| Holiday-Truth Readers Reports |
Hev from Newport travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2009 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Had a great weeks holiday at the Petra Mare
Was abit worried after reading some of the reports other people had posted!
Main negative I have to say is the transfer from the airport.... 4hrs on the plane then 3.5hrs on the coach... crazy.. there should not be just 1 coach dropping everyone off, so it goes all the way in the opposite direction to this hotel to drop people off then you are the last ones getting dropped off and taking nearly as long to get to the hotel as it did to fly from Wales to Crete! That does need to be sorted.. and not the hotels fault! Going home we had a taxi to Agios Nikolaos then joined the coach for some more pick ups then to the airport, still a long time 45mins in taxi and over 2hrs on the coach but still better than 3.5hrs on the coach coming.
Once there (gone midnight) when checking in I said to the man on reception is there anywhere we can get food, as we had had nothing to eat, and he said 'yes we have put up cold plates of food for you in the resturant, go have it now' and he said to my husband 'go to the bar and get drinks as they charge after 12', I went to the resturant while my husband and son went and got drinks, the bar man said to my husband ' I can see you have only just got here so I won't charge you' and gave him 2x pints and a coke... so I can honestly say the staff at the hotel were great, very friendly, very polite and spoke good English. And yes in the resturant they had put up 3 plates of cooked chicken and salad covered in cling film and left in a cold section.
Then we went to our rooms, everything very clean there, plenty of storage also.
The whole hotel, rooms, resturant, bars, pools etc are very clean and constantly being cleaned. You can see the whole place has had a face lift and nothing was dirty or tatty.
The reps/entertainment staff were great... Leanne, Debs, Freddy & Luke, they always talked to you (by name) even if they were'nt working.
We joined in with the daytime and evening entertainment and had a great laugh.
The beach is close but not great, again nowt to do with the hotel, you can go on the jet ski's and other water stuff which is fun.
The only other negative things I would say is; the adult pool is too deep so not many people use that, they do need to look at this and change it, I did book this hotel because it showed lazy river and flumes, I had a letter then saying the flumes were going, didn't say the lazy river was, so I ws very disapointed, you can not play in the pool as it is too deep and no water polo too because of this, which my son and husband were very disappointed about. The kids pool is fantastic and they should have an adult version of that which would be much more fun.
The other neg thing is not enough 'kids' choice of food in the resturant so my son hardly ate anything.
Apart from that .. All in all a fab holiday
Would we go again.... YES
Did we think the hotel, staff and reps brill ..... YES YES YES
Reccomended to families deffo :-)
Click here for more information on this hotel, resort and region
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Graeme & Donna from Birmingham travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2008 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We arrived at this hotel on sat morning, 14 days later we didn't want to leave. Hotel staff, reps and all were fantastic, would recommend it to everyone.
Well done Petramare and thanks.
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Jo & Kids from Manchester UK travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 1 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2008 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location |  | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Got back from the Petra Mare last week, we were there from 29th July to 12th August and had a pretty good time.
It was very hot but there was a good strong wind most of the time to take the edge off the heat.
During the first week, the wind was a bit of nuisance in the evening, blowing the drinks away in the flimsy plastic cups, but in the second week the wind dropped for a few days and it was a bit too hot!
On a bonus point, there were no mosquitoes; I think the wind blew them all away!
The hotel was lovely and clean, our bathroom needed a bit of TLC but the sea-view made up for it! There were just three of us and we had one king-size bed, one double bed and one single bed, all very well spaced-out (not all in a row, like in some hotels). The air-conditioning was good but didn’t reach the far corners of the large room.
We were on the first floor, Room 121, right above Reception. There are no lifts to the first floor, which seemed a bit stupid as there are lifts to all the other floors, so we had to struggle with our suitcases on arrival and departure!
If you have a late departure, book your late checkout room when you book the holiday; we didn’t, and we couldn’t book it once we were there, they were too busy and the room had already been allocated to new guests after midday.
We were given the key for the “courtesy room” and honestly, it would be a courtesy if they just kept it as clean as the rest of the hotel!
The courtesy room was filthy and hot (no air-conditioning) and I felt dirtier coming out of there than before I went in. I’d have been better off showering on the beach!
Yes, you have to be up early for a sunbed, and yes, I was one of the “breakfast club” putting towels out at 7-ish and sitting on them till the 8 o’clock deadline; but we NEVER left them unattended all day - we were always down by the pool by 10:30ish (after breakfast) and stayed there until about 5 o’clock.
Sunbed reserving is just one of those things, it’s happened on every holiday we’ve ever had and will continue to happen everywhere forever more, so GET OVER IT and join the club!
The entertainment team were great – Kelly is very professional and supported by Amy and Ayesha. Ryan is wasted as a Kid’s Club rep, he should be a full-time entertainer.
The shows were all good (pantomimes, School of Rock, etc), and the nightly game shows (Family Fortunes, Play Your Cards Right etc) before the main performance were always a good laugh.
Daytime activities were a good way to pass the time, I did Aqua-Aerobics a few times and we always got back from lunch in time to watch the daily Water-Polo.
The only nights we didn’t enjoy were Sundays, when the reps have a bit of a “cop out” and send everyone down to the tiny El-Paso bar for karaoke – that’s NOT what I call a show, especially when it’s only a quarter the size of the main bar so most people can’t get in there!
The pool area is a bit “tired” but apparently it’s being all done up for next summer. The slides are popular, but my daughter bruised her foot quite badly when she hit the bottom of the pool coming down the “fast” straight slide, so be careful!
The pools are saltwater. While we were there, the main pool was emptied at 4pm one afternoon for cleaning, and was filled up and sparkling ready for use the next morning.
The main pool was very cold because of the wind, and you had to brace yourself for the morning aquafit session, however it was a very welcome cool relief in the afternoons!
I was a bit disappointed with the beach. Lots of rocks, stones and concrete and dirty grey “sand”, however it seemed very popular (especially with the Germans and Eastern Europeans), and the sunbeds on the beach were all taken much earlier than the pool sunbeds most mornings.
There is a good team of people doing watersports on the beach; my kids did the “Banana Express” which was a full hour going to a secluded “cave” where they could snorkel and jump off the cliffs and then to finish off, a spin round the bay on the banana - this was 25€ each and they let me ride in the speedboat (with their delightful little dog) for half-price so I could take the camcorder and film them.
The kids also went on the “Squabs” (inflatable sofas) during Happy Hour for 10€ each which gave them three good spins around the bay (about 15 minutes).
Food at the hotel was lovely! An excellent selection for all preferences. Very easy to get your five-a-day if that’s what you’re into; and also easy to stuff yourself with junk for two weeks.
Lovely salad bar, lots of fruit (and cakes) and always something good on the grill - fish, chicken, pork etc, and on Greek night they had lovely gyros (kebab meat) and pita, they also did souvlaki (pork skewers) a couple of times.
My favourite meal was breakfast – a plateful of donuts every day, well, we were on holiday! Yum!!
The restaurant was busy but we always got a table somewhere. I liked the lovely outside terrace, great to eat your lunch overlooking the sea, but unfortunately this terrace is spoilt by cats and smokers.
Didn’t care much for the snack bar near the pool, same stuff every day, chips, hot dogs, pizza, pasta, bread, ham and cheese. Okay for a slice of cake in the afternoon though!
The hotel itself was lovely, but I have to say I was very disappointed with the surrounding area. Ierapetra is not a pretty town and nothing like the picture postcard scenes of Greece.
Overall we had a good holiday. The hotel itself was great, Crete wasn’t what I expected, but this isn’t the hotel’s fault. If we could pick up the hotel and plonk it down somewhere else it would have been much better.
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paul, tonya, hannah from Bromsgrove travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2008 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Whilst away, I intended to do a big write up on this place, but to be honest, I can’t be bothered……..and it just doesn’t warrant it.
The hotel, the rooms, the food, the beach, the local area, the bars etc were all ok,
no better no worse just ok.
There is no one thing to point at, and say that was terrible or fantastic. It was in fact the first holiday ever, and I’ve had many, where I actually didn’t mind having to go home.
If you are going, pay a visit to the GoKart track, reception will ring them for you and they will come and get you and bring you back. Chrissy island is also just about worth the money, but be warned……it’s even hotter on the island, and get there 30 mins early if you want a seat on the boat
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anne from scotland travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2008 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We arrived at this hotel after travel in the bus for 3 hours which made us mad (due to bus operator using only one bus to get everyone to their hotels around the island) but on arrival to the hotel we were met by a friendly smile and our room key.
We had a quick look around the hotel after dropping off our suitcases and then went for evening meal which was lovely with plenty of choices and friendly staff -when acknowledged that they were infact human beings and not servants! (they were very quick to smile and help with any problems eg beer tank needing replaced, glasses being required etc)
The room was clean and air con wonderful the maid service was there everyday very helpful.
The location was brill as my son went snorkaling a few times and commented on how interesting it was around the rock area.
The walk along the sea front was lovely (although the griffiti spoilt it)locals also used this walkway,well lit, up with bars half way along and shops where you could buy your gifts but also shoes, t-shirts,bikinis,etc.
There is a car hire company straight across from the hotel (where we hired a car and travel around the island)also another about 3 door along from the hotel.The go-karts are nearby the hotel calls them and they pick you up and drop you off great laugh!.
Supermarket nearby for water,suncreams etc they even had Iron Bru!
The entertainment was mad the girls were game for a laugh they kept the kids entertained morning noon and night At night they entertainted the adults with bingo, quizs, head to head comps and shows.
The only prob I had was the shop owner whom made your child feel as if they were shop lifing, he wasn't one of the friendliest people i have met.
We have no complaints about this hotel or area and would go back again afterall your holiday is only as good as you make it.
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Alan Gardner from wakefield travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
own arrangement
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2008 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Our party arrived in the early hours like many more and recieved prompt and polite service at the check in. The rooms were fantastic some of the party with sea views and others with mountain view 'fantastic'.
As the oldest couple in the group 60 plus my wife and i were not expecting much of the supposedly family hotel. I know that it is hard to please everyone, but we found everything to be great, yes if like me you couldn't make up your mind what to eat because of the variety it could get boring because I probably tried to get 3 or 4 meals on one plate.
The outside areas were great and the bars were perfectly run. We found the first choice holiday reps although not proffessionals gave their all in trying to entertain both children and adults.
We have been to crete many times but this was the best, all our party have booked for next year.
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Janice Campion from Scarborough travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 5 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2008 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We arrive at the Petra Mare hotel quite late at night, we checked in and thought we had missed the evening meal, the receptionist informed us that there was a late meal for us laid on. This consisted of cold chicken bread, salad etc, which was lovely after our long journey and totally unexpected. The staff were very helpful. The next two weeks were the best family holiday I have ever had. The accomdation was lovely and the cleaners came in every day. The food was lovely and there was a theme every night. I had some snails but the children declined!!! Ice cream twice a day for the kids in two hour slots. The cafe next to the pool was constantly replenishing chips/pizza/sausages and cheese/cold meats salads etc all day. There was wine/beer throughout the day if you fancied a beer. The childrens club was brilliant, my little boy loved it the second week as his cousins only stayed a week, so got a bit bored when they had gone home. The kids club staff/entertainment staff were very committed and hard working and hadn't really had a lot of time to prepare the entertainment. We went into town one day - it must have been a saturday, the market was on, we had a look round there and bought some strawberries and cherries, not on the menu at the Petra Mare. One day we hired a car and went to the Aquarium near Heraklion (about an hour away). There was a shop just outside the hotel - with a phone box just next to it, you could buy phone cards in the gift shop within the hotel, they also sold newspapers, sweets,water, toiletries, souvenirs etc, open till about 9 or 10 at night. There was a supermarket about 10 minutes down the road, that sold absolutely everything. Also internet access - about two euros for about 15 minutes. The hotel was right on the beach, I would recommend taking sea shoes with you as the sand is a bit rough. There was water sports (at a cost), we went on the last day and treated ourself to a ride!!! All in all the hotel was lovely, food lovely, staff lovely, constantly keeping it clean. I would recommend this hotel to families.
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Gill from Essex travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2008 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: When we booked to go to the hotel Petra Mare we checked on the reviews of other holiday makers and was worried if we had made a mistake. Well when arriving at the hotel we new we had not,the hotel was spotless, and you could see staff really took pride in their work. The transfer time also was a worry, and yes it was a long trip but well worth it. The food allowed for all tastes. The entertainment was a little slow going when we arrived as the holiday reps were working under staffed, but they soon got to grips with working with people down and put on a good show (Well done to you all). Just a little tip if you want to enjoy your holiday, get to know the holiday reps, they are really friendly and like to have your feedback. Also join in as many of the games as poss that way you make new friends. We enjoyed our holiday so much we have booked to go again this June.
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Smalloy from Essex travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2008 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Lovely Hotel. Room very nice and clean. Balcony door opened to a sea view. Food very nice. Entertainment geared towards children, but we had a laugh too. Resort is not the prettiest in Greece. Good value for money. Would definitely go again.
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Sue from Billericay travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2008 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Extremely nice hotel. We had a sea view, opening our balcony doors on to the sea. Because we went in May it was not overly busy. It was pleasant but not over crowded. Plenty of sun beds each day. Did not have to get up at 6am to put your towel out. Food was fine. We even encountered a chef who praised the food at the hotel.
Great evening entertainment for the kids.
The resort is not the prettiest.
Would definitely recommend and go back especially at the end of May.
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jury from devon travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2008 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: what can i say, great hotel, great food and excellent booze, didn't see our 2 kids (aged 12 & 14) we had the best holiday
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Shery + Chloe from Laindon travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 6 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2008 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I am 18 and had the best holiday here. the staff were really friendly and up for a laugh. i have never been to a cleaner hotel. the pools were amazing a little on the cold side but still fun. Our party ranged from the ages of 5 - 60 and we all had a great time. we went out of season so there wasnt any entertainment for the first week but still managed to entertain outselves due to the great hotel facilities eg/ table tennis arcade pool tables air hockey ect.
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chris from london travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choise
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 6 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: *Admin edit - this review has been removed as it was posted from Greece. To ensure our reviews remain unbiased we do not allow posts from the country where the accommodation is situated*
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swdchaos from Scotland travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hi, I will keep it brief, we went to Petra Marie expecting to have a great time as per the brochure. mmm... this was not to be, don't get me wrong for the most part the hotel was okay. The food was abysmal morning noon and night, cleanliness of the room wasn't up to much either, main areas were okay. Staff were not particularly friendly, although the barman was a nice chap. Reps were good with the kids. Like others have said here this place is not the best and if you go late in the season forget it, everything closes including the hotel shop and all trips cease. Pools are okay for kids and slides etc that aspect is fine. But man the food and we all have to eat, was absolutely disgusting swimming in grease, oh and if your having toast put it in the day you arrive and it should be toasted by time to go home. Awful.
Would we recommend it? no!
Is there better? oh yes!
We heard it is to be knocked down this year to be replaced, one can only hope that they sack the kitchen staff too, or local sandwich shop has more variation.
Just don't go, go elsewhere.
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Linda from Birmingham travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Having arrived in the early hours of the morning we were quickly checked in to the hotel and we had a walk around the place looked nice but next morning at breakfast was a different matter, the fried eggs were swimming in an inch of fat, dinner was no better and tea just got worse, the food was disgusting if you like pork chunks in gravy and then in curry sauce for tea or brown bits of chicken and lamb fat on bones you were fine. the same food appeared every day and what ever was left over went into the snack bar the next day. There was no daytime entertainment or lazy river. The pools were filthy with insects leaves and sand in them, the water was murky and smelt of sewage. we found the staff at the hotel itself to be very rude. there were no trips to go on. we were told at the time of booking that a full entertainment package and trips would be available. There was nothing we asked to be moved to another hotel only to be told that all the hotels had closed down the end of september. Everyone you spoke to were complaining from young familys to oaps. There is absoulty nothing for teenagers to do. My kids did go to the kids club out of boredem they either watched dvd or played playstation, they can do this at home. My son came out of the kids club heaving after the chocolate party. They were asked to melt a chunck of chocolate in their mouths and then dribble it out into a tissue. If this is what first choice call entertainment then i feel very sorry for the tourists visiting this place. It was like being stuck in hell. We walked upto the town expecting some sort of tourist/souvanir shops but there was nothing. The evening entertainment was rubbish, the mini disco was playing music from 15 yrs ago and it was the same thing every night, The reps were kepy busy filling in customer complaint forms, the reps did tell us that they have been having complaints about the food for the last 6 mths so why have first choice done nothing about this. The bedding had holes in it and the only tv in the place was in the rooms which had english channels but foreign dubbing. I have stayed in many 3 and 4* hotels and they have never been like this i would rate this place as a 2*. On our return home we went to the travel agents armed with the photos and customer service report they were disgusted, infact they commented that the hotel is still in the bochure for next year for familys. if you have small children and just want to get away from it all and dont mind eating food i wouldnt feed to my dog then you will be ok, but if you have teenagers forget it. both of mine wanted to come home by the second day, I would of had more fun at blackpool for a week and it would have cost alot less. I have wrote a letter to first choice demanding my money back the place need knocking down which we are told is going to happen in the 2 years. I would never go back the staff are rude and never even smile. HATED IT
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Claire Ambrose from Devon travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We arrived at the hotel at 6.30pm to a very quick check-in. We had a large family room which slept 6 and had a sea view, which i must say was stunning. We were also fortunate to have one of the larger balconys. The room was spotless and kept that way every day with clean towels every day and bedding every other day. The cleaners worked very hard.
The pools were great. My two youngest kids loved the kids pool whilst my eldest was occupied by the lazy river and the water slides, (great fun for adults too!)As with the rooms, the pools were kept spotless.
The kids clubs were great. My youngest 2 were in bugs bunny and the eldest in wavelength. They had great fun taking part in chocolate partys and dvd and munchie nights. Some activities were payable, but only a small price reallly to keep the kids happy.The kids clubs reps were brill.
The food was ok. Breakfast was a bit hit and miss, but evening meals were better. I chose something different every night. If you do fancy a change though, Zorbas cafe on the rocks in town is worth a visit, their peppered steak is to die for!! The snack bar became a bit repetative, mainly pizza and chips which is fine if your not allergic to cheese!! The drinks were self service with a few drinks despensers scattered around.
Being located on the beach was great. Be warned to wear something on your feet on the beach as the sand is hot! For the more adventourous, the watersports are a must, especially the crazy sofa. 15 euros per person but definately worth it.
Lerapetra is just a short walk from the hotel with a handful of shops and bars. Its quiet there and ideal for families who want to get away from hustle and bustle. We went on two excursions, one to Aqua plus Waterpark, which was a wicked day out, and one to Chrissy island which was very relaxing and well worth it.You can book Chrissy island in town but we booked through our reps. It costs a little bit more but you do get two kids reps with you for the day who keep the kids occupied, well worth the couple of extra euros!! We also hired a car for the day and drove out to Agios Nikolaos, a place definately worth a visit.
The entertainment was a bit hit and miss. Think of Butlins. The entertainment reps worked hard but they're not profesionals so it wasn't their fault. I think though that for the money your paying, the hotel could splash out on a couple of caberet acts and take the pressure off the reps.
