Johnny “Don_John” K
Our stay at Petra Mare Hotel in Ierapetra was simply unforgettable! From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the staff, who remained exceptionally polite, helpful, and professional throughout our entire stay. Whether at the reception, restaurant, bar, or housekeeping—everyone was outstanding and genuinely dedicated to making guests feel comfortable.
The food was another highlight of our experience. With a wide variety of dishes, both local and international, every meal was delicious and beautifully prepared. The buffet was constantly replenished, and there were always fresh and high-quality options to satisfy all tastes. Dining felt like a treat every single day.
The hotel itself is impressively large, immaculately clean, and brilliantly organized. Every detail, from the layout to the architecture, has clearly been thoughtfully designed. The balance between elegance and functionality is truly remarkable, and the spaces feel both luxurious and inviting. We were especially impressed by how well everything flowed—from the rooms to the common areas, everything felt seamless.
As for the facilities, they were equally impressive—well-maintained pools, a fantastic kids’ area, a spa, and direct access to the beach made our stay not only comfortable but truly enjoyable. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or a family, Petra Mare offers everything you need for a perfect holiday.
Overall, Petra Mare Hotel exceeded our expectations in every possible way. It’s a place we would return to in a heartbeat and wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking high-quality hospitality and a flawless environment in beautiful Crete!
J.K. - 343
Rene Ramos
Since we arrived everything was great. The staff was very friendly. I can definitely recommend, it's a great place to have a family vacation. The room had a beautiful view and overall it was a very relaxing experience.
Both Marias helped us out since we were celebrating our kid's birthday, they organised a cake for him and the waiting staff sang happy birthday.
At the reception the accommodated our requests with a big smile.
At the restaurant all the staff was very polite and smiling all the time.
Themis, at the main bar, makes great drinks and he's great to have a chat with.
The best part of our trip for our kid was joining the activities that the animators organised. The team was great, they are all amazing with kids. Special thanks to Salvatore, Francesca, Federico aka "Frederico", and Davide for making Santi's experience so much fun!
Thijs
Location was far away from the airport and the only con of the room was the airconditioning not working optimal. The rest of the hotel made up for it and it was perfect.
I had most fun at the main bar. Very nice people who are working there, great laughs, nice talks and the drinks where good.
Would probably go back!
Petrina Kenanidou
We recently stayed at Petra Mare (September ), and overall, it was a great experience. While the hotel is mostly family-oriented, it’s still a nice option for couples looking for a relaxing getaway.
Reception:
Upon arrival, the staff greeted us warmly and gave us bracelets as part of the all-inclusive policy. It’s worth noting that external visitors are not allowed on the premises, ensuring privacy and security for all guests.
Restaurants:
• The buffet food was incredible! The variety was impressive, changing daily, and the quality and flavors were outstanding.
• For the à la carte options:
• Almyra and the Asian restaurant left room for improvement in both flavor and service.
• Elia Restaurant, however, was our favorite. The traditional Cretan-inspired menu was a highlight, and the flavors were impeccable.
Beach & Pools:
The beach directly in front of the hotel has some large rocks, but the water is crystal clear and lovely. A short walk away, there’s a beautiful sandy beach with charming local beach bars where you can enjoy the authentic Greek vibe with sunbeds.
The pools, while appealing, were a bit too crowded for our taste, so we didn’t spend much time there.
Rooms & Housekeeping:
The rooms are spacious, modern, and equipped with all necessary amenities. Housekeeping was exceptional, with daily cleaning and fresh towels whenever needed.
Staff:
The staff at Petra Mare truly elevated our experience. Special thanks to:
• Froso from Almyra for being so welcoming.
• Giorgos from Elia for his hard work and warm smile.
• Elsa at reception for her politeness and problem-solving skills.
• Maria (Mary) at the buffet for her kindness and tireless energy.
• Stella at the omelette station for her delicious creations and friendly chats.
And the real star of the hotel: Maria from Guest Relations. Her positive energy, attentiveness, and warm smile made our stay unforgettable. She’s truly the heart of the hotel and deserves all the recognition!
Cons:
• The buffet was so amazing that dining at the à la carte restaurants sometimes felt like a missed opportunity.
• The cocktails were not the best for cocktail enthusiasts, but there’s a good selection of wine, beer, and spirits.
• The spa experience was underwhelming due to cold temperatures in the wet area and indoor pool.
Additional Notes:
If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation, this hotel is ideal. While there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity, a car rental service is conveniently located right outside, and the hotel organizes excursions for those looking to explore.
This review is long overdue, but the wonderful experience and exceptional staff at Petra Mare made it unforgettable. Thank you for a memorable stay!
Mara Iovan
Very nice hotel,clean, lots of space and entertainment for the children. The food was delicious! We will definetely return!