Dar Wa
A Peaceful and Delicious Greek Getaway
Overall - 4.5/5
This is a very nice hotel with exceptional food and friendly, attentive staff. While its peaceful nature may not suit people seeking a lively holiday with fun and games, it is well-suited for couples, very young families, or those simply seeking relaxation.
Food - 4.5/5
Greek food is well-suited to my taste, and the amount of superb meat dishes on offer was truly impressive; every one of them was delicious. The desserts were varied and well-made, which was a refreshing change from the mass-produced cake trays I'm used to seeing at all-inclusive resorts. Having a fresh omelette made each morning was a nice touch. That said, as a Brit, I did find the bacon to be a bit disappointing, as it's very rare to get quality back bacon when away.
Location - 3/5
The hotel is located right on the beach. However, the beach is pebbled and impossible to walk on barefoot. The beaches in nearby Platanias and Agia Marina are superb in comparison. It's a short 5-minute walk to the bus stop, although I found the bus conductors to be some of the worst-mannered people I have met. You will have to travel into Platanias or Agia Marina for a night out and a better selection of restaurants, as there isn't much in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. The beach restaurant next door was nice, but it closed around 8 pm.
Facilities - 4.5/5
The pool is large and was never crowded, and it's not too deep, which gives peace of mind for families with children. The gym is superb, truly the best I have ever seen at a hotel. The spa looked nice, though I didn't use it. There were also plenty of quality loungers available.
Staff and Service - 5/5
The staff and service were exceptional and attentive. They even offered upgrades to compensate for minor issues without me having to ask or complain. The hotel porters were all very helpful and friendly.
Tips for the hotel
Adding coffee machines would be a nice touch, offering a consistent quality cup of coffee that I could grab any time.
Personally, I would have preferred a bit more entertainment, such as a quiz or livelier events. However, I appreciate the laid-back atmosphere the hotel is trying to create.
Half-board guests would benefit from one free drink per meal.
Some finishing details on the grounds would befit a five-star rating, specifically the walkway to the outdoor toilets and cleaning of the quartz pillars at the pool.
Gabriel Craciun
In my opinion it is not a 5 star hotel, maximum 4 stars, the beach is only stone, to enter the sea you need special shoes, it is not suitable for children because the sea is deep. The sheets on the beds are not changed every day, they just arrange them and that's it, nothing more. If you tell them to change them, they will change them. For Ultra all inclusive it is not worth paying because there is nothing extra, it is the same as all.inclusive, extra money for nothing. The food is enough but the same every day nothing different. A 5 star hotel should have a natural lemonade and a fresh fruit, but they do not have it, if you ask for lemonade they will give you a Fanta lemon juice, fresh juices are (store-bought juices) that have nothing to do with fresh juices.
Trudi Marsden
This is by far one of the best hotels I have stayed at. It is a Greek run hotel chain, the staff are so friendly and welcoming. Not too big, and a real home from home giving you an amazing holiday. The food at the buffet is great, with lots of local favourites and as a coeliac the gluten free labelling was top notch. Plenty of options for veggie and GF which is not always the case. Can't praise the place enough. Private beach great albeit no snorkeling since the north coast bears the brunt of the sea
Javier VM
The hotel is certainly pretty but this is not a 5 star hotel in my opinion. The majority of the staff are super friendly and that is probably what is the best of this hotel.
The beach is rocky and not as pretty as many other beaches closer to Chania for example. The food provided is very average, thankfully Alexandros taverna is near where you can get authentic Greek and Cretan cuisine.
Please DO NOT upgrade to All Inclusive Ultra for the price it is not at all worth it.
The rooms are ok.
Ally Edwards
Highly recommend this resort.
Beautiful complex, staff are amazing and are so kind & attentive. Rooms are just what you need, large pool area and plenty of sun loungers. Situated next to the sea (stoney beach) public transport is easy to navigate.
Restaurant staff are incredible and work so hard to ensure a great dining experience. We had a fantastic stay. Recommend visiting lake Kournas pedal boating with turtles & snorkelling to see sunken ww2 areoplane!
Treat yourself to a spa treatment, you won't be disappointed.
No complaints *****
My Booking
