Mareva Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: Olympic - August 2007
Opinion submitted in August 2007 by : Claire and Emma ( 26, 28)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
we were overjoyed when the coach pulled up outside the mareva as it was in such good location, close to the main town which hosted a superb selection of bars.
Yiannis came rushing out to greet us and helped us with our bags, even offered us refreshments which was a surprise as it was so late, four in the morning!
Our rooms were clean but basic and had everything we needed. No air con, but we were able to rent a fan at the reasonable price of 20 euros for the duration of our two week stay.
The pool area was well kept with numerous sunbeds, very friendly, lots of jokes and games to be shared.
The resort of hersonissos was lively which suited our holiday requirements, plenty of bars and clubs.
In conclusion to this review we had the best holiday ever, thankyou yiannis for making this so special and memorable. You are a true star!!!
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Mareva Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: Olympic
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : 40-55
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The mareva apartments was a lovely place to stay, a family run business, so caring friendly and happy, very clean, nothing is too much trouble.
The son who was mainly on duty Jannis was a truly lovely person, on the day we were leaving our coach couldn't make it to the entrance of the Mareva, so Jannis took us down to the coach himself in his car, with all our cases.
We would definateley return, fantastic lovely time. :-)
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Maria Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: oylmpic -aug 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : sophie robinson (19,20,20,24)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just arrived back from a two week stay in maria apartments and what a fantastic time we have had.
maria the owner of this complex is one of the most nicest people we have ever met she could not do enough for you.
our rooms were very big and roomey and were cleaned everyday and linen was changed once every week.
The resort is very small and quite but if you want more of a lively atmospere hersonisoss is the place to be at only 10euro a taxi ride. (try tiger bar in hersonisoss 2-4-1 on drinks and very cheap)
analipsi were maria apartments is based has a lot bars and taverna's with great food and a fantastic atmosphere our recommendations is el paradiso (geogre's bar) fantastic live music and a great atmosphere.
We would have no problems in visiting these apartments again.
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Maria Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: omyplic
Opinion submitted in December 2006 by : Maria stevenson 23
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
i would not recommend these appartments especially those who are looking young and lively! when we booked the holiday we were told that these appartments were lively and in the heart of hersonissos how wrong were they ha theses appartments are outside the resort costing 10 euros in a taxi into hersonissos!
The appartments itself are quite small with no entertainment and are very basic! the pool side is very dangerous as tiles were loose even though we reported this to the owner they wernt fixed!
the rooms ha what can i say they were stinkin the linen was changed once in the two weeks we were there only we found out were the linen was kept we changed the bedding ourselves, the toliet roll was never stocked up we bought it ourselves, the bin were you dispose of tissue paper was changed every two days if we were lucky! the matteress on the bed was dirty and what looked like urine stains on it. there were flies in the bathroom and i got bitten several times!
the owner who is lovely though she could not speak much english!
Even though this appartment was not the best hersonissos is the best plenty of nightlife goin on all night and i loved that place!
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Maria Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - July 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Dee and Rachel Delaney (45 & 23)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Maria Apartments -a very friendly family run complex with only 22 rooms, spaced out over two blocks.
Our apartment, which overlooked the pool, was very roomy, with a double bed in a separate bedroom which had plenty of wardrobe space; two further single beds were within the L-shaped living/dining area. The bathroom was a little small though.
It was clean, although linen and towels were only changed once per week. Cooking facilities were very basic - only two electric rings, small sink with drainer / work surface. There wasn't a kettle or toaster. However, although we planned to eat in, it was very reasonable to eat in the many tavernas, all of which served excellent food.
The poolside sun beds were a bit rickety and these could have done with being replaced. The clean sandy beach was a short walk away. There were a few rocks as you entered the water and the sea could get a bit rough, although there was a permanent lifeguard on the shore. Sun beds on the beach were 6 euros for two with a parasol.
Maria Apartments advertised in the brochure as being in Hersonissos, but it is actually just outside in a small quiet village called Analipsi and made a good base to visit Hersonissos, which was only a 1 euro bus ride or 8 euro by taxi away. Malia costs about 20 euros by taxi. Both of these are very lively and cosmopolitan.
As there are two entrances to Maria Apartments, please make sure your rep tells you which entrance the bus will pick you up from, as we were left stranded at 4.30 in the morning and had to ring the emergency number. A taxi then picked us up to take us to the airport, however, Olympic paid as it was their mistake.
Would certainly stay in Analipsi again.
Regards
Dee & Rachel
Lincolnshire UK
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Maria Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Golden Sun Discounts) Golden Sun - June 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Nikki O'Neill and Anna Cunningham (19 and 20)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hersonissos is an excellent resort full of loads restaurants and clubs. Highly recommended. However, if you are going to Hersonissos, do not go to the Maria Studios. The only thing I can honestly say was good about these apartments is their central location.
The owner of these apartments is one of the rudest men I have ever come across. He always let himself into our rooms without so much as even a knock! This really affected our holiday as we felt we had no privacy and that we were constantly under surveillance from the owner. We really couldn't understand why he was doing this as we had done nothing wrong. The only reason we could think of was that we were two young girls and that he was terrified of us bringing boys back to the apartment. We complained to our Golden Sun rep but there was no other availability in Hersonissos.
Our apartments were also not cleaned, or linen changed, for the whole two weeks we were there. When we did see the maids, they were also sullen and grumpy.
Overall, we had a great holiday in Hersonissos, but only because we loved the resort so much, the only thing that spoiled it was the terrible Maria Studios!!!
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Maria Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Golden Sun Discounts) Golden Sun - June 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : David Wilson - Norwich (46,45,44,43 )
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We found the Maria Apartments very clean, with nice big rooms, although not realy set up for full self catering as there is only two small hot plates, and no toaster or kettle, so take your own,(no problem for us as we eat out all the time), linen was changed once a week (though this seems the norm these days)and one towel each for the week. The pool was clean and Paul, the barman is brilliant along with Yannis the owners son, who both, are very knowledgable and will help you with anything.
Hersonissos is very lively, with many bars and Restaurants to suit all ages, two great Restaurants are Mythos,(away from the sea front), with top quality food and hospitality, at reasonable prices, and Jiannis (on the sea front), where you are garanteed a good time with the food (large portions) and the staff.
The beaches are ok but not brilliant, and the sea a bit rocky on the way in, a trip on the bus for one euro to Stalis will give you a beech like those on Majorca, and a sandy entrance to the sea. The Greek peaple are all very friendly and make you feel welcome. There are lots of Dutch and Irish about and not many Germans.
All in all we had a great time and would go back tomorrow.
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Marilenna Studios - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar july 04
Opinion submitted in Jan 2005 by : kevin23 karina 22
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Two words-dont bother.
We arrived in the early hrs hoping for a good nites sleep from the long day we,d had to find the bar and pool table were above our room.6am we were already at the phone box calling the rep and we were already thinking off going home.The rep who wasnt very helpful came and said there was nothing she could do and said she was to busy to help us.Day after day went by and we could hear every shot of the pool table and the cue tapping against the floor, our ceiling.Nearly a week had pasted and we asked for the main rep to come down in the early hours to listen and she agreed the noise was anti social behavior.We told them we wanted moving or flights home,we asked for this the first day but no help was given.Anyway the next day they agreed to move us but it was in a completely different resort,and we had to get a taxi there at our cost.So the first week of the holiday was ruined ,NEVER AGAIN.
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Marilenna Studios - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - July 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Dean & Lisa (34,32)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Nice and quiet location about 15-20 mins walk down hill from the nearest beaches and the main town.
Accomodation was vey basic but cleaned on a daily basis.Pool was a nice size but we tended to use the lovely beaches and coves which are a short distance away and if you are lucky you may find the nudist beach!.
The view from our 2nd floor appartment was stunning,rolling hills and countryside which was a nice to look at when sampling a cool beer after a hard day in the sun!.
Plenty of bars and resteraunts to choose from particually one called 'Mythos'on the outskirts of the main town family run,very welcoming,very cheap and food to die for!.
Miros the bar owner at 'Marilenna' runs a small supermarket at the bottom of the hill,he offers a free delivery service
on his scooter which is very handy considering the walk is all up hill on the way back.
All in all very enjoyable and very relaxing,definately go back 9 out of ten.
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Marilenna Studios - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar - June 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : J & A (24,24)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
Just got back from a fantastic week in Hersonissos and missing it already.
The apartments are situated about 10 mins walk from Hersonissos itself but we didnt really find that to be a problem and actually quite enjoyed the walk into town. We also liked the fact that we could get away from the madness and back to the tranquility of our apartments when we wanted to.
The apartments are basic (as you expect in Greece) but they were clean and the views from the patio were fantastic. We would have preferred to be on the 1st or 2nd floor rather than ground because you get a better view (but thats just being picky!)
The pool was a decent size, but our only complaint was that we never saw it being cleaned and it really could have done with it.
A short walk away takes you to the fantastic shingle beaches, which we adored, and some lovely restaurants and decent supermarkets. One particular supermarket (cant remember the name) delivers your groceries to you if you cant carry them which is handy.
