Iberostar Creta Panorama Hotel

Having read the last two reviews I would just like to put anybodys mind at peace if you are just about to go, we travelled there on 20th June 06 with my son (14) and had a fantastic holiday, our flight was delayed so we didn't arrive until 3am, we were staying in the superior bungalows opposite the hotel(room 4113) we were greeted with a bottle of wine, bouquet of roses & bowl of fresh fruit in our room upon arrival, there are several swimming pools in this hotel , our room overlooked the second largest pool and beyond that the sea, you get fantastic sunsets from most rooms in this hotel, we found the staff very friendly, and particular Maria who runs the poolside bar made every effort to make our holiday enjoyable. The hotel was well run, clean and very spacious nothing was too much trouble for the staff, Brits were in the minority but that didn't cause us any problems at all, the hotel bar staff were friendly and served a different cocktail & "mocktail" for the kids every night. The hotel grounds are expansive and there would be alot of walking to do if you are in one of the far bungalows, so I would recommend asking to be near to the hotel The food was fantastic, last year we stayed in Iberostars Kerayka Golf in Corfu which we thought was great, this was as good if not better, loads of choice , and fantastic sweets, you will really put the pounds on during your stay !!! The entertainment was not bad, it is geared more towards younger children, but all the entertainers including Nino did a good job certainly the kids enjoyed it. There are watersports down in one of the coves, this is run by a chap from Leeds who will take you out on "LOTTIE" the speedboat for a trip around the local caves for about 80 euros (for the three of us) this was a great trip and lasted about 1 hour, they take photos of you on the way back in which are put onto CDRom for 20 euros these are very good There are two other coves owned by the hotel which were great to snorkel in with the depth being about 20foot by the mouth of the cove, plenty of fish to see, infact so many that you end up swimming in shoals of them!! there is a charge for the sunbeds at the coves, this is about 3 euro per bed per day. The hotel also had .22 shooting & archery which we took part in and was good fun. The only bad point is that you are about 1 hour way from the capital which will cost you 50 euro each way by taxi, we visited the capital Herikalion and walked around the museum which was v.interesting, there are two main shopping streets in Herikalion which sell all the tourist stuff as well as boutiques for the wives & girlfriends to endulge themselves in !! All in all as we only went for one week we felt there was enough to do at the hotel and only left the complex to go to Herikalion once I have included some photos for you to view and hope you enjoy the hotel s much as we did

I booked this hotel after reading previous reviews and it seemed to rate okay. First impressions of the hotel were that it was a lovely and modern building.When we checked and we were shown to our rooms (i had requested two next to each other for us and our two teenage sons which we didnt get) They were clean,a bit basic but we did have nice partial sea views.The only food available as we had arrived about 10.00 pm was a basic cold buffet which for people with children is no good so they sat and ate nothing.The breakfast however turned out to be their favourite meal of the day and they soon filled their plates .Lunch by the pool was great to begin with but by day four/five it was becoming very boring so we didnt really bother with it after that.The evening meal was okay nothing special but there was enough variety for the weeks stay,glad we werent there for another week. The beach was as someone else pointed out were small coves and down a steep hill so we preferred to stay by the pool.We caught the train to Panormo ,i expected more than was actually there and we ended up catching a taxi back to the hotel after about 10mins ,Dont bother going! This was our only excursion as we discovered how far the hotel is from any of the towns and as we had heard the public transport wasnt up to much so decided not to bother. The pool area is VERY slippy and dangerous, we witnessed people slipping over and i found myself slipping everytime i ventured anywhere.The hotel toilets are not cleaned enough especially by the pool during the day,even though It is a busy hotel. The staff we found to be very miserable and unhelpful, the only polite one was the main bar person who was always cheerful and always remembered your drinks .We probably wouldnt go back to this hotel but it turned out to be a pleasant stay apart from the few minor points i have mentioned.