Overall, we had a fantastic holiday. The weather was hot and we saw some Greek culture. Would definately go there again.
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Donna from Glasgow travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First choice
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 5 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The first thing I said when I saw the hotel was wow. It looked really nice from the outside and even nicer from the inside. You could tell it was really clean from the shiney floors and walls. Staff were really nice when we checked. Got to our room. I was sharing with my partner, my 8 year old daughter and 14 week old son. I was very surprised to see they had put a cot in the room for us and was very happy about that. We had a moutain view which wasn't the nicest of views, but I didn't mind. My parents payed for a sea view which I would advise you do as it is lovely. Well worth the money.
The 1st couple of days were good. Kids loved the pools and the water park, but after that you realise there is nothing really to do. Lerapetra is really small and apart from a few bars a short walk away there is nothing really to do. Unless you can hire a car and drive around. All I really done was sit and watch my daughter at the pool. The beach is lovely and we had lots of fun when the waves would go really fast over us it was funny.
The food is mostly the same every night, which I became really sick of, but they have to cater for different nationalities so they can't really please everyone. They have a snack bar open most of the day which you can have chips and pizza. I think I put on about 2 stone as I kept eating the pizza and chips from boredom.
This is only a good holiday if you like to just sit around and get a tan rather than go anywhere. The kids will love it as they have great pools and the kids club is excellent. The first choice reps really do work hard for the kids. It is good as it is on the beach, but as I say Lerapetra hasn't really got anything near by so would only go here if you want to do nothing really for a week, but go to the pool or the beach.
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Donna from Glasgow travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 4 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Sorry ment to rate the hotel as being really clean, with towels being changed everyday and your room cleaned everyday. Cleaners really worked hard in there. If it was in a better location it would be the perfect hotel.
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kavanagh from wolverhampton travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: we would defo return to this hotel again,it was brilliant.The first choice reps work really hard(say hello to clare and anna aks them about flight FCA3582 from birmingham on the 24th aug 07.They are very helpfull even colin(the boss) whos a liverpool fan but was well happy when the villa (thats me) beat chesea 2-0.Go to the "bar on the rocks" its about 10 mins walk and you can watch the football and enjoy some fantastic food a great prices.Jenny who ran the swim kids club was great she learnt our kids how to swin in just 4 lessons and they even got a swim badge and certificate each.The kids clubs are brill they are all really great with the kids and do wear them out,there is a small charge on some days but is well worth it so us moms and dads have some chill out time.The pools are great but beware that it is a little slippy around some parts of the pools.Water slides only operate twice a day for a couple of hours.At night the el paso bar has a different theme on each night with jessie,ella and petra who just love to dance.The food was really really great,i recomend that you get there early and sit outside on the terrace as the restaurant has no air-con.I dont understand what some people complain about we didnt have the same food every night,the kids menu was only evening times but my kids found that the normal buffet was just as good.My wife and kids say that the puddings are to die for.The only down side was you had to cut your own bread up there is a cloth to use but some people did not use it and we all know that some people dont was there hands before eating, so my advice is to pick up a new loaf.The hotel was very clean and our room had a double bed and two singles a fridge and a huge balcony we had a sea view which is well worth the extra money if you want it,the best part of having a sea view is when you wake up in the mornings you can hear the waves lapping on the beach.We always go with first choice and would recommend them 100%
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Michelle from Yorkshire travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We flew from Manchester and arrived at the hotel as some silly hour in the morning, not doing that again. We arrived at about 4.30am. Quick check in which was great, husband checked in me and the kids took the stairs as the lifts were chocker, we were on the top floor. We were thrilled when we went in the room, nice spacious room, very clean and the view was amazing. Woke up following morning and i could not wait to look at the view, it is pretty fantastic from the top floor. From this point the holiday went down hill, my daughter started being sick late morning just got to the pool and she was sick. Took her back to room where she stayed for most of her holiday. Apart from being in hospital for 3 days. The Hotel staff were great, early hours of the following morning they gave me a thermometre for my daughter, they alled the Dr's for me. Every day they were asking how she was, more the the Reps were doing. So what we saw of the hotel looked great, we never went in any bars, we ate seperately most nights as one person had to look after out daughter. Both my children did not see any of the kids clubs but they did lend me a buggy to ship her about as she was too weak to walk about. The pools are nice, very very cold though. We spend the days in shifts as my 8 year old son was wanting to go to the beach and pool etc. The beach is really nice, be careful of the sand i burnt my feet, you have to run across the sand. The see is really clear and fantastic for snorkling. The shop in the hotel is really cheap too. The only time we went to the town is when were walking backwards and forwards to hospital in town as there only seemed to be one hospital, the last night we went too, some lovely modern bars, very Greek tho, Petra Mare is the only Hotel with English people in, i think.
The last night is a mare, we were told to ask at reception the day before check out to see if we could keep room on as we did not pre-book it when booking holiday. I asked at the time we were told and they had all gone, we were not happy as my daughter was still not very well. After we had checked out at 12 noon i then asked about showers for that evening, we were given two times 15.30 ot 22.30 we were getting picked up at 23.30. So be warned if you want to keep room on, be quick.
Over all a nice place, would be nice to go back and see more, but the best thing of all is the view from the Hotel Room.
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evans from holywell, n.wales travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Arrived at 11.30 at night quick check in then went to restaurant for cold ready made chicken salad which filled a gap at the time.Went down for breakfast next morning not a great deal of choice, plenty of continental food but not a lot of hot food which you usually get in all inclusive hotels.When we went to pool area all the sun loungers were take found 2 which were broke so we squeezed by the kids pool so from then on had to get up early to reserve lounger even though the hotel was full of brits!Pool area kept clean always seen cleaners around & pools kept clean throuout the day by lifeguards.Rooms basic but clean towels changed daily,snack bar served chips,hotdog sausages & pasta drinks are self service but warm we got our drinks from bar by the pool but beware you can`t fill large water bottles from the water containers even though you are all inclusive!Meals in restaurant are very basic,not a lot of choice had chips with every meal.Entertainment throughout the day was killer pool,killer darts,table tennis ,quiz & volley ball/water polo,at night kids disco followed by bingo with cash prizes between 240-280 euros for house then a quiz where you challenge bonny,one of the entertainers then the main show which was usually very good.Town is about 15 mins walk along prom & has a variety of bars & shops you can also get tickets for the chrissy island tour. Hotel is located right on the beach which is very nice there are sun loungers & parasols which are free to use also you can go on banana boat,jet ski or other inflatable which is towed behind speed boat but these are payable.Slides are open for about an hour in the morning & two hours in the afternoon, there is also a shop onsite whicn is open from 9am-11pm.There is a bar called elpasso bar which is by the childrens pool which is open from 11pm-2am but drinks are payable from 12,also a bar inside hotel open till 2am drinks payable from 12 & you have to pay for cocktails which have been free in other all-inclusive hotels.Overall the holiday was enjoyable apart from the food & warm drinks kids will enjoy it as we hardly seen our 9 yr lad as he was always with friends.
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mrs m finn from essex travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and more than 6 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: we had a lovely big room on the ground floor right on the beach it was cleaned everyday and was more than big enough, you do only get one key which is a bit of a pain because this also worked the air-con. the food was ok i recomend the liver its the best the first choice reps work really hard dont get behind antonia or bonnie in killer darts as you will lose they are really good make sure you go to the al-paso bar at the far end past the water slides they have brillent prizes down there, try the kareoke and the bingo we had some really good nights brillant with the kids. there is a supermarket just up the road if you dont like the plastic cups for 90cent you can buy a plastic glass its probably all in the mind but the drinks do taste better out of them.the phone cards form the shop in the hotel are really good value for money for 5 euros you got 140 minutes well worth it.the lifegaurds on the waterslides were very friendly and great with the kids.
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Armstrong from Wigan travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Age travelled 2,6,15,35,36,37. The rooms are cleaned daily, the towels are replaced daily also. The food was fantastic especially the chef's specials every night, would recommend to eat outside as it can get a little warm indoors. We choose a quiet resort and that is exactly what we got. The hotel staff are very friendly and the entertainment staff are the best, they worked so hard every day entertaining us from morning till evening they all deserve a medal and a wage rise I'm sure would help. This is probably the best all inclusive holiday I have evey been on and would definately book again. I would also recommend the El Paso Bar at the far end of the complex if you don't want to go to bed early... The Waterpark is great only open twice a day but that was enough, ice cream again twice a day but was enough. Beer drinkable compared to some english pubs, watersports on beach front excellent we tried quite a few well worth not going on day trips and spending your money there instead, would recommend 100%. We had a 6 beded apartment with sea view it was fantastic!!!!! ignore previous bad reviews as I could not fault a thing. If you don't like children don't go on a family holiday knowing there will be lots of them, and if you don't want meal times to be repetitive don't make it, choose something different I did and had different meal every night. A Holiday is what YOU make to be...
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Angela from York travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Sorry but I have to disagree with some of the other comments! Ok the hotel is not bad, but we have stayed in far better all inclusive hotels.
Rooms were of good size with a small balacony (make sure you get a safe as our room was broken in to!)
All areas were kept clean and the staff work very hard to achieve this.
Food - kids area very limited, consists of chips, beans, fish finger once a week, burgers once a week and god knows what the other stuff was! Salads and desserts very good but did get boring by the end of the fortnight. The hotel had a passion for cheese and ham slices - these will appear in the salad, pizza,pasta, on potatoes and you can even make sandwiches with them! There is no air conditioning in the restuarant so just as well the food is great!
Drinks - I do think the plastic cups around the pool area are a good idea (even if you do get sick of drinking out of them) but you are allowed to have glasses if you pay for cocktails (the power of money!) Think it is wrong to charge children for cocktails, which means the end up drinking fizzy stuff all night.
Entertaiment - think of Butlins and you get the drift!
Pool - unfortunately children under 9 can't use all the slides (this wasn't mentioned in the brochure) Lazy river was more of a moat, don't expect for it to gently swirl you around! We found most of the sun beds taken by 9am. The pools were kept very clean.
Kids clubs - my son enjoyed the Taz club and reps work hard but it is supposed to be a kids club extra with at least 2 hours in the morning and afternoon and free pj party. this was not evident and all evening parties were chargable( and remember the sandwiches/drinks for these parties are coming from the hotel - so in theory you have already paid for this food). It is advertised in the brochure that the club is open 10-11 6 days a week, which is suppose to give you flexibility - none of this is true. I don't mind the extra charge, but I hate to be mislead by First Choice.
Be prepared to wait at the airport coming home for at least an hour outside. The airport is so small they only let some many people in at a time.
We made the best of a bad job and at least the weather was nice. The majority of people we talked to had been on previous AI holidays as we all thought the same - it's ok but there is a lot better out there!
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Hancock444 from Stoke-on-Trent travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Room - we had a 4 bed room with a sea view, the room was very spacious and the kids had proper beds and not the usual camp beds. There was more than enough storage for all of us and the bathroom was also a good size. Cleaned every day and towels changed regularly. My only 'complaint' is that the balcony is not very large, but it was very private and the view was fantastic.
Food - the variety was very good, there was a good choice of salad, fish and meat every day. There is also a kids area. There was always plates etc available and a large number of tables to choice from.
Pool - fantastic amount of pool space for the size of the hotel, as usual there a number of sunbeds that get taken VERY early around the big pool, but there wan't a day when we wanted a bed that we didn't get one.
The pools are kept very clean, to the extent that even the largest pool was drained completely to allow for a complete clean. There are 3 lifeguards on duty who check the pools and the beach and also man the slides. The water though is very cold!
Beach - it isn't the sandest beach in the world! There are large rocks just in the shore and you do need to be careful. On one day we had a very rough sea and it was red flagged. Although the waves looked great fun to be in it was very dangerous because of the amount of rocks and I did feel for the life guards who were trying their best to ensure everyone stayed out of the water to be ignorned by some who thought they knew better.
Kids clubs - my kids attended the bugs bunny and the wavelength clubs had loved every second. Some activities do require an extra charge, but this it to cover their costs and I felt that is was a very little price to pay for what activities and drinks/food/presents that they recieved.
Entertainment - the reps were fantastic. They encouraged without being pushy in the day and at night gave 3 hours of really good entertainment. Like a previous reviewer has said, they are FC reps and work very hard
AI - the snack available during the day was excellent, there was always chips, pizza, salad, fruit, bread, pasta available with sausages, fish fingers, meatballs also served. The was kept well stocked all day. The beer, soft drinks and wine was self service in the pool bar whilst shorts being served to you. The plastic cups rule is only one of common sense as there are a lot of kids in the hotel and this ensures that there is no broken glass on the floor.
General - we really enjoyed the holiday and would return in the future. The only down side was in our second week a large gang of kids developed that were running wild in the hotel/pool with no sign of their parents.
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claire from nothampton travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We all really enjoyed our holiday at the Petra Mare Hotel, we had one of the larger rooms which had 2 double beds a single and a sofabed, could have done with a partition round one of the doubles!!!!but it was clean and spelt fresh.It also had a large balcony with an amazing view of the sea.
The food wasn't great and the resterant staff wern't exactly the happiest,but the waterslides and kids pool made up for it .All our kids whent in the kids clubs and had a great time,the First Choice kids club staff were fantastic.Our two little ones loved the mini disco that First Choice done at the stage but me hubby and our daughter preferred the El Paso bar,but don't get there too early as they do the german kids disco first!!!
Make sure you go snorkling in the sea,there are loads of fish and they come right up to you.
Overall it was a great holiday and none of us wanted to go home,the only thing that could have been better was the food.
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Sean from Newport travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We arrived extremley tired after travelling overnight.
Our room was large enough for the five of us and was clean although the decor is mids 80's and really does need updating (Curtains were ripped etc)
The hotel in general was kept very clean with cleaners working all day - the pool area was acceptable however the lazy river did not really move and the slides were looking a bit tatty and children under 9 are not allowed to use them - ONE massive plus point is that there are life guards on duty till 7 at night - very rare.
The food at this hotel was very poor - dont be fooled by some people saying that there is nothing wrong with the food - the childrens menu was one item every day - fish fingers / burgers / on a Friday it is snails - how many 6 year olds are going to eat snails.
The adults menu was very limited with 6 or 7 of the hot trays taken up with veg / pasta or rice - the afternoon lunch and evening meal were basically the same.
The snack bar meals were always pizza or sausage with chips.
Using plastic cups around the pool is wise - however having to pay 3 euro's for a kids cocktail is a bit steep.
The wavelength kids club is ok - but be aware that you will need to pay for quite a few of the activities - 13 euro's for the vip party etc - does not say this in the brochure.
Despite the grumbles we did enjoy our stay however I think the hotel needs to update its decor and revap it catering - there are much better all inclusive hotels out there for the money.
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Penni, Nick, Brandon, Ellese, Margaret, Kerriann & Craig from West Midlands travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 5 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We are not long home and all I can say is we all wish we were still there now.
Flight out of birmingham and into Heraklion were fine, no problems, airport is small but you are not there for long. Journey to hotel took just under 2 hours, depending on time of day you arrive, then the scenery along the way is beautiful. When you pull up outside hotel it doesnt look much, but when you step inside it is lovely. Check in at hotel again fine no problems.
Rooms were very nice, spacious and clean. Air con fabulous, definately neeeded, it was soooo hot. We were on floor 2 and balcony was large enough. Do wish we had booked sea view as it was breathtaking. Mountain view is sort of a mountain view. with a few buildings in front, not horrible though. There is a safe in the room which we used and had no problems.
Hotel was spotless, along with outside and pool areas. Maids came to room everyday, lots of linen and towel changes, even if not needed.
Enough choice of food at every sitting, even for fussy eaters. Breakfast was cereals, fruit, toast, yoghurts and cooked food. Lunch was salads, soups, fruit, hot food and puddings. Snack bar was bread, rolls, meat, cheese, salad, fruit, pasta, hot meat, pizza and chips. Evening as lunch. Do need air con in restaurant though. Can be hard to get a seat outside. Good choice of drinks, which we found cold.
All hotel staff are pleasant enough and friendly, considering the long hours and heat they are working under. Hotel shop is great and prices are very good.
There is an inside bar (quiet), the El Paso bar at the end of the resort, which at the beginning of the night is where the german entertainment is but all are welcome, this is open until 2-3 o'clock in the morning and it plays british music later on, then there is the stage area where first choice evening entertainment is, in main season though the table and chairs area could do with being bigger. If you get there too late may struggle to get a seat.
First Choice Reps, where do i start, they are all absolutely fabulous. Alexia, Andy, Bonnie and Antonia are they entertainment reps and they kept us happily entertained. My son fell in love with Alexia and she was so sweet with him, as they are all. These guys work 12+ hours a day with a couple of hours break and are still giving it there all at 11 0'clock of a night. Kids mini disco great, even us adults were up dancing. Izzy, cat, jenny, lisa and laura are kids reps and again they are working long hours but never seem to tire of the kids that are still hanging off them late into the night. My daughter took a shining to Izzy and followed her around all night. They are all fantastic. The kids clubs that are run are great, plenty of them, my kids went everyday and to the evening ones (small fee payable), and couldn't get enough. There is also learn to swim with Jenny who is lovely, my daughter is only 5 and learnt to swim in 5 sessions, well worth the money.
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Andy, Sheila and Hannah from Connahs Quay travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have this theory: Some people are so engrossed in finding fault with their holiday they do not actually find time to enjoy it. We stayed at the Petra Mare all-inclusive for the last two weeks in July and can honestly say that it was one of the best holidays we have ever been on.
We arrived, after delayed flights and a lengthy (hour and a half) transfer, at 11.30 in the evening to be greeted by very friendly reception staff who processed our booking smoothly and efficiently before providing info about the hotel and pointing out the direction to the dining room where they had laid out a buffet for us (a nice and welcoming touch.
Our room was clean, spacious and suited our needs. We were pleased to find that our room had been upgraded to sea view which was an added bonus. The one thing we did find a bit strange was that the air conditioning unit was placed directly on the balcony floor which meant that we could not sit out on the balcony when the air-conditioning was switched on, without being blasted by blow-torch temperature air. On a positive note however, our swimming stuff dried really quickly! The rooms were cleaned daily by friendly staff who were quite happy to come back later if you were having a lie-in and linen and towels were changed daily. The fridge was a god-send!
For an all-inclusive resort, the food was excellent with lots of variety which only started to get a bit boring towards the end of the holiday, and that was because of a growing yearning for some plain food after nearly two weeks of rich, well-cooked cuisine. The dining area staff were all friendly, hard-working and helpful despite the, quite frankly, loutish and abusive behaviour of some of our compatriots (thankfully, in the minority). Outside set meal hours, we had access to a snack bar which offered the standard fare of most AI snack bars (Pizza, chips, frankfurters, salad, fruit and bread and butter), which was fine as we were usually too full from our main meals to eat there. Drink was freely available on a help-yourself basis, both in the snack bar and at the pool bar during the day. After 6 the snack bar, hotel bar and el paso bar (a bar at the far end of the complex)offered drinks served by friendly staff with beer and soft drinks still available on a help yourself basis at the snack bar. With all this free availability of booze and soft drinks, we thought the use of small(ish) plastic cups outside the hotel bar was a good idea: little worry about broken glass, and volume of drink tended to be self-regulated by how energetic you were feeling (can I be bothered getting up and going for another drink?)During our stay, we saw little evidence of OTT drunken behaviour which we have unfortunately experienced at other AI hotels in the past.