The nightlife in Hersonissos was excellent. Absolutely full with Irish bars. Our favorite was Temple bar. The drinks there were fairly pricey (10 euros for a vodka and tonic and a vodka and coke) but the vodka was good quality (preventing bad hangovers) and the free shots were always welcome. Plus the bar staff were fantastic fun and fairly nice to look at!
All in all a great holiday and i hope to return soon.
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Marllenna Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Kosmar Discounts) Kosmar september 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : chris and barry norton
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
a nice area little bit out of the way but that suited us fine. unfortunately our room was dirty. The sheets and towels were changed daily but nothing was cleaned the toilet was discussing it looked and smelt like someone had been sick all over it and it had not been cleaned for weeks so we left it to see if the cleaner would clean it but she didnt so we brought the stuff and did it ourselves along with toilet rolls as they seemed to be in short supply at this place. The cooker and sink needed a good clean and the floor was a mess.
we did try to speak to a receptionist but found out that there was no reception. only person who was helpful was a young english girl working behind a bar but obviously it wasnt here responsibility to sort it out but she was nice. location was nice the greeks are lovely 10 out of 10 to the locals.. maybe we just turned up when the real cleaners were on holiday?
we made the best of it and enjoyed ourselves
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: private -July 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Dave , Sue, -Blackburn 51, 47
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked all the holiday via the net.The accomodation (self catering) is in a small village "Koutouloufari",above Hersonissos. The whole site is very well cared for. Maid service excellent all site staff very helpfull. We did not have one bad meal in Koutouloufari, the taxi service booked via the Marni web site for transfer to and from the airport was excellent.Taxi to and from Hersonoissos very cheap.This is a very good site for all ages.We will return to this site. One interesting thing was the chaos at Iraklion airport Far too many passengers far too few airport staff they need a few tips from Manchester.
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours- August 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : gary, diane mannion (42,44,17,15
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The staff in the top pool bar are excellent bottom bar closed they knew us all by name and nothing was too much truble.
the accomodation was big very clean and had every thing you could want including a iron. The reception staff were very freindly and would help with anything. try the sports bar just on the road nice food and staff. a car is handy here if only to get to the beech fun beech was great free trampolenes for the kids and loads more. Best holiday so far we will be going back next year like most of the visitors in Marni. they have a lot of 18-30 year olds here but they are all down the bottom in studios so when they came home at 6am it never bothered us. Go in to town and try kellys bar wonderful food and the staff are great.
all in all a great place great people and a great holiday we will be back
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: Private - August 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Ian - Birmingham (22,22,23)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Would definitely recommend Marni Village. The village is actually situated in Koutolafari just outside Hersonnisos, so your not stuck with quad bikes whizzing by your window all day, but its also only 10 minutes into Hersonnisos at night. The night life here is really good, one draw back to Hersonnisos is the lack of a decent beach, but there are decent beaches down the coast (about ?18 in a taxi). The staff in Marni are pretty laid back and will help you out with any problems you have. Would definitely recommend it
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - July 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Andrew, Alison, Matthew & Zara Walker (31, 29, 5 & 2)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
Just back from our first trip to Marni!. Had an excellent holiday, We booked this as a last minute offer for one week and what a great deal it turned out to be!The accomodation was lovely, pools lovely, ideal for kids and big kids alike!
Little village of koutoulafari was a 5min walk from apartments with gorgeous places to eat especially "emanuelles", we ate there on a couple of occasions.
Hersonissos 5min down very steep hill, went down to use bank machine but didnt see any need to go down again!
This was a brilliant holiday, we all had a great time and would not hesitate to reccommend a trip to Marni!
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - June 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : The Grants (42,42,19,16)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We visited Crete for the first time in June and loved it. We stayed at the Marni Village in Koutoloufari and loved everything about it. The accomodation was great, the views were stunning, and the hotel bar staff were really nice. My two teenage children loved it too and became really good friends with the staff. We met a lot of lovely people who had been numerous times before which is a great advert for the Marni. Koutoloufari has everything you might need for a relaxing holiday and is full of charm. One restaurant is nicer than the other, and we were spoiled for choice. My hubby and I particularly loved Vinnies garden which is a lovely wee taverna owned by an english girl and her greek husband and they make the most delicious, huge crepes you could possibly imagine. There is nothing i didnt like and we are definitely going back next summer.
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours - June 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Peter Davies and Elaine Matthews
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The Marni Village is set in the old village of Koutouloufari on the hillside above western end of Hersonissos. It is therefore a lot quieter than the main resort. The complex itself has all the facilities that you could want with two pools which were never crowded, poolside bars (one serving light meals and snacks), ample sunloungers, tennis court, pool tables etc. There were even saunas but given the temperature even in June these were a bit unnecessary! All the staff were very friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble. The apartments (we had a one bedroomed one) are clean and have everything that you could need even if you ate in a lot. But with the restaurants nearby we ate out every evening.
The quaint old village has ample restaurants and bars restaurants all charging roughly the same. Previous reviewers have mentioned 'Steki' as their favourite place to eat but to be honest the visit is worth it for the entertaining waiters, not the quality of the food. We found the 'Marianthi' the best quality and it is at the Marni Village end of Koutouloufari. It does not look as good as it really is from the road but it goes quite a way back and if you get there early enough you can get a table at the far end of the terrace which has a fabulous view over the bay.
We would definately return to the Marni Village again.
A word of warning about Cretan drivers. If you hire a car the following seems to apply:
Where there is a hard shoulder on the road you are expected to use this as part of the driving surface and you should straddle the white line.
Cretan drivers ignore double white lines and they appear to be there only as an aid to aim their cars.
They will overtake as and when they feel like it regardless of any oncoming traffic (lorries and buses are all considered fair game) and you are expected to get out of their way.
Road signs such as no overtaking and the speed limits are obviously considered an optional extra as nobody takes a blind bit of notice of them!
Having said all that, once you realise the local rules of the road it is not at all bad so go with the flow.
Enjoy!
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - 2005
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Kath Shaz 35
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
We found the location of the hotel very good for us as it was 20 minutes from the resort centre set in a cobbled Cretian Village. So we could eat each night in the village then get a taxi from reception down to the madness of the resort centre where there was bar upon bar upon bar.
Star Beach is an experience but not very big however the grounds about it are very spacious and it was easy enough to sunbath in the gardens of Star Beach and then walk down a few steps to the beach to cool off.
The Hotel itself was nice although not very many beds or umberellas around either pool and if you get one of the rooms at the front of the complex like we did you can get a lot of road noise etc.
I think it has something for most people either the quiet bars and restaurants in the village or the madness of the resort center.
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- 2004 / 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Tach & Greg London
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
All I can say is you feel so looked after. The staff are friendly and go out of their way to make your holiday the best ever! Marni will appeal to families, couples, people travelling alone - anybody. I have been once before 3 years ago and I had to take my boyfriend with me just so he could experience it. While we were there his commemts were "the best holiday I have ever had" & "the nicest people". No matter what time you turn up the guys on recpetion make you feel welcome and are always happy to see you. If you haven't been you MUST because you haven't had a holiday until you have visited Marni. Its beautiful and I can't wait to visit again.
Thanks Marni it was the best holiday ever!
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - Oct 2004
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Wayne McNeill - Lancashire (19)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just got back from Marni Village 20th Oct, well what can i say? it was a fab place to stay! Onli bad thing was the hill down to the main centre but wasnt really a problem! 5euros for a taxi mostly anywhere! The staff are great especially Sarah who works behind the bar vry friendly and chatty, all the staff are! Rooms where very clean! pool was spotless and big! Star beach was only open waterpark as the others was closed because it was end of the season! There's about 6 slides at star beach, watersports was fun, beware of the ringo's if u tell them to go fast be expected to be thrown out! Generally a good holiday deff going to go back!
Wayne
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: self booked august 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : darren sanderson - doncaster 38,36,17,13
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
nice place to stay staff good rooms good booked rooms direct and paid 315 euros a room for the week each room had a king size bed and a single small kithen bathroom and patio there are 2 pools and 2 bars main bar serves food and its good for lunch koutouloufari village as loads of resaraunts try steki's and the athena hersonissos is a good 15 minute walk down hill and 5 euro taxi ride back try star beach for the kids in the day free entry and 7 euros for the water slides for the day everyone so helpful
will be on our way back next year
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: falcon-july/aug 2004
Opinion submitted in Nov 2004 by : Sharon and Danny- 19,20 dublin
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Marni village is in upper hersonissos and is situated in a fantasic spot to see the sea. Myself and my boyfriend booked Marni because we knew it was for families and couples, and all our belongings would be safe.The complex itself is huge with two large swimming pools and a kids pool too.We stayed in a studio apartment and it we really gorgeous and spotless clean, the room is equiped with kettle,iron,utentials, and a cooker(not that we did much cooking!!!!!)
Theres a lovely poolside pub/resturant and the food is nice, and pretty cheap.There is a karoki on every monday nite and the crack is great.The staff are really nice and friendly.After 12 midnite your advised to be quite as there are children in the complex, so thats when all the real fun begins!!!!!
