Pela Mare Hotel Crete Island Greece

Escape to Paradise: Pela Mare Hotel, Crete's Hidden Gem

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into the Pela Mare Hotel in Crete. Forget your perfectly curated Instagram feeds – this is the unfiltered, slightly-tipsy-on-tsipouro review. Get ready for a rollercoaster of feelings, observations, and possibly a rant or two.

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First Impressions: Arrival & Accessibility (Let's Get it Over With)

Okay, getting there. The airport transfer was smooth. Which, after the hellscape that is modern air travel, is a massive win. Valet parking? Fancy. Didn't use it, because I'm a cheapskate, but nice to know it's there. Accessibility? Alright, let's be brutally honest. Finding a truly accessible hotel can be an effort. The Pela Mare makes a good effort. Elevators are present – praise Zeus. And they claim rooms are accessible. I’d love to hear from someone who REALLY needs those features. The exterior certainly looks manageable.

Rooms: The Good, The Okay, and the "Did I Leave My Socks in Here?"

My room? Spacious. Really spacious. Double the space from what I'm used to. The air conditioning worked a charm (thank the gods!), otherwise, a week would be a death sentence. I'm generally a bit of a slob, so the daily housekeeping was like a mini-vacation in itself. They'd even fold my pajamas! (Yes, I’m that lazy.)

The "extra long bed" was a definite plus. I'm tall, and it actually fit me, which is shocking. Good Wi-Fi, free of charge (Thank you, internet gods!). And the bathroom? Spotlessly clean. The "slippers" were a lovely touch, even if they're slightly "hotel-y," you know? Almost too clean. Did someone really sterilize the bathrobes? I like to think so, though…

The "coffee/tea maker" was fantastic because coffee in the morning is everything. I was delighted when I didn't have to go anywhere, and the coffee was better than I expected.

The "Things to Do" & Ways to Relax - Because, Hello, Paradise?

Right, the juicy bits. Let's talk hedonism. The outdoor pool? Stunning. Like, postcard-worthy stunning. And the "pool with a view"? Yeah, it's the view of the Aegean Sea. I basically became a human baguette, floating in the sun all day.

Spa & Sauna: Okay, quick story. I went full-on "treat yo'self" with the spa. Body scrub? Yes, please. Body wrap? Sure, why not. I'm in a spa. Turns out, I have a lot of dead skin. And a surprising ability to fall asleep mid-treatment. Woke up feeling like a newborn baby. Or at least a slightly less grumpy version of myself. The sauna was hot, the steamroom, steamy. Perfect for just, you know, existing. I was so incredibly relaxed, I became one with the cucumber water.
Fitness Center: I popped my head in. Looked intimidating. Continued to float in the pool. No judgment, people.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Odyssey (or, "Did I Gain Five Pounds?")

This is where the Pela Mare really shines. Food is LIFE, right? They've got it all.

Restaurants & Bars: Let's start with the basics. Several restaurants. Buffet. A la carte. Happy hour. I spent a lot of time there. The poolside bar? Oh, that's dangerous. Cocktails with a view? Bad for the waistline, good for the soul. The bar staff were genuinely lovely, even when I was slurring my "opa!"s at 2 am.
Food: The buffet was a masterpiece. My eyes were bigger than my stomach every single morning. The "Western breakfast" was, of course, amazing. The "Asian breakfast"? Slightly more authentic than I expected, and still good! Vegetarian options? Plentiful. They had so many options that I was in foodie heaven! Desserts were sinful. International cuisine? Damn good.
Snack Bar/Coffee Shop: If you need a quick nibble or a caffeine fix, these are there. Honestly, I thought they were just there to tempt me. I loved it.

Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Hire a SWAT Team of Sanitizers?

Look, in this day and age, hygiene is everything. They have a HUGE list of safety precautions. Hand sanitizer everywhere. "Anti-viral cleaning products"? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Apparently. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Safe dining setup? You betcha. They had everything. I'm not a germaphobe, but I appreciated the effort. It made me feel completely comfortable.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make You Go "Ahhh"

This is where the Pela Mare nails it.

Concierge: Super helpful. They booked excursions. They gave me directions. They were genuinely nice people.
Daily Housekeeping: As mentioned, a lifesaver.
Laundry Service: Thank god for this!
Luggage Storage: Because, let's be honest, everyone overpacks.
Facilities for Disabled Guests: Again, good effort on the accessibility front.
Cashless Payment Service: Convenient.
Gift/Souvenir Shop: Because what's a vacation without a slightly embarrassing souvenir or 10?

For the Kids: Are They Welcome?

They are. The "family-friendly" tag is accurate. There are "kids facilities" and "babysitting service" in case the parents needs a break. I would have liked to get some kids in the pool. To splash them, but I digress.