One word for the pool facilities - Brilliant! The only time our daughter was out of the pool during the day-time was for Kids Club sessions and meals. We never had any problems getting sunbeds despite a number of paranoid early risers armed with stacks of towels. The slides were great and the lazy river was...well... lazy! All pools were kept very clean and were checked several times during the day. Be aware, they are salt water pools and can feel very cold until you get used to them (the sea is warmer).
The Kids Clubs Reps were fantastic. Our daughter (6) attended most sessions and had the time of her life. OK so we had to pay for some of the sessions (the chocolate party, bugs bunny bash, cocktail party and DVD with munchies session), but so what? It gave our daughter opportunity to make friends and play in a safe, supervised environment whilst giving her mum and dad some much-needed quality time together. The Kids Clubs Reps were friendly, hard-working people who gave the impression they enjoyed the sessions as much as the kids. During our stay our daughter also had a block of Swimkids sessions competently supervised by Jenny who encouraged her and supported her to an extent that she managed to achieve her 10m swimming badge by the end of five sessions, which was quite an achievement as she had never swum without armbands before - Well done and thank you Jenny - our daughter is still telling everyone about it.
The First Choice Reps were always around if you needed them (which we didn't) and they worked hard in encouraging participation in day-time activities as well as evening entertainment. OK! If you want five star cabaret then book a trip to Las Vegas. This is a First Choice resort with holiday reps working very hard during the day and then going on to provide energetic and enthusiatic entertainment without any hint of lethargy or tired resentment; and what they provided was entertaining and inclusive. They should be congratulated for what they provided - excellent!
Overall, we greatly enjoyed our stay at the hotel and have no complaints. We just hope that we can afford to stay there again once it has undergone its refurbishment and upgrade after the end of this season.
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Claire, Colin, Gemma and Abbie from Coventry travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
Eclipse
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Well I have to say that we were dreading this holiday going by the earlier reviews this year. After the long 2 hour transfer our opinion soon changed on arrival to the Petra Mare. After a speedy check in at 23.15pm (local time), we were greeted with buffet and drinks laid on. First impressions count and by having a quick brief tour of our complex for the next two weeks we were all equally impressed.
Our room was spacious and very well maintained. We had booked a sea view which was magnificent. Eclipse (thank you) had also left us a complementary bottle of wine. The cleaners did a thorough job of keeping your room and the premises tidy.
The food, yes did get repetitive, but that's to be expected when you go AI. If you are going to complain that there is nothing on the menu that you can eat - simply don't choose All Inclusive!
I lost my appetite but of no fault of the hotel. I was impressed to see the choices available. I felt sorry for the chef cooking over the hot griddle with lamb chops, kebabs and snails cooking. He always wore a smile. Goodness knows how he must feel to have the moaning English to keep satisfied. All I can say is that this hotel has to cater for up to 800 people of different nationalities, not an individual!
If you are that put off by the food make yourself a roll at the snack bar. Oh yes this was the great part about the food - FRESH BREAD! Not the stale rolls that you usually get abroad.
The staff were fine. Reception were helpful not that we had much of a reason to ever have to approach them. The whole team do a great job to make your holiday as comfortable as possible.
The slides were fun. Especially the tube one which was faster than I expected. Our kids got refused on once because they were under 9 but once the seen that they were adequate swimmers they let them on anyway. What I loved about this hotel was that you felt your kids were safe.
The entertainment team, well we are used to First Choice bog standard entertainment year after year, but these guys were actually very good at there job. They involved all the audience which was fun, and their tribute to 'Grease' was a howl.
I miss dancing to Cartoon Heroes. Honestly this bunch deserve a good reference. Even though there were a couple of them that were there obviously for their own benefits, could do with cooling down the mating game at the El Paso's bar.
It's a family hotel remember guys, these kids look up to you lot. It would be more professional to keep your private lives outside your work environment. Just a tip before you get some complaints, as people were talking.
Kids Club team were excellent, again these guys put their heart and soul into giving your kids a great holiday. They certainly did that. How old is bugs bunny now?
Just before I go I would recommend everyone to go on the 14.00hrs 'Banana Express'. You can do some snorkling down at the caves and dive off a cliff if you are brave enough (like Col) to do so.
They will also take pictures and covert them onto CD for you at the cost of a small tip.
Also the water park is a good day away from the hotel, even though it is all the way back near the airport.
Chrissi Island is a must, due to it's golden beach and crystal clear water.
The sea was like swimming in a goldfish bowl. You could see everything beneath you.
But on a whole, we had a cracking time away. We met some wonderful friends, and would definitely return again. Oh and to all you people there now, It's not raining here anymore, I am topping up my tan (lol)
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Wayne, Sam N Abs from Bolton travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Great holiday, would go back tomorrow, food was plentiful and a good selection too, Hotel was spotless, 10 mins walk to main town, Staff were very nice to each member of our party, entertainment was brilliant, Andy, Bonnie, Antonia and Alexia really tried their hardest to make sure everyone, young and old had a good time. They really have not got the credit they deserve from others on this site. You must remember they are reps at the end of the day and not west end performers, keep up the good work guys.
Get involved with the evening entertainment and you will enjoy it more.
GO TO THIS HOTEL YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED
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rich from nottingham travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
fist choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: After reading some of the posts on this site we were a bit worried about visiting this hotel.
Night flights are a pain, and the organisation at the airport is typically greek, we landed at 4 in the morning along with 3 other flights from the UK, and the baggage was not sorted into flight order, I think my cases came up on the gatwick baggage collection ,even though I flew from east mids.
The transfer to the hotel took just over an hour, no other drop offs, and was a great way to see the island, if you can stay awake.
We upgraded to a sea view, which is well worth the 50 odd pounds, as we had a large room with sliding doors opening out onto a large balcony overlooking the sea. The view was simply outstanding.
The food was a good, there was plenty of choice, and the greek salads are so nice, with two huge salad bars to choose from, plus a selection of hot foods. I dont see why people complain about there being chips on the menu, there is enough other stuff to avoid chips altogether. I nthe week we were there, there was choices of potatoes, pasta dishes, hot meats, spaghetti bolognaise, fish dishes, omelettes, piella, and thats just for starters. There are also some great deserts and an ice cream freezer to help yourself.
The drinks are plentiful, in the main resturant there is a fizzy drinks machine with pepsi, 7up, and orange in. there are diluted fruit drink machines, tea & coffer facilities plus beer and wine taps all over to help yourself to.
The poolside snack bar has plenty of places to sit out at, this also has drink taps to help yourself to, plus a greek salad bar and a hot food counter, serving fries, a pasta dish, pizza and sausages, plus bread and rolls. This is where the evenings entertainment is.The beer is served in half pint plastic cups, we read this beforehand and took some plastic pint pots with us, and no one seemed to mind.
At the far side of the pools is a night-time bar, which until about 9 oclock has german kids entertainment, and after has a DJ who will play anything you ask for. This is open til about 2am, and is far enough away from the hotel to not hear it from your room.
The bar in the hotel has a barman on, and the outside seating area is right next to the beach and is a great place to wind down away from the kids.
The pools are clean and there is loads of sunbeds around to not have to worry about getting up early to reserve one, although you still get the odd few doing that!
Entertainment is a bit cringe-worthy, but if you dont want to get involved you dont have to. We went as a couple, so cannot really comment on the kids entertainment, but from what we saw there was plenty for them to do.
The town of Ierapetra is about a 15min walk along the sea front, and has a selection of tavernas on the waters edge. It is a quiet town, with very few tourists, which is ideal if you want a relaxing holiday. For a more lively night out get a taxi from the hotel to Agios Nickolaos,(about £40 return) which is full of bars on the harbour, and some great places to eat along the side of the lake.
The taxi was booked from hotel reception and you phone him about an hour before you want picking up.
All in all, this was a great hotel, superb location overlooking the beach and Ierapetra bay, food and drink a plenty.
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Gail & Hollie from Grangemouth travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Well i can just say it was the best holiday i'v ever had so far.i miss it so much.We went on the 3rd of july and just got back yesterday on the 17th of july.
I'v gotta say i was not really eating well because i din't like the food at all.the people were so nice and Chris was the best he was the kids rep he was cool and he mite be going to the same hotel as use next year.The rooms were clean BUT we din't have a very nice seen out our window we had the first room when you go to the left hand side of the 2nd floor.
I think anyone would like it at this hotel i really really wanna go back iv just got back yesterday and i miss all the people iv met over the past 2 weeks and i miss the hotel to.
I think if yoh go to this hotel yoh should have a go on the slides i went down all of them but the light blue one is really fast but if you have kids under 9 they can only go on the white slides they are fun to but if the man says lay back dont it makes yoh go slow.
Our rep had to go to this hotel in crete it was about 2 hours away from our hotel i think but he was really nice and a good laugh.
There is 2 bars in the hotel one outside and one inside yoh can't miss the one inside but the one out side is beside the kids water swingpark you can't mis that to.
from
Gail,Hollie,Steve & Kerr
x x x
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gail from grangemouth travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The last report on the hotel was from my 11 year old daughter i think she got a bit carried away as you can see by her spelling !!!.....
Arrived at airport and got on to coach which we felt we were on longer than the plane.
Rooms were large and clean but did not have enough wardrobes for the 4 of us.We had a mountain view which was fine air con in rooms was fab tip take room key off and keep credit card type keyring in the slot.
Pool area fantastic for the kids slides open about 3 hours a day which is fine, i would have been on them constantly with my 5 year year ols if they were open all day.Kids clubs were great but was a bit miffed having to pay for certain activities at the club.Food was ok if you like chicken and pork you have cracked it.Weather was fab not a cloud in the sky and were you are you get a nice breeze.plastic cups at night at the entertainment area is not nice take your own it saves many trips to the bar..We had a great time and met a lot of nice people and i think thats what makes your holiday...Would i return to this hotel?? No as i have got to many diffrent places i want to see ....
Gail steve hollie kerr
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morgan from liverpool travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first chioce
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Arrived at hotel early hours in the morning staff at reception where friendly cleared suitcase and went for a walk hotel view was fantastic went for breakfast that was another story it was descusting swimming in oil waiters was arrogent cats walking around the restaurant under your feet waiters expecting you to feed the cats it made me sick the rest of the holiday was just the same entertainers was ok the first night after that it was the same every night,will not be going back.
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Paul & Gill from Borehamwood travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We travelled in June 2007 with another family.
Unfortunately, we have been to two First Choice Holiday Villages beforehand and were expecting much of the same, believe me, this is nothing like it. If you have been to a Holiday Village, you will be very very disappointed, as we were!!!
The hotel was very clean and most of the hotel staff were nice. The food was OK but very repetative, unfortuanly they think we only like pizza, pasta, chips and hot dogs - it would have been better if there was some Greek food to try. The hotel room was tiny and very basic with a small balcony (we paid extra for a sea view room as well). There was no kettle in the room so no cup of tea first thing in the morning.
As most First Choice holidays we have been on consisted mainly of British families we were a bit shocked at the number of Germans and Slovakians staying at the hotel.
The entertainment was well below average, the worst we have ever experienced.
The First Choice staff were always "on a break" when they were needed (one time urgently), when they were to be found they had very little knowledge of the hotel or the surrounding area.
The beach was lovely and the watersports were excellent.
The children loved the water slides and the beach.
We would like to say "Hi 5" to Roy, Sue, Ash, Ellie, John, Genette, Billy and Rosie - if it wasn't for us all getting together we would probably have been on the first plane home - barring more delays!!!
Would we ever go here again - NEVER!
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julie from manchester travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We totally enjoyed this holiday and I could not fault the hotel one bit. Yes the food can be a little repetative but is very nice and a lot to choose from. My 7 year old daughter enjoyed the kids bugs bunny clubs and was able to meet and make lots of friends, the staff were fantasic ecpecially izzy, laura and cat. A trip to chrissi island is a must.
I would definitely recommend this holiday and would return mtself in the future, most of the people we met there also said the same.
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Paul from Lancs travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just arrived back on the 30-6-07 ,well what can i say this hotel is in serious need of a face lift and updating , it really is outdated.
The location on the beach front is just about all that is good about the place. This is our 4th A.I. holiday and by far the worse choice of food and drink I have experienced, it is very repatative and the cutlery and plates where filthy!
The stomach bug that was reported on the disscusion thread is still doing the rounds as most of the people we met had it at one time or another.
The slides are ok but if your child is under 9 then they can only use one of the slides as this pretty much ruined it for my littlest and was not mentioned in the broucher.
Entertainment wise, they try very hard with the few shows they do but there are too many quizes to make up for the lack of entertaiment there is and the stage and sound facilates are frankly pathetic.
The bar staff seem to dispise you except for the lady in the snack bar at night who is called Maria.
Kids club reps worked very hard and where good but the clubs do charge for theme days and nights at about 5 euros each, which was a big jump to what we payed for the last year and worked out expensive with three children.
All in all I was not impressed with the hotel one bit but the view from the seafront rooms are stunning and be sure to check out the watersports that are run on the beach.
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Dan Cinqueen from Salford travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This hotel is tired and dated, however the beachfront location makes up for this.
The food is excellent but repetitive and the bar staff are miserable with the exception of Maria who is from Poland.
The lifeguards are not the picture of health that you would expect from a person that should be fit enough to save your life, however they are friendly enough.
The first choice entertainment is utter nonsense and the plump girl BONNIE must be an x-factor reject. The reps don't know enough about the hotel and cannot answer any of your questions.
The pool area in the day time is the best part of the holiday experience especially if you can get yourself near to the bandstand overlooking the sea (That's if the family from hell with hundreds of blow-up toy's haven't already set up camp there).
All in all I would return to this hotel if it became a barcelo hotel and was re-branded without last choice being the tour operator.
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Nick Lepon from London travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
FirstChoice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Not the worst hotel we have been to would maybe go again.
Food was nice but can get boring.
The slides are a must, the water sports are a must, a bit exspensive 45 euro for 15 mins.
Drinks OK had to pay for cocktails, entertainment not much cop except for the bloke who had the simon cowell shorts on who fell over in the food hall.
Beware can get wet and slippery around pool for children.
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Jo from Derbyshire travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Stayed here for two weeks with my husband and two children, age 8 and 4. The food was okay, A little repetative at times but something for everyone. Hotel and rooms kept very clean, towels changed daily.
Kids reps very good, look out for Jumping Jenny and Crazy Chris, both exceptionally good with the little ones.
Entertainment fair, could have done with some outside acts as the music quizzes got a bit repetative! Entertainment also finished fairly early (between 10.30pm and 11.00pm) each night.
We all enjoyed the pools and waterslides!! Life guards very friendly. Pool area kept very clean.
Just one thing,if you have booked a late late check out room on booking your holiday just clarify this with reception on arrival,as when I asked at reception the day before departure I was told we could only keep our room till 6pm. We were extremely annoyed as we had payed extra for this service in England and others who had booked and payed in resort were able to keep their rooms till 12mn.
Nice stroll along purpose built walk way into resort.
We hired a car and explored! Car hire much cheaper at reception than via the reps, check this out!
Overall a good holiday!
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karla worsley from sale manchester travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This hotel is a joke for all inclusive. If you do all inclusive as a family this is not for you unless you are willing to spend for food and entertainment never ever again
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mel from barnsley travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
firstchoice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Stayed here for 2 weeks all inclusive and had a brill time.
My kids aged 8 and 13 joined in the kids club beware some activities in the kids club you have to pay for but were worth it.
The food was what I expected as we have been all inclusive before plenty of fresh salads, veg, fish, meat. The snack bar had chips, pizza, hot dogs and spaghetti and salad everyday.
If you like junk food this hotel is not for you.
The rooms were cleaned everyday and fresh towels daily.
The reps make this hotel if they weren't there it wouldn't be much fun they were excellent and provided all the entertainment every night.
We went on 2 day trips the waterpark I wouldn't bother there are about 6 slides and 1 of thoses wasnt running and it takes about 2 hours to get to on the bus.
Spinalonga was absolutely brilliant and worth every penny you go on a boat to the island and get a guided tour and then a barbeque for lunch and some shopping time.
Never had much to do with the hotel staff only the cleaner after my daughter was sick and was dealt with immediately.
Reps advise you to go to the cafe on the rocks as it has English meals and satelite TV, I think they must be on commission as I found this dearer than the Greek bars.
There is a market on saturdays which is interesting
all in all a good holiday had by all. Don't know if I would return as there are plenty more places I want to visit.
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foster family from wigan travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
firstchoice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Had a great time here would visit again in future.
The entertainment staff make everyone feel involved the staff are very friendly and maids are always at hand.
The downside was the food we fond very repetitive and boring and we were only there for a week. The size of the cups they provided are little white plastic cups they were ok for kids but adults wanting a drink at night outside you were up and down filling up, I recommend you take a large plastic one. Also no diet drinks in the outside area was a downside apart from water which kids don't want when fizzy pop is at hand.
The Pools and slides are great to keep kids of all ages happy and the kids clubs were excellent but a little less of the chargeable ones would be better, especially if you had a few children you would be broke after a fortnight.
Overall a great friendly complex to suit all ages.
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shipley from burnley lancs travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 04 2007 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: No entertanment at all. No buses and no trips.
Very clean food good.
Bad location nothing for couples definitely a childrens holiday
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Michael & Donna from London travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We found the hotel to be great, they kept the place so clean from the changing of the bed sheets daily to the taking your plates & cutlery away in the restaurant as soon as you had a clear plate.
If you wanted seconds (which quite often you did)they just gave you a fresh one, the clearing of the poolside which was always littered with plastic cups and paper plates from the all day snack bar which they cleared and washed down. You could not find a dirty footprint anywhere and if you did it wasn't there for long.
The staff always wore a smile and offered you a "kalimera" (hello) We had a mountain view room what a beautiful sight first thing in the morning.
We would definitely go back again. The entertainment for the children was amazing, we didn't see our kids for almost the whole holiday, as they always seemed to have something to do, or somewhere to go!!
We were able to relax as even when we didn't know exactly where they were, we knew that they were safe.
Massive thanks to the reps and also to our fantastic friends that we made out there, who all looked out for each others children, no matter who they were.
Water sports were wonderful and the jetski ride is an absolute must for all you speed freaks!!!!
The only down side we encountered was the beautiful swimming pools and the water park, which were bloody freezing!!! And far too cold for us adults and the baby. ( didn't stop the older kids though!!!)
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sharon from coventry travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel was excellent, hotel staff really helpful and accomodating, with friendliness!!
Cleanliness was first class there was never a time I didnt see a cleaner.
Food was good better than i have had at other hotels, lots of choice of meat.
Location of hotel for me was excellent I am not into going out till late and dont like it too busy as I have two small children so to have a stroll up to the town when I wanted and not have it on my doorstep was ideal.