From marni to hersonissos town is around twenty min walk, but id advise a taxi for on the way home as marni is up so high ,its asolutely roasting and your walking up loads of hills.local charge euro!the pubs there are the best ones iv ever been in the whole place is buzzing, shennagans a great irish spot( costa the waiter is so much fun)and also the shamrock and players (drinks2 for1)they all close around4,for all the party people haed to NewYork its a disco bar on the beachfont,and watch the sun rise!
watersport lovers head to Star Beach and take a risk in doing the bungee just, (pretty expensive50 euro)but well worth it, great foam party there too,the banana boat is great fun and only seven euro, theres a photogragher always on the beach taking picture of people wheather your eating, drinking,sunbathing r swimming, tou can buy the photos if you want and there only six euro,(professional)well worth it.
we rented out a quad and it was really handy because of our location,(50euor a week)if you do decide to rent a bike or a quad make sure you know wat your doing as the roads are crazy and the streets are narrow,and we saw loads of accidents, make sure you wear your hemet because if the police catch you with none on they fine you 70euro.
All in all the place rocks and i would really recommend Marni Village. so see ye's all over there next year!!
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours-June 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : John and Yvonne-60,57
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Excellent complex with really good on-site facilities
Immaculant appartments.
Brilliant swimming pools and beautiful gardens.
The three traditional villages adjacent to Marni village are charming,with excellent restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets.A visit to Stekis Restaurant is recommended for the food and entertainment(on the left heading out of Koutoulafaris towards Piscapiano by the well)
Good quality shops for gift shopping in Koutoulafaris-look out for the shop selling gifts made from recycled materials.
Local buses are excellent and very cheap as are the taxis.
Intend returning as soon as possible.
Due to hilly location possibly not recomended for those with mobility problems.
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays- june 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : tammy & lee (21,21)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just come back from crete, and stayed at marni village. we travelled to out apartments late at night therefore were slightly apprehensive at first, because we had to travel up a slight hill. (seemed like we were going to the middle of nowhere!) The next morning however we were pleasently suprised! marni village is a lovely quiet hotel. it is situated up a hill from hersonnisos town, however this is not a problem. it is actually very nice to not be in the centre. being in such a situatioin allowed us to visit the two small villages next to marni, both were very traditional and the people were so friendly, there is also many beautiful restaurants to eat in, and we found they are slightly cheaper than in hersonnissos. we hired a quad for 2 days from these villages, and found that we got a better deal than anywhere else.
our apartment at marni was fine, it was small however we had a lovely balcony overlooking the sea, and sufficeint facilities to live quiet happily for a week. considering we booked this holiday as a late deal and payed only £169.00 we had absoulutely nothing to complain about.
the pool area is very nice and the bar serves food and drinks all day. there is also a smaller pool at the front of the apartments which we only discovered a few days into our holiday. the cleanliness of marni was very good, however do be prepared to buy your own toilet role, as the cleaners do not replace this.
The staff at marni were also very helpful, when i was unfortunate to be bitten by a mass of mosquitos they advised me that a doctor would come every day for marni village occupants. A bit of advice...bring something to fight of the mossies, they are terrible. (however bit me and not my bfriend)
hersonnissos town is lovely, we were expecting a quiet village but instead there is a mixture of many modern bars and night clubs, as well as some family , and irish pobs. this town caters for everyone.
all in all an excellent holiday, the local cretians are so polite and friendly. its worth seeing for yourself!
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Airtours Direct) Airtours May 2004
Opinion submitted in May 2004 by : Mark 26 Birmingham Rebecca 23 Torquay
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We stopped at Marni Village for 1 Week it was the best weeks holiday we have been on
the pool bar staff are a great laugh Patrick and sarah (aka party girl ) the accomadation was good clean and tidy and the people are very frendly if you vencure into the local town across the top you should go to the astra bar the food is great and the chef is english ( carol ) and her trusty side kick helen (aka the welsh wonder ) i would recomend this place. but there is a big hill which you have to go down to hersonissos town. and if you have trouble walking i would rate getting a taxi which is only 5 euros (£3.50) this is a lovely place it is well worth a visit.
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Direct Holidays) Direct Holidays - 2004
Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Haworth family (2 adults & 2 children 10 +14)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
After an hour journey on the coach from the airport, which constantly went from here to there and everywhere, seeming to stop at every hotel in Crete, in roads which the coach could barely fit down we finally arrived at Marni.
Our first impression of the marni village was how beautiful the whole complex was. The reception building looks very nice from the outside with the bar and the main swimming pool on top of it. The complex is full of vegetation and the apartment buildings look just as good as they are inside.
The rooms are big, with a separate bedroom and very spacious! Our balcony was very long and looked down over the hill at the sea and resort. There isn't a bath, but that was not too much of a problem.
The pools are very clean and are not massive but just the right size in relation to how many people use them.
Don't pay to go to the Greek Night at the Marni because it is expensive with a limited amount of food and entertainment (and no free drink). Go in a taxi to old Hersonissos (usually on a Monday)where you sit around the old square,in a good atmosphere, eating in one of the many restaurants and watching the excellent typically Greek entertainment for free.
The complex itself is on a hill, and is at the very edge of a village called Koutalafari and soon as you leave the complex, you are in it. It is very nice with lots of nice restaurants and a lot of places to walk.
Our favourite restaurant was the Ikosti cafe which is the first restaurant you come to, we spent our first and last night there.
Another fantastic restaurant/bar was the Sports Cafe, which is definitley worth at least 1 visit.
One of the only problems was that the complex was on a hill and to get to the main resort of Hersonissos you have to walk for about 2/3 of a mile and when you come back up it can be quite a hard walk. But when you are too tired or do not feel like the walk up the hill you can simply get a taxi back up to the marni for about 5 euro.
Hersonissos itself is a busy town right on the sea front, with a harbour with lots of shops, bars and restaurants (be warned that every bar you walk past they are bound to try and drag you in)
Along the Hersonissos sea front is a place called 'Star Beach' which we found very good. It is free to enter and use the pools and beach but you can pay to use the small water park there, the go-karts and activites such as bungeejumping, parasailing and banana boating, as well as a couple of nice bars and restaurants.
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: booked direct with accomodation - 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Colin Briggs-Cardiff (41,39,37,34,11,8,2)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This holiday was booked almost 12 months ago. We had difficulty finding accomadation to sleep 7. We corresponded with Dimitri from the Marni who was very helpful. We saved a lot of money by booking this way. Having arrived in Crete we had to get a taxi from the airport, these are plentiful and the journey to the hotel takes no more than 20 minutes. Be sure to tell the driver that The Marni Village is in Koutoulafari as some drivers may not know where to go. The fare should be no more that 30 Euro.
The seven bed accommodation was excellent,we had a sea view which not only looked down on the town of Hersonnissos but also alon the coast. The village itself is small with narrow roads, beware the number of quad bikes, it would appear that these are 'flavour of the month' with tourist and it is apparent that a lot of the younger tourists using these have never ridden a bike or quad before. These were the only things that spoiled the holiday.
The restaurants in the village are excellent. For thos with children there are two nearby water parks, the Marni offering discounts for entry. Esperos restaurantwe foundto have excellent service and value as did the restaurant opposite Esperos the name of which at this time I cannot remember. Every Monday in the nearby village of Old Hersonnissos the street is closed off and there is traditional greek dancing, worth a visit.
We did venture to Hersonnissos itself but found that it catered for the club 18-30 type quite a bit lots of Irish theme bars, were surprised by the reasonable cost of meals in the restarants by the harbour.However beware the hill to walk back to the Marni its a bit of a killer.I would reccomend a taxi.Not for those with mobility problems.
Overall an excellent venue clean and friendly. Most importantly not one mosquito bite in two weeks.
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Marni Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: jim - 2004
Opinion submitted in Apr 2004 by : jim o' hanlon - (74)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
the bar staff were not freindly and i never got mashed bananna on a sunday. the pool was never clean and i was worn out with the long walks involved when getting around.
on the other hand i liked the greek dancers when they came and the food was nice on a monday
but i do not recomend this holiday.
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Mastorakis Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: 2004
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
this was the bast holiday ever!! i cant wait to go again next year! nickos was the best bar man!!!! the room were clean the claening lady came in eveyday she was very funny!!! the bar is open 24hrs whitch is great for young people this is difinitely not a place for familys at all!!!i didnt get to bed any nite b4 9 in the moring!!!!! it has all irish flags up had soooooooooooooooooooooo much fun cant wait to go again
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Hotel Mediterraneo - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic july 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : J Smith Coventry (39,46,16,6)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Location ok about 15 min walk to main resort this was crazy with mopeds and quad bikes and fast drivers. Never seen any trouble the restaurants very much the same and they hassle you to come in alot.
Old herssoisos is much nicer greek taverners etc. Not cheap now in the euro !
The hotel was very good accomodation lovely bar and pool area.
The food very greek do not cater for children alot of liver or chicken with bone splinters in.
