground were absolutely beautiful, the surroundings stunning and the lovely clean rooms I would absolutely not stay in this hotel again if I wanted a truly 5 star experience - it did not feel 5 star despite the cost.

Visited as a family of 3 mid July, myself, my husband and our daughter aged nearly 18...what an amazing holiday we had! On arrival, we were made to feel special and very welcome, with roses, fizz and cool towels in reception, our suitcases were then taken to our room. Our room was very modern, clean, spacious with a beautiful view (we stayed in the main hotel building 2nd floor). We had a lovely surprise of an anniversary cake and fizz awaiting us, as well as roses and a swan towel display on the bed, lovely touch! Housekeeping were great and mini frodge, espresson capsules water and wine were refilled after use. Throughout our stay, all the staff were extremely friendly, special mention to Mariea and Jacques from the entertainment team who spoke with us each day by the pool and by the end of our holiday our daughter eventually took part in the numerous activities with Jacques, which she enjoyed! The food in the main buffet restaurant was great, lots of choice, an amazing selection of desserts and themed evenings were good. We visited the Cretan and Italian restaurants, both of which we thoroughly enjoyed. We tended to go to the Italian restaurant for buffet lunch, but also visited the street food van a couple of times, the gyros were delicious! The cocktails and drinks were really good, loved that it was waiter service and the entertainment in the main bar, particularly the 2 female singers, the saxophonist and the Greek dancers, were very good! We were staying during the world cup tournament and there was a really good international atmosphere! The grounds, pools areas were all beautiful, but one of our favourite things about the hotel was sitting in the cocktail bar down by the bay and looking at the most stunning sunsets we had ever seen! Also loved that sunbed reservation at the main pool was controlled before 10am, how lovely not to have to get up at a ridiculous time to get a sunbed. The sunbeds were extremely comfortable, lots of umbrellas too. Due to not having young children we didn't visit the waterpark or theatre for the shows, not really our thing these days! We went on the road train from the front of the hotel to Panormos, lovely, quaint, traditional and authentic Greek village. One thing which became a bit tiresome was the spa ladies who came to offer/sell treatments far too regularly! We flew to Chania, which was a very long transfer, but we would do it again in a heartbeat in order to return, didn't want to leave and will definitely come back! Thank you, Karen, Colin & Megan

Beautiful hotel with fabulous food. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Beautiful grounds and lots of activities and amenities. Highly recommend!