Giannoulis – Santa Marina Plaza (Aduts Only)

Set on a prime stretch of sandy coastline amongst other adults-only hotels, the Santa Marina Plaza Hotel stands out for its beautiful and quiet location. However, decor is often on the outdated side, and facilities are a tad basic -- there are no full spa here and the gym is minimally equipped. Nevertheless, features are easily accessible and the long pool is a popular spot for sunbathing and grabbing a drink at the adjacent bar. It leads directly to a grassy garden with loungers, more of which can be found at the shallow sandy beach.

Inside, the decor is light and attractive, with a neutral beige color scheme and green accents. A green marble-and-wood reception desk and wicker chairs in the main restaurant aren’t the most stylish, but public areas are comfortable and well-maintained.  An adults-only restriction and limited entertainment leaves the hotel quiet, and couples of all ages come here for a peaceful vacation. 

Santa Marina Plaza sits between the beach and a busy main road that runs along the coast of Agia Marina. Guests are within a 10-minute walk of several restaurants, bars, and shops mostly catering to visitors. There’s a large supermarket next door, plus a burger cafe popular with tourists across the street. A bus stop just outside the hotel makes frequent 20-minute-long trips to Chania, which has a wealth of shops, restaurants, and nightlife in its historic old town and Venetian harbor area. It’s a 30-minute drive to Chania International Airport, and just over an hour drive to the lively city of Rethymnon.

The 51 rooms here are on the old-fashioned side, but they're clean, light, and spacious. Expect earth-tone linens, basic and dated wood furniture, beige walls and tiles, and Greek-themed artwork. All units have furnished outdoor spaces, many of which have partial or direct sea views. Also standard are flat-screen TV’s, individually controlled air-conditioning, minibars, small sitting areas, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Sofa beds are provided on request, but use of safes requires fees. Travertine bathrooms have shiower/tub combos in lower-category rooms, while upgrades have showers and separate tubs. Quality toiletries, slippers, and hairdryers are provided.

Santa Marina Plaza Hotel’s main attraction is its sandy swimmable beach, which is lined with free sunbeds and umbrellas. Waiter service is available for drinks and snacks. A large, long pool lies at the center of the complex and an adjacent bar also serves drinks and tasty light meals. Food at the main buffet restaurant is well-regarded, and offers a combination of local Cretan and international dishes with show cooking. For a more romantic evening, guests can try the beachside a la carte restaurant which serves Cretan, Mediterranean, and international cuisine. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board packages are available.

A small, basic gym has a few pieces of equipment, and an indoor hot tub is free to use. For any spa treatments, however, or a sauna, steam room, visitors will have to go the hotel's sister property. A conference room (maximum occupancy of 90) is on-site. Evening entertainment is available once a week, and the lack of daytime poolside recreation is a pro for most guests. Wi-Fi and private parking are free.