The staff not friendly except bar and reception staff. The restaurant staff miserable.
The worst part was the all inclusive drinks. The lager and soft drinks ok but only local Raki, Brandy,Ouzo, and wine all of which disgusting we bought our own spirits. Only 1 nights entertainment in 10 days. On arrival had to pay for air con and fridge and safe this was a aurprise. Crete beautiful but we thought Agios Nikolas or Elouda much nicer resort.
Fantastic weather.
Hotel lovely but would only go self catering in future.
Also 75 steps to our room.
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Hotel Mediterraneo - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: olyimpic - october 2004.
Opinion submitted in Oct 2004 by : Chad & tracy - Coventry
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
well where do we start.just returend from the hotel yesterday and glad to be back.
there was 3 dishes of food to chose from that was for breakfast'dinner'and tea the food was cold and horrible and no puddings everyday melon and grapes.
snack time from 11-5 there was hard bread with a bit of chesse and ham and a tray of cucumber and a tray of hard horrible pizza that was eveyday nothing differnt.
the drinks machine was open at 11 till 23.00 dead on. it was very dirty the machines and the bear tasted watered down.and the slection of drink on the all inclusive was beer/brandy/ozo/white wine and red wine no way could we have got drunk. and happy hour from 19.00 to 20.00 which you would have to pay for and they car'nt make nice cocktials.
the pool area was nice and tidy but the pool water was very salty. rooms was nice cleaned everyday by helpful cleaners.
the staff was very rude not helpful but girls on reception where very helpful.we asked for pillows all week everyday and still did'nt recive any.
i would not send my worse enemy to this hotel and defently would not give it a 4* maybe a 1* its good if ur on a diet. {dont go}
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Hotel Mediterraneo - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - July 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : S Leach ( 46 45 16)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We booked this holiday at short notice with Olympic. Arrived at the Mediterraneo at 23.00 and the staff were very efficent are room allocation was good (air cond saftey deposit boxes and fridge all payable as extras (( as per brocher)) and not to dear 10 euros for 1 week hire of box 32 euros for air cond). Food in resturant ample but not a fantastic selection pudding lovers beware only fruit.
This hotel is all inclusive but the drink selection is poor local drinks mean local only raki ouzo brandy red white wine beer and soft drinks. The bar opens at 11.00 and closes at 23.00 for free drinks after which all drinks are paid for. The location is on the outskirts of Hersonesoss so some walking is inevatable.
The only gripe as this holiday was fairly cheap for all inclusive is that on the last day as usual you vacate your room at midday but this also signals the end of all inclusive and as some flights dont leave till the early hours of the next day beware.
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Hotel Mediterraneo - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic - june 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : colin/jane - durham (40,36)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from crete which in all was an enjoyable holiday, however, we felt that the Mediterraneo was very much a german orientated hotel. not that we have anything against germans but when all you hear is germans all day around the pool and all night in the resort, then again on all tv channels in your room, not to forget all the notices on the info boards predominantly in german you get the impression the hotel wasnt fussed about us mere brits.
The food in the hotel (we went all inclusive) was very good with quite a good selection for all.
Drinks were a bit limited alcohol wise if u didnt drink beer or red/white wine.
One thing that did let it down was no entertainment at all in the hotel, and the resort centre being a good 25 minute walk away wasnt ideal for older people.
We ventured into Malia which is a 12euro taxi ride away but worth every penny, especially if u want some conversation with other british holiday makers.
We hired a quad bike for "a day" and after paying 20e for the hire and 15e for insurance off we went to have a ride out. the following morning we took the quad back (24 hrs) later, to be told because we had had the bike thurs and friday we had to pay the extra days insurance.
Please make sure if u hire a bike for a day you can have it for a day and not just12 hours. We hired the bike from Royals in hersonnisos so if u venture there always check.
We flew with mytravel airline which we found to be one of the best airlines we have ever flown with.
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Hotel Mediterraneo - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Olympic Direct) Olympic-May 2004
Opinion submitted in June 2004 by : Brian&Elaine Harvey-Erskine (51,46)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
First time in Crete and was pleased to find it very clean and the people very friendly.The hotel itself was very nice and the pool area had plenty of brollies and sunbeds.The food in the hotel was quite good,they had a mixture of greek food and British,also the salad selection was quite nice.
We were all inclusive but watch out at this hotel.The only drink you could get was beer,wine,oozo,brandy,raki and soft drinks,no vodka,whisky etc.This is the first all inclusive I have been to where this has been the case and as a vodka drinker I was not very pleased at all.We just bought a bottle at supermarket and took it in to hotel with us.Also as we had an early check out and late flight we asked for towels at the reception to use in the courtesy shower room and were refused,why have a courtesy shower room and no towels?
We went into Hersonisis during the day and a couple of times at night,the bars were not very busy but it was early in the season.It was not cheap for a drink,8 euros for two vodka and cokes and 6 euros for 2 pints of lager.
All in all it was a good holiday but I dont think I will be staying in this hotel again,there is a nice town next to Hersonisis called Stalis,I think I would stay there.
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Melani Village Hotel - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: Hellenic Holidays
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Anne Gulliver - Belfast (58,55)
Resort Rating: Average
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
My husband and I were booked into the Royal Belvedere Hotel but when we arrived in Heraklion we were told that they did not have a room for us - see my comments there.
After a dreadful night at the Marina Beach Hotel we eventualy got the local Hellenic agent to transfer us to another hotel along with two other couples. They took us by taxi to the Melani Village Hotel on the outskirts of Hersonissos and we were pleasantly surprised. The hotel is just over a year old, the rooms were spotlessly clean and the furniture really nice by tourist hotel standards. The hotel is built on a hill and is a good 25 minutes walk from the resort of Hersonnisos and 20 minutes from Stalis so anyone with young children or the elderly please beware - it is not altogether suitable for you even though it does appear to be family orientated and there were lots of families who seemed to cope well with the incline. The hotel food was really good with such variety that all tastes were catered for. The hotel is all inclusive but that only applies to local produced wines and spirits and even a coffee before 2pm and after 4pm costs 1 Euro 25. The animations teams had their work cut out as it rained on and off every day but they seemed to keep all the kids amused throughout our stay which was no mean task. My husband and I enjoyed our stay at the Melani Village with only one complaint - smokers had no restrictions! There was an area in the restaurant which was meant to be non-smoking but it was surrounded by the smoking area and we were trapped. The reception area and lobby had a thick fog which hung over it at all times and was very offputting.
If you want somewhere that has a homely atmosphere about it, don't mind that it is up a mountain and at least 20 minutes walk from any of the local resorts, has good food and the staff are really friendly give the Melani Village a go. I don't know that I would go back to Crete for a while but if I did I wouldn't object to being housed in this hotel.
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Meltemi Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: THOMASCOOK JUNE 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : 38 38 7 3
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
the accomidation was very clean but the village itself is catered for the german as 95% of the guests that were their when we were their were all germans and the majority of things were for them but as for the entertainers and kids club staff they were great but on our stay over two weeks their were only six british families so i will not be returning as this has put me off crete because i should have just went to germany as far as the amount of guests they had.
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Meltemi Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: Thomas Cook - May 2007
Opinion submitted in June 2007 by : Dean Thomas - Rhondda (39,35,8,5)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just a few comments to put your mind at rest after reading some other reviews about this hotel. The location is wonderful with 60-70% of the rooms having a sea view. The food is excellent with a good variety. Lunch and dinner always has fish, pasta and meat.
Couple of disappointments. The entertainment in the evenings is poor but the kids club during the day makes up for this. Also trying to get a drink from 10.00 onwards is murder!!Take the easy option and buy cheap drink from the supermarket about 10 minutes walk from the hotel and go back to your spacious room and have a drink there away from the crowd.
Overall this is a lovely hotel and we would go back.
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Meltemi Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - september 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : gail stockdale - Retford (36,33,15,10)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Had an absolutely fantastic time! Its the first time i have stayed AI so dont have anything to compare it to, but in my humble opinion it was first class.
The thomas cook entertainment team are second to none and Charlie, Dan, Amy, Kerry and Jo were absolutely brilliant with the kids and the adults. They knew just who would do the activities (me!) and who wouldnt (my husband,although he enjoyed the water polo).
The food was great, although my husband is quite fussy and ended up with spag bol most nights!
It is VERY hilly and not easy to walk up the hill after a few beers, but that is not a complaint as i already knew it was built on a hillside.
Was worried about some of the reveiws i had read before i went, but my family and our best freinds who came with us both enjoyed it immensely. Try it and see!!
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Meltemi Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - August 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Simon, Mags & Matty (35, 48, 9)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
This was our third time on an all inclusive basis but our first to Crete & after reading the other two reviews we were a little apprehensive.
We arrived at 4.30am local time to be asked whether we wanted something to eat or drink after our journey (which is a first for us in Greece)but this was declined as we just went to bed.
The "village" is exactly as the brochure says being built in to the hillside but it is probably steeper than you can imagine and we were alloacted a room at the very top but the views were exceptional. There is a relax pool (no music)towards the top of the hill, with a second pool and childrens pool towards the bottom and this is where all the daytime activities take place.
