"We have recently returned from enjoying a really superb easyJet all-inclusive holiday at the Iberostar Creta Marine hotel, near Rethymnon on Crete. We are a retired couple in our 70’s and have visited Crete many times before so just wanted to a quiet relaxing holiday, and we were certainly not disappointed. We have previously enjoyed a few Ikos all-inclusive hotel stays and we can only say that our holiday at Creta Marine was an equal match, but at a much lower cost.
Georgia greeted us on our arrival with a drink and rose for my wife and after check-in we were taken by buggy to our first-floor room in a block just slightly away from the main hotel building. We had booked a sea view room in the main building but had requested a high floor room in a quiet location and we were very pleased with our allocated room. It was close to the fresh water swimming pool and only a short walk to the main hotel building. Our room, on the first floor was reached by steps, was extremely comfortable and my wife’s only criticism is that the wardrobe did not allow for dresses to be hung without touching the safe and drawers below. We had a lovely view from our balcony and the chairs were comfortable.
We were initially attracted to book this hotel by the photos of the coves, and the coastal walkway, however, just be aware there are reasonably steep slopes or steps down from the hotel to reach these coves.
We chose to stay on an all-inclusive basis as we could see from its location that the hotel, which adjoins the neighbouring Iberostar Waves hotel and waterpark, was quite isolated. We sometimes book holidays on a bed and breakfast basis to enjoy eating out in local tavernas but be aware that this is not really an option for either of these two hotels unless you propose hiring a car for all your stay. There is a small shop in the hotel but that is all. There is a road train that does a couple of different morning tours and in the afternoon goes to and from the harbour-side village of Panormos. The local bus goes from outside the hotel to Rethymnon, but on its return it cannot stop outside the hotel so leaves the main road and drops you off on a side road meaning you have 15 minute walk through a tunnel under the main road and back up a bit of a hill to the hotel. We chose to take a 27 euro taxi back from Rethymnon which was able to take us back to the hotel.
Breakfast is available at the Dias Buffet Restaurant which is in the main building. There is a wide variety of foods to choose from including an omelette and fried egg station, fresh pancakes and waffles as well as all the usual hot and cold fare. The restaurant is very large but there are some quieter spaces to enjoy your meal if you do not wish to be close to the buffet! The hot food is hot, just choose your table, then have a walk around to choose your meal and then pick up a warm plate and help yourself to your meal. Lunch and dinner are available at this restaurant, but for lunch there is also a snack bar by the main swimming pool and the food truck located on the quayside opened during our stay. However, we mainly chose to have lunch at La Locanda Italian restaurant near the main swimming pool. Although this had a much smaller choice available, we enjoyed its more relaxed atmosphere and the food was excellent. Afternoon tea is also available at this restaurant if you are still hungry or missed lunch.
On an all-inclusive basis you are able to visit two of the three à la carte restaurants during a week-long stay. We chose the Vegghera Cretan Tavern near the main building and the Thalassa Restaurant which overlooks the coves and where we enjoyed a lovely meal and marvellous sunset. We had no problem requesting a buggy to take us back up the hill after our meal. The food throughout our stay in all venues was excellent and the sea food night at the buffet restaurant included lobster, oysters and scallops. Large prawns were also always available. Meat eaters, vegetarians, and gluten free guests were also well catered for.
There are plenty of very comfortable sunbeds around all the pools which open at 10.00am when you can then choose your sunbed, so no early morning rush! The large main pool was where the entertainment and music took place, but we preferred the quiet fresh-water pool close to our room. There is also a pool closer to the coves and there are sunbeds around the coves too.
We did not visit the spa where there is the indoor pool. We visited the outdoor theatre which is shared with the Waves hotel on the first night of its opening and enjoyed the show. However, most evenings and pre dinner we enjoyed a drink or two in the Saloni Lobby Bar where we met up with new friends. This could be busy but nevertheless a pleasant end to the evening.
We found all the hotel staff to be hard working and friendly but must mention Georgia in reception and Mary who is a mention of the animation team. We look forward a visiting again next year!"
