Giannoulis – Santa Marina Beach Hotel

I have been coming to this hotel every year for the past 5 years and each time it is better. There is no place in the world with a better location on this long sandy beach with mesmerizing views of an uninhibited island -magic especially during sunset. The staff goes above and beyond to provide the best services. Everyone is friendly and professional and all areas are cleaned at all times. What is remarkable is the food. Crete has amazing food in general and Santa Marina is a testament to that so perfect for people who appreciate good cuisine. The value for money is amazing, you stay at a divine beach with all amenities and it is definitely beyond worth it. It is a yearly ritual for us to come back every year and I recommend to everyone who wants to visit Crete to stay at Santa Marina Beach.

Lovely on the beach location, the staff are so friendly & helpful, in a lovely area of aghia marina. We loved the outdoor restaurant too with the best views of the sea. We upgraded to a beach view room and had room 304 on the highest floor with a breathtaking view. However, we were disappointed with the size of the room and it must be one of the smallest we have had in a hotel on our many travels. The room was cleaned every day with fresh towels but it could do with a make over and I wouldn’t say it’s a 4 star rating on this alone sadly. The bathroom is also minute with a small shower in the corner and the toilet roll is not even on a proper holder within reach! The hotel is split into two and the hotel pool is accessed via a tunnel under a busy and noisy road. However, the lovely Theodore who runs the pool bar and has exceptional customer service, introduced us to the relaxing pool! A real hidden gem! But it’s quite a trek back to the pool bar. Entertainment is bare minimum and so disappointed, we had a sax player and a disco during our 7 night stay, can only assume as not busy season time? Air con in the room was good, nice touch of a bottle of red wine in our room on arrival. Drinks are served to you at your table at meal times which often meant a long wait if you wanted a second, really need drinks machines so you can help yourself. We were all inclusive, plenty of choice for all nationalities for breakfast, lunch & dinner but I avoided some of the dishes as they simply were not hot enough! Not great! As for the drinks, we were dismayed to find its only local drinks, and we struggled! To make matters worse it’s not genuine coke or Diet Coke and a very sweet nasty version. We asked if we could upgrade to premium drinks but told no and if we wanted a known spirit it would cost €8.50 !!!! This hotel gets many repeat guests and it’s the fabulous staff and location that keeps them coming back and we loved our stay for those reasons only.

Though the waiting and cleaning staff where absolutely brilliant, the room was very clean and food was delicious. There where quite a few issues that we encountered. We arrived late at night and though my friend made it clear that we wanted a twin room via email, my friend and I where given a double bed. My friend phoned and this was sorted quickly. The next day, we ended up speaking to the supervisor. The supervisor blamed us of not informing them that we wanted a twin room. My friend had the email as proof, however the supervisor declined to read the email and then blamed the travel company who we booked through. However, then apologised which left us confused. There is also a problem with the rating with the Pearl wing. As previous reviews stated this is not an all inclusive 5 star hotel. There is a pool bar till 6pm which takes 5 mins to walk from the Pearl Wing, however there is only one gentlemen serving who is rushed off his feet. After 6pm, there is no bar in the Pearl wing and no one to take your orders, so Pearl wing guests have no choice but to cross over to the 4 star wing of the hotel to use their bar. There is also no lunch and no entertainment, apart from a Greek night that you have to pay 13 euros for and drinks are not included. We approached the manager, as we wanted to give him the chance to put the situation right before putting up this review and, said he will sort it and have a word with his colleague. However, after not hearing anything, we approached him again. The manager was uninterested, kept looking away from us while speaking and walked off mid conversation. Before walking off, he stated it was not in their policy to have a bar in the all inclusive 5 star Pearl wing. Though, we where informed that previously there had been waiting staff that would take your orders. The manager and receptionist then went onto blame Jet2 for the reason we where not aware of the situation. Apart from the bigger room, we still cannot understand what we paid for the upgrade to the Pearl wing for. The hotel across the road has all the entertainment, bars and food. As stated the waiting and cleaning staff where absolutely lovely. We could not fault them and they are a credit to the hotel. It's such a shame that our stay was spoiled by senior staff members.

Good location. Lovely staff. Food selection OK but quality and taste good. One by one seating lovely and annoying at the same time. Drinks being served so first glass come quick, but to get second might take time. Rooms simple and clean. Overall was nice stay.

A fantastic weeks holiday in Crete. I can honestly not fault this hotel at all in any way. The staff were the friendliest we have come across in any of the hotels I have ever stayed at. From the bar staff at the beach, the tireless workers at the relaxation pool bar , to all the waiters/waitresses in all the restaurants they all had smiles and time to talk. The food was very good and a lot of choice, our favourite was the restaurant at the top of the hill, but the main restaurant next to the beach was a lovely setting too. The rooms were very clean and while on the smaller side, they were ample and the maids service was very good and daily. The location was good and the beach was the best along the stretch as we walked up both sides daily. We don’t usually go to the same place again, but would definitely return here. Crete is a lovely island and Chania town is really charming and vibrant. The trips to Balos and the other island is worthwhile as well.

I’m writing this as I’m sitting by the beautiful beach at the hotel and we are sadly nearing the end of our holiday ( 2 1/2 days left). The Giannoulis in Agia Marina has been a wonderful, relaxing hotel to stay at. We’ve slept so well on the comfortable beds each night waking up refreshed each morning. We are staying pool side which is peaceful and quiet. There is no rush for beds or need to reserve with towels either - there are always plenty spare during the afternoon. The hotel reception staff are warm, friendly, welcoming and helpful making our stay a delight. The restaurant staff are also really friendly and welcoming, the food in the restaurant is typically Greek fare - tasty, well cooked. Lots of choice and it’s nice to see no themed nights. I can truly say our stay here has so far been relaxing and peaceful - as it was intended to be. My only niggles would be the lack of English channels on the tv and WiFi being so slow - but that’s not really a big issue as it makes you switch off from the outside world and stop. As a disabled person, and from a disabled point of view - If you are in a wheel chair and cannot walk at all, - this would not be a good place to come as it’s not fully wheel chair friendly but if you do have some walking ability with crutches, walking stick etc you’d be able to manage there are a few steps and uneven surfaces just be careful and take your time. There are some ramps but not everywhere there is a lift down to the public toilets in the hotel but then steps as you come out the lift so you wouldn’t be able to use the area. Thank goodness this is NOT one of those areas set up for people who want England abroad the are and the hotel retain, and rightly so, its Cretan charms remaining true to their routes and a delight to visit.