There is a tennis court, 2 football courts, a volleyball court, the German Solino kids club and the Kidsworld Clubs all over looking the pool.
The village is kept very clean & our room was cleaned daily with the towels changed on alternate days.
The breakfast had the usual hot and cold choices. The lunchtime and evening meal food was good and we had no complaints here. There was a good choice of salads and hot meals,vegetables and sweets.
The entertainment team of Dan, Amy, Kerry & Jo were excellent and probably dont get paid nearly enough for the hours they put in. In previous SuperSun hotels, there has been a show each night in an allocated bar, but here it is different. There is an ampitheatre but this is shared between Thomas Cook and the reps from a German company 1-2-fly so things were a little disjointed. The Thomas Cook shows were very good but the German shows were absolutely awful as they mime to everything and they can even get that right!
The brochure confirms that local beer & spirits are included but this is not the case. Yes, there is a larger but the only spirits available are Brandy, Ouzo & Raki so if you like anything else, then you have to pay for it. Added to that, the all inclusive option for drinks finished at 11.00pm so if you wanted a drink afterwards then you had to pay for it which is a little off when you have paid for all inclusive.
Hersonissos is about 3km away but its only 6 euros in a taxi & is busy day or night.
Overall we had a great holiday (& this in part was due to the people we met, Paul, Jackie, Malcolm, Jonny, Rebecca & Kieran)and we would recommend this to others although it will be a while before we return as there are other hotels and islands to explore.
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Meltemi Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook-August 2006
Opinion submitted in September 2006 by : Paul ,Jacqueline, Jonathan, Rebecca --Co.Durham (36,37,11,7)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just arrived home this morning from Crete.There were a couple of bad reports about the Meltemi Village(which we read after we booked)and we were worried about what it was going to be like.We needn't have!
If you book ,request a low floor,we did and luckily we got one, as the hotel is on a very steep hill.The food was great,as was the entertainment, although not English entertainment reps doing the shows every night,which was a real shame, as they were excellent.(Hello Dan, Kerry, Jo and Amy, if you read this).It is shared with a German holiday company , so they also did their share of shows.We walked into Hersonnisos a few times(lots of shops), although needn't have gone out at all, as kids were entertained around the pool and in kids clubs and didn't really want to go out. The pool was lovely, plenty of sunbeds and lots of things going on around the pool.All in all a great holiday and we have even come home to sunshine.
We would definitely go back.
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Meltemi Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
August 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Sharon -Yorkshire
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have had a lovely holiday at Meltemi Village.
The food was freshly cooked in front of you and a wide variety to choose from.
The only problem was that it is slightly hilly to your rooms.
The staff were helpful and pleaseant.
The hotel is frequented by a LOT of Germans but this did not spoil the holiday.
Very clean Hotel and would highly recommend it.
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Meltemi Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook _ july 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : daniels - newton (33,27,13,10,5
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Opinion:
just returned from meltemi village, crete.
just to let others know that it is a lovely place, though a bit on the hilly side, (built on a mountain) but unless you are extremely unfit it really is no problem.
food was excellent,plenty for everyone. entertainment was ok
would go again.
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Meltemi Village - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 2006
Opinion submitted in July 2006 by : keri - newcastle (35,31,9,6,5)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
well not here only raki,ouzo,brandy and lager, which of course doesnt suit many people. There was a lot of people sitting with their own bottles of alcohol and using hotels mixers!! Shocking when you havn't budgeted for this.The food in the restaurant is good for us adults, but very poor for kids not much to choose from.Going back to the brochure inaccuracy it states the rooms have a TV, well they do but all channels are in German! This does of course suit the majority of guests 95% are German! The Hi, We have just returned from the meltemi hotel and having stayed in 5 all inclusive hotels before, we thought we knew what to expect. This is by far the worst.
I will start off by telling you that the hotel is very clean and the rooms are large. The entertainment team are FANTASTIC they made our holiday.That is the only good bits!!This is the first year us english have been to this hotel and it doesnt cater very well for us.In the brochure it advertises a snack bar...theres not one just a table with left overs from night befores dinner.In the previous all inclusives we have stayed at in greece,spain,and turkey we have had a seperate snack bar, serving chips burgers etc,well not here.We also thought all alcoholic drinks were included,obviously not your smirnoff etc but all local gin vodka etc,hotel is not in the centre of Hersonissos but approx 20 mins walk away. The hotel is also on a very steep incline so def not suited for people with walking problems.
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Mereva Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (MyTravel Direct) My Travel - June 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Richard marley Nicki Fisher
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
The resort Hersonissos is excellent, anybody how is unhappy with the resort must go on holiday just to look for the bad points. we went and were there the night Greece won the cup. The greeks are excellent people. we stayed half way between Hersonissos and Koutouloufari. So we had the best of both worlds.
The Mereva apartments are excellent for relaxing and in the perfect location. If you are going to this resort, or even better to the hotel and youve never been, the look forward to it as it will probably turn out to be the best holiday you've had. It certainly was ours and were going back next year for more!!
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Mika Villas - Piskopiano, Hersonissos
Operator and Date: budget travel- july/august 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : joanne-ann-marie(21)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
we stayed in mika villas, staff were unfriendly and money and goods were stolen after two nights stay at the villas. soon after we reported the money stolen we were treated unfriendly by staff and we soon found out that the whole complex were being robbed through the safty boxes in which we were advised to get. we noticed the security guards in peoples rooms with torches when the people were out at night. clothes were also taken from our apartments. if anyone is travelling here i strongly advise not to rent out the 'safety' boxes and keep your money hidden!
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: sunset - september 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : rob & sonya
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from another great two weeks at these apartments, and having read some recent reviews, I feel the need to update our previous review.
Our stay, as always, was relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable. The welcome was as warm and friendly as ever, with the son, Stephan, taking a more active role, and his dad, Minas, a little less. Maria, as always,running things. In the entire two weeks we were there, the bar was closed at the very latest by 3am, and generally by 2.30, so the stories of all night rowdieness seem a little far fetched. These apartments are SELF CATERING, so they do NOT supply toilet paper, shower gel, shampoo, soap, shower caps, little sachets of coffee and hot chocolate, tea bags, little cartons of uht milk or complimentary biscuits. If this is what makes your holiday, go somewhere else!
What they do provide, is a warm, friendly and informal atmosphere where guests are encouraged to join in and mix with each other, comfortable, clean beds, and basic but adequate furnishing. Very often a holiday is as good as the other guests make it, and our experience has always been a good one. The apartments are exclusive to Sunset, which are a budget tour company, so yes, there will be a few little things that may not be up to some peoples expectations, but if you go with the flow, you can have a lovely time. Less than 400 quid per person for two weeks holiday, and some people still expect Trump Towers. You make me laugh!! You get what you pay for, and they have 60% returns, which is remarkable in such a competitive business.By the way, the 'wasteland' is an archaeological dig and not a building site. You are in Greece, remember, they have quite a lot of these!!!
The Mythos taverna, around the corner, remains one of the best eateries in town. Always consistant in the quality of food, always value for money and always a warm welcome from Manolis' dad at the front of house. Yanna is as wonderful as ever.
For a different way of ordering and eating, try the traditional Cretan taverna opposite the Medical Centre. You may need a little Greek, but pointing works just as well!
If an English breakfast is a must, try the Trinka Bar. Turn right out of Minas', and 50 yards down the road. Good value at 3.50 euros.
For all you smokers, the only shop we found NOT to charge commission on credit card sales was the AROMA TOBACCO shop on the beach road. Down past Mythos taverna and turn left. Dimitris is a lovely fella, and he has a wide range cuban cigars kept in a humidifier, or bulk supplies of cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco. Large quantities must be ordered the day before.
All in all, once again we had a lovely time. We were sad to leave, but we will return. It's the people.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: Sunset - Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Janis & Richard Pozzetti - Bournemouth (57,53)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Below Average
My/Our Holiday Review:
The apartment we had was very spacious with two balconies, although people did complain of very small apartments in our block. The downside of our apartments, and what we gather from other people, was electrical sockets and switches not working, with one socket alledgetly coming away from the wall. We found the cleaning service adequate as in any Greek resort we have been to. The balcony at the back of the apartment was unfortunately only wide enough for a chair and small table, and was very cramped. Also we overlooked a large area of waste ground with scrap boats, vans and scooter. The front balcony was cramped and overlooked a pathway with the pool bar to the left. The pool bar was okay, but the swimming pool was very small with no proper room for sunbeds.
We noticed with a few other couples that it was very clicky if your face fits okay, if not you would be generally ignored.
The resort we found very good generally. A must place to eat is Mythos and there is a good friendly Irish bar opposite called O'Donoghues.
Prices vary from bar to bar e.g. 2 euros for a beer to 4 euros for a beer.
The trips from the Tour Operator (Magic Mountain Tour - Excellent) but if you want to see Knossos Palace and Museum it is cheaper to go by bus rather than the expense of the Tour Operator as you still have to pay extra to get in to the Palace and Museum.
