Kamari Hotel, Kokkini Hani, Crete
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
Set near the busy national highway, the Kamari offers simple Cretan style accommodation. This friendly, family run hotel boasts a beautiful pool and os gentle 30 minute walk to the quiet resort of Kokkini Hani where you will find a selection of bars, tavernas and shops. A 35 minute walk will take you to a sandy beach.Nearby Hotels Viewed by Other Travellers
Kamari Hotel Reviews
" I was dissapointed when i arrived to... "
Submitted By: Miss S Walker" I booked this hotel based on the... "
Submitted By: Mrs Jill KnightWe have stopped in many places in The Greek islands and this was our 3rd time in Crete and both the resort and the hotel left something to be desired.
The rooms and breakfast were average but acceptable. However we had several days when the bins were not emptied and the rooms not serviced. Our towels were changed three times during the fortnight, which would have been adequate had not two of these been on consecutive days and then no change for our final five days.
The menu at lunchtime and in the evening was extremely limited. On one day we ordered a bottle of champagne for our wedding anniversary and were served up a bottle of sparkling wine instead. We were then charged 30 euros for the bottle which we then saw in the shops for less than 8 euros. The Pool Bar was not open at all and there was no barbecue evening.
The swimming pool was large and plenty of sun beds and never crowded, however, the pool could have done with some maintenance.
" The weather was good and the local... "
Submitted By: Mr T ReidThe Kamari Hotel is charm less, its retro fixtures add no style, as they are original and much worse for ware. It is a three star hotel only due to the existence of a lift, a bar, breakfast facilities and a pool and BBQ area, it is in no way a reflection of the quality of the rooms. The rooms could only be described as basic; crude; or more kindly simple.
The main road of the island is close by and without the doors closed is audible all night. In high summer with temperatures reaching 40 degrees the air conditioning would be necessary, this costs extra.
The breakfast included was only just acceptable, had there been more money exchanged it would have been a clear rip-off. It was of low quality and lacked any imagination or thought. Especially with the availability of so much fresh fruit and vegetables. The island is almost self sufficient.
The evening entertainment at bar area consisted of the radio being on and films without sound and Greek subtitles. Family run hotel seems to mean that it is a large family home in which you are a guest, very strange and artificial.
It is too far from the main resort and beaches to be convenient; not far enough from the road to be quiet and not of sufficient quality to override either of these factors. If you want a good room in Crete go five star at least, (or self-cater) if you want cheap you can get much better, buy a guide book before you pay. It is a beautiful island; the weather is excellent and it is relaxing place to holiday but not at the Kamari.
" Having read the comments of previous... "
Submitted By: Mr M SimonsFor a small hotel the swimming pool is a good size and the grounds are pleasant. You can choose to lie in full sun or shade - though there are occasional wafts from the drains and select your sunbed with care. Choosing to sit outside for breakfast was very pleasant and compensated for the lack of variation in menu. (As a veggie I was not comfortable with cheese slices and ham served from the same tray with the same tongs).
The room was an adequate size with a good-sized balcony with views over fields to the mountains (and the sea if you looked carefully!). The bathroom was adequate and there was always plenty of hot water. Cleanliness was not a strong point - good enough but only just. Towels were not changed often enough (3 times in 2 weeks), the bin was not emptied daily (a requirement with Greek plumbing!) and the floor never felt really clean.
We had no problems with any of the staff. They responded to requests but we found little of the really positive warm and friendly welcome reported by others. Several other guests made similar comments to us.
The Kamari is in a quiet location, especially if your room overlooks the pool - I guess the other side does get some road noise. It is a good 10 minute walk for fit people to the main village street. The route is lit, but not well, and some guests found this quite daunting. The route is also downhill so some people who struggled with walking complained to us about the return journey in particular.
The hotel did provide a very limited lunch and evening meal menu - OK if you liked meat and chips. We never tried it but people who had advised against trying. This meant most guests had to make the journey into the village to eat.
