Atlantica Caldera Palace - All Inclusive

The food situation was frustrating. The buffet restaurant was closed because there weren't enough guests, even though we were told the hotel was full. You have to book a restaurant to eat, and if you don't, you can end up going hungry or having to go out and buy food. We couldn't change a restaurant reservation because they said the booking system wasn't working. Drinks were just the same wine and one lager every day, all day, with no choice. Our room was tucked away in a corner with little or no sun. The sea view wasn't what it seemed either, you had to look to the right to see the sea. When we complained, they offered a similar room without sun or asked us to pay another £700 to upgrade. They said the hotel was booked out, but it was practically empty. Staff didn't seem interested in our experience or in accommodating a disability. This used to be a beautiful hotel, but now it feels like they're trying to squeeze as much money out of guests as possible. It doesn't feel like a five-star place anymore. We were really disappointed.

Our day trip to Santorini was organized very well by the hotel, and we really enjoyed the private beach. We had a great holiday in Crete and would come back. The rooms had a nice sea view, though they weren't cleaned every day. The Jacuzzi wasn't heated, despite what we'd been told, and the gym has definitely seen better days. Giorgos from the Lobby bar was especially lovely, bringing us excellent drinks each evening and always being so friendly. The hotel cats were sweet and friendly too. Thanks for a great holiday!

The beach right across from the hotel was so convenient, and there was a nice little pub over the road too. We found plenty of food options, with a wide range of dishes and places to eat. Our all-inclusive package also came with a fridge of drinks that was restocked each day with fizzy drinks, water, and beer. The hotel and rooms were clean and beautiful, with everything we needed, and the staff were helpful and made any request feel easy. Getting a sunbed around the adult pools in mid-September could be a little tricky, but it wasn't a major problem. Great location, and a really nice stay.

The Baby Club was fantastic, felt like a proper nursery, and was a bargain for what it cost. The resort also had separate family-friendly areas and adults-only spaces, which worked well with its size. We spent ten enjoyable days here with our toddler and my partner, and I'd happily recommend the hotel and its location. The splash pool for little ones was good, and the beach was pleasant. We never had trouble finding loungers, though that may have been because it was the lower season. There were different bars for different moods, and after our child was asleep I liked having a nightcap at the 'Guru' Bar. Buffet meals were generally good, especially the Greek and Mediterranean dishes at lunch and dinner. We also liked the Italian a la carte, particularly the pizza. The hotel was clean and comfortable, and service at meals was friendly and prompt. Analipsi is a pleasant town with a couple of very good restaurants and the odd shop or bar showing sport. It's near Heraklion and its airport, so there's no need to stay in the resort the whole time unless you want to. A couple of things weren't ideal but didn't cause much trouble: the pools could feel cold on cooler days at the end of September, and the seating by the entertainment wasn't sheltered from the weather. The main change I'd suggest is to the play park behind the splash pool. It's too tall and unsuitable for younger kids, really only working for children nearing their pre-teens. Atlantica/Wavermaker could retrofit it for a wider age range.