Weather was generally very good and hot, with a few showers.
We would go back to Crete, but definately not to Minas Apartments.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - Sept 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Gary Claxton - Tamworth
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from Crete, we stayed in Hersonissos.
The resort itself is very good, plenty of shops,bars and restaurants. During our stay we stayed at the Minas apartments....What a let down....The room constantly smelled of stagnant water, towels and bedding were not changed often egnough, they only gave you one toilet roll no matter how long your stay, you had to buy more if you ran out. The taps in the kitchen sink didn't work properly, the kettle switched itself on when it was turned off, battery in the smoke alarm wasn't replaced when it ran out......etc. etc.
Lots of problems with this hotel, all the guests at the hotel when we were there go back there year after year after year so the atmosphere around the bar and pool was very clicky. luckily there were two other couples who were in the same boat as us, so we got on well, otherwise we would have been run out of town as the local outcasts. Maria the owners wife was friendly to the click, but offish to the firstimers, drinks were expensive, owner didn't like it when you went off at night, mainly because we didn't spend money at the bar. Our room was directly above the bar, and as the owner keeps the bar open until the last person leaves it was useless going to bed before 2 or 3am.
We have been to crete 3 times now and by far this was the worse hotel we have stayed in...... If you intend to go here....be warned.....
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook - 2006
Opinion submitted in August 2006 by : Dave The North
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Well what can i say. After being picked up at the aiport by a crazy taxi driver, who needs theme parks with drivers like these.
Arrived at the apartments about 4.30, roudy group of scottish people still up drinking. They were pleasant but LOUD.
The owner Minas was still serving and showed us up to our room.
We were situated directly above the bar area. 1st impressions were we thought we were in a hostel. Basic rooms is an understatement. My wife and i had a double bed, yeah right, it was two singles pushed together. Balcony was about a chair width. Room had a very odd smell. It was not the cleanest. Shower was a cubicle bottom no curtains or side panels water went everywhere. 1 roll of toilet tissue then you had to buy your own. Taps in kitchen area hardly ever worked. Shower head kept falling off reported to owner bit nothing got done. We were allocated 1 wardrobe between 3 of us. There was a safe in the room so i asked for key and was promptly asked for 20euros.
The pool was very very small and not the cleanist either, not very many sunbeds. The owners Minas and Maria were ok as long as you spent spent spent, but as soon as you left the complex there moods changed. Drinks in the complex were far to expensive and even the pool table which keeps kids entertained was 1.50euro per game.
To sum up the apartments they are very very basic, they need air con desperatley.
The owners need to make all feel the same not just the ones that spend a lot of money in the place.
As fot the rest of the holiday, the resort itself is very good. Lots of places to eat( you must try mythos taverna) and drink. Lots of shops.
beach to the west of the harbour was the best with all water sports.
If going on a island cruise avoid the island of dea it is so boring.
Also dont go on a windy day as our boat was very close to been overturned in the very very rough seas. 70% of all passengers were being sick thats how rough it was.
Would go back, but with more money. Would not set foot in those apartments again.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook October 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : Jenny Coombs Scottish Borders 49,47
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Have just returned from holiday, the best ever. We are returning next year. Mythos resaurant was excellent, everyone very friendly. Maria, Minas and Stefan were the most hospitable hosts you could get. All in all the best.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Sunset - Sept / Oct 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : G. Alexander - Fife (55, 53)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have recently returned from Crete and had a great holiday, but not at the Minas Apartments.
We found the Minas Apartments awful. The room we were allocated was reached by walking through the bar area and up a dark staircase, with no bannister. The room was not clean, with filthy finger marks all over the doors. Cobwebs hung from the corners and the toilet and shower area was unsuitable - it was soaking wet and the toilet seat was loose. To reach the toilet we had to step over the end of one of the single beds!
The balcony was only the width of a chair and it overlooked a waste piece of land and the rear of other buildings.
The room had a very strong smell - I don't know what it was, but it was unpleasant. The pool was unclean. There were leaves floating on the top, swimming aids at the bottom of the pool and the tiles were dirty. The loungers were so near the edge that you could easily have fallen in.
We did not unpack. Other families who were allocated were also unhappy with their accommodation and like ourselves found it totally unsuitable. The Sunset rep. was contacted. He was most helpful and we were relocated to a hotel - an upgrade. The other families chose to go to other self-catering accommodation.
We have visited Crete three years in succession, at this time of year. On two occasions we were in self-catering accommodation - yes they were basic, but they were clean and habitable, with excellent outside amenities.
We actually looked at this website before booking this holiday. We have used this website on previous occasions, with the comments matching the accommodation and facilites. This time however the majority of comments did not match.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Sunset sept 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : rob and sonya
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from a weeks holiday at one of our favourite places. Minas, Maria and Stefan were on form as usual, offering a warm welcome, friendly service and value for money. Idealy suited for young families, couples and people wanting a relaxing, hassle free stay. Not the sort of place 18-30's would appreciate, fortunately!!
Basic clean accommodation set in three buildings, adequate pool with sunbeds and shady areas for when the sun gets too hot, a comfortable bar and a range of snacks ranging from a bacon roll to breakfast, all at reasonable prices. One thing i should point out is that there are no views from any of the balconies except the very top floors. We also found Maria gives the best exchange rate for your money without having to hike all over town. Very convenient for the town centre and nightlife. The downside of this is that there is some occasional late night noise if you have an apartment facing the street, but this should not put you off unless you are a really light sleeper.
The sunday night barbeque is terrific value for money with plenty of everything and a few greek dancing lessons thrown in. It is amazing how many people return here year after year, and it was nice to see some friends we had met in previous years.Even people who were not staying there, but who had been there in previous years, pop in for a drink and a chat, and are made very welcome. If you have not stayed here before, bear in mind the price you pay. In other words, dont expect champagne when you are paying for lemonade!!. However, these apartments offer terrific value for money and you need to book early or you wont get in.
One of the most popular eating places is just around the corner, the Mythos Taverna. I realise its all a matter of taste, but THAT many people cant all be wrong. Standard greek dishes, plus a new international menu, ensures there should be something for everyone. Our holiday would not be the same without seeing Manolis and his wonderful wife Yanna with their warm smiles and welcome. Try to get a table inside, away from the street. The reason being, is that right opposite is the noisy and tacky O'Donahue's Irish bar which insists on playing music at a ridiculous volume in order to attract custom but never gets busy until all the other bars are shut. Usually about 3'o'clock in the morning. Dont let this put you off visiting Mythos, the service and food is far superior to anything you find downtown on the front, and the noise is worse!!
If you are looking for jewellery, check out Katerina Dassias in the same street. Christos and his wife Katerina will welcome you without the usual pressure you get in many other places. You will be left to browse at your leisure, and if there is nothing you fancy, no problem. They are also prepared to negotiate if something catches your eye.
Other places to visit should be the Lychnostatis open air museum giving you a glimpse of olden Crete and take the Happy Train around the smaller villages of Koutouloufari, Piskopiano and old Hersonissos.Get the bus to Knossos, its far cheaper than the holiday company deal, and you can do it at your own pace and not a one hour flying visit. The museum in Irakleon is also a must if you want to see any of the treasures removed from the Palace.
We are looking forward to returning next year.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Sunset - August 2005 14 nights
Opinion submitted in Sept 2005 by : Janet 38, Anthony 36, Bethany 11, Kath 60, Leigh Lancs
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We had a bit of a glitch with the sofa bed for Beth when we arrived, but after speaking to Terri our Rep who was very helpful and friendly it was sorted out in no time.
Minas, Maria and Stefan are very friendly and helpful.
The BBQS on Sundays are a must,they are a night that shouldnt be missed.
The Mythos bar is also an absolute must, the food is excellent and the staff are very friendly.
The only complaint we had was the noise of the bikes and Quads from the main road, our suggestion for that is to take some earplugs.
Hersonnosis is beautiful and we will definitely be going again.
We usually go to Crete every two years. this year was the first time we stayed in Hersonnosis.
We will definitely go back to Minas apts but probably in June or September.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Thomas Cook july 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : annette trevor - wigan (41,46)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
just been to crete again .had a great time minas maria and stefan really brilliant people. minas is still daft and loves to play tricks on people.accomodation is clean and basic the maid comes in every day ,and your beds are changed three times within a fortnight.
It is really cheap to eat out at the mythos and the starlight restaurants.and the food is lovely ,they also offer you a drink with the them before you leave .they still remembered us from two years ago,the greeks are really friendly people.we went up to star beach one of the day,s but it is full of young gangs of lads and girls hardly any families there.
hersonissos is a lovely place but down on the harbour at night they try to coax you into there bars with offers on drinks but it is no cheaper than drinking in the resteraunts with your meal .the beaches are nice but getting into the sea is rocky.we went on the train that takes you round hersonissos and up to the old village.i would go back to crete again as we have been four times now ,but we would go either in june or september when there are not so many gangs of youngsters there.so if you are looking for a good friendly place to stay go to the minas apartments they really make you welcome they also have a barbecue on sunday nights
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Sunset Discounts) Sunset - June 2005
Opinion submitted in June 2005 by : George Hodgson (53,54)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from an excellent holiday, Minas Apartments were comfortable and both the pool and the apartments were well cleaned. Minas, Maria and Stefan were very friendly and helpful, creating a comfortable friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Like all Greek accommodation design and the way sound travels at night means it is only as quiet as whoever happens to be on holiday when you are. ( we always pack ear plugs although not necessary when we were there)
It is functional, like all Greek self catering apartments with the standard two ring hob, kettle, toaster and the most important piece of kit the fridge.
