Ostria Resort and Spa

Location is a bit remote but obviously something that can be researched before hand. We did hire a car and go exploring on one of the days where high winds, and could get to some nice spots within 1/1.5hrs.

We found the atmosphere of the hotel relaxed and in general, friendly. Particularly the Jet Club staff. However some of the attitude of the staff could have been improved in general service, when compared to other five star hotels we’ve stayed at in other countries / continents. Also, the resort is heavily catered to French visitors, who make up the majority of visitors in the resort. Even if we had researched this before booking it wouldn’t have put us off booking but you really do feel like you’re somewhere in France rather than Crete/Greece.

The resort and rooms are spotless, aesthetically pleasing and modern. Our family all slept well and could relax in room or in multiple locations on the property. One complaint would be that smoking was allowed everywhere and the smell of smoke was really pervasive at times, especially in family locations which was really off putting.

The family pool at Theatro area was great if a little small given the Aquagym and Aquabikes took place there. Lovely temperature (some may have found it too warm in fact). For us, the larger ‘central’ pool close to Theatro area was cold. Please be aware the sea is warmer so our children very rarely went in and played. Later in afternoon it was better but overall for being the largest open pool area, for me, it could have been heated a bit. That said, some families did go in it so prob personal preference.

Night activities were fine enough; again, personal taste more than anything.

Food was nice without being amazing, and that is comparing the offering and quality here vs. Other 5 star hotels we’ve been too. There was something the family could have each night, but across 9 nights it was a bit repetitive. À la carte restaurants were nice but not worth it if wasn’t included in all inclusive. Drinks options were average. Other reviews have made comments likewise and aware different views on quality of branded drinks offered, but again, comparing to other all inclusive offerings we’ve experienced, it was limited.

Hotel gym is good and never too busy, friendly PT and relaxed. You have to pay €6 but stated in advance. Fitness classes were really good and Jet Club staff were great doing them.

Overall, a lovely hotel, well kept and nothing massively wrong with service, food, amenities or entertainment. We would probably think about coming back, but more likely to look at other options first.

One thing to note is the high winds I mentioned. Almost gale force almost consistently for about 3 days during our stay. We could have researched this but being in pool and even sitting on balcony to read wasn’t really pleasurable. Something to consider but nothing really relating to the hotel.

Nice resort but why we only give 3 instead of 5:

Positive: staff is very helpful and friendly Food is good, especially in the Thalassa restaurant. Every day, a Jet Tours big team entertains guests and professional dancers perform shows in the evening

Negative: except shampoo and shower gel, no tissue, no cotton pad, nothing called toiletries in the room Only 1 bottle of water per day in the room

In the main restaurant, Orion, we were finishing our lunch and it was 14h, the supervisor came up to push us out. We hurried up to terminate our dishes and he came a second time to insist that we must leave. It’s NOT ACCEPTABLE and UNBELIEVABLE for a 5* hotel!!!

Beautiful hotel with amazing facilities. Everywhere was spotless and all of the staff were super friendly. We had a swim up deluxe room with view of the sea which was insane!

We dined in 3 à la carte restaurants. Our favourite was Aelous and although we enjoyed Thalassa we wouldn’t say it was worth rushing back to (overpriced for what it was). We took a trip into Ierapetra one evening too which we really enjoyed, lots of nice restaurants and bars on the seafront and only 11 euros for the taxi.

The majority of guests were French so this was the first language for the animation team and entertainment. If you have children, this could also be an issue with kids club. Although we found that there were many activities through the day and a theme almost every night to keep guests busy without being too pushy which we appreciated!

For us, the only downsides holding it back from 5 star were the drinks (not premium and cocktails were pre mixed), the main buffet selection was fairly small for the number of people in the hotel, no mini bar in the room, no daily towel change (this was in the shop every 2 days) and a charge for the use of the gym. Queues at the pool bar buffet could also get long however we were there in the height of summer holidays so this is to be expected!

Overall, really enjoyed our stay at Ostria and would definitely return, it was beautiful!