Having just returned from a trip to Crete have to say we picked an excellent hotel called the Santa Marina in Agia Marina. First of all the location was superb right on the beach which was so lovely with beautiful sand and clear turquoise sea. Secondly the hotel was very comfortable, the staff helpful and friendly and the food top class. Having never had buffet food before I was a bit worried but no need to be. The selection and variety at dinner was outstanding - every dish I had was first class. A little bit more limited at breakfast time but still there was always something that satisfied those early morning hunger pangs. The staff could not do enough for us and if anyone had a complaint it was dealt with promptly. The supplement charged for the seaview rooms are worth it as otherwise the rest of the rooms are over the main road (albeit in pleasant gardens) but it is best to pay the little extra for the sea views. The hotel is very clean and cleverly designed to make the most of its setting. I will definitely go back there again in the near future.

We had booked four nights at this hotel but all the "normal" guests including us were moved after two nights because we were being disturbed throughout the night by a large group of rowdy Greek students. (We were moved to the Creta Palm Resort, a much more upmarket hotel but on the wrong side of the road so lacking a sea view.)

The worst thing about the resort is that it is strung along a busy road with intermittent pavements. The best thing is that hotels on the right side of the road like the Agia Marina Beach are right on the beach, although this hotel does have rooms on the other side of the road, accessed by a subway. The location did seem to be convenient for a bus service into Hania although we didn't use it because we had a car. It was fairly convenient for getting out of town and onto the "motorway". There is free parking but it was a bit limited by the time the students' buses had taken up most of it.

We had a sea view room which was small and basic but clean, with a balcony overlooking the grounds, beach and sea. The restaurant also overlooked the sea although staff actively encouraged guests to disobey the "no smoking" signs on the tables by the window!

The buffet meals were adequate but not memorable.

First visit to Crete and what a treat! This hotel is set on the beach, and the first view of the sea from reception is stunning. The hotel is split into two parts: the original hotel containing reception, main bar, restaurant, beach bar and smaller bedrooms (with sea view) are on the beach; the newer larger bedrooms (with garden or land views), pool and pool bar are across the road and are accessed via a well lit underpass that is safe enough for single women to use late at night.

My room was one of the newer ones by the pool and had a balcony overlooking the garden. Although the bathroom was small, it was more than adequate. Bedlinen and towels were changed every day. The bed was comfortable and there was a very large wardrobe and plenty of drawers.

The hotel is very clean; all the terraces, steps, underpass and internal floors were swept and washed every day, by cheerful maids.


The pool area is bordered by the road, and I found the traffic noise a bit intrusive. However, the beach is fantastic. It is sandy, with more than enough sunbeds (2.50 euros each per day). The sea is warm and clear and on most days very safe for bathing. I used to wake up early each day and walk for a couple of miles along the beach, then have a swim in the sea. It was a wonderful time of day – sunny and warm but not too hot and extremely peaceful. There were very few people around at that time of the day; just the sunbed attendants tidying up for the day to come (who always said 'Kalimera'), and the odd jogger.

Food is served buffet style and our group ate both breakfast and dinner outside on the restaurant terrace. In the evenings we were able to enjoy a very leisurely meal; the staff weren't impatient to clear the tables. The staff were very friendly (especially the receptionists and the waitresses) and all spoke English to a high standard.

There are lots of bars within easy walking distance if you don't want to stay at the hotel all evening.


Buses to Hania stop outside the hotel (1.30 euro each way) or taxis cost 8.00 euros each way. Hania harbour area is lovely; lots of restaurants on the quayside and very pretty narrow lanes with shops behind.

All in all a lovely place for a holiday and one that I will probably go back to next year.