Iberostar Selection Creta Marine

We had a fantastic two week holiday here during the October half term. Originally we were meant to stay in the sister hotel next door but upon arrival were informed we needed to move next door. That was slightly unsettling but we quickly realised Creta Marine was an upgrade to say the least! I read reviews about hygiene and food poisoning. All I can say from our experience was that it was overwhelmingly positive. Staff took all necessary care when it came to food safety, from what I could see. As for some guests, that’s another story - I saw one chap using the toilet and then entering the restaurant without washing his hands ‍♂️ not sure hotel staff can police that! One thing I would kindly suggest to the hotel is that they do away with the chocolate fountains. If there is one thing to spread food bugs it is that, as kids were mulling around that, and not taking much care. The service was spot on, especially Christos and Georgis in the pool bar. The all inclusive option here was amazing. Branded alcohols with “healthy” measures (). For our food options we found the Locanda restaurant great for late breakfast or lunch. However, we weren’t amazingly impressed with the Locanda in its evening service when you had to book on. Limited menu and quality surprisingly lower than the buffet it offered during the day. The main restaurant was good for evening meals although we were there in the last week when things were winding down for closure for the season so the selection started to get a little limited. Whilst I make some nitpicky comments on the food this doesn’t detract from a wonderful stay and it’s more constructive comments for the hotel to enhance things there further. Would certainly recommend for those simply eating a stay where you do absolutely nothing. Wouldn’t suggest those who like to explore to stay here as it is a little remote and not easy to get to places.

As a package holiday first timer, our experience at Creta Marine was just brilliant. We were welcomed into a fantastic resort and location by friendly and helpful staff. We stayed in a family waterfront bungalow and it absoluely blew me away. Gorgeous views from the balcony and right above the best swimming cove. The apartment was comfortable and spacious for 2 adults and 2 teenage boys. The rooms were kept beautifully clean and housekeeping was very flexible in their visit times, allowing us to relax in the room when we wanted. I really appreciated the fresh towels and linen each day. The beds were comfortable and there were thoughtful touches all around the accomodation. The balcony was my favourite place, day and evening. The village style layout of the bungalow complex was absolutely charming. The landscaping and planting add extra enjoyment and the opportunity to enjoy native plants. We enjoyed snorkelling in each of the coves, lots of fish to see! Comfortable loungers at every location and refreshment options too. The resort is so large and has so many facilities, even as it filled up, it never felt crowded. Lots of space around the main pool (which is gorgeous) and around the many smaller pools and areas. We visited in October so it was still comfortably warm. The water was cool, but we're Cornish and a bit hardy so that didn't faze us. The land train to nearby Panormo was charming, lots of options for eating and shopping in that little village. Rethymnon is an easy bus ride away, stopping right outside the resort. Beautiful town with the most amazing shops and places to eat. Utterly charming. Reception staff very helpful in helping us navigate and get to where we wanted. The whole atmosphere was so hospitable, we had a 5 hour wait between checkout and airport transfer on the way home. We were welcomed to use all the communal facilities with thoughtfully provisioned showers etc so we could still swim and enjoy. There's a very handy little resort shop with some basics, snacks, drinks, souveniers, books, bus tickets etc. A short walk away is a local shop which is definitely worth a visit, so many local snacks and foods, as well as gorgeous gifts, souveniers, clothes and interesting things. I cannot think of a single negative about our stay. Thank you to the brilliant staff, we were fortunate to stay for 11 nights and got to know our favourites. The smell sometimes alluded to is the bore water used to irrigate the plants at night, which has a sulphurous smell. This is due to rock composition of Crete imparting sulphide gas into the water table. Using untreated bore water to irrigate is much more sustainable than using drinking quality water, especially where water supply is under severe pressure. We drank the tap water for the whole stay, using the mini fridge to chill. The mineral content is beneficial I believe but if you can't get along with the difference in taste, bottles of spring water are readily and cheaply available f

Honestly don’t know where to start. Not one complaint on any aspect of the holiday. The Animation team were so lovely and Christina who was working mostly on the lobby bar looked after us every night. An absolute asset to the hotels staff team. All facility’s were exactly as described and more. The room was clean and modern. Jacuzzi was pre heated on arrival. Lots of sun loungers available every day very comfortable. As a couple who don’t like the sand on the beach we were able to relax on the concrete walkway around the cove. Again loads of sun loungers available. Always an amazing selection of food always presented lovely and tasted fresh. The restaurants were also lovely and made a pleasant change to the main restaurant. No issues with WIFI at all in our room, by the pool or beach.

Perfect time of year, perfect accommodations. The staff was very helpful at all times. The food was fantastic and the accommodations were very well serviced. No shortfalls at all. The resort was clean at all times and caters to everyone in all ages. We will be returning.

Two years previous we spent 10 days in the sister hotel panorama was fabulous, so on return could not get a room available so opted for the sister hotel. Bit disappointing, ..the staff are amazing .. the hotel very clean..our room was a newly refurbished one but garden view was not great and our room above bins stinks was horrible , we asked to move but rooms available not as nice as one we had so opted to stay and never used the balcony . The entertainment not great but ok..the grounds adjoining the panorama are beautiful and well kept ..lots of space to go for walks..good selection of pools..lovely little coves at beach..the food was a disappointment for us we struggled to find something appealing every night as Im vegetarian not much as it was very repetitive..so a waste of money for half board ..all in I would say book a room in panorama sister hotel as it's on a bigger and better scale ..an enjoyable holiday but room for improvement