Minos Imperial Luxury Beach Resort and Spa

"This vacation was a birthday gift, and I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, it started poorly and never recovered. I am attaching a photo showing the number we booked and the one we actually received. I regretted taking a week off, on the third day I already wanted to go home, to work, but not to stay here. NIGHT OF ARRIVAL We arrived late at night, tired after the flight and an hour of driving. After check-in, we were sent outside to wait for a car that would take us with our luggage to the room. Waited more than 20 minutes. When we finally got to the room, it turned out it wasn't the one we booked, and it was in terrible condition: • sofa with stains and dried dandruff • cobwebs in the corners and a dirty floor • slugs at the entrance and one in the bathroom • The door to the next room has no soundproofing. We heard the neighbors talking and snoring all night. My boyfriend went to the reception to complain. He was barely given anything to explain, the only answer was "we'll change it tomorrow." The hotel was fully booked. TOMORROW MORNING We hardly slept. As soon as the neighbors woke up, we woke up too and immediately went to the reception. We were interrupted with the words "listen to me carefully" and told to wait until 11:30. At 11:30 they just gave us the room that we had already booked and paid for. They said a short "sorry," and nothing more for the ruined first night. COMPENSATION We planned the upgrade even before the trip. Finally, we found an employee who actually listened to us, and we asked her about the room with a jacuzzi. Then the hotel called the discount on this paid upgrade a "compensation." But they only offered it because we asked for the upgrade ourselves. Otherwise, we would have received an apology. SHOWER WITH JACUZZI: IT WAS NOT WORTH PAYING EXTRA • the TV was constantly glitching • I had to ask for a kettle at the reception three times • the shower was leaking, and I had to mop the floor with towels every time • guests cannot regulate the jacuzzi temperature themselves. You need to call the reception and wait for the technician to come and install it. The techniques, apparently, do not work in the evening, so if the problem occurs in the evening, you have to wait until the next day. The jacuzzi was often too hot, too cold, or didn't work at all, and we called about it almost every day. • it was dirty, with insects. I asked for a roof like the neighbors twice, and I was ignored. • the water is replenished once a day. When I asked again at night, they told me to go to the store. HOTEL IN WHOLE • the territory is beautiful and well-kept • the sea is amazing, with an incredible color • but the building itself needs a complete renovation: cheap furniture, tired corridors • The main restaurant is like a canteen, the food is monotonous. On the third day I got tired of her. • à la carte dinners were offered as an additional option, but in the restaurant they said that you could either have à la carte or a buffet. No one used to talk about this, and the hostess answered rudely. • many employees behaved coldly and dismissively, as if the guests with complaints were bothering them. RESULT I have stayed in many hotels in different countries, and many 4-star hotels maintain a much higher standard. No matter what room category you book, cleanliness, a working room, and respectful treatment should be the norm for a 5-star hotel. I chose this hotel largely because of the large number of positive reviews, so I was sincerely surprised that our experience turned out to be so different. I am writing this honest review so that others can make a more informed choice. It's a pity because the place is wonderful. The prices are not worth it, especially in the summer when the prices are even higher."

"The hotel is advertised as a 5-star property, although some areas are beginning to look a little tired and could benefit from some TLC. The rooms look fantastic on the website, but in reality, they could do with a little updating. That said, our suite was lovely, and we were fortunate to have a fantastic view. This was our second visit, and we would certainly book again. The price we paid was very reasonable and represented good value for money, especially for the time of year we visited. Overall, we had an enjoyable stay and would happily return."

"We got a deal though love holidays. 5 star 5 Night all inclusive at Minos imperial. Firstly it’s actually 3 full nights as nights 1 and 5 are both travelling. (That’s obviously not the hotels fault) We did not check in until 2am and long wait to check in. Either way the receptionist was lovely and gave us both sandwiches. Taken to our room in a golf buggy and showed around our bungalow with hot tub. Very impressed! Once day light came….it was obvious that some things didn’t work and looked tired and not well maintained. The bath leaked, the air con didn’t work and the hot tub wasn’t filling up… but the staff came to fix within 15 mins(not the air con). Even so..the room was stunning from the naked eye. Let’s talk about the bed though!!!! That is one of the comfiest beds Ive ever slept on! Great restful sleep. Amenities are fairly well thought out such as a coffee machine and the toiletries were acceptable. The complementary mini bar just is water in it so that was a bit disappointing. No room service which is advertised on their site. Onto the main buildings/outside areas…again tired, not immaculately maintained….rust, paint chipping, wonky steps (without lights) and some dirt build up….noticeable but not much to have a massively negative impact. The pool areas are fair but I feel this is not a totally accurate review as we barely used it due to weather Sometimes long queues to get a drink. But most of the staff were friendly which was a surprise after the negative comments on here regarding staff. The view is absolutely stunning and plenty of spaces to enjoy taking it in. Food….lots of fresh salads, breads and dips which are lovely. Hot food is standard and average but edible. The deserts were delicious! Drinks…all local spirts which were cheap and nasty but the Local beer is ok. The wines are terrible however. Al a carte….we did the Asian. Started off promising with the salad and soup. Main course went downhill and the desert was inedible! Entertainment-we never got to see any. Spa….unfortunately it was fully booked so can not comment on that. Location…45 minute drive from airport. We booked a transfer which was going to take 2.5 hours so we got a cab…75 euros. It’s in the middle of nowhere but there is a nice little Harbour about 15 mins walk from east side of complex and one of the restaurants provides transfers for those who can’t manage it ( no name bar) it’s really lovely there and not touristy. Minos imperial complex.its quite hilly with lots of steps, ramps and inclines so not great for someone with mobility issues. They do say this on there website. On a final note….i definitely wouldn’t say this a 5 star resort….i went to turkey in June a stayed in 5 star resort and the difference is noticeable. I’d go top 3 star to a bottom 4 star. Would I come again to Minos imperial? …..I would if I got it for the right price for the right room. What we paid felt fair for the time of year and what room we had. It’s a lovely place on the whole and we had a very relaxing time EDIT…..last night additional info….strolled into the buffet next to the wet bar where everyone was taking food and sitting down…we did the same and seen people on other nights doing exactly that. As we were about to sit with our plate full of food we were asked very abruptly if we had made a reservation… we hadn’t. We just walked in as no one was asking. We were embarrassed at being shouted at in front of other customers by this “lady” I asked her are you going to waste all this food?? And she shrugged her shoulders a she literally threw us out with the worst attitude! What a waste but she may have put it back which is even worse!!! Loads of tables free. The food is the exact same as in the main buffet. What was a lovely holiday was ruined with this absolute last minute disaster. Wholy mortified. For the benefit of the PR team who over look the reviews….short lady with short hair and glasses. Totally spoilt what would have been a decent break"