Once in the village there were a good number of restaurants which tended to be similar in what they offered but they were reasonably priced. Everyone we spoke to found a couple they preferred, and enjoyed.
The village also had bars, shops etc, and open till late, but it is generally a pretty quiet place. The beaches looked small, sandy, but not particularly attractive - we did not use them.
It was easy to get a bus (once you had got to the village) to other nearby resorts and there were plenty of car rental companies in the village too, undercutting the rep.
We would go back to Crete - it is beautiful, varied, interesting - though you need to make an effort to get out. We would not consider returning to the Kamari but would consider an overnight stop in Kokkini Hani as we have really good memories of our holiday overall.
" We have just come back from a week in... "
Submitted By: Mr S MonkMy wife and I arrived in the early hours, within 10 minutes Jordan was showing his great sense of humour, we couldn't get the lights on in the room, "Have you paid your electricity bill back home" he asks, well I didn't realise that I needed to put the room key fob in the little electronic gadget just in site the door, we had a good laugh about it.
Both Jordan and Soula are lovely people, always there to help or just chat if that's want you want to do. All the staff, Jordan, Soula, Panos, Monica, Gabi and grandma are so friendly and helpful and make you feel at home, nothing is to much trouble for them.
Several times I sat on our balcony just looking out to sea and watching the airplanes lining up for the landing in the nearby airport. Don't let this put you off, you hardly notice them, but they are a great sight to watch if you like planes.
Kokkini Hani itself is a short stroll away where you will find many bars and restaurants and a whole host of other friendly characters, there is even a restaurant that does Fish and Chips on a Friday and Sunday Roast on a Sunday if you prefer to eat English style, it is also run by English people.
If you want to try one of the many traditional Greek restaurants these too are run by great and friendly people who will all give you the best attention and service.
We hired a Quad Bike for three days, which cost 60 euros and we had fun, we went up into the hills and got some great views of the area, we went along the various other small towns and villages along this part of the coastline and found other great beaches, people, restaurants and bars. Even the man that hired us the Quad Bike from General Motors Company in Kokkini Hani was game for a laugh and so laid back.
We very rarely return to resorts preferring instead to try different places, but I can honestly say we will quite possibly be returning to the Kamari Hotel we had such a lovely time there, it's relaxed, clean, and not over crowded.
Thank you Jordan, Soula and the staff, I said I would leave our comments here for all to see and I have. It was a pleasure staying with you and I hope we will be back soon.
" Jordan and Soula and all the hotel... "
Submitted By: J GeorgeThe pool is large and never too busy. You always have access to a sun lounger and never feel crowded around the pool.
The lovely beach is a short walk away and Kokkini Hari is delightful. Plenty of very nice places to eat and never over-busy. Everyone in the area is so nice and continuously make you feel at home.
I had not been on holiday for 15 years and could not think of a better place to visit after all that time.
I had a brilliant time and felt very sad when i returned home that I wasn't still there. You must attend Jordan's delicious barbeque on Sundays, my mouth still waters at the thought.
Thank you Jordan, Soula, Panos, Monica, Gabi and even Grandma for a most wonderful week.
" This is a well run, clean, family run... "
Submitted By: Ms M B HaynesA beautiful large pool, older style accommodation, great chill out holiday or join the fun at the bar, the staff are friendly, and make you feel welcome as soon as you arrive and they never want you to leave!
There is a barbecue on Sundays, which is a must, as the family do al the cooking and the entertaining,, so again it is not impersonable, we guests all bonded at this party, as we had to dance Greek style....so it is a great place to make new friends or indeed as one couple did, get engaged on the last night, such is the evocative power of the Kamari Hotel! Well located for the beach, a 10 minute stroll away, as is the town, with an abundance restaurants and bars, to suit your pocket.
This is not a rowdy resort, very quiet and family orientated. Travel to other locations is available by the local bus service which is cheap and efficient. a great base to explore other parts of the island or just hang out at the pool or beach. Quiet location, even though the airport is about 30 mins away, it is not noisy. I felt the Kamari offered a true Greek experience.