Getting Around:

Airport transfer - Smooth.
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] - Good for visitors!

The Imperfections (Because, Let’s Keep it Real)

No place is PERFECT. Here's the little grumbles:

The Occasional Hiccup: One of my internet-access moments was a bit shaky. That was the most annoying issue. I will admit that my high demands are the issue more than any of the hotels flaws.
The "Extra" Services: While the extras are nice, those tend to add up, as they always do.
Pets: They do not allow pets.

The Grand Finale: Should You Go?

Look, here's the deal. The Pela Mare Hotel is a fantastic escape. It's relaxing, luxurious, beautiful, and the food? Oh, the food. It does a good job providing safety during these times. It's not perfect, but it's damn close. It's probably one of the best choices for my money. I would definitely go back.

The Offer (Because You Came Here to Book, Right?)

Escape to Paradise: Pela Mare Hotel - Your Crete Dream Awaits!

Tired of the daily grind? Craving sun, sea, and serious relaxation? Then book your escape to the Pela Mare Hotel in Crete now!

Luxury & Relaxation: Indulge in our stunning pool with a view, world-class spa treatments, and gourmet dining experiences.
Accessibility Made Easy: Enjoy convenient amenities and services designed to make your stay seamless and comfortable, including accessible rooms and facilities.
Safety First: Rest easy knowing we're dedicated to providing a safe and hygienic environment, exceeding all health protocols.

Special Offer: Book your stay now and receive a complimentary bottle of local wine and a 10% discount on spa treatments! Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the best of Crete. Click here to book your escape before it’s too late! (And yes, I may or may not have been writing this while planning my next trip there…)

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Pela Mare Hotel Crete Island Greece

Pela Mare, Crete: My Chaos Journal (aka, Actual Trip, Not a Brochure)

Okay, so here's the deal. Crete. Pela Mare. Sun, sea, supposed serenity. Spoiler alert: serenity is a myth, especially when you’re travelling with me. This is more of a "what actually happened" than a perfectly polished itinerary. Brace yourselves.

Day 1: Arrival. "Welcome to Paradise (and the Waiting Game)."

Morning: The flight. Ugh. Never again will I choose a red-eye. Felt like a zombie by the time we landed in Heraklion. Lost my noise-cancelling headphones somewhere over the Adriatic – typical. My inner monologue, after a 6 hours flight: "Are we there yet?" "I need coffee…" "Did I pack enough sunscreen?"
Afternoon: Transfer to Pela Mare. The drive was… well, "hilly" is a polite word. More like "constant rollercoaster of terror." The driver (bless his heart) kept yelling out the window to someone I didn't see, which I have decided to consider as traditional Greek greetings. The hotel itself? Gorgeous. Seriously. The view from the second balcony (more on that later) was enough to make me forget the hellish flight.
Late Afternoon: Check-in. Attempted to be charming, failed miserably. Lost in translation with the receptionist, who was clearly used to dealing with much calmer tourists. Finally got to the room. First impression? "Well, this is bigger than my entire London flat." Unpacked. Immediately regretted overpacking. Again. Seriously, why did I think I needed that sequined jumpsuit?
Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Ordered a Greek salad. It was the best damn Greek salad I’ve ever had in my life. The feta. Oh, the feta! Then, disaster. Spilled red wine all over my white shirt. Mortification. Tried to hide it with a strategically placed napkin. Managed to pull it off, until I went to the bar.
Night: The bar. This is where things get… interesting. Met a lovely, incredibly tanned (jealous) couple from Newcastle. Shared some raki. Ended up singing karaoke… terribly. Remembered none of it the next day, all I know is, I'm sure I did sing, because it was a fun night.. or so they said. Passed out in bed. Paradise, indeed.

Day 2: Beach Bliss (with a Side of Sand in Everything)

Morning: Woke up to the most glorious sunrise. Took a photo. Posted it on Instagram. Felt smug. Then realized the "sunscreen application" had missed 70% of my body. Ouch.
Mid-Morning: Hit the beach. The water was crystal clear. The pebbles were… well, pebble-y. Spent an hour trying (and failing) to find a decent spot to lie down. Managed to get a sunbed, triumph! Only to discover a rogue seagull had decided it was the perfect place for… ahem… business.
Lunch: Seafood at a little taverna down the beach. Ordered grilled octopus. It was, quite honestly, the freshest and most delicious octopus I’ve ever consumed. Washed it down with more local wine. Felt incredibly, ridiculously happy.
Afternoon: Tried to read a book. Failed. Too much sunshine, too much people watching. Also, tiny pebbles kept getting in the book. Decided to just be and soak it all in. Watched a little kid get absolutely annihilated by a wave. (I didn't laugh, but I did smile.)
Late Afternoon: Went for a swim… felt so refreshing. Felt like a mermaid. (A slightly sunburned, slightly pebble-covered mermaid, but still.)
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in the town. More grilled fish. More wine. Attempted to speak some basic Greek (terribly). Met a very charming waiter. Tried not to flirt. Failed. Walked back to the hotel under a sky full of stars. Felt utterly, completely, blissfully content. Until…
NIGHT: Karaoke night at the hotel bar. This is what I signed up for. After all the Raki and Wine, my voice became the soul of the party, I was the party.

