Grecotel Creta Palace

Travel dates: 19th – 30th August 2025 Travel provider: Jet2holidays (flights + accommodation) Family group: 2 adults + 1 child (8 years old) First Impressions & Arrival Our summer holiday to Crete was carefully planned with the aim of enjoying a stress-free, all-inclusive 5-star holiday that would keep our eight-year-old entertained while also providing us with the relaxation expected of a premium resort. The Creta Palace, a Grecotel resort near Rethymno, appeared to tick all the boxes: beachfront access, a reputable brand name, family facilities, and a good rating. The travel arrangements through Jet2holidays were excellent from the outset. The journey to Stansted airport, though in the early hours, went seamlessly. Check-in was smooth, airport staff were efficient, and the flight was handled in the professional and friendly manner Jet2 is known for. The only comment I would make to Jet2 is regarding the seat arm rests on the aircraft, they do not fold and as many of us had very young children on the flight it made it really hard to get the children comfortable and able to rest and sleep especially on a flight that left the departure airport at around midnight. Arrival in Chania, was less impressive. Luggage reclaim was drawn-out, and given the early start ( 3:00 am uk time ) and the presence of many young, tired children, it felt unnecessarily draining and luggage took too long to arrive . I appreciate the arrival was around lunchtime in Greece however in my view that should not have been an issue. Matters were not helped by the long transfer—2.5 hours on a packed coach with multiple hotel stops. The coach was comfortable and of good quality. While the driver - friendly but firm - enforced a strict no food or drink rule, this was unreasonable considering the journey length, children on board, and the time of day. There are no toilet facilities for young children. A poor start to the actual holiday experience. Hotel Arrival & Welcome On finally reaching the Creta Palace, we were greeted by a warm and professional hotel representative who guided us through the check-in process. The entrance and reception made a strong first impression: an expansive lobby with elegant seating, high ceilings, and a relaxed yet stylish ambiance. Outdoor seating with views across the pool and beach reinforced the sense of arriving somewhere special. We were offered refreshments on arrival, which was a thoughtful touch after such a long transfer. The representative outlined our stay and package - it seems the all inclusive package was designated a ‘comfort package’ and it soon transpired there were myriad rules - not easily explained or understood- that meant ALL inclusive was not really all inclusion. Unfortunately, the positives further began to wane once we were shown to our room. Accommodation Our accommodation was located in what appeared to be later-built annex of the resort. While the main hotel retained charm and character, this section resemb

I had a really enjoyable stay at this hotel. From check-in, the staff were welcoming and helpful, which set the tone for a relaxing break. There was a great selection of sunbeds, both by the pool and beach, which made it easy to find a comfortable spot to unwind. The option to have lunch delivered straight to the sunbeds was a nice touch — the food was consistently high quality, and the beach bar also offered some excellent dishes. Drinks were well-made and there was a good variety on the menu, with staff happy to accommodate specific preferences. The amenities were another highlight. The spa offered some genuinely luxurious treatments, and the gym options (both indoors and outside) were a bonus for keeping active. The indoor pool was clean and well-maintained, providing a quiet alternative to the beach. My room was cleaned to a high standard every day, and the housekeeping staff were always friendly. Overall, it was a very comfortable and enjoyable stay, with thoughtful service and good facilities throughout. Would happily return.