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
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!
J K
This is the third year we’ve stayed at this resort and perhaps the last. We rented (again for the third year) the apartments (three separate apartments, total of nine people). Unfortunately management bumped us for other families (likely because our stay was for four nights instead of seven). Let’s just say they didn’t go out of their way to make things better for us.
Furthermore the manager of the restaurant is just plain rude and some of the staff really do not care - they pull plates out from under your nose, make far too much noise throwing utensils and plates into bins etc.
The food is perhaps too plentiful (and greasy!) - it’s really gluttony what I’ve witnessed there by the other tourists.
The beach is easy to access, but is often the windiest spot in the surrounding area.
Masudur Rahman
First time in all-inclusive, very impressed. Beautiful hotel and the staff was great. I am impressed by all the good food and available to get a drink or a snack. Perfect for family with kids, a big cozy pool area. Short walk into the city
Radek Rzepecki
Perfect holidays for families with small children. Loads of activities for the little ones. A small town 20 minute walk away. The beach is not great, but it is what it is. The pool is good with astunning view. The food is great, with loads of variety. Staff is really nice apart from one annoying guy that wants to take pictures of you. Overall, we really enjoyed the stay in Petra mare.
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