Day 3: Day Trip to Who Knows Where (and a Crash Course in Greek Driving Style)

Morning: Woke up with a slight headache, a lingering taste of Raki (and a faint recollection of singing "Bohemian Rhapsody" with questionable accuracy)… This is my life now.
Mid-Morning: Rented a car. Driving in Crete. This is truly when I should have said no. Google maps and my inner voice both are screaming, NO! The roads. The cliffs. The other drivers. It's an experience. A terrifying, exhilarating experience. I am pretty sure there are unwritten laws about right of way that Cretans are well aware of, and I am not.
Lunch: Stopped at a tiny village. Got completely lost. A kind old lady pointed us in the right direction with a smile and a plate of something delicious (that I’m pretty sure was homemade cheese pie). The best things in life are the unplanned ones.
Afternoon: Visited "somewhere". I can’t remember the name of the place. It involved a lot of winding roads, stunning views, and a near-death experience on a hairpin bend. Picturesque, though.
Evening: Back to the hotel. Needed a shower. Needed a stiff drink. Needed to lie down. Managed all three in that order.
Night: Dinner at the hotel. Ordered something bland (a burger, because my nerves were shot). Watched the sunset. Felt grateful to be alive. Considered ending the trip's alcohol consumption (we'll see).

Day 4: The Deep Dive (My Opinionated Take)

This is where things get interesting. Or, at least, it's where I got interesting. I signed up for a snorkeling trip. I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a natural snorkeler.

Morning: Woke up with a sudden sense of dread. Snorkeling. In the sea. With fish. I'm not even particularly fond of the ocean in general, but I've been reading about the sea life. I really wanted to enjoy it.
Mid-Morning: The boat trip. Sun. Sea. Other people. The guide, a very tanned, very relaxed Cretan man, gave a brief overview of the "do's" and "don'ts." I zoned out. The wind picked up. The sea got choppy. Uh oh.
The Dive:
- Got into the water. Immediate panic. The mask fogged up. The snorkel kept filling with water. Couldn't see a damn thing. Started sputtering and flailing. Was convinced I was going to drown in front of a group of strangers. (And I'd have the most embarrassing death ever recorded.) At least the water was clear and beautiful.
- Managed to get my bearings (thanks to a very patient guide). Took a deep breath. Tried again. And then… I SAW IT.
- Fish. Everywhere. Little ones, big ones, stripey ones, colorful ones. Coral. Mysterious underwater shapes. My fear melted away. Suddenly, I was weightless, observing a whole other world. It was… breathtaking.
- Spent the next hour completely mesmerized. Forgot about the mask fogging, the salty water, the initial panic. Felt like I was flying. Pure, unadulterated joy. This. This is why I travel.
Afternoon: Back on the boat, feeling like a transformed woman. Not gonna lie, I probably even looked like a mermaid.
Evening: My happiness was ruined when I went back to the hotel and remembered I was invited for a dinner in the hotel… it's a big deal for a formal meeting.

Day 5: The Final Day (aka, "Don't Go Home Yet!")

Morning: Woke up to a gray sky. Oh, the irony! Packed. Tried to be organized. Failed. Found a forgotten bag of crisps in my suitcase. Ate them. Regretted it.
Mid-Morning: One last swim in the sea. The water was freezing. Did it anyway. Tried to memorize the sound of the waves. Tried to etch the smell of the salt air into my memory.
Lunch: The taverna, again. A final Greek salad. A final glass of wine.

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Pela Mare Hotel Crete Island Greece

Okay, so...Pela Mare. Is it REALLY Paradise, or just another Instagram filter?

Alright, deep breaths. Paradise? Hmm. Look, I've seen a *lot* of sunsets. And this place? The sunsets at Pela Mare? They're bordering on obscene. Seriously, the sky just explodes in these colours you didn't even *know* existed. Forget filters. You'll be taking photos, but you won't believe what you're seeing is real. The other day, I was convinced the sky was actually *on fire*. And that's before the ouzo kicked in. So, yeah, it’s pretty damn close to paradise. But... (and this is important)... It's paradise with a slightly leaky shower and the occasional rogue mosquito. Embrace the imperfection!