" Have you ever stayed in a place that... "
Submitted By: K HampsonJordan and Soula and all the team make you feel very welcome and are always available day or night. Both myself and my partner will surely return. Sundays is BBQ night in the Hotel were all the guests get to meet each other. Making your own entertainment helped on by all the staff.
What fun we had helped on of course by the local beer and wine. Also the perfect place to relax by the pool no fighting for sun loungers here I can assure you. What a fantastic holiday.
" We arrived in the early hours to be... "
Submitted By: Miss G LawrenceThe hotel has everything you need for a week or two in Kokkini Hani and trust me it is very hard to drag yourself away from the poolside! We have been lucky to have met not just Jordan and his family and friends but some lovely people also who we will keep in contact with. Overall we have had a wonderful stay at the Kamari Hotel and Kokkini Hani.
The hotel is at most a 15 minute walk from all amenities including a variety of restaurants including traditional Greek and international cuisine and a good selection of bars and a lovely stretch of clear blue sea and clean beach's. We found that the location of the hotel was perfect not too close but not too far. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday with comfortable surroundings this is the place! p.s. the bar is always stocked and ready to serve!! We will definitely be returning.
" Just spent a very relaxing week at... "
Submitted By: Ms J Ellis10-15 minute walk to the town, beaches, bars, and restaurants. Everyone is friendly and laid back and no one hassles you. Watch out for wonky pavements (especially after sampling the cocktails in the Saloon Bar!). Good, cheap bus service to other towns. Waterpark and Knossos nearby.
All in all, we had a great holiday, made new friends and would definitely go back to the Kamari again.
" I came here with my friend for 2... "
Submitted By: Miss H HarrisIt's really close to the town and the beaches, which really are amazing, there are parts for relaxing and also great watersport facilities with scenic views and fantastic sunsets.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Kamari and I would recommend it to anyone reading this review, seriously, you’ll have a great time, it's great for all. I will certainly plan to come here again! <br>
" Came to the resort in August with my... "
Submitted By: Miss L Wakefield<br>
Kamari is about 10mins from the main town, which has a good selection of restaurants and a few bars, ideal for a little bit of peace. The beaches here are very nice and the people are very friendly too.
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Really enjoyed the holiday and would most definitely come back again. <br>
" Well what can I say about the Kamari... "
Submitted By: Miss E J RogersonI came back from there a few days ago, I felt it was perfectly situated about 10 minutes from the local resort of Kokkini Hani and beach, there are also 2 supermarkets about 5 minute walk away on the way to Kokkini Hani.
the rooms are comfortable airy and bright we had fantastic views of the mountains and sea and at night the most amazing sunset over the mountains, we also had the choice of air conditioning but didn’t use this facility as we found that leaving the balcony doors open adequate.
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the pool area was lovely plenty of room and lay beds to sunbathe and the pool is fantastically refreshing to dip into when things get too hot.
The staff are really what makes this hotel special, it is a family run hotel Jordan and Soula are 2 very warm friendly welcoming people who no matter what you want to chat about ALLWAYS have time for you, Marie Anna works with Soula at breakfast and works behind the bar until about 3 pm she always has a lovely smile for you and is very very friendly, David works on the bar from around 3 pm until late and is absolutely adorable, makes excellent cocktails and made me laugh so much over the two weeks my sides still hurt, Panos also works the Bar from around 11 until into the early hours of the morning.
All in all the staff are what really made our holiday special.
The Kamari is perfect for couples families or even a group on a party holiday as the hotel is situated around 30 minutes by bus from Malia the party central of Crete.
I will defiantly be going back to the Kamari again.
" We had a lovely two weeks in the... "
Submitted By: Mrs P Blacker" We have been guests at the Kamari on... "
Submitted By: Mrs Elsie Fox




