Dessole Dolphin Bay Resort

The entertainment was ridiculous, probably the worst I’ve seen at a hotel. The rooms also felt very dated, and the beds weren’t comfortable. But the facilities were great, the pool was amazing, and the beach and location were lovely. Food was nice, the all-inclusive drinks were good, and the staff were really helpful and friendly. I’d come back for the facilities and food.

We had a great visit, though we were initially disappointed that the three of us, my mom, my boyfriend and me, didn’t get rooms closer together. Mom’s balcony was right in front of ours, rooms 712 and 718. The black-haired woman at reception didn’t seem to consider swapping us for a moment. She said the hotel was fully booked, but… I don’t know. The food was delicious and there were lots of choices. A big thank you to the hardworking kitchen staff, chefs and bar team. They were always smiling and worked quickly. Also, the barman making the paid drinks deserves a raise! The cleaners were lovely too, and everything was always clean. Thanks so much, we’ll visit again.

We liked having so many places to sit for a drink, including the lobby sofas, and our rooms were spacious and clean. The building is a bit dated, but we were pleasantly surprised after reading some reviews. Food was always hot and topped up when it ran low. We mostly had lunch at the beach bar, where they made fresh pizzas from scratch. The meals were similar from day to day, as you’d expect at an all-inclusive, but there was enough choice for us. We preferred the buffet to the Greek à la carte meal, which had to be booked in advance and disappointed us. The beach is right there, and a bus stop nearby made it easy to visit Heraklion. The animation team were friendly and enthusiastic, with plenty of daytime activities if you wanted to join in. Good value for money.

Our bungalow sat just behind the pool, with a cozy outdoor seating spot where we could have morning coffee or spend a quiet evening. The hotel is near Heraklion but far enough from the airport that we didn’t hear noise. It worked well as a base for exploring Crete, including Preveli’s palm beach, Spili, Chania and Knossos. We also enjoyed the local tavernas, especially their fresh seafood and Cretan flavors. The hotel’s beach is small, which we liked. It’s only a few steps from a sunbed to the water, with a shallow, easy entry. The rooms, pool and beach were all clean and well cared for. Food was tasty and varied, with Greek and international dishes, even Mexican food. Friendly staff, good meals and a relaxing feel made for a wonderful stay. Thanks to the whole team!