I was expecting a lot from this hotel after reading all the great reviews. Unfortunately I had failed to be read between the lines of other reviews- and I feel it is only fair to point out a few things people should know before booking. GOOD POINTS Very clean and well kept- the maids are great. Animation staff are really funny- Nino is hilarious as is the italian guy. The have performancesevery night in their open air theatre, which are corny but Nino really makes it a funny show. The bar staff and friendily and attentive. The gardens are beautiful and the coves are nice. It is nice in quiet if you want to get away from everything. The Safari jeep excursion isa must and was the highlight of the holiday- there are two drivers Pavlos and George. Pavlos is fantastic and a wealth of knowledge. It is not a wild safari drive- just a great trip round to the sbeautiful, unspolit south and a nice meal. BAD POINTS- It mainily caters to Germans and the food is mostily German based, there are vey few British people , but mostily German, Italian and French. I love meeting other nationalities but it means not only is socialising difficult but the hotel is geared towards these nationaliteis. The hotel is linked with the german based thomas cook and holds specail events for them - plus they book tables in the restaurant specially for German tourists. The hotel is VERY far out from anything the nearest place is panoroma which is not walkable to but you can get a bumpy train ride to - I wouldnt bothere it is NOTHING like the photos and is mostily empty. There is nothing worth seeing, it is mostily run down buildings and the people are not very friendily. Rheythmon is about 40 minutes by bus but it is an awful packed bus journey and it is very hard to get the bus back. Allow rethymon had a nice old town the main town is VERY busy- similar to a hot swaety london. Personally I felt it was not worth going ot and would avoid it if you have children as their is loads of chaotic traffic and you probably have to stand on the bus for forty minutes. Apart from these two places their is no way of getting to see anywhere else apart from excursions. So if you want to see Crete the Panaroma is a definate hotel to avoid. Their is no beach just small purpose built coves . The food- we though there was a varity of restaurants but it is just one big resturant diveided into two. Their is a buffet which seemd quite good on the first day but after a few days of the same food ( salad, chips and german sausage, sweet casticky cakes- for breakfast ) you get sick of it. It is the only hotel I have ben to where their is chips for breakfast, the pasta is soaking and there were lots of flys sitting on the food- so much that I avoid the salads and deserts after a few days. Very disapointing as I was led to believe the food was excellent- maybe if you are not British- or dont mind sharing your dinner with flys! We tried to book the other restaurant but no one was helpful with this and when we found out how to- it was reserved for a german event and we couldnt get a table until the night we had left !. The hotel reception staff were cold and rude. On a personal note the following happend to me and I am pointing it out for two reasons- incase it happens to you too and it demonstrates to me bad management and customer concern.- When we arrived we watched as everyone else was given their keys and still we had not recieved ours. Finally the reception staff gave us our keys and the porter started to escort us outside the main building into the cret mare bungalows. I was shocked as I had bboked the hotel, requesting a middle floor 10 months previousily- I certianily didnt want a bungalow in the creta mares grounds. The bungalow they gave us was in front of a main walkway and was a family room- unsuitable for a couple. When we complained the reception mamage said he had gave us an " upgrade"- I simply wanted what I had booked. He then decided we were unreasonable and we spent three days of a 7 day holiday arguing with him. I remembered the same thing happening to someome else who placed a review on here -so it is probably a common practice as the hotel had fully booked the main hotel building due to a conferance. I have now returned from holiday and am in the process of taking the matter up with Thomas cook. Personally I wouldnt go back and was hugely disappointed. It may be suitable for you but I am sure there are better hotels in crete. On the comments book some people had wrote that this was not the ususal standard of an ibreostar hotel, I must agree and have been to far better 4* hotels. THE AIRPORT- the airport is not too bad excapt one thing- on the way back they scan every case before check in- this means you have to wait outside in the sweltering heat- standing. Sometimes for over an hour. We were lucky and got through good- but a lot o people were not sp fortunate , their are cannppoys outside but the queue is biiger than these and one couple told us they had to wait outside in the sun, with no seat for an hour waiting to get checked in. So it may be worth your while- especailly of you have children to get a private taxi and beat the queues.