The Acropolis supermarket is across the road and is reasonably well stocked, although Tea, Toast and Cornflakes is as far as our catering skills extended and cakes and cold beer from the fridge.
The Pool bar food was great for a cooked breakfast or snacks throughout the day and there are lots of decent restaurants within a short distance of the apartments. Our favourite was Mythos just around the corner both for quality and value. Mythos is a must if you like Greek food and I can not recommend it enough.
The Public transport system is good and the coaches are all comfortable and air conditioned. Check the prices out before booking tours, an example is a return ticket to Heraklion and town bus to Knossos for two total cost 13.2 euro + entry of 6 euro per person for the temple, the tour price for two 62 euro + entry.
If you are tempted to go to Santorini for the day be aware you need a bus tour of the island and some of the deals do not include this.
Agios Nikolaos is also easily reached by public transport and is well worth a trip.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Sunset Discounts) Sunset May 2005
Opinion submitted in May 2005 by : Lyes, c - Gloucester (52, 40, 24)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just returned from a brilliant holiday, Minas Apts excellent, Minas, Maria & Stefan are a lovely family who own/run the apartments, which were basic but clean, they speak very good English and are really helpful. Their BBQ on Sunday was great entertainment and a good opportunity to meet the other guests. We reccommend these apartments and hope to go back again. Yet again the Sunset Reps were brilliant, helpful and knowledgable.
The Mythos was a great place to eat, reasonably priced, plenty of choice and the Greek dishes were wonderful, the staff are friendly and every meal we had there was accompanied by complimentary drinks and sweets, we highly reccommend them. The Chinese restaurant opposite the Indian restaurant was also a good place to eat.
It is a good idea to take plenty of mosquito repellent and bite soother as lots of people were bitten rather badly although the stuff you buy over there is also very good. Outdoor candles are good to keep them away too.
Other than that the holiday overall was excellent, Minas and his family made the holiday and were welcoming and fully approachable with any concerns. We watched the eurovision song contest with them and Maria and Minas were hilarious and made better comments than Terry Wogan. Maria's English is so good that she used English sayings in the correct context. A holiday full of laughs and plenty of pictures for memories!
The only concern of the holiday was the two hour wait to book our cases in at the airport on the way home. They have a new system where they have one x ray machine to check every flights luggage! We checked our cases in as our plane was boarding so I suggest you get all your duty free stuff before going home!
Even though the airport was a disaster the reps yet again worked very hard to get us through in time!
One word of warning:
We bought some silver jewellery from a shop. The necklace broke and when we returned to the shop with it, we were shouted at and accused of breaking it deliberately (which we had not) they were all over you when you were buying, but didn't want to know when there was a problem.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomas Cook Direct) Sunset - 2005
Opinion submitted in Aug 2005 by : Heron Family
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
This has been our second visit to these apartments and once again the accomodation was basic but good. Hersonnosis is a great resort for people of all ages our boys both aged 15 had a great time. We explored the island and the resort a little more this year and found that little had changed from two years ago. It's a very happening resort which caters well for the young and lively.
Avoid the boat trip to Sissi it is a waste of money. We also went to Water city and after paying the entrance fee E16 each, discovered that we had to pay for sunbeds. The much advertised star beach was an absoulute rip-off. I would say that you would be better off staying in some of the quieter areas on the outskirts of the resort or go to any of the numerous Irish bars which offer good value for money. The main area which runs along the beach front was extremely busy and noisy this year and we felt that some of the bars and clubs were very expensive so take plenty of spending money. Eating out is reasonable the Mythos offering the best food and value for money. Avoid some of the seafood restaurants along the sea front as they offer a limited menu and can be quite expensive.
All in all though we had a good holiday the owners of the apartments Maria, Minas, Stephan and Jenny are fabulous as was the sunset rep. Don't miss the weekly barbecue it's classic. The apartments have a friendly feel and everyone mixes. The bar is cheap and the food/snacks are good too.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Sunset Discounts) Sunset september 2004
Opinion submitted in Mar 2005 by : Janine Walker 35 32 4 and 6
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
we have returned from the Minas Appartments in Hersonnisos and we had a brilliant time.
we went on the Mountain train ride and got to see the old town, its really funny watching the man on his moped trying to keep up with the train. he was the conducor. But he had a broken arm and was flying about everywhere. Minas and maria who run the appartments are really nice very friendly and helpful, when the kids start to ger bored maria suggested going to the reptile place, the kids got to learn all about snakes and lizards and even got to hold them too.
The Mythos is a great place to eat a little old greek man shows you to your table and the food is great and you get a lovely complementary pudding after you have paid your bill, very good value for what you get i had quite a few jugs of house white in there i can tell you. The beach gets very busy and there are very few English holiday makers there in September so a bit of a language barrier. Mac Donalds is there and we did have one or two of them. We met a lady in a bag and trinket shop by Mythos from Dubrovnik who braids hari and does wraps she was very nice and loved the children she told us it was very very busy in high season and can get a little scary at night with the british youngsters drinking. But in September you couldnt fault it at all. We had a great time.
Also up at the other end of the town is Star Beach if you like water slides and paragliding its the place to go and it wasnt expensive. also catered for babies and adults alike. We will go back but are trying other places and countries before we do.but would definately recommend it.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Sunset Discounts) Sunset - August 2004
Opinion submitted in Sept 2004 by : Newcastle (25, 23)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just got back from Crete and had a great time. The resort itself is very nice, lots of bars and restaurants.
The resort centres around the port with many bars and restaurants on the main strip. There is a main street of shops, bars, clubs and restaurants behind the port, ensuring that there is always plenty to do.
The beaches are smaller than I have seen previously and much busier but don't let that you put you off. They are clean and well cared for.
We stayed self catering so ate out most of the time. The food on the whole was very good. My only complaint would be that much of the restaurants on the main strip served very similar foods. I felt there was a lack of good Greek restaurants,many served pizzas and steaks etc. Try Mythos or the Roof Garden opposite for a really good meal. The Roof Garden is slightly more expensive but well worth it for quality of food and service. Il Primo on the main strip is also very good, the staff are very friendly and the food is well priced and delicious.
The main strip can get very busy, and the restaurant owners will hassle you to go in their restuarants. This can be a pain especially when it happens at every single restaurant and bar you pass.
The accomodation was decent. We weren't expecting 4 star luxury as Greek accomodation is generally fairly basic. We were pleasantly surprised by our appartment however. We arrived at 4.30am and the owner Minas there to greet us and take us to our rooms, which made a nice change. The apartment we had was very large; a bedroom with a double bed and a single bed (the room wasn't cramped at all), a very large living area with two sofas (one a sofa bed), table and a small kitchen. We also had two balconies, one at either end of the apartment. I'm not sure how our apartment compared with others, some looked a bit small so be careful. The kitchen facilities were fairly basic, a two ring hob was about it. The bathroom wasn't fantastic either. There wasn't a shower curtain or door so the floor got soaked every time you had a shower. Also the shower head wouldn't stay in one position so it was easier to take it off the wall to shower. We weren't supplied with toilet roll either which we weren't too impressed with.
The cleaners came in most days, but they weren't thorough. Also the sheets and towels weren't changed that often.
The owners of the apartments are nice but a bit cliquey. Those who spent a lot of time in the bar and around the pool were favoured.
I would go back to this resort, it was friendly and there was enough to do keep you busy! It wasn't full of drunken teenage Brits either. Brits seem to be in the minority here, there seems to be more Dutch, Germans, French and Swedes which we actually preferred.
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Minas Apartments - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Sunset Discounts) Sunset - 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : Keith Knight - Birmingham (38,28,7)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Poor
My/Our Holiday Review:
Hersonnisos was a very child friendly resort. Its a pity that the apartments so were so very basic.
However, the apartments arent the real problem. The owner is nice while you are being served at the bar, but he mood changes drastically in the afternoons.
In the afternoons he gets on his bike and goes to the local taverna. On his return he shouts at people in the pool and orders them to be quiet from his aprtment at the top of the complex. Also you must NEVER leave inflatables in the pool as he bursts them with knife. He also confiscates footballs if they accidentally come out the swimming pool and he burst one lads ball because it went by the bar area.