What's the FOOD situation like? Am I going to be eating the same sad buffet breakfast every day?

Okay, food! This is a big one. Look, I'm a foodie, and I'm also a notoriously picky eater. And let me tell you, Pela Mare *did not* disappoint. The breakfast buffet? Yes, it’s there. But it's not a *sad* buffet. It's a buffet brimming with fresh, local ingredients. Think fluffy omelets, mountains of fruit, and enough feta cheese to make you weep with joy. But the REAL magic happens at the a la carte restaurants. That grilled octopus? Holy moly. I'm still dreaming about it. And don’t even get me started on the olive oil. They practically hand it out like candy. Be warned: you *will* gain weight. But honestly? Worth it. I might have even eaten my weight in tzatziki... don't judge!

The rooms...are they as gorgeous as they look in the photos, or are they, y'know, a bit dated?

The rooms... alright, let's be brutally honest, okay? The photos *are* gorgeous. And yes, the rooms are generally lovely. But... and there's a but... My first room? It was a bit *close* to the AC unit. And let me tell you, I'm a light sleeper. The first night, it was like sleeping next to a jet engine. I called reception (very politely, because, you know, I'm British). They sorted me out, though, and moved me to one with a view, which was *stunning*. So, yeah, the rooms are generally lovely. Might pay to request a quiet room, or be prepared to have it sorted! And honestly, the view made up for any minor inconvenience.

What about the BEACH?! Is it swimmable? Is it packed? Give me the details!

Right, the beach. This is crucial. The beach is... absolutely divine. I mean, the water is that perfect turquoise you see in the brochures? It's *real*. The sand is soft, the waves are gentle... Pure bliss. Now, here's the deal: it's not a massive, sprawling beach. It's a *charming*, intimate beach. So, yeah, it can get a little busy during peak season, but it never felt overwhelming. I found a sunbed almost every day. And honestly? It’s a perfect place to just... stare out at the sea and forget all your problems. I saw dolphins. Dolphins! I mean, come on!

Okay, I'm bringing the kids. Is Pela Mare a good choice for families?

Hmmm, kids. Okay, I’m not a parent, so take this with a grain of salt. But from what I observed, Pela Mare seemed to be *pretty* good for families. They had a kids' club, which seemed to keep the little ones entertained (though I didn't exactly spy on them). The pool area is lovely. The main pool can get surprisingly deep. There is also a smaller pool. The beach is very kid-friendly - the water is calm and shallow. The staff were all incredibly friendly and patient with kids. So, yeah, I'd say it's a thumbs up, but definitely do your own research about the kids' club specifics!

What are there to do besides lying on a beach and eating? I can't just do that for a week... can I?

You *could* just lie on the beach and eat for a week. And honestly? It's a strong possibility. But if you're looking for adventure, *yes*, there are things! They have a spa (massage, anyone?). They offer cooking classes. They can organise excursions. I went on one to a local winery – the wine was amazing, the scenery even better. There's a charming little town nearby (Rethymno) which is a must-visit. Plus, you can always explore the island. Honestly, though, don't feel pressured to do anything. Some days I just sat and read a book. And that was perfect. The key is to do what makes *you* happy.

The staff...What are they like? Are they helpful and friendly?

Okay, this is a big one. The staff... the staff are *everything*. They are the heart and soul of Pela Mare. I mean, genuinely lovely people. Every single one. From the cleaners who always had a smile to the bartenders who remembered my drink order (and my increasingly ridiculous attempts to speak Greek!), they made the experience. They were helpful, accommodating, and just genuinely seemed happy to be there. There was one waiter, actually, who went above and beyond to help me when I managed to spill red wine *all over* my white linen trousers (don't ask). He was a lifesaver! Honestly, the staff alone are a good reason to go back.

Is it worth the money? It looks pretty pricey.

Pricey? Yeah, it's not a budget holiday. But *is* it worth it? Yes. Absolutely yes. Look, is it the cheapest option? Absolutely not. But what you're paying for is an experience. You're paying for the location, the service, the food, the sense of escape... and the *memories*. I honestly think it's worth every penny. I’m already saving up to go back. I'll admit I was a bit hesitant at first, but the moment I stepped onto that balcony and saw that view, all doubts evaporated. You know what? You only live once, right? Treat yourself!

Any downsides? Be brutally honest!

Alright, let's get real. The downsides... there's always *some*. The Wi-Fi wasn't amazing in all areas of the hotel. Okay, it was pretty patchy sometimes. But who cares? You're on holiday! Disconnect! TheSmart Traveller Inns