“One week in Crete”

We have just returned (May 26) from the Royal Marmin Bay Hotel, and wanted to share our experience. We booked this as a British Airways Holiday, which included airport transfers which was a bonus as the hotel is about an hour and twenty minutes by car from Heraklion Airport. The hotel is built i… Mere

We have just returned (May 26) from the Royal Marmin Bay Hotel, and wanted to share our experience. We booked this as a British Airways Holiday, which included airport transfers which was a bonus as the hotel is about an hour and twenty minutes by car from Heraklion Airport. The hotel is built into the side of a mountain overlooking the most beautiful bay and is equidistant from the seaside villages of Elounda (30 min walk) and Plaka (25 min walk). Though the walk to Elounda is easier as it's paved most of the way. Taxis are readily available and charge a flat fee of ten euros to either, both offer great restaurants and bars. Or, if you want to go farther Agios Nikolaos is about half an hour away by taxi, with again a flat fee of twenty five euros. The hotel is built over a series of terraces, with all rooms facing the bay so all have stunning views. The standard rooms are on the lower levels so are affected by road noise. The superior rooms are above the pool level, so quieter. We had a standard room which was really comfortable, but have to say we didn't use the balcony as much as we maybe would have. As the gradients between each level are really steep. access around the hotel is by golf buggies driven by staff or via external lifts (again with stunning views). The pool area is on one of the higher levels, with sunbeds and seating areas all of which offer panoramic views of the bay. The pool itself is quite shallow so just really for cooling off. The private beach area is quite small, and is close to the road, but was regularly used by the hotel guests. Food, in the main dining room was lovely and served as buffets, there are two a la carter restaurants which are excellent. What really makes this hotel though, is the staff. They were so helpful, polite, welcoming and always willing to help. We had a great week here, and would highly recommend anyone to give it a try.

Mindre

“Mixed review”

Location great although steep climbs between levels meant it's not really possible to walk around site. This also detracts from atmosphere, although rooms and public areas are beautifully decorated and well maintained. Water in rooms are charged alongside mini bar at hotel prices.. Currently €3.50… Mere

Location great although steep climbs between levels meant it's not really possible to walk around site. This also detracts from atmosphere, although rooms and public areas are beautifully decorated and well maintained. Water in rooms are charged alongside mini bar at hotel prices.. Currently €3.50 a bottle. It's €1.30 for six bottles in local supermarket! Coffee pods for machine are also charged Spa prices advertised had gone up without notification. We were not informed of complimentary 30 minute massage until we were booking paid service. Dinner is 7.30 which may not suit everyone and is an issue for some . Wine tasting was a good experience. Staff are generally delightful and obliging. Only wine glasses and espresso cups in room although could probably get others on request Balconies do not have sun for much of the day so rooms with jacuzzi or pool might be disappointing as they cost substantially more.

Mindre