Well what can I say about the entertainment...they were excellent!! I wasnt expecting a west end show, but in my opinion it was better cause it was done by people, namely, Nick, Nat, Gareth and Vicky that wanted to entertain me and my family and all the other guests that were at the hotel, they work long hours. the people that have disrespected the entertainment, in my view were expecting a west end show, well go to london!!!
I also want to mention the kids club reps, Laura, Dan and Laura, a big thank you to you all, for making my childrens holiday, they still havent stopped talking about you!!
I didnt put my children in there too much because wanted to spend my holiday with them as well but when they did go in there they came out with a smile on their face so thank you again.
I am not the sort of person to revisit the same hotel again but I will make an exception cause the Petra Mare is a good hotel.
I just hope that the First Choice staff that go there in the next season are as good as the ones leaving it behind.
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Rebecca , Stuart , Russell and Stefan-Jon from Reading travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just arrived back and have had another fab holiday.
The hotel staff work non stop in keeping all the areas clean and tidy.
We had a room overlooking the pools and beach. It was wonderful.
Beds and towels changed every day and room cleaned everyday.
The entertainment staff were wonderful especially Nick and Natalie they were fun, and very good singers and dancers. Nick went out of his way to sort out any problems we had - which as an Entertainment Manager can not possibly come under his Job Description.
The only negative staff employed by First Choice was Leon who looked as miserable as sin only ever smiled when you spoke to him.
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kellie from walsall west midlands travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This is the second time I visited this hotel and one thing I've got to say is its even better than I remembered.
We arrived at the hotel in the early hours of the morning and was greeted by a very pleasant receptionist who spoke very good English.
The room was very spacious and clean room was cleaned every day with all towels replaced with clean ones bed linen was changed twice per week although electricity meter was faulty but reported it to reception and it was fixed within an hour you dont get that in England.
Cleaners must have worked 24/7 cause where ever you went there was one cleaning no matter what time of day
hotel food had a wide variety of dishes for breakfast dinner and evening meal although did seem to be repetitive after a few days.
The hotel was located directly on the beach and only a 5 minute walk along prominade to the shops and town centre which has numerous shops.
Hotel staff all spoke very good english and were always willing to help with any questions you had.
Entertainment well what can I say the first choice entertainment reps were excellent! I travelled with my parents and a 9 year old and activities throughout the day were put on for kids to which if child won they got a certificate what a great moral boost for the kids also daytime activities for adults something for all ages!
Evening entertainment was excellent they entertained the kids and adults and the shows put on by the reps were just fantastic and a pleasure to watch well done Gareth, Nat, Nick and Vicky you work really hard day and night
although wave length the kids klub for 9yrs plus had finished the end of Sept. The older kids were welcomed into the younger kids group if places was available my niece loved going to certain activities at kids klub so well done to Dan, Laura, Laura and Sarah the kids love you and you wotk hard all in all the entire team of reps are an asset to First Choice.
I am currently deciding where to go on holiday for a week next year and at the moment it looks very likely I will be going.
I would recommend this hotel to any one looking for a relaxed hol with plenty of entertainment.
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justine steve freya and willow from manchester travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We went to Petra Mare for the second time, and had an even better time than the year before.
The girls loved the club, the pool side games and the slides. We all really liked Gareth one of the team he was great with the kids. The nightly disco, bingo and show is the kind of entertainment you expect. A laugh if you join in but not if you dont get involved, meet new people and be open minded.
We met other people and it enhanced our enjoyment, especially Richard and Ang. The quiz at 12 midday was a must it was a way of getting to know everyone and got qute competative!
The food, well I loved it I am adventurous, Steve enjoyed it most nights, the girls preferred to stick to chicken and chips or stuff from the snack bar, but they always ate, even if I considered it rather plain food, it was their choice.
The girls won so many certificates they entered lots of of the activities, with Gareth and Vicky round the pool and on the stage. Freya beat Gareth in challenge the entertainer and it made her day.
A fuss was made for my daughters birthday which I was grateful for.
We are going again for our third time next September.
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Serena from London travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 5 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Not a lot to add to the previous comments - a very nice holiday in general. However, I would say that the First Choice staff were the rudest and most ignorant bunch of people I've ever met.
The "entertainment team" were the worst - they were arrogant show offs, assuming that everyone should be grateful for their dire performances, and making nasty comments to children who only wanted to sit near the stage.
Unfortunately their behaviour has completely put me off this sort of holiday again - if you don't like children, don't work in a family hotel! They were a disgrace.
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kleptouk from east yorks travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: It is difficult to find any fault with this hotel. Yes the beach could be better and the food could become repetitive but that is the case in most hotels but what was served was a large selection of well cooked tasty food with some lovely sweet dishes all very well presented. It was a real pleasure to eat in the open air part of the restaurant over looking the beach with a fantastic sea view.
The rooms were basic but perfectly adequate and kept clean, our room was a sea view which despite the scorching heat is well worth the extra paid.
As just mentioned the weather was scorching, not a speck of rain which considering it was late Sept/early Oct cannot be complained at!
The hotel itself was well equipped with some really good slides that kept the kids busy, pool games organised by the first choice reps and the hotel's animation team were organised daily although my kids didn't join in until the end of their holiday which is typical really. All the reps were friendly and well mannered as I say I find it difficult to find fault really.
The night time entertainment suited all ages really. I travelled with the in laws/grandparents who preferred the piano bar as they didn't have to worry about being dragged up on stage but we liked both the other bars.
However, the first choice area was usually packed so we went in the 'el paso' or 'international' bar most evenings. whereas the first choice bar was largely cabaret shows performed by the reps (who were very good, especially the rep who had been at Pegasus palace in turkey the year before).
The 'el paso' was audience participation games and prize bingo. we had some hilarious nights in this bar as my husband was dragged up at every opportunity - I feigned illness so I could just sit and laugh at him making a fool of himself! They generally force fed people Ouzo in large quantities and we all sat and watched the results.
Many of the Brits were put off this bar due to the fact that the entertainment was in several languages but really it was quite easy to follow what was happening and the animation team were very welcoming.
On our last day the compere gave our two boys a free voucher for the Ringo's on the beach as it was obvious they had been disappointed not to win one on the bingo.
The main town is about 15 minutes walk from the hotel and has all the shops you could need, we spent a pleasant evening in 'cafe on the rocks'and found all the locals to be very nice, look out for the little pup in one of the shops called 'scooby' my kids insisted on getting a photo of him before we left they were quite smitten!
We did the Chrissi island trip from the harbour, we booked this through the reps and this was my only disappointment, yes the island is lovely , the sea is an amazing colour but to pay around 90 pound for a day trip and then walk to the harbour - not far I know but we could have booked in the town to do that- and then fork out more for sunbeds when you get there is just too much. also we got caught short and had to go trekking to find the toilet or wee in a bush!
On a whole I would say that this is an excellent hotel with something for all ages. It must be good as we rarely return to the same place twice but have already booked to return to the petra mare next year!
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Mark and Sam from Worthing travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the Petra Mare for two weeks, and had a wonderful time, as did our daughter, who's four. As already stated, the key with the food is to not "try a bit of everything" as it will soon get repetitive. If you stick to one or two dishes a night, then there is plenty of variety and the specialities are really good. Especially enjoyed were the "proper" kebabs and the snails. Breakfast were good and wholesome and lunch was as dinner really.
The hotel cleanliness was always of a good standard and the cleaners seemed to work from 7am to midnight. Rooms were cleaned daily with fresh towels being provided also daily.
The hotel location is on the outskirts of the town, which is not very touristy (a good thing in my opinion). There's some good shops nearby and I only wish I had gone into town more, but having put my back out that put paid to going very far at all.
The hotel staff were great. Always helpful and courteous whatever time of day and night, and were even happy to help with me needing to receive and return a fax. We also required the services of a doctor whilst away due to our daughter catching impetigo and one was at the hotel within 45 minutes. All staff seemed to speak good english, which was just as well as my greek is not good.
The bars were excellant. The main bar open in the evening (and which served drinks in proper glasses whether all inclusive or not) was fantastic and the barman (generally Alex) was always friendly and polite. The snack bar also had a good range of cold food throughout the evening - with hot snacks (chips/pizza etc) during the day and a full range of the all inclusive drinks available.
The entertainment was brilliant. Now we are not normally into the evening entertainment, but I loved it. On the First Choice side (there is a seperate taverna where the german and polish guests seemed to go) there are four full time entertainers who really put their all into ensuring that the guests have a good time and I for one will be writing to First Choice's head office to commend them. They all made a point of getting to know all the kids, as did the seperate kids club reps, and that was a major plus. So thanks to Gareth, Nick, Nat and Vicki! There was a mixture of games and shows that kept us entertained most evenings. Thanks also to Teresa the swim kids rep.
I would absolutely visit the hotel again. Even the transfer and resort reps were great - and with such tragic circumstances surrounding the hotel this year, they were an absolute credit to First Choice.
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Phil and Sue from Bedford travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a 18-30s holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We booked a weeks holiday at the Petra Mare at very short notice. It had to fit into a particular time frame and we wanted to go to Greece or Turkey.
The price was good for an all inclusive holiday. We were put off by the fact that the hotel is described as being 'family oriented', but assured by First Choice that by the time we went all the kids would be back at school.
After booking the holiday I read the reports on this site and was worried by some of the comments about the hotel food, although other reports said that it was excellent.
We found the hotel to be very clean, except on the last day when we used something called the 'courtesy room' to shower and change in before getting the night fligt home.
People using this room had turned it into a dump.
My worries about the food were completely removed on the first day. As the rep explained to us travelling from the airport, there is a huge variety of food available. If you try to eat everything every day you soon run out of options. If you limit yourself to one or two dishes though, you can easily have a varied diet. I had rabbit one day; something I hadn't eaten since I was a kid. It was lovely. Another day; liver, tender and tasty; other days; hamburgers, fish, lamb, and pork.
There aren't many foods I don't like so I never had a problem choosing different meals - although I loved their mashed potato and had it several times even though there was rice, chips, and pasta to chose from. I loved all of the veggies that they cooked; runner beans, broccolli, carrots, and even sprouts. The sprouts were lovely - cooked to perfection. I also tried some of the other dishes - the stuffed tomatoes and ocra for instance. I never left anything on my plate because the food was so good. My advice to people who find their apetites a bit jaded - go for a long swim or walk before dinner to work up an appetite.
For lunches I usually had a plate of salad; making up different combinations each day.
For breakfasts there was enough variety available. I usually had scrambled eggs with something - reconstituted bacon (very tasty), little smoky flavoured sausages, tomatoes, eggy bread, fried potatoes. To be honest I don't care much about having different breakfasts every day. I could have had the cold meats and cheeses, the sweet pastry dish, cereals, fruit, yogurt, etc, etc.
The all inclusive alcoholic drinks available with meals consisted of rose or white wine or lager. All were acceptable to wash a meal down with but I wouldn't drink the stuff all night. I tried the raki one night and then switched to ouzo. The next thing I knew it was morning and I was laying on my bed still dressed. oops! Didn't do that again.
I had read postings on this site complaining about plastic cups. These make sense in the pool area because broken glass and bare feet don't mix too well, but I couldn't understand why they served 'paid for' drinks in glasses and 'free' drinks in plastic cups in the bar in the evenings.
It was almost as though they wanted to discourage people from asking for the 'free' local drinks. We took a couple of plastic goblets to use, and I would advise anyone else to do the same. Take your own drinking implements and fill them up from the plastic cups.
The hotel location was a little way out of the town; a nice walk in the evenings but a scorcher in the mid day sun. It had its own sand and shingle beach and you had to be a bit careful entering the sea. My advice is to slip on goggles or a mask and start swimming in two feet of water with yout head under until you find a good depth to swim in.
The staff were always polite and friendly. The waitresses who had to tip away piles of food that people had left because their eyes were bigger than their bellies deserve true admiration. Well done girls, you do a wondeful job and I apologise for my fellow holidaymakers gluttony.
The entertainment was probably wonderful. I can't comment because we didn't participate. Family entertainment isn't our thing now our kids have grown up and left home.
It would have been nice if our room had not been located right over the stage, or it had double glazing to cut out the noise. Not that we're miserable people. Our idea of a nice evening is to sit with a few glasses of wine watching life go by or playing cards. We don't need to be entertained.
We wouldn't go to this hotel again, or this resort, or even Crete. There are so many other places that we haven't seen yet. Next time we will look for somewhere smaller and avoid 'family oriented'. Perhaps half board would be preferable to full board.
The Petra Mare does a wonderful job of keeping families fed and entertained for the duration of their holidays. I have no doubt that some families never leave even have to the hotel for the duration of their stay.
We like to see a bit of local life and history and culture. A Greek evening excursion (as we have been to in Kos) would have been nice, but the Petra Mare isn't really geared up for people who like that kind of thing I don't think.
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Lambert family from Conwy travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 5 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just got back from our holiday Sat 2nd September. We arrived at the hotel after a very long night travelling.
The check in was efficient and the gentlemen checking us in was very friendly considering it was 5.30 in the morning. The room was basic but very clean.
The view of the sea was breath taking, and my husband and I had many a few nights sitting on the balcony having a drink and putting the world to right while listening to the sea lapping on the beach. The view of Lerapetra at night is fantastic.
Our group consisted of 2 adults, an 18,16,15,7and 5 year old. The older ones had plenty to do either sunbathing by the fantastic pool ( which was cleaned every morning ) snorkeling in the sea ( it is well worth paying a couple of euros in the hotel shop for snorkel sets as the fish were fantastic )or spending time on the water slides.
Although the smaller ones didn't attend the fun clubs, I overheard parents saying how fantastic they were. Mine were contented to swim in the pools ( one was a toddlers pool with little slides and a lazy river where they could use their inflatables ( also sold at the shop and filled with air for you)or paddling in the sea.
As a family we found the food OK. It must be very difficult to cater for a wide range of nationalities but we think they got it right.
We would definitely consider all inclusive again as it saved us a fortune on drinks and snacks. The snack bar was nice, the food fresh ( plenty of melon and salad as well as chips and pasta ).
I never met one grumpy hotel staff and you always got a smile. The reps were fantastic and worked very very hard. The entertainment was Butlin,s style but enjoyable all the same. The couple of shows the reps put on during the week were excellent.
Nick was very funny as was Gareth's naive charm. The girls all worked hard to get the party atmosphere going.
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Jackie White from County Durham travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Jaki, Mick, Sam 7 years and harvey 2 years travelled to Crete in August 2006.
The hotel is really lovely and clean, room was nice with a lovely sea view - maid was in every day tidying up our mess, Bless!!
All pool areas were brilliant, kids loved it and they were occupied all day and Sam never really felt the need to go in the kids club, preferring to be in the pool. Kids club for Harvey had to be paid for which was a bit of a bummer but excellent child care by the first choice rep, Sam. Slides were excellent for both kids and adults.
The food and drink were not exactly great but hey, they filled a gap. Snack bar was nice, drinks area near baby pool was kept lovely by the Suzy from Big Brother lookalike who was so nice, always mopping up my kids' slops.
I would go to this hotel again as the kids are kept well occupied which is what you want. Reps work very hard from morning until night, don't know how the hell they do it!!
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the joseph family from essex travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The Petra mare is a lovely hotel with friendly helpful staff.
The location was not the best. The other side of Crete have much better beaches and the town did not have a great deal to offer.
Rooms were standard but extremely clean there were maids working round the clock.
The food was good with lots of choices it drives me mad to see people eating chip sandwiches when there was so much more to be had. My children ate everything and my little boy even tried the snails. There was fish and at least 2 types of meat served every evening along with pasta, mash, rice, chips plus vegetables ending with desserts to die for.
A lot of the reviews I read before and since the holiday have been very mixed with regards to the entertainment we all thought it was great we participated every night and ended up with 29 of us on one table every night with people we met who also joined in with us.
The people who have complained about the staff were the ones who did not join in. These people seem to expect the reps to be pro dancers and singers and as they had not paid for two weeks of theatre standards cannot understand how they can complain. They were friendly, funny and all tried their hardest to entertain. we all got to know them and they are all really nice people thanks to vicky, natalie, nick and of course our favourite Gareth for making our evenings our kids adore you too. Also thanks to holly and Leon, when my little girl broke her finger holly came to see her even though it was her day off. The kids club was the best one my children have ever been to thanks to Dan and Antonia. (Hope the legs better now Dan x)
We made some good friends and our children have also come home with loads of addresses and numbers. The watersports on the beach are great and we would recommend them to all.
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pickering from colwyn bay travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a friends holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and more than 6 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This hotel is clean beyond clean.
Maids work very hard 24/7. Clean sheets every few days and towels daily.
Rooms are really spacious however our bath was broke but not a problem we reported it to reception and it was fixed within an hour now that’s service.
Hotel food, well I'm fussy but managed to find something everyday my only niggle was maybe more variety for children.
Hotel is a little far out from anything don't worry though the Petra Mare has lots to offer to keep you occupied you’ve no need to go out. Staff at the hotel are friendly and helpful although Nick the entertainer does get grumpy at times ( ha ha nick to many late nights). Having said that he’s a fab guy and we loved his singing, the other entertainers, Nat we loved your dancing, Vicky you are just lovely and Gareth he’s fantastic. Funny yet genuine. He helped us to carry on our holiday after a tragic incident of which I must say thanks to all the reps for remaining professional.
(Coconuts)on the beach you’ve got Grace she does the water sports and kept one of our teenagers occupied for hours. Well worth the money.
All in all this was a fab hotel and the entertainers were great. Thanks to Nat, Vicky Nick and the lovely Gareth we miss you all and am sure you miss the welsh Beverley hillbillies.
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Ian from hemel hempstead travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel was spotless always somebody clearing up.
Food was very good being a fussy eater I always found some thing to eat. Hotel staff fantastic had problem with room no arguements changed room. If you wanted know how to get anywhere they would give you instructions how to get there. Told us where the bus station was & how to workout the timetable. Worthwhile useing the bus station as getting to the other towns unless you have a car is difficult as the trips to the capital are always cancelled. 3 of us to heraklion was 30 euros with reps 78 euros.
The entertainment well its what it says it is. The Hotel for families so you need the kids happy so thats what they do with the kids klubs and various games during the day. They had waterpolo, killerdarts, pool, volleyball for the big kids (adults).
The evening kids Disco, Bingo, Then the entertainment for the adults either a show or game show in which we were made to do the things that gave everyone else a laugh.
All in all we had a great time Thanks too Nick Gareth Nat & Vicky.
If you've got kids go here you'll enjoy it.
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Karen Jee from Middlesex travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just arrived back home from the hotel Petra Mare, the rooms and the hotel were spotless with cleaners working all day, this was excellent.
The hotel staff were friendly and helpful.
The whole getting up at six in the morning to reserve sunbeds was terrible when your on holiday you don't need to be fighting over sunbeds, and it was the English not the Germans causing this problem.
The food was awful, there was a lot of lamb and pork providing you eat these meats you were ok, there was not a lot of choice for children, and not a lot of fresh vegtables, and it would have been nice to have a 2 week menu instead of 1, because by your second week you really have had enough.
