Sol Marina Beach Crete

Stayed here for 2 weeks in room 1111, 10th-24th october. Fantastic room, only issue being we feel requires a few sunbeds on the terrace, as it is so big, and really a lot of wasted space, but the sun is on it all day. Also the drain in the bathroom comes up when running water in the sink. Although these didn't cause any issues to us. The Animation team are all fantsactic, big thank you to Laura , John (unga bunga) George (katastrof), and Gina, who have all been amazing, our kids have loved every minute with these people, from kids club, mini disco, and just seeing them all about, they make such a fuss! ( S&F xxx) The hotel staff are so friendly, big shout to Niki at the swim up pool bar, always smiling, and also Asta in the indoor bar, always so polite and kind. The food, was very plentiful, and we always found something to eat. The restaurant staff were amazing too, always showed us to a table especially at busy times. The restaurant got busy as the ju jitsu teams started to arrive, and it was annoying at times as food was being cooked fresh for them and customers were not allowed that food. Isla restaurant was very nice, we got 2 visits. Both times were exceptional however if you don't like seafood then this is probably not for you, as you have a set menu, mostly seafood. Very pleasant experience throughout, all staff are very helpful and I have not come across a rude or unhelpful member. Only one recommendation, the gate at the start of the building was always locked, meaning we had to walk round, not a big issue but when coming back with lots of bags of shopping it would have been nice to just walk straight in. The hotel itself caters for a lot of german guests, (who albeit are sometimes a tad rude.) The final week, we interacted with the French Animation team, they were also great. Sorry I cannot remember names but thank you for including our children in the Looky disco. The photographs are the only thing that let this down, they are so expensive! We had a free photo shoot, then when the prices came, we decided we would only take 2 at €13 each as the packages are ridiculously priced at €195 for the small package upto €489 for the largest package We went out of the hotel and hired a beach buggy for 2 days from Okay car rentals , this is a must. We went right up into the mountains, drove to heronissos and visited beaches there. We visited Cretaquarium, saw the sharks, turtles, lots of fish. We took a trip on the land train also, this was a nice little family activity and not expensive. We will return to this hotel in the future, we have all had the best 2 weeks! Thank you to all the staff.