Golden Beach

"I debated whether to write about our experience at this premises rated as a 4 Star property. I had been to Greece before, however, this was our first time at Crete and was looking forward to the wonderful friendly experience. This is a review about the accomodation, it is in no way shape or form equivalent to a 4 star rated resort that I have ever stayed at. The lobby looks modern, but that is it. We had a room on the second floor, and what we faced was shocking, A small room with two single beds beside each other that we did not have enough space to separate between us. It was a good thing we were best friends, there was a timber unit with a fridge underneath and a chair. The wardrobe was small. The only drawers were on the bottom of the wardrobe with one side holding a safe that you had topay for, as well as a visitor tax of €70 or 10 per day I suppose. The balcony was tiny. The bathroom was incredibly small with a tiny corner shower unit it was not comfortableto have a shower. There was a nasty smell from the bathroom and I believe it was the sewage system. We were not impressed so I went down to reception and complained but was told rather sharply that because it was August the hotel was fully booked and the room we received was not a problem for other guests. I was told that if there was a chance to be upgraded it would be €50 per day extra. Thankfully we were only staying a week so we endured what we had. It was very uncomfortable, the air conditioning unit was quite noisy and the paper cups for the tea and coffee in the room is crazy. We wasted more paper cups and that it is not eco-friendly. We ended up buying mugs in the supermarket beside the property. The food has a wide selection at breakfast but the hot food is not that hot, breakfast became boring. I don't recall seeing any people smiling at breakfast, to be honest a lot of people looked depressed and sad they were probably like me wondering what the hell did I do to end up in a tiny room that felt more like a prison cell. Not that I have ever been in prison but I'm pretty sure our room was as close to a solitary confinement cell that I can think of. The evening meal was a once in a lifetime experience, in that you would only want to experience it once in your life. At no stage did a server ask us were we alright or were we enjoying our meal. You have to pay for any drinks, and pay you will, they charge a crazy amount at the dinner and at the lobby bar. We ended up going out most evenings. We experienced a Greek night down the town which was very good but it was not part of the Golden Beach entertainment because the Golden Beach don't do entertainment, they do expensive charges and cramped spaces. Even the roof top swimming pool is tiny. The sunbeds on the beach, oh by the way, it is not a beach it is like a tiny strip of a hamlet or cove, anyways, the sunbeds cost 25 for two. There is no personal space either, all the beds are very close to one another but that's because the so-called 'beach' is soooo big (not!). I am really trying to think of something positive to say about the Golden Beach accommodation and I honestly can't. The management say that the Golden Beach has recently undergone a change of appearance achieving a beautiful balance of comfort and style so that guests enjoy and achieve a relaxing stay in Crete. Well we neither had any comfort, any style or any relaxing stay. We will never return there, and neither will any of our families, friends or acquaintances. I wouldn't tell my worst enemy to book it. There is no value for money, it is over-priced and it is definitely not four stars. Smiling cleaning ladies replacing paper cups every day and a restaurant manager who greets you in the morning does not make one rate their holiday accomodation as super if they have to tolerate a cramped space with no shelves or storage space. Management need to wake up because comfort and space in a room for their guest/s is essential. There is one positive I can recall and that was getting the bus back to the airport."

"We liked it a lot and are glad that we didn't care about negative reviews. It is long and narrow hotel that goes from main street until the sea. Yes, room was relatively small, but it contained all we needed. You can make coffe and tea in your room, coffe is stocked everyday by cleaning lady. Hairdryer, soap and shampoos are provided. Bathroom is small but has everything you need, although you can see it was used, a lot (rust and calcification). Rooms are cleaned every day and cleaning ladies are always smiling. Every room has a balcony. Food was great, every day something new. Although they were 'evergreens' like pasta and the same meat. So many sweet sauces to choose. They care about your food allergies, manager personally brought lactose free milk and yoghurt to our table. We had half-pension, so drinks during dinner were not included, had to be ordered. Staff is very friendly, always greeting you and smiling. Hotel beach is relatively small, but we saw smaller in Chersonissos. 2 sunbeds/day costs 25 €. But you can always walk to nearby beaches. Hotel pool is on the roof, so it is very small, like 3x5 m."

"I don’t think hotel is a 4 star we had sea view room bathroom so small rooms small restaurant food was same food every day only thing I can say Anthony was such a lovely man so welcoming and always said morning I feel if your staying at this hotel you shouldn’t have to pay 25 euros for a bed at beach and prices for drinks at bar was over the that’s why bar was never busy and it’s a shame weather was bad feel for Crete with this weather"