The snack bar was great, this was also very clean, the kids just went and helped themselves big plus!
The kids wavelengh club was brilliant, my children had a great time and the kids club reps were fantastic, we hardly saw the children.
The day and evening entertainment was completely rubbish, 2 of the first choice reps hated the kids and were oviously only there trying to further their singing career, but in my opinion don't bother because your rubbish, after about week we stumbled across the german bar at the other end of the complex, we were all welcomed there, the reps were fantastic in repeating everything they said in english, we had such a scream, I got in the pool and did aqua aerobics with the german rep Monica who was great, and thanks to her and Ali they made our holiday.
So I would recommend if you go to the Petra Mare give the german entertainment a go its great fun.
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Phil, Jo, Oliver & Alice Roberts from Tamworth travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just arrived back from a wonderful holiday at the Hotel Petra Mare, we were extremely impressed with the hotel, large rooms and spotlessly clean, maids work 24/7, the food is excellent, consisting of traditional Greek and English food, offering a wide range of salads and puddings, the snack bar by the pool also provides excellent food ranging from chips, pizza, sausage, salad and meats. The whole complex is cleaned extensively. The pools are brilliant and very clean, the water slides are opened twice daily and are great fun. First Choice Entertainment Team (Nick, Gareth, Natalie & Vicky) are fantastic, they work very hard to provide excellent activities for both adults and children. The beach to the side of the hotel is clean and good for snorkelling. While we were there we also heard very good reports from people who had put their children in the kids club and they were impressed with the reps.
We were all very sad to leave and are hoping to book again for next year. Well done First Choice this was the best holiday ever.
We would also like to add thank you to Julian, Tina, Celine & Payton for making our holiday one of the best, hope to see you all soon.
PS. Thank you to Vicky – Phil has showed everyone his certificate. Thank god “for play your cards right”.
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Julian from Southampton travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The transfer from the airport to the hotel took one and 3/4 hours. On arrival the check in was quick and efficient. The hotel was always being cleaned by the cleaners who I must say work flat out from dusk till dawn. Our room was always spotless and the cleaner always managed to clean it between us going to breakfast and returning from breakfast. Towels were changed everday with the bedding changed every third day.
The food was excellent with such a wide variety from typical english kids food (nuggets/fish fingers/chips/beans) to more tradtional greek food. There was always a wide variety of salads put on with also a wide variety of sweets. Anybody who complains about the food being repetitive must obviously eat something completely different every day when at home. You just cannot please some people and I suspect those that complain about the food are those that want to eat typical english stuff every day!
The hotel is situated smack bang on the beach. We had upgraded to a sea view and you could literally drop a stone off the balcony and it would land on the beach. The beach is shingle and gets very hot but the sea is lovely and clear. The town of Irepetra is small but has a sufficient vareity of shops, bars and restaurants to keep you busy. If you venture into the centre of the town (away from the sea front) you will find some nice clubs and bars that both Phil (hello mate) and I went to and sampled the local night life.
The hotel staff were always polite and worked very hard. We thanked one of the bar staff on our final night and she said that only about 10% of patrons actually ever say thanks. The measures of spirits given are about quadruple measures and it's very easy to get drunk on the spirits. Both beer and wine are literally on tap and is always self-service.
The entertainment always seems to get bad reviews but my family and the family we got friendly with (hi Phil, Jo, Oliver and Alice) always enjoyed the entertainment. The First Choice team worked hard throughout the day and always put on entertainment between the hours of 11am and 11pm. If you get involved with the games during the day and the entertainment at night then I suspect you will enjoy your holiday as much as what we did. My eldest daughter adored Gareth who was a star.
In summary, we totally enjoyed our stay at the Petra Mare. We had absolutely no problems from booking in for our flight from Gatwick to returning to Gatwick. Thank you very much First Choice!!
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Paul&sue&kids from bromley travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Lovely location, hotel very clean, staff etc were very helpful.
Sorry, food for the price of all inclusive was really poor.
Entertainment was as I think most people have said rubbish compared to other First Choice places we've stayed in.
If you need a sun bed set your alarm for 5.30am! Use the stairs because you won't get in the lifts because the Brits are reserving every sun bed they can get their towels on!!
Wouldn't go to this hotel again but Crete was a lovely place.
Try the big supermarket just up the road loads of stuff at half the price.
We had a beach view apartment which was well worth the extra cost
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Gary, Lou, Jessica and Rory from Lanarkshire travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We arrived at The perta Mare by taxi which was great, as we had a great driver george (who we go on our return also). Lovely man and full of information.
The food over the two week period was ok, good variety, would have liked more plain food for our 5 yr old son as he likes plain pasta etc without sauce. Was very disappointed with the all inclusive drinks. Drank mainly beer or soft drinks. Wasn't impressed that you had to pay for cocktails, and other imported drinks Triple sec, (peach/melon liquers etc).
We have been on numerous 3/4 star all inclusive and never had to pay for cocktails or triple sec before. We paid brochure price for this holidays and we had high expectations. They were not met.
The location was lovely as you could walk into town along the 'Promenade'some nice bars and a lovely man doing henna tattoo's. Both kids got tattoo's and he offered to touch them up agin for free before we went home. We would also recommend going to the go carts, get reception to call someone will come and collect you and take you home for free.
Hotel's entertainment was ok the would have been better if first choice gave them a better budget and could get in professional entertainment. I have to mention Teresa the swimming teacher as she was brill.
I am in my 30's and I have had numerous swimming lessons before and still couldn't swim. I learned to swim on this holiday. She was fantastic, I never believed she would have got me into 12 ft of deep water. But she did!
If you are thinking of using swim kids for either yourself or you kids I would recommend Teresa. The pools were lovely and having the slides within the complex was an added bonus.
If you have small children (under 8) they need to wear armbands when using the slides. The kids pool was great for the kids they were happy playing there all day, only problem was you had to set your alarm to get up to reserve a sunbed.
On the downside, I would like to mention that my daughter cut her foot in the pool and got an infetion on her toe. As like a previous report she ended up with impitigo. Pools did get dirty, even thought they were cleaned every two weeks, maybe weekly would be better.
Would recommend the trip to Chrissi island, went with the rep and all in all had a great day on the beach.
We wouldn't visit this hotel again as i wasn't inpressed with the all inclusive as the drink and kids food on offer was very basic.
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Carrie from Wigan travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just arrived back from a fortnight at the Petra Mare and had a fantastic time.
Check in at the hotel was smooth and the rooms were pleasant and clean. Be warned though if you are in room 246 as the wind whistles through the door as it has got a gap around it and it sounds like a force 10 gale. We didn't have a sea view but the view wasn't too bad.
The room was spotless, the maid came everyday and I have to say that we had clean towels and bedding everyday too. She even made the top sheets into shapes such as bows and fans.
The pools were fantastic especially the kids pool and the slides were great, the lifeguards were excellent with he children.
The kids clubs were great, I have never had such a quiet holiday. Sarah in the bugs Bunny club was the favourite of our youngest and Daniel in Wavelength was a star.
The entertainment was a bit hit and miss but bingo with Gareth is a scream
Overall a great holiday, we never struggled with the food but there were some complaints about repeating certain foods.
We would return in the future
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maggie from london travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Me and my family traveld to the petra mare for a two week stay in may/june.We had a lovely time and no doubt will visit again some time.
The hotel it self was lovely.Very clean, rooms were cleaned every day and fresh towels provided. The only thing I would mention is the down stairs toilet could do with extra cleaning as it is used all day and get very dirty and slippery.
We have two children who we hardly saw.They were either in kids club or joining in activities. The kids club reps were great and deserve a medal as the work long hard hours.
That brings me to the entertainment. Gareth and Vicky were lovely and seemed to be there as they enjoyed the job. They spent most days rehearsing whch meant Antonia did the day time activities. She was very fun but only there for a few weeks aparently.(shame she should have stayed)then there was nick and his girlfriend natalie.
Nick was very rude and during one show he got very stroppy with the audience and certainly didn't want the children around. As for Natalie she spent the whole time following Nick around. We tried to talk to her once but got the impression she was not interested. They should spend less time smooching so they can do their job. Shame really as the shows were really good and on a whole good entertainment.
We did have a superb holiday and will be trying to book up again next year.
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margaret and john from irvine travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The maid service was daily with fresh towels the maid were great they tidied up more than I did.
The food was repetitive but I find it always is when you are all inclusive for a fortnight but we always found something to eat. A short walk along the front takes you to a cluster of bars and shops all the bars are very friendly and welcoming.
The hotel staffs were always friendly. The entertainment team Gareth, Nick, Nat and Vicki were great with our kids and for the hours they had to work I don’t know how they kept going.
The Frankenstein show and the school show are excellent obviously you are on holiday its not the west end there is only so much they can do with the equipment they have but do get involved with adult fun time as it is a good laugh.
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Claire from Essex travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel - very nice, food - very good. Pool area was excellent, beach not so good. We met some great people so had a good holiday overall.
Now for the BUT! But I can't believe that some of the people on here can honestly say that the First Choice entertainment was even acceptable - it wasn't, it was rubbish! A bunch of egocentric wannabes (but never-will-bes) prancing around, attempting to sing and getting stroppy with the audience if anyone wasn't riveted by their "performance". They kept banging on about how hard they were working, but hello? Isn't that what you're paid for?
Sack 'em all, bring in some decent ones and watch the reviews improve by 100%!
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Carys from Hertfordshire travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel was very nice and we were very impressed with the Tweety Creche. The pool area is great and especially the kids pool area if you have young children.
The food was fairly good. I know you can't please everyone, but "proper" bacon would have been nice for breakfast, instead of frying some ham! And they could do with a better range of soft drinks for children.
We found the hotel staff to be nice, but the First Choice staff were not. I thought the entertainment was awful. It was like watching bad karaoke, and bingo every night didn't exactly show much imagination. I was also shocked that First Choice staff were rude to children during the mini disco which is held every night - if they don't like children, why employ them to do this job? Children were playing on the (empty) stage, and were ordered to get off it, having been encouraged to get on it just an hour before!
It's a shame the First Choice staff were as a rule rude and full of themselves. They seem to forget that we are paying customers and that we shouldn't be treated as an inconvenience!
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Zoe and Les Ride from Barnsley, Yorkshire travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel was very clean and tidy and kept that way - even down to the loos, which were kept spotless, if a little smelly, but that wasnt the hotel's fault. It was just the drainage system on Crete. Overall, our room was lovely, we even had a double bed, and the kids beds were large singles. Excellent airconditioning too, which was a godsend when we returned back after the night out, as the temperature was high.
The food was plentiful and tasty, and there was a good variety. I enjoyed trying new things, including snails, and the lovely little sweet concoctions which I really should have left well alone!!!
The location was about 2 hours from the airport - quite long, but nothing really too bad on a a/c bus.
From the start, the hotel staff were very cheerful, friendly and helpful and nothing was too much bother. I was so impressed by their calm professionalism.
Entertainment was excellent! The reps - Gareth, Nick, Vicky and Nat were superb; friendly, approachable, lovely to talk to and very helpful. It was nice to sit and talk to them after their show had ended too. Speaking of, they all worked so very very hard in the shows. They rehearsed during the day when they werent involved in lots of fun activities, of which I realised I was completely useless at! Although I did very much enjoy the waterpolo.
The kids enjoyed the kids clubs, and we hardly saw them, so it was very much a holiday for us as well as them.
Definitely would visit the resort again, as I found it relaxing, peaceful, entertaining, and very very friendly.
GO VISIT!!
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lisa marshall from carlisle travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Fantastic!
Had the best holiday you could ask for! Hotel spotless always someone cleaning. Be careful of slippy floors in the toilets at the splash pool my son cracked his front tooth while we were there. After his disaster they wore the slip on beach shoes and there were no more disasters. The toilets in question are very smelly but I think it is the drains as they were cleaned frequently. The food was excellent, plenty of choice, always something on the grill freshly prepared, (try the snails, realy nice!!) and 2 big salad bars. Deserts were far too good, diet time!! Kids all eat well even though they are a bit picky.
The kids clubs are brilliant the staff deserve a medal. We never had as much peace and quiet!
The entertainment considering what they are working with is good. You are on your hols after all, you are not gonna get a west end performance, but after a few vodkas they get better. Join in its more fun.
Get all you snorkelling stuff an infaltables from the mega supermarket at a fraction of the cost of the hotel shop. Its a 2 min walk, cross the road outside the hotel at the trafic lights and walk up the road a few yards and you will see it. Well worth the walk.
Chrissi island is a lovely day trip, a real beauty spot. The sea is the clearest ive ever seen great for snorkelling.
Had the best time and really didnt want to come home, met some lovely people and had a good laugh. This is a proper family resort so if you havent got kids, or dont like kids you probably wont like it, but if you have go for it you will have a fantastic time.
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Mr C Trewick from Blyth travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a friends holiday.
There were 5 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We paid a lot of money to stay in this hotel and were really looking forward to it. The hotel was spotlessly clean and the maid service was second to none.
The food was the major let down for us. Our party found it was very repetitive and always accompanied with chips. The childrens menu was in our opinion very poor, chips with fish fingers or meatballs which is not healthy for children day after day. We all tried as much of the food as possible as we always believe in trying things out, but we were sorely disappointed and fed up with looking at the same food day in day out.
The location was ok, it is a quiet resort and the hotel had a couple of waterslides which entertained the children.
The hotel staff were fine and there were plenty of reps around. All in all our party would have to say that we would not go back to this hotel based purely on the food.
I think it is important for any prospective visitors to this hotel to pre-book a sea or pool view, we overlooked some houses and building work which was in progress.
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Geoff & Sandra from Leicester travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
1st Choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel is spotless with cleaners who seemed to be working round the clock.
All hotel staff were very friendly.
The food was very bland and there was not much variety.
The entertainment was of the normal type and Ok if you like that sort of thing.
Most of the escorted trips seemed very expensive for what they were.
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Helen Duggan from Herefordshire travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
Eclipse
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Well done First Choice/Eclipse...you've done it again! This is a great family hotel.
It's location is spot on. The sea is clear (great for snorkeling) the swimming pools, lazy river and slides are terrific. Everything is lovely and clean.
The hotel staff work really hard as do the First Choice reps who really earned their money while we were there entertaining loads of kids.
The bus trip was about 1 hour 45 mins. Don't be put off by this...the trip was very scenic and the bus air conditioned...just sit back and enjoy the ride and anticipate your arrival at this really very nice hotel.
The food was good and tasty...there was plenty of choice...the menu was repeated occasionally but this was not a problem...they are after all catering for a large number of people, sometimes over a 3 hour period. There were meat dishes and fresh vegetables for lunch and dinner every day as well as a choice of cold meats, salads, pasta dishes and cheeses. I was saddened that some people felt that chips and tomato sauce was the only meal they could find...
The beach is covered in tiny little stones rather than sand, which gets very hot in the midday sun. My advice is a pair of cheap jelly shoes for the little ones...or just run very fast from your sunbed to the sea!!
Lager, wine and soft drinks are on tap all day in the snack bar. Ice cream for the kids twice a day. The slides were generally open from 11.00 to 12.00 in the morning and 2.30 to 4.00 in the afternoon. This was ample time for my two.
The lazy river was wonderful to float around in and if you were keen to take part there were activities held in the main pool during the day.
The evening entertainment was a bit “Butlins” with mini disco, “stand-up bingo” and an event of some sort...if you’re into that sort of thing it’s great..if not a book and a glass of wine on the veranda was also good. A ten minute walk up the promenade takes you to shops and tavernas including “Café on the Rocks” which has football on Sky TV in case you need it!
We went to the Hotel Petra Mare the third week in May and temperature was in the nineties all week. Evenings were warm with a nice breeze. We all got tans!
I would recommend this hotel to anyone with a family who is looking for a relaxing week by the pool or the sea who has kids who love water. I would not necessarily recommend it to singles or couples as there is no noisy night life (other than what was provided by the hotel).
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Rachel Stewart from Tamworth travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First choice
on a couples holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2006 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just returned from a week at the Petra Mare and were abit apprehensive before going as the reviews were not great, however we were pleasently suprised. Food was excellent and the hotel was wonderful. The pool and water slides were great and the hotel staff were second to none.
The only down fall was that the entertainment wasnt fantastic and Ierapetra isnt the livliest of places to go however we did get a warm welcome at the Cafe on the rocks.
The drink was plentiful and although the lager was a bit weak there was no problem with going up the bar as many times as you could.
If your looking for a great hotel with great food and a relaxing week then the Petramare Hotel is the place to go.
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Sam from London travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First choise
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 4 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Travelled to this hotel In October (18-25).with partner and 4 children (ages 3/10/12/15)
Long tranfer time from airport 1 1/2 hours.
Hotel was very clean and there was always a cleaner cleaning this and that.
Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Food much the same every day in restaurant and snack bar but all 6 in my party ate well.
Food could have been hotter but considering the quantity they were serving is was good.
Drinks you helped yourself to ,watch out for the flies they hover round the beer nozzels and can end up in your drink.
Pools were fantastic and very clean,slides were great and went down well with my children.
Entertainment.....Well once you watched it the first night it didnt really differ to the rest of the week.
The reps were pleasant and tried hard.
Kids clubs were ok but some of the activities in the kids club you had to pay for e.g Pizza night 5 euros
I know its not much but when you have paid all inclusive and you are charged for this its a bit annoying when the reps go and get the pizza from the snack bar which is free anyway!!!!!!
I would not recomend anyone going to this hotel after the 25th October as it was shutting up for the winter,there were still people arriving on the day we and some of the reps left to go home.
Not much to do in the town a few bars ,makes a change from the hotel.
All in all I would definately return to this hotel as we had a very good time there.
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patrick from darlington travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just spent a week at the Petra Mare hotel , the hotel is very clean , upgrade to a sea view room if you can , they are brilliant , with the sea lapping on the shore just below your balcony.
There were plenty of sun loungers by the pools and on the beach. We had 7 days of blue sky and temperatures in the 80,s the hotel staff were very helpful and the rooms were cleaned daily , the restaurant was large , although we ate all our meals outside on the terrace overlooking the sea, always plenty of room, there was always plenty of food to choose from.
I know from earlier reviews, some were dissatisfied with the food, but dont worry you will find lots of different things to eat. There are lots of drinks dispensers around the hotel. Orange, coke, wine and larger and spirits etc.
You just help yourself. It takes a bit of getting used to ! They use glasses in the bar areas and plastic cups outside for safety reasons. There is a snack bar open all day serving hot and cold food and drinks. The water park and pools kept the children happy for hours. The slides are supervised with attendants. The beach is not sandy but small pebbles, the water is very clear , lots of fish ,and I saw an octopus just off the beach at a depth of about 15 feet, so take your snorkles and masks.
There are watersports like bananaboat and jetski but at a price .the hotel is situated at the end of a bay,in a quiet setting, a 10 minute stroll along the promonade brings you to tavernas and shops, the locals seemed to be quite freindly.
We rented a car for a couple of days , try the rental shop across the road from the hotel , they speak english and are cheaper than the hotel. My son and I had ago on the paintball across the road get the hotel receptionist to book it for you we had the whole course to ourselves , although my 13 year old son did shoot me in the bum as i was running away aaargh!
