Iberostar Selection Creta Marine

We were there for seven nights with our two small children. The beachfront family bungalow was new, clean and very spacious, and I’d recommend booking one instead of a room in the main building. The weather wasn’t great for the first half of our holiday, but the kids club animation team kept the children busy with fun activities. There’s also an outdoor playground, and the kids’ pool, main pool and beach were all great for them. Food was alright; we ate at the main buffet and could always find something we liked. There’s a small hotel shop for essentials, from snacks to pool toys. A beautiful resort for families.

We felt like we were in paradise, surrounded by a beautiful botanical garden and incredible sea views, with the hotel team looking after us so well. This was our family’s second visit this year, and the hotel always seems to have new, lovely surprises. The gardeners keep the grounds fresh and renewed, while the cleaning team makes sure everything shines. Meals are very tasty and varied, and the entertainment caters to everyone from small children to grandparents. The management is kind and truly cares about guests’ satisfaction. Service throughout is at a very high level, with professional, friendly and attentive staff. There are always enough people at reception, and everything runs smoothly. The international entertainment team is creative and works wonderfully together, with activities in the day and talented performances in the evening. This time, the surprise performer was the famous Austrian baritone Thomas Weinhappel. Special thanks to Nicos and Eleni, excellent managers.

The pools were lovely and the sunbeds were great, though the water was a bit cold in April because the pools aren’t heated. Our room was comfortable, with an excellent shower and some of the best beds we’ve had, thanks to the thick, comfy mattresses. We had a sea view and private pool access during our nine-day stay. The resort works well for couples and families, and the staff were consistently polite, smiling and professional. Service across restaurants, buffets, excursions, luggage and transport was very good. The buffet had enjoyable food and a good selection, including local dishes. The location is convenient, and free parking just outside was much appreciated. A rental car is definitely useful for exploring. There were a few problems. Without all-inclusive, drinks are quite expensive: we paid €4.70 for a Pepsi that was only 220ml, smaller than a standard 33cl can. During two days of heavy rain, water leaked under the front door and pooled in the room, which was difficult with a baby. For a five-star resort, I thought more could have been done, such as offering another room or checking in more often. We ended up using our own bath towels. The massage center staff also regularly approached people by the pool and beach to sell services. I understand why, but it became repetitive and intrusive. It seemed like the leak was a one-off, and despite these issues we really enjoyed the stay. We’re already thinking about returning to Crete, and I’d look at staying here again. Maybe I’ll bring my mum next time to help with babysitting!

We loved the sea views, spotless grounds and facilities, from the pools to the private coves. There’s something here whether you want to relax or head out and explore. Food was incredible, with lots of variety, lovely presentation and plenty of flavor. Service throughout the resort was excellent. Ellie from Guest Relations deserves a special mention. She was friendly, helpful and always went the extra mile. She made booking excursions and taxis easy, and checked in during the holiday to make sure we were okay. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to Ellie. The pool bar team were wonderful too, especially Niki, always smiling and making great drinks. They brought a cheerful, relaxed feel to the pool. From the moment we arrived at Iberostar Creta Marine, the hospitality and attention to detail made us feel welcome. It was an amazing stay and we can’t wait to return.