Really enjoyed the hotel and the surrounding environment. It lived up to all the reviews previously read here. Being the start of the season it was quite quiet at first and not every thing was operating as it would in high season, but that is only a minor niggle and this improved in our 2nd week when everything was open and the place was much fuller. Food - excellent choice, quality and quantity. Rooms - excellent and our maid, quite an old lady, worked her socks off Reception - wamred up once they knew you and were superb when we needed help when our son had an allergic reaction to a peanut and we needed a doctor urgently Pools - great, plenty of them. Mind out when the tiles around the pools are wet as they are extremely slippery Entertainment - very good, the team work very hard and are really friendly. Try and guess where Nino the chief entertainer is from, it'll cause lots of arguments and he is superb. Some concerns about control/supervision of mini/maxi club especially on busy days. Shop - onsite shop is a treasure trove and the people running it are really nice and do their best to help (an airline for inflatables is at the back of the shop). Bars - staff get to recognise you and have excellent memories So many people of different nationalities made it a real buzz and with the kids playing it showed that language is no barrier to the kids! Already booked for 2007

We booked through First Choice Premier after reading the reviews here. We chose early May because we prefer the quieter season when there are fewer children and it's not too hot. It was certainly quiet and we had 3 very cool, windy days which were disappointing. But then the weather changed and it was perfect. The hotel came up to all expectations - everywhere was spotless - the rooms, pool and dining areas, all of the extensive grounds. There was still some maintenance taking place as we were so early in the season but it did not affect us. They seem to be continually developing and improving the complex. The gardens were beautiful - with colourful flowers still out and scented hedges all around. The views were stunning. Could not fault the room - clean, light, spacious, good mirror-doored wardrobe, private balcony with table/chairs, drying rack, wonderful view over garden, pool and part sea. It's not for those who want a real beach holiday - but they do have several small private coves with some sand and plenty of clean facilities such as toilets, changing huts, showers, sunbeds (small charge) and a lifeguard. The sister hotel, Creta Marine, on the complex has 3 bays where water sports etc take place but they hadn't quite got going while we were there. There's a choice of pools, depending on what suits - the busier main pool with activities etc for families and quieter ones in other areas - all in lovely surroundings with bars, showers and toilets etc. There are sunbeds in the garden areas overlooking the sea. The beautiful grounds are very extensive with lots of attractive pathways linking all the facilites. The animation team had a full schedule of sports and activities going on for children and adults. We did not go to the evening entertainment but there was something different each day and it seemed really popular. The food was really marvellous - plenty of choice for all tastes - well presented and fresh. There was even a small 'dieters' table with a few low fat/sugar options. The range of desserts and cakes was surprising. We have never seen this on our other Med holidays. As it's all inclusive, you could always find something to eat at most times of the day, which is ideal if you want to go out and about and don't quite make it back for lunch. There was a wide variety of drinks always available from various bars and cafes. There were 3 choices of cocktails (one non-alcoholic) available each day. We did suspect, however, that the bar staff gave priority to Germans, who (as mentioned in other reviews) outnumbered the Brits One night there was a themed dinner with a set menu, dimmed lighting and roses and candles on the tables. In busier times, though, bookings need to be taken for these evenings. There were different aperitifs each evening, on entering the restaurant. The service was excellent, with used plates removed quickly and discreetly. It's the perfect place If you like to stay around the hotel all day and evening and make full use of all that's available. It's certainly extremely good value if you do this. We wanted to explore, so we took the public bus from outside the hotel to Rethymnon. There was standing room only - not enjoyable for a half-hour journey! But it's worth a visit for the old town, fort and shopping. (Taxis are always available at the hotel entrance). There is a 'Little Train' which goes from the hotel on different trips on alternate mornings, then each afternoon it goes back and forth about every hour to Panormo, the nearest little harbour village (3km). It's unspoilt, with some shops, taverns and post-office. We booked a trip to Knossos through our rep. This is also worth visiting if you like old historical sites, but we had to stand around listening to the guide all the time and only saw what he showed us. Then we called at Heraklion museum, where again, we had to follow the guide around. This was boring so we went off our own to explore till pick-up time. We also hired a car locally, for 2 days and went to Chania which has a lovely old Venetian area and harbour. We also drove up into the mountains, visiting 2 caves, and a village selling pottery. The scenery was spectacular - olives groves, traditional villages and old ladies in long black dresses! Overall, we had a fantastic time, especially as the hotel had so few guests. We oursleves would not visit during high season, as we imagine it would be extremely busy, although the complex is huge so should accomodate all.