I would like to thank the First Choice reps , Helen, John, Graham ,Adam , Chrissy ,and the others , who provided the entertainment at night .
Ok, OK its not Saturday night at the London palladium but the children and parents enjoyed it , join in, audience participation is needed , let your hair down , we are still singing king caracticus is passing by!
We had a great holiday and would recommend it to anyone.
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Goodchild from Kent travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Well what can I say we all had a fantastic time at the Petra Mare hotel. The hotel was clean and the staff friendly.
We had a sea view room and it was amazing listening to the sea and watching the sun go down would definatly recommend upgrading to sea view.
The weather was nice around 80 every day although a bit breezy. The food was not to everyones taste but we enjoyed it and there will always be something ther you will like.
The pool area was brilliant with three seperate pools 1-large pool 2-lazy river which runs around the slide area 3- a kids pool at the end with a play park in it. The slides were good and kept my son pleased for a while, they run from around 11.15 till 12.30 then at 2.15 till around 3.30.
The kids clubs were good and the staff that run these are very friendly, my kids loved it.
The only thing that I found was the entertainment was a bit boring and not very good, we done the bingo then went to the other bar.
We loved this holiday so much we are going to book again for the end of September next year.
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jwj from england travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Well we came to our hotel and it looked quite clean, but then we went to our hotel room and the bath was brown. So that put us of a bit.
We went to the pool which wasn't as clean as other places we had been (tip - the cleanest pool is the one with the slides, the slides were excellent I thought).
We found the food was very nice on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day, but after that the food became repetitive, the same thing everyday. The pizza was extremely nice though and the doughnuts as many reviews have said. Here's a tip though (if you go to were you make tea you'll notice there is sugar, so if you get a doughnut then just go over there and sprinkle some sugar on, that way they taste just like a proper British doughnut!)
I though the location was excellent, because we were a little bored we took walks to the market, which wasn't that far away. They had some nice stuff at very cheap prices.
The beach however wasn't that nice it was grey and pebble heres another tip -(if you go in the water then walk in carefully as there if rock at the shallow bit, unfortunately nobody had warned me I have still got a scar on my leg from where I tripped.!)
The entertainment. I don't know how they have the cheek to call it entertainment, it was rubbish. Actually there was entertainment...when the crowd was included e.g miss Petra Mare.
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Greaves from Chesterfield travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel for the first two nights was fine. Only on the third night did we encounter problems with cockroaches they were everywhere in the bathroom in the lounge horrible, by the 5th night we had been moved to a different room in a different wing.
The food was fine if a little repetive similar to the blue stoops at Walton if the truth is known.
The swimming pools and childrens activities were fine and the shildren enjoyed themselves fully. The neighbouring town was within easy reach and made a pleasant change - if it wasn't for the earlier infestation then the scores would be higher and we would go back as it beats gloomy summers in Walton.
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jason + bev from worcester travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Most of the things mentioned in other reports I would agree with, I will add some things not mentioned.
Hotel was clean, but the pool area was hosed down every day and most of the dirt etc ended up in the pool.
Food OK but the restraunt was half outside half in, when sat outside a number of stray cats walked around the tables. One cat weed on my sister in laws handbag.
Location, about 15 mins walk to town, not much to do when you get there though, no English or Irish pubs.
OK if you intend to spend 2 weeks in the hotel.
Entertainment ok, reps tried very hard but children over 10 might be bored.
There was a sickness and diarrhea bug going round when we were there, 3 members of my party had it bad.
These are all the negative points of the holiday, hope I haven't put any one off we still had a great holiday.
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sam branson from birmingham travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Well what can we say! We had a fantastic time at the Petre Mare. Reccommend sea view as its superb.
Didn't really rate the entertainment laid on by first choice but highly recommend El Paso bar. Stellos the bar manager is a cracking man very friendly.
Pool was very clean and fun for the kids.
The food was ok beginning part of the week but got a bit boring as they were offering the same thing.
Didn't spend to much time on the beach perferred the fantastic swimming pools.
Recommend day trips we went to chrisse island for 80 euros for the whole family the beach was stunning but the white sands were very hot!!!!!
We would definately return to this hotel in the future.!!!!!!!!!!!
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Cooper from Preston travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
Airtours
on a friends holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and more than 6 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel very nice, situated in excellent location. The beach however is very shaley (no sand-just very small stones) so for comfort you've got to stay round pool which is fantastic. One large one for the keen swimmer with a water polo thingy. One sea salt pool at the bottom of some wicked slides, with a lazy river running round it, and the toddlers pool complete with climbing frame and slides. If you get up early enough to beat the Germans at reserving sunbeds you'll see the small army of cleaners at work, you could eat your food off the toilet seat at this place, it's that clean.
Reps and hotel staff in general very polite and helpful. Restaurant staff a little bit too keen to take your empty plate away but I suppose they need a quick turn around, quite a good choice of food to go at, if you like eggy bread and doughnuts for breakfast your quids in.
Top Tip-take some beer mats with you. I won't spoil it, you'll figure it out when you get there. Go on the banana/sofa at the beach-happy hour-good value for money.
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Anne and Katie from Huddersfield travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 1 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: As others have said on this site, the hotel and pool area are clean and rooms are cleaned daily. There is always someone cleaning the reception area - when they have finished they start again at the beginning.
The food is quite good and although they have a lot of pork, the chefs special during dinner,was good and always tasty. I also enjoyed the fish dishes.There is lots and lots of salad items and fresh fruit available at every meal. The puddings were good too, but very samey after the first week.
The location of the hotel is excellent, with beautiful views of the sea from the pool area and the restaurant terrace. If you don't want to watch the entertainment, you can sit on the bar terrace and watch the silver moonlight glisten on the water and listen to the waves lapping the shore just feet away. Lovely!!
The staff in the hotel are very polite, but having been to Turkey in past years, I found them a little reserved. The reception staff are efficient and helpful. The waiters are also efficient and soon have the tables clean for the next diners, especially on the beautiful terrace, which was very popular. The tables in the restaurant are particularly clean, with a pristine, white table cover awaiting each guest.
The kids clubs often operate for 6 hours a day, and they do different activities throughout the week. Each evening, except Thursdays, there is a film night which lasts from 9pm -11pm so parents can enjoy themselves without wondering what the children are up to. The entertainment during the day good catering for all ages. The adult water polo was fun, especially when the British took on the Germans and kept beating them. The evening entertainment was mostly the game show type and required audience participation, so how much this was enjoyed would depend upon co-operation. the two weeks I was there the audience participated well and it was good fun.
If I was going to Crete again I would definitely consider going to this hotel again and would recommend it to anyone with children.
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Smith from Essex travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel is in a good location a pleasant walk into town,which has a variety of usual tourist type shops.
Hotel is regularly being cleaned,however it is a superficial clean,rooms only have floor swept and mopped,surfaces and bathroom not cleaned at all.
Food very repetive ,although the doughnuts were lovely. Having been on many AI holidays we expected a far better menu than this.
Hotel staff helpful and friendly,FC reps seemed to have certain people that they wanted to talk to and if you were not one of these people then you just got a nod of the head.
Wavelength reps nice but Jenny left and this only left Amy who then seem to repeat the activities and obviously limit the amount of children at each session.
Entertainment very amateurish and repetive-rundown quizzies most nights,seen better at Butlins.
Considering this is meant to be AI there is not much to do except the pool areas/slides.Alot of things cost extra including quite a few of the kids club activities.
This hotel is very small and not to our personal taste,we did not feel it was good value for money and having done many AI holidays over the last ten years this doesnot rank in our top 10 and we would not recommend it.
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Lockwood from Chesterfield travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The Best holiday we have ever had!!!
Everything was fantastic. Pools brilliant, Food very nice, Hotel very clean, location good, staff were very friendly, daytime and evening entertainment excellent.
El paso bar a must when entertainment finishes, stays open until you leave. A truely wonderful holiday had by all.
What else can I say apart from no complaints at all and would strongly recommend that you go !!!!
We WILL be going back.
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Steve (Mr Petra Mare) from Welling travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: All staff in the hotel were very helpful and especially the cleaners and the restaurant staff-always working very hard.
Found that although AI this was stretching the truth tonics you pay,pool for the boys you pay,the shop in the hotel very expensive and if the kids who can count bought anything often they were short changed so we ended buying everything for them which took the fun out of being slightly independabt for the kids.
Food is very individual and although we eat anything we found that after the 1st week things lost their flavour-although there was always plenty of food available it seemed to always taste the same.
Entertanment-Mel was outstanding always active and making a pleasant holiday for the kids
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Shazzie T from Sheffield travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Well done First Choice, you lived up to our expectations yet again.
This Hotel is fantastic for families, we travelled with a 5 and 9 year old and they both were reluctant to come home.
Location- This hotel is in an ideal location, away from the hustle and bustle but near enough for shops and souvenirs. The beach front location is excellent and the beach not as bad as earlier reviews have stated, both children managed fine without beach shoes although the sand does get very hot. Brilliant snorkeling and watersports, even my 5 year old enjoyed the jet skis.
Pool area fantastic, plenty of room for everyone, even in high season, though you do need to be up early to bag your sunbed. Waterslides a real hit, never a queue and really friendly, helpful lifeguards on duty.
Cleanliness- spot on, everywhere you looked someone was brushing, mopping or wiping, rooms cleaned daily to a high standard and pools cleaned three times during our stay. Toilets perhaps a bit whiffy, especially the one near the kids pool, but due to drainage and pipework more than cleanliness. Outside bar area kept very tidy and clean, better than the HV Costa Del Sol last year.
Food- Good, not exceptional but then we don't expect that on AI, you cant please all the people all the time! The food was always hot and well cooked with plenty of choice everyday, I did enjoy the lunches more than the dinners, kids never complained and ate from main buffet and fantastic salad bar, loads of yummy puds, fresh fruit and fresh bread and delicious fried eggs for brekkie, could have done with real bangers though, not hot dog sausages for breakfast. Snack bar food really good with pasta, chips, pizza, salads and cakes all to help yourself to as were soft drinks, beer and wine. Never had to queue at bar or snack bar.
Staff- always polite and smiling, really efficient in the restaurant, cleared tables quickly so you never had to wait for a table outside, these people work really hard and always greet you in a friendly way. Reception staff excellent and more cleaners than you can imagine, shop staff equally as friendly and polite. My daughter took a real shine to the lifeguard manning the waterslides, he was great with the little ones.
FC staff- Jenny and Amy gave my 9 year old son the best holiday ever, it felt like we hadn't seen him for a fortnight he was off doing something or going somewhere with these two !!! Thanks girls
Swim kids, Tilly was a big hit with my daughter who can now swim underwater and has gained a lot of confidence, she was also great at mini disco time.
Entertainers, Melanie has the voice of and angel and reduced me to tears on our last night, as for rest, well they were ok but not very smiley when you saw them around and about during the day, in fact Tina the German rep was probably the friendliest of all.
The entertainment lived up to our expectations, a sort of Working Mans Club in the sun, but thats what we wanted so thats why we booked, besides a bingo win comes in nicely when your on hols!!
All in all a fabulous holiday as kids enjoyed it so much,better than more modern, expensive holiday last year that I thought couldn't be beaten, would definitely go back
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Sayers from West Sussex travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I was dreading coming here because I had read on here the report about don't go as it was awful. That was about 4 weeks before we were due to arrive and I refused to look on the site anymore in case there were more of the same. So you can imagine my delight when I got here that I was worried for nothing all I can say is EXCELLENT place to stay.
OK the food was repetitive but we were expecting this, when we went to Ibiza it was the same.
Hotel location was great it meant no lary teenagers or club 18-30 invading the beaches.
Hotel was cleaned through out the day it also said rooms will be cleaned twice a week they were cleaned every day.
Staff were very friendly.
The German entertainment staff mingled in with the English staff.
My son went to the kids club wave length as he is ten he was in with the older children and he had a great time.
The staff on the club are excellent especially as there were some loud kids there. Jenny is great my son loved her.
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The Campbell's from Kidderminster travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
Eclipse Direct
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We arrived at the Petra Mare hotel (pronounced Petra Mar-ay)on the 26th July after a 1hr 20 minute transfer from Heraklion. As we were the only family travelling there, First Choice had arranged a taxi for us which was ready and waiting as soon as our cases were collected, they were extremely efficient.
First impressions of the hotel were pleasing and the reps greeted us as soon as we arrived handing out forms for the children to fill out for the kid's club. As this hotel is Half board as well as All Inclusive the adults in the party have to wear a wrist band for the duration of their stay.
Our room was smaller than we had expected as the room shown in the brochure is the room that accommodates up to 6 people and the balcony is very small but the balcony for the family rooms are huge in comparison.
We were a little disappointed with the cleanliness of our room on arrival, the toilet seat was dirty and also the toilet bowl which I ended up cleaning myself as a toilet brush is provided. The floor was also very dusty and around the light shades and lamp. It almost gave the impression that the room had been missed but saying that the maids did come into the room everyday to clean and make the beds and provide fresh towels and we had no complaints there whatsoever, they always did a good job so I think it was a one off on the day we arrived. There was plenty of storage space in the rooms however we did get a dodgy shelf that collapsed a couple of times taking the clothes with it and just silly gripes like the lamps having no light bulbs but nothing major that couldn't be put right.
The staff work really hard keeping the hotel clean, constantly cleaning area's and tidying things away. One main area that did seem to have a major problem were the toilets situated next to the snack bar. We felt they needed monitoring more often and the smell as you walked down the stairs to them was quite offensive at times. Of an evening the floor of the toilets would become very wet and did actually flood whilst we were there and part of the problem was due to the fact that the bins provided for the toilet tissue were often overflowing and my guess is the paper got put down the toilet causing blockages. It was also a little upsetting to see graffiti all over the toilet doors regrettably all in English! The toilets situated at the far side of the pools next to the children's play area also smelled offensive at times but always seemed clean inside. The best toilets for the hotel are just down the staircase opposite the lifts in reception, most guests tended to use these of an evening.
The food in the hotel was a big let down for us and we are not fussy eaters. There was always plenty of it but just not to our liking at all. We did struggle at times to put a meal together. We found a lot of the dishes to be cooked in vinegar or very salty. They did serve vegetables every evening but again either very salty or with a strong vinegar taste. The food at times wasn't as hot as we would have liked and it did get quite repetitive. The salad bar however was very good with plenty to choose from and fresh bread was also provided daily and soup was always on offer with the evening meal which proved popular. The snack bar was pretty much the same food day in day out and again the hot food wasn't particularly hot. One thing that did put us off slightly was the fact that the serving utensils were kept underneath the covers on the hot food so the handles were resting on the food after being handled by all the guests. We did find also both in the snack bar and the restaurant that the handles to the servers did at times get quite hot so just be wary if you have children. I would just like to say that although we didn't enjoy the food there were people at the hotel who did. Food is quite a personal thing as what suits one doesn't always suit another so it would be a shame to go to this hotel dreading it without judging it for yourself.
The staff in the restaurant and snack bar seem to work none stop and were always pleasant. It was lovely to sit out on the patio area to eat your meals and the tables were cleared very quickly so you rarely had a problem getting a table. We did find the soft drinks in the snack bar to be of poor quality, very weak and unpleasant tasting however there are machines situated at the top end of the pool by the children's play area which seemed to be better quality and a few people had commented on this but unfortunately they were closed of an evening so we ended up buying mixers from the shop to go with the spirits. The shop is open long hours and we found it to be good value and very convenient.
The hotel is ideally situated and steps onto the beach. The sea bed is very rocky and the beach is very gritty which can be unpleasant under foot. The watersports proved to be very popular but are governed by the varying conditions of the water. They were cancelled for 5 days during our stay due to rough seas. It can get very windy in Ierapetra but when temperatures are reaching 45degs it is quite welcoming. If you take your lilo's and inflatables to the pools it's a good idea to tie them up as they can easily get blown away. The plastic drinking cups were also a nuisance in the wind especially of an evening as they would quite often blow off the table. Sunbeds are provided both around the pool sides and the beach but these got snapped up very quickly, some guests put their towels out before going to bed. We always managed to get some before going to breakfast around 8am though you do get quite a few people setting their alarms and going down at 6am!
It's a pleasant 15 minute stroll into town along the promenade but beware when you hit the shops, the shop keepers lie in wait and can be quite a nuisance if all you want to do is browse, even if you're window shopping they will pounce.
The entertainment was ok, especially enjoyable for the kid's and you could not fault the rep's, they were a brilliant team who really did go out of their way to keep you entertained, they were always friendly and on hand when you needed them.
Personally we wouldn't visit this hotel again but that's not to say that we didn't have an enjoyable holiday and we met some lovely people.
Anyone booked to go here we hope you have a wonderful time.
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Martin, Nikki, Billy & Robert from Swansea travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We travelled between the 22/07/05 - 06/08/05.
We have 2 children aged 6 and 12.
We were met at the airport in Heraklion by First Choice Rep Alistair, who was friendly, polite and informative. We were taken to our coach which ws airconditioned and clean. We departed from the airport and were taken direct to our Hotel, without stopping at any other resorts. - Alistair has assured us that all First Choice resorts have direct coaches, and don't stop at all resorts anymore. The journey only took 1-1/2 hours. Some people opted for a taxi from the airport, at a cost of 50 Euro's and they only got to the hotel +- 20 minutes before we did.
Our arrival and checkin was flawless and quick, considering we had +- 20 families on the same coach.
The hotel is constantly being cleaned by someone at all times. The room was excellently clean and was airconditioned with a fridge to keep the water and drinks cool!
There was always a wide variety of food avalable to choose from, both Greek and English. But if you are a family that only lives on Kebabs, Fish and Chips, or McDonalds, you won't be eating much. There were so many people complaining about the food during our stay, but think about it, in a fortnight at home, how many times do you eat the same thing twice anyways.
We enjoyed the food every day and found it great. If you want 5* food, book a 5* hotel.
The slides and pools provided excellent entertainment for both the kids and adults alike. Be carefull of the slippery tiles around the pools. You will slip if you run!
The entertainment is run all day by the reps, and activities were varied for all ages. The kids club is brilliant in both the age groups we had ours in. The evening entertainment is fun and a good laugh, but if you want to see a West End show, go to London! There is a lot of audience participation, and the more you participate, the more you'll enjoy it!
Remember that this countries temp is +- 40C - so if you fancy a stroll, there are banks, pubs, pharmacies and shops +- 2 miles away from the resort.
If you don't remember beach towels, and you need to buy them, the shop in the resort sells them for 6 Euro, but if you walk out the resort and visit the 2nd shop on the left, they have everything at half the price of the shop in the resort. An example of the resort shop rip-off prices were the suntan cream. Resort shop 14.50 Euro - outside 9.50 Euro. The resort shop is a massive rip off, except for the water. 50 cents for a litre bottle.
All in all, we had a Fantastic holiday, and will visit this hotel and resort again.
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Vince from Leamington Spa travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Me, my wife and 2 kids have just returned from the Petra Mare yesterday morning. For anyone concerned about going because of any bad reports you have read, don't be.