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Mylos (Milos) Apartments - Hersonnisos
Operator and Date: Argo - 2005
Opinion submitted in July 2005 by : Jade and Simon wales (22)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Simon and i had the best time ever, we met a couple in Mylos apartments and we got on fantastic, the bar staff were great and were always giving us free drinks.
giannis and dimetri were very helpful and very nice people.
the food was great, a brilliant place for a chill out holiday!!! THANKS! love Dolphin
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Mylos (Milos) Apartments - Hersonnisos
Operator and Date: (Golden Sun Discounts) Golden Sun - june 2004
Opinion submitted in Aug 2004 by : alison hopkin - Nottingham (32,34,30,03)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Our holiday was super.We just stayed around the pool for all of the holiday due to the fact it had everything we needed.Met some great people too.The hill was quite steep down to the beach especially walking up it in the heat.No complaints about any of the holiday.We have even thought about returning there next year.
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Mylos (Milos) Apartments - Hersonnisos
Operator and Date: GoldenSun - June 2004
Opinion submitted in July 2004 by : Stuart B - Pompey (38, 36, 13, 10 & 6)
Resort Rating: Very Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just had a great Holiday at the Mylos, got it 'cheap cheap' from Teletext.
It has clean apartments and pool area with a good snack bar. The hosts Dimitri and Gianni were great, allways giving you drinks and livening everyone up but not in your face. It was hot so we bought a Fan as the AirCon was a £70.
Weekly BBQ was superb. All the kids got on lovely (a bonus!!)
(http://www mylos-apts com/)
There are a few local tavernas, Kostas is by far the best food though.
A bit of a walk down to the beach, the stretch in front of the Maris Hotel was very nice, the kids just used their pool as well with no problems
Star Beach was a good day, so was the Samaria Gorge walk though its not for the faint hearted.
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Hotel Nana Beach - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- September 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Jo Rayson - Bedford (35,27,2)
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Very Good
My/Our Holiday Review:
We have just returned from a wonderful 2 weeks in Nana Beach. I can only confirm what others have already said, the hotel is lovely in beautiful gardens and extremely helpful staff that are dedicated to ensure that you have a wonderful time.
The flights with Thomson Holidays
's were good and the transfer time was only
about 25 minutes which is excellent is you have children that get bored
easily! Please be aware that at the airport the suitcases took a long
time to be released and the airport hall is not air conditioned - bring
a bottle of water off of the plane.
Nana Beach is huge and it takes you a while to get your bearings. Golf buggies available to take you and your luggage to your room. Although big, you are never too far from a pool or restaurant/bar as there are so many. Our little boy happily walked to the main restaurants and entertainment every day.
Rooms are quite small when fully occupied (we couldn't fit the table in as needed to use the sofabed for our little boy). They are clean and comfortable and have everything you might need. Rooms cleaned daily and sheets every other day.
Being British, you are in the minority but we were made to feel welcome everywhere. I would advise going to the Upper Ampitheatre as the entertainment (included the childrens disco) is in English and Italian. We were made to feel very welcome by the animation team and thoroughly enjoyed the shows.
The restaurants are good - the food was hot, fresh and varied. Always something for everyone - even a vegetarian choice. The a la carte restaurants were good and they are happy for you to take children in them. The Greek was lovely - thoroughly recommended.
There is a great children's pool and small waterpark. This was never really busy so could always get a sunbed. There is also an excellent childrens play area which is under cover so always in the shade. Our little boy went every day. We didn't use the kids club but it seemed to be well run.
The resort was OK and quite typical of a commercial resort. Stalis was a 15 minute walk and quite British in stlyle (lots of British bars & food). Hersonnissos is bigger and is about a 25 minute walk - OK going in as downhill but not so good coming back!
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Hotel Nana Beach - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- September 2006
Opinion submitted in October 2006 by : Sue 48 Rog 45
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Wow what a great place, we had a room that was 6 ft from the beach, the hotel was clean and was continously being cleaned during the day, food was good in both the Buffet style restaurants and also the 3 a la carte restaurants..Bar/snack staff great
If your British I would suggest you visit the Italian Ampitheatre for the evening show great shows and they put a lot of English in so you can understand, not like the other one!! Theres a big thank you for the Italian animation team throughout the holiday they were so happy and friendly. well done guys.There's a regular bus service from outside the hotel so if you want to escape eating and drinking for a couple of hours no problem, or if you feel a bit energetic a 15 minute walk each way brings you into the town. With the amount of pools and sunbeds the hotel has around the front there was never a problem in getting a bed. the hotel seems very geared up towards Germans/Italians etc but dont take this as a bad point we had a great time... we'll be back!
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Hotel Nana Beach - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
May 2006
Opinion submitted in June 2006 by : Caddick Family 40,38,9,5
Resort Rating: Good
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Just arrived back from Nana Beach. I would just like to reiterate previous comments I agree with everthing everyone says food,facilities hospitality etc. WOW what a place! We all thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and yes the English were in the minority, but we met up with some other English families and the children made some great friends.
Just a bit of advise make sure you go to the upper ampitheatre close to the sports courts as the Italian animation team really welcome the English and were great, and do all the shows in Italian and English, unlike the German shows.
The only gripe I had which probably wouldn't bother some is the typical continental hairdryer in the bathroon which took an age to dry my thick hair so I would take my own hairdryer in future, but hey how minor a gripe is that.
If your after a fabulous all inclusive in Crete then try Nana Beach I'm sure you won't be disapointed.
Happy Holidays!
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Hotel Nana Beach - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- October 2005
Opinion submitted in Nov 2005 by : K Hodgetts - West Mids (26, 24)
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
If you are fed up of reading excellent reviews of this place, well, sorry, but here comes another...
We stayed 7 nights, first week in October. Weather was mainly very good. Quite cloudy but temp consistently 25C+.
After a heavily delayed flight we were not in the mood for any more problems or disappointments so thank goodness we had booked at the Nana Beach!
After a swift check in and a very warm welcome by the porter (who transports you and your luggage to your room by buggy/train) we settled in to our beach-front appartment. The complex has various blocks of chalet-style appartments as well as the more typical hotel block at its centre. But no matter where you are located, you are guaranteed only a short walk to the nearest pool and snack bar!
The rooms are comfortable and very clean, although ours was pretty basic. The pools are excellent - spotlessly clean and all with plenty of sunbeds. The beach was slightly disappointing - quite small and man-made (but there is a very nice sandy beach in nearby Stalis if you don't mind leaving the Nana Beach for a bit and paying for sunbeds!). Food and drink also excellent and in endless supply. Service could not be faulted. Loads of activities and night time entertainment. The complex is equally suitable for families and couples and it is so big that you feel like you are discovering something new every day!
Yes, Nana Beach is predominantly German guests, but this didn't bother us. If you book a holiday here you have made a good choice. So go ahead and have a great time!
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Hotel Nana Beach - Hersonissos
Operator and Date: (Thomson Holidays
Direct) Thomson Holidays
- Sept 2005
Opinion submitted in Oct 2005 by : Laura Walsh - Shropshire
Resort Rating: Excellent
Accommodation Rating: Excellent
My/Our Holiday Review:
Having just returned from a week's holiday staying at the Nana Beach in Hersonissos Crete, I felt that I just had to post a review about this Hotel and it's facilites.
As a large Party including 7 adults, 3 children and 1 infant we searched for a hotel that would accomodate all of our needs. The Nana Beach was simply perfect.
When we arrived at the Nana Beach, in the early hours of the morning, we were greeted with food and drink and made extremely welcome. Due to the time of the night we arrived at the hotel it was a shock to see sheer size of the hotel by day. What a beautiful setting!! The 'Nana' (as the locals call it) is right on the beach with it's very well kept gardens, 9 swimming pools, terraces with sunbeds and even a church.
There is so much to see and do and you don't even need to leave the hotel complex.
The food is excellent and has numerous restaurants and snack bars to try - The Greek Taverna, Zorba's, the Italian Restaurant, Firenze and Poseidon, the Fish Restaurant are a definate must! Ice Cream is always available and in the afternoon cake is served
There are bars everywhere within the complex and whatever your tipple (alcoholic or not, branded and local) you are sure to find it at the Nana! The cocktails are a must to try, along with Raki and Ouzo...Not together though!
Be prepared for lots of 'foreigners' as the English are in a real minority. The Entertainment is mainly in German and the hotel's guest are too!!!!!
The Nana has it's own Scuba Diving Centre, Skuba Kreta. Although the hotel offers all guests at the Nana an introductory Scuba Lesson I decided to book a 'Try Dive' which cost 60 Euros, this included training and the use of their equipment. If you are staying at the Nana Beach and have ever fancied trying Scuba Diving make sure you try it while you are here...It truly is amazing and an experience, one that I will never forget!!!
The hotel is about a 10 minute walk to Stallis and a short bus journey Malia. If you are tempted to take the excursion to Spinalonga Island with the hotel DONT!!! It is a lot cheaper if you catch a bus (the stop is right opposite the hotel and runs every 30 mins) into Agios Nikolaos and change buses and go to Elounda right opposite where the bus drops you off is the harbour where the you will find the boats to Spinalonga Island (last boat trip 4:30 p.m.).
If you have chosen Hotel Nana Beach for your holiday you truly will not be dissap