Santa Marina Hotel

First visit to Crete and what a treat! This hotel is set on the beach, and the first view of the sea from reception is stunning. The hotel is split into two parts: the original hotel containing reception, main bar, restaurant, beach bar and smaller bedrooms (with sea view) are on the beach; the newer larger bedrooms (with garden or land views), pool and pool bar are across the road and are accessed via a well lit underpass that is safe enough for single women to use late at night. My room was one of the newer ones by the pool and had a balcony overlooking the garden. Although the bathroom was small, it was more than adequate. Bedlinen and towels were changed every day. The bed was comfortable and there was a very large wardrobe and plenty of drawers. The hotel is very clean; all the terraces, steps, underpass and internal floors were swept and washed every day, by cheerful maids. The pool area is bordered by the road, and I found the traffic noise a bit intrusive. However, the beach is fantastic. It is sandy, with more than enough sunbeds (2.50 euros each per day). The sea is warm and clear and on most days very safe for bathing. I used to wake up early each day and walk for a couple of miles along the beach, then have a swim in the sea. It was a wonderful time of day – sunny and warm but not too hot and extremely peaceful. There were very few people around at that time of the day; just the sunbed attendants tidying up for the day to come (who always said 'Kalimera'), and the odd jogger. Food is served buffet style and our group ate both breakfast and dinner outside on the restaurant terrace. In the evenings we were able to enjoy a very leisurely meal; the staff weren't impatient to clear the tables. The staff were very friendly (especially the receptionists and the waitresses) and all spoke English to a high standard. There are lots of bars within easy walking distance if you don't want to stay at the hotel all evening. Buses to Hania stop outside the hotel (1.30 euro each way) or taxis cost 8.00 euros each way. Hania harbour area is lovely; lots of restaurants on the quayside and very pretty narrow lanes with shops behind. All in all a lovely place for a holiday and one that I will probably go back to next year.