The hotel is absolutely fine so you will have no problems.
The rooms are clean and kept clean daily.
The food is pretty good, there should always be something there for you to choose from. There is always around 4 or 5 main meals to pick plus lots of side dishes. There is a good salad bar and plenty of deserts to choose from as well. Soup is also offered every evening. I travel abroad on business regularly and have eaten at some very good places and no the food doesn't compare to michelin star eateries or anything like that but it is quite OK.
The terrace overlooking the sea is very nice place to eat your meals.
The drinks are OK, the local Ouzo and Rum went down very well as did the beer. I didn't think too much of the wine but it was drinkable.
The rep was on hand most days but we did not need to use her so I can't tell you if she was OK or not. She seemed efficient enough on the transer back to the airport.
The Entertainment team of 4 (plus support from the swim instructor and a couple of German rep's)work very hard every day, they have something on the go from around 10:30 through to 11pm.
The Evening entertainment is a bit Butlinish but OK. It's, kids disco from 8-9pm then Bingo then the rep's singing, dancing or arranging party games.
You can drink in 3 places (4 if you include the restaurant).
The bar: Has a very good barman and a terrace right overlooking the beach wich is very nice. The outside entertainment area and snack bar: good for watching the show, many people socialise here.
Lastly the El Paso bar: I liked this bar, again overlooking the sea right at the far end of the hotel complex past the waterpark. Strange that more people didn't use this bar. We always popped in for a drink or two and it was never over full, sometimes only 5 or 6 people. Don't know why because the drinks are the same brands and the main bar and the music is good.
The water park is open for an hour in the morning and 1 1/2 hours in the afternoon but that seemed to be enough.
The hotel seemed nearly full but there wasn't endless ques to get on the slides. Talking of full, there was just enough sun beds to go around, just ! Most people claimed there spot by going down and putting towels on the beds before breakfast. I popped down around 9am and got 4 beds everyday except for 1 day. Even then there was beds available on the beach (which are still free as they are part of the hotel). You might struggle after 9am - 9.15am becasue most had already been taken up. I'm guessing but it seemed that many people put towels down around 8.30 ish.
You can rent cheap cars at a company about 50 metres outside the hotel entrance (left as you walk out). Another 150 metres further along you can rent scooters and motor bikes (much cheaper than in town, around 8 euro's per day for a 50cc, chepaer by the week).
It's a nice 15 minute stroll along the sea front into town to the restaurants, bars and shops.
All in all a very good hotel and a good holiday.
Any questions feel free to ask.
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lex & Sam from Manchester travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just back from 2 weeks holiday at the Petra Mare, couldnt fault it in any way, its the only place we have been where the kids have asked to go back the next year.
The hotel is always being cleaned along with the outside space and pool area, no mean task with the amount of people around all day, your room is cleaned every day along with fresh towels.
Considering the amount of guests this hotel caters for, all tastes were covered, there was never a day where there wasnt something you could not eat, you never had to queue for a table and what a premium to eat your meals overlooking the med, the snack bar was available all day and nothing was too much trouble for the staff.
The location is idyllic, we spent 2 weeks on the beach much preferring that to the pool area and there were parasols everywhere so you could get out of the sun when it was too hot. Its a lovely walk into the local town which is still very unspoilt from major tourism.
We cannot fault any of the staff at this hotel, they all had a smile and were friendly and helpfull, Alex in the main bar is a star cant work out if he ever goes home but he always remembers you and does a mean cocktail.
We marked the entertainment as excellent just for the amount of effort the reps put into it, the kids loved them and we laughed (not sure with them or at them) John was a star slightly outnumbered by the better sex but he is playing a blinder, had a great time trying to understand Christina but it made it all the funnier, great singing voice though.
Massive thank you to Jenni from wavelength who along with Amy kept the kids occupied and of course Helen, it wont be the same without you.
We would definately return to this hotel next summer.
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Sandy, Anton & Molly Prior from Essex travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: There always seemed to be a member of staff cleaning somewhere in the hotel at any time of day or night. The rooms were nice, and more importantly were cleaned every day by the maids.
Not sure that we'd do all inclusive again, the food wasn't up to much really, and there was not much choice for the children. Everything seemed to be cooked with too much salt, not to everyones taste.
The hotel staff were really friendly and polite, and always did what they could to help.
The entertainment was excellent. The First Choice reps worked really really hard, both for the adults and the children. A big thank you to both Sarah's who run the Kids Club. They are always about to help and look after the children brilliantly.
We would definitely come back to this hotel, but not on an all inclusive deal.
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nick from brighton travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed here all inclusive.
Food: Breakfast was really good, fresh bread, cereals, full English, donuts- lovely. But after that it all went down hill the food in the evenings was so boring, I understand they cater for Germans as well, you think they would have at least a seven day rota for the food, more like every other day same food, just kept having salad all the time. Deserts were nice though and the fresh bread was superb, the snack bar always have pasta, chips and pizza then either hot dog sausages or lamb kebabs either day, which after two weeks was really same. The ice cream was only free during 1 hour in morning and one in afternoon.
Once again only complaint was variety, but still there are loads on bars and cafes along the resort front, say hello to the Greek basil fawlty if you see him in his taverna near the old fort. Or have a nice fillet steak down at Zorbas lovely.
Location: very good location, ok it takes 1hr 50 mins to get there from airport, but situated at end of bay with the local resort stretching all the way round the bay, a lovely stroll along the prom.
Hotel staff: Very good indeed, hotel shop catered for nearly everything, and he could of charged what he like but was very cheap, if you brought an inflatable they even had an electric pump to pump it up for you.
In the main bar 18.00 till late I only every saw one bloke working, he never took a day off, always remembered what we were drinking top man.
Waiters/waitresses were very good always asking before taking plates away and cleaning up tables.
Entertainment: To be honest for two weeks we mainly sat round the corner from the entertainment bar, just outside the main bar overlooking the sea, but what we did see seemed quite good, there was the usual kids disco 20.00 till 21.00 then bingo which we only played once but our friends won 162 euros that night, which was well worth doing for 2 euros a ticket. Then they had different entertainment every night organized in-house. They did get Greek dancers in one night.
Would I visit again? Yes due to the wonderful location of hotel and all the pools and slides and the kids club was a godsend.
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Cathie from Hemel Hempstead travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Our stay at the Petra Mare in Crete was fabulous.
There was always a wide choice of food available.
Both the hotel staff and the First Choice reps were extremely friendly and hospitable.
The entertainment was family orientated, but this is a family plus hotel, and although our 15yr old got a bit bored in the evenings it was his choice not join in.
This is a well run, clean, friendly and lovely located hotel and we would definitely return.
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Ady and jules from Derby travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 07 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just got back from the Petra Mare having spent two great weeks there.
The location of the hotel is really good, just outside the main town but only a nice walk along the promenade to get there.
The Hotel was very clean and the maids a little slap dash maybe but room was cleaned every day, even if we decided to stay in bed till late the maid would come back. The rooms were fine, fairly spacious with a fantastic view of the Libyan sea and the air conditioning was an absolute godsend.
The food was ok, maybe a little bit repetitive but hey, only 3* hotel. Be careful of the drinks, read somewhere on here that they were weak!!!!!!! Well if you call half vodka half coke weak then you can drink me under the table!
The hotel staff and the reps couldn't have done more to help, kids reps really good, the only complaint would be the First Choice trips, e.g.: trip to the waterpark, would have cost us approx 160 euros to go with First Choice. To hire a car and go there would cost €25 for a small car (Papas car rental excellent, turn left outside hotel and it’s a short walk away) and €15 for adults and €12 for kids. = a saving of nearly €90!!! And driving there was a breeze.
They have excellent watersports on the shingle beach not really cheap,€30 for 15 mins on the Jet ski, bit when they cost around €10.000 each, they need to make a living!
The three bars were good maybe plastic cups in two of the bars but would rather have that than kids with cut feet from broken glass.
The pools were great for the big kids! And all the small ones too. Slides fantastic!!!!
Would recommend booking a late checkout room while at the hotel.... First choice £38. Hotel €35!
All in all had a fantastic two weeks holiday, and just remember if you want 5* service and food book a 5* Hotel!
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salvin from sheffield travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The holiday was fantastic it was the best holiday we had the slides and pools was brill my kids loved it.
Food was ok the snacks was great and beer on tap it was a dream come true I would go back anytime.
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Graeme from Wirral travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel was constantly being cleaned and their appeared to be cleaners around almost 24hrs.
When the water slides had closed the lifeguards would go round the pools and lazy river with nets amptying out any rubbish that may have got into the pools.
The snack bar and entertainment areas were also constantly being cleaned.
The food although sometimes repetetive did give a fairly good choice and the kids do not have to eat off the kids menu everyone can help themselves to whatever food is being served. A large variety of food was offered and was tasty and freshly cooked.
The location of the hotel was good for us 10 mins walk to town and shops, right by the rocky shingle beach!.
The staff at the hotel I found were very helpfull and couldn't do enough to help you out but some tourists treat the staff disgracefully shouting at them for assistance when they are already dealing with someone else.
The entertainment is certainly repetetive for the kids but they enjoyed it which meant we could relax and have a drink (out of plastic cups in entertainment/pool area for safety reasons). The first choice reps were 1st class and all very helpfull and pleasant considering they started work at 9:00 and worked until midnight.
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Claire & Johnny from Co Durham travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel is located almost 2 hours from airport but nice part of island. First impressions of hotel are impressive.
Rooms are average size and clean.
Pools and water park are great for all ages and safe with lifeguards supervising.
The pools overlook the beach and there are watersports available at an extra charge, which we found very expensive. We did a banana boat trip for 80 euros for 4 of us, it lasted all of 30 minutes and it was pants! Cushty business they have going!
All Inclusive basis is total waste of money. Food tasteless and repetative and nothing for children's appetites except chips and bread!
Snack bar was quite dirty, with the food continnually warmed up all day long. Quite a lot of flies and wasps lurking around food areas so possiblity of an outbreak of something nasty! I had an upset tummy around our fourth day, so be advised to take plenty Immodium!
It got to the third day and we could not stand the smell of the food in the restaurant or Snack Bar anymore so we decided to eat out the rest of our week stay! It was bliss to get a taste of garlic for once as the food in the hotel was so bland!
The entertainment is absolutley terrible, it's just like watching a bunch of kids messing around in their bedroom singing with their hairbrushes. I would love to know who decided to call it entertainment.
Drinks were like colourless soda and were either flat or almost non alcoholic. It takes at least 20 glasses of wine to even get a buzz on! And there's nothing worse than drinking out of a plastic party cup which is compulsory in the entertainment area.
If you want a Cocktail or something with a bit more alcohol content then it costs about 6 euros which again is a rip off. The cocktails are made from the local spirits mixed with fruit juice which are supposed to be free anyway!! I have never known anything like it. We thought going All inclusive would have been worth it in the long run but we actually ended up spending as much as we did on a self catering holiday!
Bingo is played every night followed by the twice a night Cha Cha bloody Slide. It was torture to endure this day after day, night after night. Some people actually enjoyed it. All we can say is they probably don't get out much.
The reps weren't particularly friendly.
The hotel staff were more friendly than the English reps. We also got the fair share of typical arrogant Germans who were very rude but things never change! We thought we might have avoided that this year!
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Kay from Essex travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel was nice, located directly on the beach, although it was volcanic sand and not golden sand. Swimming pools were really good and my 10 year old loved them. Although we were disappointed the slides were only open for 2 and half hours each day.
There was one cleaner that seemed to be there 24hrs a day cleaning, but the maids were a bit slap dash. One day we had to get them back 3 times.
The food was edible, we wouldn't go hungry, but it wasn't very nice, ok if you like octopus or veal. They do provide highchairs but not one of them had a strap. You pay for the children all inclusive but they actually only get a seperate "kids menu" at tea, for breakfast and dinner they have to have whatever there is for the adults.
I couldn't fault the staff (except one) who were all friendly and helpful. The entertainment was a bit of a let down. We specifically booked for the kids club, but for my daughters the 9-15 wavelength club didn't have the staff to accomodate. The had 1 activity for 2 hours - 4 days a week so in a whole week she had 8 hours of activity. The younger age group had 3 x 2 hour sessions 7 days a week. This is actually if you can get your name down in the first place. At one stage they had space for 30 children on one activity but had 138 children to cater for, bit ridiculous.
The snack bar was good but everyday for 2 weeks we had pizza & chips or spaghetti. The icecream was served from 11-12 and then 4-5, I do feel that as all inclusive this should be provided all the time.
Be careful if booking any trips, as you may be misled just so the reps get their commission. We booked 1 trip which we were told would be a 1 -1.45 hr coach journey to Heraklion, a trip to their market, then shopping in Heraklion centre (which is supposed to be really nice), then onto an olive oil factory. The night before at 20:30 hrs we were informed by a rep that there had been a slight ammendment, but the only change was we would now be going wine tasting instead of the olive oil factory. We thought "result". Well, we were picked up at 8am sharp, and after 14 pickups & 3 hours on the coach (with an 11 month old terror) we arrived at Heraklion and were told we had 1 hour to go round the "gypsy" market then had to get back on the coach to actually then go to the wine place then pottery place and some other rubbish place. No time to stop and shop at Heraklion. We did no more than get off the coach and terminate the trip and get a taxi back to the hotel from there costing us €69, very good price for the 1 and 1/2 hour trip back, but turned out to be a very expensive day what with the money for the trip in the first place. The other family that was on the trip from our hotel didn't return to the hotel until 20:00 hrs that evening. They had been out for 12 hours, and actually only off the coach for a total of 3 hours altogether, the other 9 hours was travelling.
We complained, obviously, and were told that the rep actually knew all the changes. i.e. the double coach journey, the no shopping time etc. but didn't want to loose the commission, and this was from the actual rep supervisor, what a cheek.
Back to the kids club: Considering it was an all inclusive holiday, whenever the kids did anything at the clubs you had to pay. There was a chocolate party and they all had to provide a bar of chocolate (not a lot of money, but they only actually got 1 bite) then there was a pizza party (assumed they would be making pizza), wrong !!! They had to pay €5 to eat pizza, which was provided free all day at the snack bar.
I do feel all these activities should have been free of charge.
Someone mentioned before that they had to pay for the sunbeds & umbrellas, this wasn't the case when we were there, although you did have to be up at 6 o'clock to get one as there wasn't nowhere near enough for the amount of people the hotel caters for.
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steve from yorkshire travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel is in a lovely location next to the sea but thats all thats good about it, we went for a week all inclusive.
The food is a joke, fresh, not a chance all from tins and rewarmed leftovers. There is no excuse for this as the local market sells loads of fresh friut we ended up buying loads from here because the hotel food is the worst I have ever tasted.
The ice cream for kids is only for 2 hours a day which is rubbish for all inclusive there is a poor choice of drinks in the bar we ended up buying our own but at 5 euros for malibu and coke it aint cheap.
Don't waste your time going there isn't enough for the kids to they all end up kicking a ball around near the pool on a night to releave boredom and then get told off by the miserable staff.
In the restaurant put something down on the table at your own peril, the staff hover around picking up glasses etc as soon as you lift your fork bang plate gone even reaching across my wifes dinner to get my plate away from me absolutly disgusting.
Reported this to the rep might as well have talked to the wall, all in all a complete waste of money and time and even if its free never again will I ever return to this so called luxery hotel.
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amanda walsh from pontefract travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel always had someone cleaning in and around it and the hotel staff were very friendly. The only thing that let it down for me was the food, it seemed as if we were given the same food over and over again and it became very boring even though it was nice. But we ate out a couple of times in the resaurants on the nearby harbour which are very nice and very cheap.
The entertainment is on all day the kids club was fantastic and was on two or three times a day and had video nights most nights till 11pm so it gave us a chance to enjoy ourselves without wondering what the kids were upto.
The reps were also very nice and would do anything for you (we even borrowed a phone charger of one) and they were always about if you needed one. The hotel is small enough for us to let the kids (7 & 8) wonder around by themselves and still know where they are.
We went on the capital express trip and was a bit disapointed the market was mainly food and the time we had in the center of town was rushed we had to get lunch so we didnt have much time for shopping but then went to an old olive oil factory and a little village cafe/pub which I enjoyed.
We came back very relaxed and the kids came back with new friends so we all enjoyed our time there, already looked for next year enjoyed it that much.
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John/Yannis and Janet from Manchester travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a 18-30s holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel is in an ideal location for us as we like a nice stroll to the shops along a nice promenade.
The hotel was spotless and the maids were very friendly.
The food was very good, as with any all-inclusive, it is ncie to eat out sometimes.
The bar and reception staff are very helpful, even learning us some Greek.
The Hotel Petra Mare is very good value for money. It would cost nearly as much to book a flight and apartment.I will definitely be coming back next again.
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Dominic 11 and Hannah 12 from Manchester travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The food here is nice and they have a large selection of good. It is great but there should be more lights aroung the pool at night as my grandma had problems getting to the disco bar.
We loved the swimming pools, especially the water slides.
The room we stayed in was great and views were nice.
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Val and Brian from Manchester travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel is excellent. Good facilities and clean.
The food is good and varied, something for everyone.
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Myra Sid and Alice All Over 70 from Manchester travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 6 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel petra mare is excellent if you have children. The food is very good and the hotel is very clean. The only fault we have with the hotel is the toilet facilities at the pool bar. We are all a bit unsteady on our feet and we had the choice of going down a flight of stairs which were wet and slippery or walking back into the hotel and down the lift to the basement which took quite a while for elderly people. The toilet on ground level would be ideal.
The hotel staff were friendly and helpful.
The location of the hotel was good as it was right on the beach.
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Pam Allott from Barnsley travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were more than 6 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just enjoyed a great holiday at the Petra Mare. The age range was from 70 plus down to 1 year old and everyone really enjoyed themselves.
Nothing to fault about the hotel, cleanliness, entertainment, food and First Choice reps. The location of the hotel is excellent, although 1.5 hours from airport, no stops and air conditioned coach.
The childrens pool especially is excellent as is the water park area and main pool. Cleanliness in the hotel is second to none and throughout the day they are cleaning constantly. Great outside bar area where the childrens entertainment is, and a lovely bar inside the hotel for a quite drink.
The reps have been the nicest bunch we have ever met, nothing too much trouble.The choice of snacks throughout the day was excellent, and we would all definately go back. Marks out of 10 - overall a definate 9.
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Keith Derby from Market Harborough travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2005 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: What can you say the Hotel was excellent, everything thing is marble and spotlessly clean.
Food is excellent with plenty of choice, we stayed 14 days and each day there was a least one new dish you had not tried before.
Staff are very friendly and helpful.
Facilities in the hotel are great, pools and water park 10 out of 10.
Meal times are very generous not making you feel tied to the hotel. Breakfast 7-10 Lunch 12.30-2.00 Dinner 6.30-9.30 and if you go out and miss the lunch time, food and drinks are available in the pool cafe. Beer and wine are available all day long, sprits start at 6pm until midnight and available from 3 bars.
The hotel is right on the beach, ask for a sea view on booking as the sea will be lapping just below you, great !