I went to this hotel last September and had a good time. The hotel is lovely and rooms are very clean and tidy. The food is excellent and with plenty of options. We paid for 2 sea view rooms and one sea view but when we arrived we were told they weren't available and said they were uprading two of the rooms to a suite. Although they classed it as an upgrade the suite was just a bungalow outside an is no better than a room in the hotel. Probably worse. Definitely don't stay in a bungalow if stairs are an issue. Not only are there a lot of steps to get back down to the pool and hotel itself but you have the chance of staying on the top floor of the bungalow. If you like a hotel with lovely pools then this is ideal. There are plenty and the main one is an excellent size (even has a nice pool bar that you can swim up to). If you like a nice beach then this is not for you. The beach is just a cove with a small section of sand. Definitely not what I'd call a beach. The evening entertainment is very poor for English speaking people.

We booked this hotel after searching through Trip Advisor and finding the best reviews, and we were not disappointed. We booked through Sun Star Lesuire and although the flight was not great the hotel was fantastic. Our room on the 4th floor had a sea view and was spacious and very clean, with fridge, tv, hairdryer and full bathroom including bath. All of the staff were lovely and very keen to please and the restaurant food was fantasic, there was something for everyone. One big bonus was you could get breakfast in the main restaurant until 11.00am so no more dashing up early on holiday. In fact you could eat for around 20 hours a day if you wanted. On our final day we had to leave at 5.00am but we were able to book a continental breakfast before we left. We have travel extensively and I can honestly say this was the best med hotel we have ever stayed in.

The Creta Panorma site is a literal oasis on the long Ethniki Odos out of Heraklion. Check-in was easy - although I did resent having to wear the yellow 'All-inclusive guest' wrist band, which was stapled onto us on day one and unremovable without scissors. Our flight had been delayed, so we arrived in time to eat the evening meal and collapse into bed. The food on that and every occasion was outstanding. A great choice of salads, a range of hot foods, including a carvery/roast every night, for those who prefer it simple, and a decadent array of cakes and puddings. I suspect there were corners of the buffet I never quite found in the week! Although at times it could be very busy, I never waited longer than the person in front of me for a serving spoon. Referring back to an earlier post here, it was NOTHING like any canteen I was ever in! The rooms were simple but exceptionally well cleaned every day. You'll be especially happy if you like a very firm bed (I do!) I was impressed that, even although we were at the fag-end of the season, nothing looked tired of jaded, not even the incredibly helpful staff! The gardens were immaculate, the pools clean and well cared for. For me, I prefer to be closer to a town, the Creta Panorama complex is very isolated - but if I ever wanted a place just to relax and veg. out for a week again, I'd have no hesitation! 10/10 for effort - and quality!

We booked the hotel on line through First Choice after reading the reviews. There was slight apprehension that the weather would not be that good since we were travelling at the end of September. We needn't have worried, the weather was hot, very hot approx 30C each day but with a nice breeze. The transfer time from the airport to the resort was approx 1hr, we were the first drop off, which was good considering we were tired and hungry. Our first impressions of the hotel were very good and we decided to get something to eat (the hotel is all inclusive and food is served throughout the day). Unfortunately, lunch had finishd by the time we arrived and the only food available to us was stale bread rolls and cold hot dogs, we were not impressed! We decided to have a nap until dinner, however, had to request extra pillows as there was only one each. These arrived promptly. As we made our way to dinner we hoped that the food available would be better than that when we arrived. We were not disappointed. There was a vast array of salads, bread, soup, cold meats, hot meats, veg and delicious desserts along with unlimited beer, soft drinks and wine. The restaurant staff were extremely efficient in cleaning the tables and there was ample seating. The only real annoyance was the impatient, pushy Germans who obviously resented us being there and the flies that seemed to be everywhere but hey if that is the only issue you can't really complain. The hotel has 6 swimming pools and 3 private coves, we stayed away from the main pool and chose a quite small pool surrounded by beautiful gardens. Overall we had an absolutely brilliant holiday and would recommend the hotel to anyone looking for a quiet relaxing place where you can dine like kings and bask in stunning surroundings. Our ratings would be:- Hotel staff - 9/10 Housekeeping and cleanliness - 10/10 Food quality and variety - 8/10 Hotel grounds and amenities 10/10 Room 7/10 (there are no English channels on the TV) Location 7/10 (3km from fishing village Panormo and 18km from Rethymnon) Total Overall 9/10

This hotel is Brilliant. The facilities are great. there are plenty of things to do (including activities for adults and kids).Food is great and the evening entertainment is very good. there is plenty of things to do at the nearby coves e.g snorkeling, boat trips, banana boats etc. I would rate this hotel 10/10.