Sol Marina Beach Crete

Mum, Finlay and I are having the most wonderful time. We will certainly be back. Not only is the food, facilities & beach excellent, the staff are a joy to be around. Let’s start with the most important - the cleaning staff. Such a cheerful lady who goes above and beyond. We got a great welcome and good advice from reception. I’m always amazed at how many languages they can speak. I’m sure they have stories to tell. The night reception man looks like a Greek Cliff Richard’s, if that floats your boat. Bar staff are experienced and friendly. In fact, the entertainment would be still excellent just with the nice banter with this team. We have a kid so the animation team are lovely, warm and make Fin feel safe. They are witty, entertaining and thoughtful. Even watching Stan practice in the day, to catch up with the others, more in the groove (at dancing) is masterful. The adults shows work well with kids too. You can see how much they enjoy what they do and the audience love it. They are an international team, mainly French, yet they have catered for us Brits too. Well done. I understand that many dancers used to be a Brits before Brexit. So my only ****** is our own choosing! Not mine I add. I like how the guests are mingling so that must be down to how the team work the room. I’m going to try and make the games today, yet Finlay seems to want to dig holes on the beach. Let’s hope he doesn’t progress to Minecraft. What more can I add? This is a superb place with joyful staff. When you see staff loving what they do, you know it’s a special place. It’s a vibe. Finlay asked for bubbles so apparently head entertainer has got a machine and will do the big switch on tonight. Wonderful - true joy.

Due to usually staying at some of the bigger hotels, ie holiday villages, RIU etc I was a little nervous about staying here but I was well and truly proved wrong by this fantastic hotel! The minute we arrived and walked into the impressive Reception area, we were immediately greeted by a very friendly gentleman (have forgotten his name) who took our luggage and issued us with our all inclusive wristbands. We were then given the option to either be taken straight to our room or to go and have some lunch before the restaurant closed as it was later in the afternoon. We chose to have lunch first as we were hungry after travelling. This was something I had been dreading as our little boy has a peanut allergy but I had nothing to worry about as we were introduced to the chef who then took us around the restaurant and explained the allergen cards where it is clearly marked if a dish has nuts etc...he then also said if there was nothing for our son, they would happily make something special for him! This blew me away and instantly put me at ease. What amazing service! I do think they need the allergens listed on the desserts as there were none so maybe this could help others as we only gave our son jelly and ice cream as we didn't know what was in any of the puddings. The food was always really good and varied. Breakfast was my children's favourite as there was always pancakes! The entire hotel was always so clean and smelled amazing too! Especially round by the spa! We stayed in the bungalows and had a second floor pool view room and it was just perfect. The room was cleaned each day and fresh towels left. Our bed was by far the most comfortable bed we've ever slept in on any of our holidays abroad! The staff we're all so friendly but special mention to Nikki at the pool bar who was just so lovely and would always greet you with a smile. Nothing was ever too much trouble, she even created a new 'mocktail' for our little boy as he cant have pineapple. The kids disco in the evenings was a big hit for our son age 5. The entertainment team are so good with the children and really seem to love what they do. George, or chicken man as our kids called him was amazing and you could see how passionate he is about his job as he really gets stuck in and makes it so much fun for everyone. The amphitheatre is so cool! We only put our little boy into the kids club once but he really enjoyed it and I felt comfortable leaving him there as the staff are all so good with the kids. The salt water pools are very cold but we did go the first week of May so these may warm up as the season goes on. This did not stop our kids going in! Not really a negative as such but the only thing we thought needed changing was that the main entertainment we thought was a bit too late, starting at 9.30pm. We felt it needed to start just after the kids disco at 9pm as this would just flow better, rather than having to wait around for 30mins plus. There is a very handy

We stayed in this hotel with a big family. We were staying in three rooms. Unfortunately, the hotel stuff did not make an effort to give us rooms that we could be close to each other. Family room and one of the standard double room were very good. However, one of the standard double room we got was disappointing. It was very noisy because of ventilation system (I guess) near the room and it was impossible to have a rest in the room with open window. Also, this room was not cleaned properly during whole week, even with the tips we left every day in the room for the cleaner. They change towels and bedding with asking but the floor have not been cleaned once during all week. The worst thing, we found a cockroach (American) in the bathroom twice. The staff said that it is normal because it comes through the window. It shocked us, because it is 4* hotel! I would like to add that we did not opened the window for long periods (because it was very nosy outside). Two other rooms we got did not have any problems with cleaning and cockroaches and fully satisfied us. Also I would like to say that the food was very good during all week. I have a diet restriction (gluten free) and they arrange it very well. The stuff was very friendly. The hotel has a lot of activities in tis territory. Also, they provide free parking.

We had a great week in Crete, perfect hotel for families with young kids. Our daughters 4 and 7 loved the kids club and the mini disco. The staff in the kids club (pic below) were fantastic. We enjoyed the acrobatic shows on an evening. Lots of pools and lovely beach. Room was a decent size for the 4 of us and very clean. I think you get a lot for your money and would recommend.

We found the hotel and grounds to be well kept and very clean. The majority of the staff are friendly. Rooms were apparently upgraded to a pool facing bungalow with the added bonus of building site that woke us at 7am daily!! They were basic, small with basic room service. The food was average and geared up to French palette ( Snails served) we felt there was little thought to what goes with what , with us eating very odd mixtures most meals. AI drinks were fine for us but the drinks available are limited. Staff told us the hotel apparently doesn't have many English guests, which was clearly evident with a member of staff and guests openly airing there options on the English!

Amazing hotel with amazing facilities. Great for children and the kids club is great with a mini disco as well as kids club with lots of great activities. Swimming pools are lovely and beach is just out front of the hotel. Staff are lovely and helpful.

We are currently staying in Sol by Meliá Marina Beach and having a great time. The staff are incredible and always on hand to help. The kids splash pool and evening disco is fantastic and the team have all the kids (and even the adults) participating every night ! The hotel is clean and tidy and has everything you needs, shop, gym, snack bar etc. The rooms are tidy and spacious enough. I highly recommend for a family holiday !

We love our stay at the Marina Hotel! There is something for everyone, from a great cuisine to a fab entertainment for both adults and kids! We absolutely love the kids disco and I also enjoyed my spa trea**ent with Amelia!! The staff are all very friendly and professional. Strongly recommend this hotel!

Awesome animation and great hotel ! Food is great Rooms are clean and ouzo is great. Highly recommend for everyone and their families.