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saphier from manchester travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We stayed at the Petra-mare the last week before it shut for the winter, and you could tell with all the things shutting down all week, like drinks machines also their was things like all the corridors were littered with rubbish and cig butts that were there all week.
We also had a run in with the restaurant manager who sent my son out of the restaurant without me even knowing his where abouts and then said he did not have to explain himself to me and walked off, as for the rest of the staff didn't have to much to do with them.
The SLIDES AND POOLS WERE GREAT for the kids also the beach was nice and clean. As with the other reviews we did not see that Mickey till on the way home we would go back as the resort was really nice and the people were really friendly and couldn't do enough for you.
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Jason from Newcastle travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
Lunn Poly
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel itself was great, pleasant inside and out. In its own gardens with a waterfall at the entrance.
The beach was great, a little pebbly in places but my kids wanted to spend most of their time there. The water is beautiful and great for snorkeling as there were loads of different fish to see. The water sports were brilliant too, not ridiculously expensive and you can go on the speedboat for free to take pictures if a member of your family is on the ride.
The pools were great, 3 different sections, a main pool, 3 great water slides and a toddlers pool with loads of little slides and an activity park in the pool.
There were a few Germans there but they were very pleasant, check out their kids entertainment, it was hilarious, we saw them marching one day...round a bucket! The hours must have flown by.
Reps were rubbish, a few people had some complaints about them, the main rep Mikey was almost invisible, but on the whole we had a good holiday.
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Ross, Marilu, Nikka, Robert & Ross from Telford travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a singles holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I shake my head in disbelief when I read previous reviews on this hotel. Somewhere in the past there is a bad one. I read it and thought a moaner, how wrong.
I am qualified to comment on food hygiene. It is my belief that the food served here is dangerous not just disgusting. I have never in my life seen such bad food in a holiday hotel. Mince was used twice at least every meal because it is so cheap. The quality was vile. I like to try local foods but even the Greeek night was dire. Lots of fruit and fish? I wish. Water merlon & over ripe grapes every meal. Ate breakfast once and stopped eating lunch after 5 days. Bought in pizza every night for kids. Reception even order it for you. I can't speak badly enough about the food.
Entertainment, please don't start me off, it was diabolical. The head of entertainment was nicknamed the Sgt Major, she was nasty. She could sing, wouldn't say that for any of the other 3.
Kids entertainment, great till 6 then mega boredom, 2 boys 10 & 9 wanted to come home after 2 days of the 14. Daughter 14 became almost sucidal with boredom after her friends left with us still got 4 days to go.
Beach isn't that great eithr. Shingle & pebbles get quite sharp.
Entertainment, how come nobody mentioned this? It's outside by the pool with the 8 drinks available to all inclusive served in flimsy plastic cups. A mozzie feast. One eye on the totally rubbish entertainment (if you get a seat in the cramped small area) & the other watching the kids (Running wild as nothing else to do) don't fall in the pool & drown.
The rooms were fine, but our kids could open our door with playing cards (125 and all along that row) so watch out.
Maids fine.
Restaurant manager very unpleasant, inside bar man the ultimate in rudeness.
Would we go back. Well I have complained to First Choice, if they offered me two weeks free next year with spending money I would honestly refuse it.
We spent more money here in 4 days than our previous holiday in total.
If you've booked cancel. If you must go pack the tummy medicine, you will need it.
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Nadine, Malc, Hannah, Aimee,Annabelle and Bobbie from Yorkshire travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 4 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 10 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel was very nice, although pool areas could have been cleaner.
Staff were lovely and very helpful, especially snack bar staff Maria and Maria, snack bar/beach toilets were not very nice (no toilet roll holders) and a bit smelly.
El Pasos great fun, Hello to Stalios, but again toilets very smelly.
Rooms really clean and lovely restaurant setting, food was lovely, could have been a bit hotter though.
Reception staff really helpful, better than going to hotel rep who was useless and rude.
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alec robertson from edinburgh travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: After reading so many great reviews about this hotel, we thought we had found something for everyone. Our 4 year old absolutely loved the kids club even although she was the youngest there on some days and not to happy that the games were aimed at the 6 - 8 age group. The 11 year old didnt want to go to the clubs but eventually sucumbed during the 2nd week. Although there is a wide choice of food available, it is very repetative, ok if you want to feast on chips, pasta and hamburgers for two weeks but if you have fussy eaters, you wil have problems, not only that but food served in the snack bar is decidedly dodgy, ok if you get it when first served, but it is left to lie until it runs out. The hotel and staff were just as described previously and the reps are great, although blaming a sickness epidemic on someone from the UK was a bit underhand, particularly when about 30 guests were affected. The entertainment is definately for the "Butlins Brigade" but you have got to go and sample it a few times, it does put a smile on your face. Although most rooms are spacious, you get the short straw if you are next to a fire escape, they are decidedly smaller. Cleanliness is ok, just dont look under the bed, the maids tend to go for 5 minutes rather than 5 star. If I had guarantees that the food issue was resolved then I would definately go again
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Smart Family from Wiltshire travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just come back from a week at the Petra Mare and it has been one of the best holidays we have ever had. Kids were only interested in the fantastic Water Park or watersports on the beach..what a helpful couple running the business..really nice to have that!.
The room was lovely and spacious, cleaned by maids each morning and towels changed each day and linen every other day...
Food in the restaurant was lovely, kids had their own food section too which was a nice touch. Food was great, varied selection each night and a lovely terrace overlooking the beach to sit and enjoy your meal. No complaints whatsoever. Kids did not go to the clubs as they aren't into that but the Creche facilities were great.(according to a Mum and Dad that we met)..the girls from First Choice always seemed really cheerful.
If the chance arises..take the day trip to Chrissi Island..you won't regret it !
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Julie Walsh from Brighton travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 3 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: What a holiday. We all had a fantastic time. Wide variety of food and drink. Rooms cleaned well daily. Entertainment was excellent. Our rep was brilliant. The Spikey one from Newcastle. Need any help see him, nothing is too much trouble. The lady below is certainly on a power trip. We will be going back again!!
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Shiela Downes from London travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: There is something here for everyone. Food is good, rooms are clean, always something going on for everyone. Entertainment is great the Rep even joined in the shows. He should be on stage or TV he was great. Our kids loved him and so did everyone we spoke to. If you need anything go and see him. You cant miss him he's the one with the spikey hair. He is so entertaining. Kids clubs are brilliant certainly gave us a break. Definately reccomend it to anyone.
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Jon Brodie from Glasgow travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 4 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: All our family had a fantastic time here. Weather was great, hotel was fantastic. Very family orientated. Kids clubs, waterslides, entertainment was for both kids and adults. They put on shows wich were great. Our rep was so friendly, polite and helpfull and very knowledgeable. First rep we've had that made a difference to our holiday. Food is varied each day and have a kids section as well. We've already booked to go back next year.
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Fiona Curtis from London travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: I found the Petra Mare hotel to be excellent.
The hotel was so clean, the Greek staff were fabulous and friendly, and they would do anything for you. (Especially Poppy, Despina and Rannia). Alex the barman was so lovely, and always had a smile.
The entertainment was pathetic, although they did try their best. Caroline has a fantastic voice, she should go on pop idol. One complaint though, the rep from Newcastle with the spiky hair was ridiculously rude. On a number of occasions I was forced to listen to his crude and unbearable bad language. The lad is certainly in the wrong job role.
Other than that my family and I had a lovely holiday.
Thanks to the staff at the Petra Mare
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Kath from Shropshire travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 5 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Our holiday was a week All-Inclusive at the Petra Mare Hotel in Iepetra, Crete.
The hotel is located right on the beach and a large proportion of the rooms have a sea view.
The food was of a good standard, though hot food was not always as 'hot' as it should have been. Other than that, the food was fine.
The staff were friendly and helpful but the entertainment was very much of the 'amature dramatic' sort.
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hughes from south wales travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Hotel all that I had read about it-spacious,clean,lovely Gothic atmosphere. Food very varied and plentiful-chef cooking in front of you.Separate room with children's menu. Beautiful terrace to eat on overlooking the sea and the town.Lovely large clean rooms.Maids came in every day.Helpful staff on reception.Lots of watersports on the beach organised by a very friendly couple.
Also the trips we went on were very well organised.
Only drawback- too many people smoking in eating areas considering how many children were there.We thought perhaps they should adopt a non-smoking policy or at least non-smoking areas in all the eating areas.
Also, the entertainment didn't suit us -too much like Butlins abroad. The children weren't interested in it either. However,there were nice places to sit and have a drink without having to go near the entertainment area in the evenings.Otherwise perfect in all respects!
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Lee, Michelle & Phoebe from Chelmsford travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
Thomas Cook
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This was our first family holiday & "all inclusive" experience and were initially apprehensive about what we would find. However, our nervousness was soon dispelled. This hotel is excellent. The cleaning service is better than we have experienced anywhere, the rooms were thoroughly cleaned, daily, with fresh towels provided and the service was flexible and non intrusive.
The food was also of a high standard with an excellent choice and variety, although the eating experience could be manic some evenings with people jostling for position at the self service counters.
The snack bar was limited,however, with no provision of hot foods in the evenings. We felt this area could be improved.
The hotel is a long way from the airport ( 1-2 hrs)but this probably protects it (and the resort) from becoming a typical tourist resort. The whole atmosphere of the hotel/resort is friendly and family orientated and you always feel safe.
However, what really made our holiday was the people we met and the entertainments team. The hotel engenders a relaxed family feel and, therefore, attracts a similar client. Nobody abused the all inclusive package and there was never a hint of trouble, just people having a good time.
This was encouraged by an excellent and extremely hard working entertainments team. Firstly, let's not disillusion you by suggesting that the entertainmnent is "vegas", it's not. However, the team, with very limited resource and budget, manages very well to keep everyone happy (throughout day and night!), which is no mean feat when there is just 4 of you.
The evenings entertainment was a mixture of kids disco, caberet and/or fun and games (reliant on audience participation)and we never had a dull moment.
So we have to say a massive thank you to Caroline, Nicky, Deano and Nicola.. your efforts were greatly appreciated.
Finally, we would strongly recommend this hotel & resort..you will not be disappointed.
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Richard, Christine, Laura & Emma from Brierley Hill, West Midlands travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We have just had a fabulous time at this complex.We stayed for 2 weeks with our two girls aged 13 & 5. We have to say they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The kids club for our 5 year old was entertaining and well supervised by qualified and enthusiastic staff. Our 13 year old preferred to stay away from the teenager club and we were very pleased she met new friends and they fully utilised the swimming pools/slides and spent a lot of time in the gorgeous sea.
As an active father I also fully enjoyed the sea sports available, water slides and pool games. I have the bruises to prove it!
My wife spent her time relaxing by the kiddies water pool park which kept all the smaller children entertained for hours,chatting to our new friends.
We met many new friends all with children and all of us really enjoyed the 2 weeks we spent together.
The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful.The lifeguards on the waterpark really earn their keep by ensuring the kids are safely away from the bottom of the slides before the adults come tumbling down!
Our room was cleaned daily,fresh sheets & towels, floors mopped,bin emptied,flutters tidied & privacy respected.
Dining room hours were good,the food well cooked and varied.There was a childrens selection at each meal time.
Beware the tiled floors in humid weather, they are treacherous.
Entertainment;The resident team, Caroline, Nicola, Nicky & Deano deserve a special mention.They worked very hard afternoons & evenings to keep us entertained.They provided a large range of activities ie Table tennis, quizzes, Water polo, Darts, Song & dance reviews & evening game shows after the kids mini disco.
Greek dancers came one night and we actually thought they where a little boring.
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Lisa from Portsmouth travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a 18-30s holiday.
There were 2 adults and more than 6 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: the location of this hotel is great the hotel staff are friendly and vry helpful, the food was varied and well cooked and kids meals were always available. the only downsides to this holiday were the entertainment, this was all done by the entertainment team and although they all worked really hard was very samey and got very boring by the second week. our children also became very bored with the kids club soon into the holiday, and we didn't really find the reps very enthusiastic about what they were doing. also the floors were always slippery and there were a number of accidents whilst we were there with people slipping over and hurting themselves. i would visit this hotel again as it is perfect for families with children of all ages but i would like to know that the eveining entertainment had improved first.
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Janev Hakki from London travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 08 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: My Family and I visited The Petra Mare for two weeks all inclusive.
The first impressions was not disappointing. The marble surroundings and such a spacious entrance. It was very impressive.
Our room was clean and comfortable and lots of storage space.
With sea view and the town of Ierapetra to the right.
It was beautiful.
The food was excellent. So much variety we were spoilt for choice.
The staff were so friendly and helpful and really made you feel welcome.
There was entertainment every night. Mainly with the children in mind.
It would have been nice if there was one night of dancing for the adults. You had to get there early to get a table.
The entertainers did all the themed nights which was a bit like a Butlins atmosphere.
My son really enjoyed the various pool areas. The lazy river and the water slides.
He had private lessons with Swimkids. The instructor was brilliant and my son learnt to swim with confidance and even jump into the deep end at the end of 5 lessons.
We loved it very much there and we would definatly visit again.
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Fidler from Northampton travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: This was our first holiday abroad with the children and also our first all inclusive. For a 3 star hotel I think the facilities were more than adequate. The children enjoyed the pools and the kids club. Everyone was friendly and helpful but the evening entertainment was pretty crap.
Location was lovely
Food got a bit 'samey' after a while but on the whole wasn't too bad
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mick, liz, les & carol from coventry travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a friends holiday.
There were 4 adults and 0 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Just got back from the Petra Mare 26/06/2004 what can i say brill.
The hotel was very clean the staff are very friendly and helpful,set right on the beach with lovely clear sea.
The food at the hotel is great with a good selection of both hot and cold food. Entertainment staff are very hard working (caroline,nikki,nicola & deano what a star).
Will be going back 2005.
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Linda Conway from Blackpool travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 06 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Had a great week, children really enjoyed it. Reps were great, always something going on. Waterslides were greatly used, although only open for two hours a day. Food was good and there was a wide range. The entertainment was very child orientated, there were a few childless couples there who were disappointed. We would visit again.
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gillian from middlesbrough travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Travelled with First Choice would not like to see their last choice. The hotel was diabolical.
Complained to First Choice about cleanliness, food, entertainment and overall staff behaviour and basically received a whitewash from them.
Please anyone going to this hotel be warned about the whole package however the waterpark was adequate to keep the kids happy when it was open.
Anyone saying the entertainment was good must be either easily pleased or tone deaf. We give it one because it won't allow us to give it zero.
Nothing would make us go back to this hotel not even if they gave it for free.
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kirsty from scotland travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 4 adults and 2 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Petra Mare Hotel was very clean the food was excellent it was a brill family holiday, plenty to do for all ages with the water slides and kids clubs, hotel staff were very freindly and the reps very entertaining and helpful, the location is good right on the beach and on the promanade its only a short walk into town. Do not hesitate to book a great choice.
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heidi from kidderminster travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2004 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel was very clean and there was a maids service in the room daily the staff were all very friendly and helpful. The entertainment was fantastic for families and the location was good right on the beach and within walking distance of the centre of ierapetra itself.
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Carrie - Anne Spears from London travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 09 2003 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: The hotel petra mare is a beautiful hotel, one which my boyfriend and I would definately travel to again. Reception Staff were amazing, and went out of their way to give help and knowledge whenever needed (and believe me I torturted them because our rep was useless and had no time for us at all.)
The food was lovely and traditional and although I heard a few complaints from other people I loved the greek cuisine. The entertainment left alot to be desired, but we loved dino who gave us alot of laughs on our holiday. He certainly is very dizzy. The kiddies reps were nice enough, however they could have smiled a bit more. We never saw our rep, he was never ever in his office (even though on the notice board it said he should have been there). We are not the type of people to complain however we were very dissapointed with the level of service we received from our rep. We did see him on one occasion in Cafe on the rocks, but he was somewhat intoxicated and never acknowlegded our presence. Very upset, thought first choice were all about excellent customer service.
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Debbie Summerbell from Cottingham, East Yorkshire travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
First Choice
on a friends holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2003 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: All inclusive basis is the best when holidaying with children. Food and drink was on hand all day and children could come and go as they pleased to help themselves to drinks and ice-cream. The on-site aquapark was great for the kids, only slight draw back was that it was only open for 2 hours in the afternoon (minimum stated in the brochure). Although we went the first week in May there were still lots of children so it could have been open longer.
Usually accommodation in Greece is basic but the Petra Mare Hotel is quite the opposite, luxurious marble and wood reception with direct access to the beach, large bar with outside seating and a poolside snackbar serving food and drink until late into the evening. The restaurant varied the fantastic meals every day with a huge choice of meat, pasta and salad dishes (plus a to-die-for dessert area) The playground for the children was slightly out of the way but kept the kids away from the main pool side.
The hotel was always spotlessly clean, the maids did a very quick but thorough job on the bed and bathrooms and the waiting staff where very quick to tidy and clean away after meals and drinks.
The Kids Club for the children was great, having a varied programme of activities and on a couple of occasions gave the adults a break by taking the children for dinner in the evening. There were no set patterns to the sessions so that ment we couldn’t make any plans for going out.
The First Choice entertainment team were always very pleasant and kept both children and adults busy with daytime activities and nightime quizs, children’s disco and adult games!
The only draw backs were the resort reps and excursions. Before we go away we always make a point to studying the area as we have such a limited time we like to see as much as possible. The reps didn’t know the area and couldn’t give us any details of Ierapetra town centres amenities.
The excursions were disappointing and expensive. We made our own where to Ag Nik on the local bus (which run from Ierapetra centre quite often) but for convenience we booked a Jeep Safari and excursion to Spinalonga. The second included a boat trip to the island and a BBQ lunch, both were enjoyable but were disappointed when we moored up in a tiny bay which was infested with ants.
We were told the jeep safari included several stops including swimming, BBQ lunch and a walk around Zeus’ caves, none of these happened. A lunch was provided in a old greek ladies front room, a stop at a very rocky beach (which only happened on our request). The trip wasn’t cheap at £40.00 per adult and we were a party of two adults and one child. There was a misunderstanding between the reps and the jeep safari providers. All of the guests of the trip made official complaints.
Overall the resort was excellent and we go back again.
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Paul & Marie from Bristol travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 3 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 05 2003 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: Fantastic hotel,Staff,& Resort.
Dont hesitate just book it you wont regret it.
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laura (40) stuart (42) amy (12) from margate kent travelled to Petra Mare Hotel with
first choice
on a family holiday.
There were 2 adults and 1 child(ren) in the party. The travel date was 01 2002 |
rated the Petra Mare Hotel as follows:| Cleanliness | | | Location | | | Staff | | | Food | | |
| Entertainment | |
| said: We enjoyed our stay here so much, it was gr8, we only had one room though and then a separate room for the shower. The rooms were cleaned daily and towels, bed sheets were also changed every day.
The food was good although could do with being a little bit hotter, and having more variety instead of pasta every night. The hotel location was right near the town, but was also far away from anywhere else. Entertainment was not good.
If Kylie is on then I'd advise you to go inside. We would definitely advise families to visit this hotel. It was a great holiday!!!
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