Fereniki Resort & Spa

Fereniki Resort & Spa attracts tourists with its list of amenities and low prices, but it does not deliver on quality. The spa, restaurants, pools and guest rooms are scattered over three blocks, requiring guests to walk through the village to access different facilities. There are two bars and two restaurants, but only one of each are allowed on the all-inclusive plan. Guests complain of unpleasant food, and many pay to eat at local restaurants instead of eating the already paid-for meals. Guests also note a long wait and pushy crowds at meals, particularly at the buffet, and that it can be noisy in the pool area until late at night. While four outdoor pools and a stretch of beach provide space to lounge, the consistent maintenance issues make this one hotel to avoid. The nearby Georgioupolis Beach Hotel is a more pleasant, family-run hotel with similarly affordable rates.

Fereniki Resort & Spa is located on the beach in the coastal fishing village of Georgioupolis. The town’s focus is not entirely on tourists, so guests can experience Greek culture rather than tourist attractions. It's a small village and there are several restaurants, shops, and a supermarket within a ten-minute walk. St. Nicholas’ church -- set on a tiny island just off the coast -- is a 10-minute walk away, though that includes a slippery stone bridge. It is a 25-minute drive to the archaeological site at Knossos, Europe’s oldest city. The popular Old Venetian Harbor area of Chania is a 40-minute drive. There is a bus stop on the main road, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel for those wishing to travel farther afield. Port Souda, where many ferries from the mainland dock, is a 30-minute drive away. It is a 50-minute drive to Chania International Airport.

Fereniki Resort & Spa has studios, suites, and apartments; all of the rooms offer basic furnishings without much style or decor. Beds are singles or two may be pushed together for a double -- all have thin mattresses. Bare-bones kitchenettes have two electric burners, a sink, and at least one cabinet, plus a mini-fridge in the Metropol building. Bathrooms have three pieces, including a wall-less shower with a base and curtain to contain the water. Many guests complain of odor and cleanliness issues (dirty linens, stains in showers, and mold growth). The Golden Bay section of the hotel offers studios of about 200 square feet (20 square meters). Furniture shows its age and is often the only color against white walls and floors. Rooms in the Metropol section of the hotel have a little more style. They are done in green and blue furnishings alongside white walls and gray-marble floors. Larger apartments are also available. Balconies are small, with just enough room to sit, and some have nice sea views. Every room has a small, wall-mounted tube-style TV. Air conditioning and safes are available for an extra daily fee. Wi-Fi is not available in rooms.

Pools, beach access, and a spa add some appeal to this hotel. Outdoor pools are located in each main guest building. Two have a shallow wading area for children. An indoor pool is located inside the spa and has a couple of neat waterfall features. The spa also has a sauna and whirlpool, which cost extra to use. The beach is lovely and easy to access, but there is a charge to use the lounge chairs, though they do come with a free drink at the bar. A playground is available for kids as well. The main restaurant serves international dishes and there's an Italian restaurant close to the beach, though it is not included in the all-inclusive package. Wi-Fi is available in some public areas of the hotel for an extra fee.