Giannoulis – Santa Marina Beach Hotel

The hotel was in a good position about 100 yard walk to bars restaurants and shops. We had 12 nights here, our plane was delayed so we arrived after 2am. We were welcomed at reception given our keys and taken to our rooms. We were across the road ( can be busy) but there is an underpass. In our room we had sandwiches fruit and water waiting which was really nice. During our stay every member of the team we encountered, reception, bar, restaurants and housekeeping were excellent. The pools were kept clean and the sunbeds plentiful. We loved the beach as the sea and sand were amazing. You did need to be early to get a bed on the beach but worth the 8 am start. The food was varied and very tasty, great salad bar and hot section. The bar was good and a nice area to sit. My only criticism is the rooms, very clean and a nice size. However the storage is dismal, 3 tiny drawers that couldn't take much at all, the wardrobe ok but 1 door wouldn't open fully, it banged against the fire door hinge. The bathroom, again very clean but needs refurbishment. The door banged against the sink when you walked in and the bath was quite old, shower acceptable. All in all we had a great stay, it is not very close to Chania but there is a bus stop outside. I would stay again, just more storage and refurbed bathroom needed.

We couldn’t rate this beach complex more highly. Whilst the facilities are excellent, it is most definitely the staff that sets this hotel apart. Every member of the brigade with whom we had contact were polite, knowledgeable and extremely friendly. From security to cleaners and everyone in between. We must make a special mention of Theodore, Lazarus and Hara. Wonderful hosts and an absolute credit to the resort and their profession. Theodore in particular was always interested in our day and provided lots of useful information regarding the island, its history and places of interest. The complex was always beautifully maintained and spotlessly clean. Our rooms were well appointed and cleaned every morning. The two restaurants boasted a good variety of dishes at every sitting. If I have any criticism, it would be the lack of availability of snacks throughout the day when compared to other all inclusive resorts where we have stayed. That said, unlike anywhere else we have stayed, our all inclusive bands remained valid right up until we boarded our transport. Overall, this is a lovely resort in a beautiful area with absolutely brilliant staff.

We had a brilliant time at this hotel with family,would highly recommend. The beach is beautiful here ,the hotel and bars and restaurants are kept spotless clean.the maid came every day , and cleaned too a high standard.and fresh towels every day,,all the staff at the hotel are so friendly and helpful,they work so so hard,especially in the beach bar and,and Micheal at the main bar is excellent at his job..but he really could do with some help too especially in the summer time,,so a big thankyou to you all guys for giving us an amazing hospitality

Lovely hotel in a perfect location. Food was very good for all inclusive. Lots of choice. Great bar with tables outside next to the beach. Live entertainment a few times a week. Saxophonist was brilliant. Hotel is situated either side of quite a busy road which can be accessed by an underpass. Although this is not suitable for people with immobility issues. Main hotel is by the beach. Other part has Pools, pool bar and another restaurant. We had a pool view room looking over active pool which was lovely. Rooms aren’t massive but big enough. My only negative about the room would be the bathroom is a bit small. The shower cubicle is tiny and the shower head doesn’t stay up. Well it does but you need to fiddle with it. But this wouldn’t put me off going back. The relaxation pool is lovely and very relaxing. You can also go to the Thorodoro restaurant for breakfast and lunch here. Some days you get a waiter serving drinks round the pool. Quite limited sunbeds so I would say you need to get there by 930/10am. Hotel has many restaurants and bars nearby. We visited a sports bar called Pint O’clock a few times to watch footy and they even put the boxing on which didn’t finish til 230am! Lovely owners. There are plenty of other bars and beach bars along the main road or via the beach. Pavements can be very narrow in places and uneven. We had a lovely meal in a restaurant called Olivia’s bar & restaurant which is next door to hotel. Great food and decor. Staff lovely and attentive. We only ate out a few times as food was so good in hotel. There were a few complaints about queuing for the restaurant. Although this only happened a few times for us and we didn’t queue for long so it didn’t really bother us. The main restaurant also has tables outside where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner which is lovely as next to the beach. Hotel clean and our room was done everyday and towels changed. Be prepared to get bitten by mosquitoes. I would take spray, antihistamine and bite cream. Overall a great hotel which we will definitely return to.

We have just returned from a lovely 7 day holiday from the Santa Marina Beach Hotel. Rooms are not the largest, but are very clean, comfortable, well maintained, and more than adequate. What makes this place are the staff, very friendly, helpful and always polite. They did have a few issues with lengthy queues for evening dinner, & the main bar.....but this situation was created by some inclement windy & wet weather, which meant you could not use the outside dining or bar areas.....which to be honest is a very rare event in Crete , in the holiday season. Staff did their best though, and it did not spoil our trip. The food & drink was a good standard, with some great choices served up. Beach bar great, and plenty of sunbeds on the beach and around the pools. Overall, a very pleasant place to stay The hotel delivered, as we used it as a base to expore NW Crete by hire car. Very enjoyable, thank you to all the staff who worked so hard throughout our stay.

We just got back from our vacation and we couldn't have made a better choice than Santa Marina Beach Hotel!!The room was spotlessly clean, the food delicious with many varieties. And the best of all was the service from all the staff, always with a smile and willing to help with any request. I highly recommend it!!

I stayed with my girlfriend at the hotel last week, i have to say is amazing place! When i was at the hotel the weather wasn't good and we couldn't eat outside it was so sad cause the view outside was amazing, cause the weather was cold and some days was raining we could eat only inside the restaurant and some times we had to wait to found a table ... But was a good and friendly experience because the staff was so helpful and so polite and they were trying to do everything about us !!! I already love this place and i will go again next year !!!

Been there for a week. First of all the place was amazing, clean room, unbelievable view and the hotel its literally by the sea. The food was great and the location of the restaurant was quite good, the staff was lovely, always smiling and ready to help at any moment for anything you need. Would definitely visit again

Lovely hotel breakfast sufficient they need to open up the restaurant at the other hotel across the road According to the website it will open 15 may fingers crossed the wait for food and the queue for food is in acceptable for a four star hotel I am not in a school dinner queue. Staff good lots of men in suits walking around not addressing the issue of the queues and the cold food needs to be addressed at least provide a microwave so the food can at least be warm