Caldera Village

The staff, service, and cleaning were all very good, and I thought the hotel was worth the money. There are plenty of nice restaurants within walking distance, though the climb back can be quite steep. We had room 902, with a swim-up pool, but it apparently gets no sun at this time of year, so we ended up using other pools. We were all-inclusive, but the standard of breakfast, lunch, and dinner was very average. There was also just one person serving at the snack bar, so you had to be patient.

The rooms are more like little flats, and even an inland-view room looks out over the sea and island, so I wouldn’t upgrade. We had a great all-inclusive stay. The food was mostly good, the service was excellent, and the pool bar was a lovely place for cocktails. The staff were friendly and hardworking, even though most seemed to work seven days a week. The holiday village sits up a steep lane, so coaches can’t drop you off or collect you there. Instead, the hotel runs a transfer minibus from the spot where airport coaches leave you, outside a local taverna called Meraki Tavern. You can book excursions and days out through the hotel for less than through your holiday company. Pickups for excursions are at the silk oil gas station, about a 10-minute walk away. The receptionist can give you a map for an easier path to the beach that avoids the steep road, and there are some great tavernas along the way. It’s easy to take the bus for 2 euros, but it can be packed. Chania is well worth a visit, as are the excursions, especially Balos and Gramvousa island and the Cretan food and wine tasting tour, which goes off the beaten track to show you the real Crete. Learning a little Greek is appreciated by the locals.

We loved the views from both the room and dining area, and there was plenty of choice at breakfast and dinner, all delicious. The staff were welcoming and always ready to help. We were also surprised with a complimentary upgrade to a much better room, which was beautiful and very comfortable. There are lots of pools, including one just for children, so it’s great for families. We had a fantastic stay.

The hotel is on a hillside about a 5-minute walk from Agia Marina strip and beach. It’s a steep route, but two elevators bypass the steepest sections, and the hotel’s pools and restaurant have fantastic views. Our balcony faced the back of the property, so it was quieter, and got plenty of morning sun. The rooms and surrounding areas were so clean we could walk barefoot without worrying about stepping on anything. The staff were fantastic, always around and very friendly. The all-inclusive food was great too. On the first night my autistic daughter had a meltdown that disturbed other guests. The manager helped calm her, called a doctor, and made her feel comfortable. She didn’t have another meltdown during our stay. She’s already ordered me to bring her back as soon as we can. And if you like cats, there are kittens everywhere. We didn’t see any mess or smell from them the whole trip, which amazed me. We’re definitely coming back.