Almyros River Delta (Georgioupoli) - Image 1
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Almyros River Delta Georgioupoli

4.6
·829 reviews·Chania, Crete Greece, Greece

Beachfront property with pools and eateries, offering an all-inclusive experience. Praised for its beach and staff, but criticized for hygiene issues....

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-September

Warm sea, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Almyros River Delta (Georgioupoli) - Image 1

Almyros River Delta Georgioupoli

Best Time

Mid-September

Warm sea, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Beachfront property with pools and eateries, offering an all-inclusive experience. Praised for its beach and staff, but criticized for hygiene issues. Reddit

4.6
(829 reviews)

"While some find it cozy with a great beach, many report a pervasive sewage smell and flies, questioning its 5-star status. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Confirm Airport Transfer

Contact the hotel directly for pricing and to arrange airport transfers from Chania Airport.

Be Prepared for Smells

A sewage smell and flies are frequently reported. Manage expectations regarding hygiene and air quality.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Beach

Crystal Clear Beach

Beachfront

Enjoy warm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxing by the sea. The beach is a major draw for many visitors.

Reddit
Friendly & Dedicated Staff

Friendly & Dedicated Staff

Throughout the hotel

Staff are frequently praised for their genuine care, friendliness, and long-term dedication to the hotel.

Reddit
All-Inclusive Value

All-Inclusive Value

Dining & Bars

The all-inclusive package is often considered well worth the cost, offering a good variety of food and drinks.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beware of the Smell & Flies

Many guests report a persistent sewage smell and the presence of sewage flies throughout the property, impacting rooms and common areas. This significantly detracts from the expected 5-star experience. Reddit

Gym Access & Quality Concerns

The 'gym' is described as extremely small, poorly maintained, and with outdated equipment. Access is limited, requiring reservations, making it difficult to use. Reddit

Best Times

When
Mid-September
Why
Warm sea, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Mosquitoes can be prevalent
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Transfer from Chania Airport to Georgioupolis

Confirm Airport Transfer

Contact the hotel directly for pricing and to arrange airport transfers from Chania Airport. Reddit

Be Prepared for Smells

A sewage smell and flies are frequently reported. Manage expectations regarding hygiene and air quality. Reddit

Gym Reservations Needed

The gym is small and requires reservations, which can be hard to secure. Reddit

Local Exploration

Consider hiring a car or taking a taxi to explore nearby villages and towns. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Airport Transfer

Contact the hotel directly for pricing and to arrange airport transfers from Chania Airport. Reddit

Be Prepared for Smells

A sewage smell and flies are frequently reported. Manage expectations regarding hygiene and air quality. Reddit

Gym Reservations Needed

The gym is small and requires reservations, which can be hard to secure. Reddit

Local Exploration

Consider hiring a car or taking a taxi to explore nearby villages and towns. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(829 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Reviews for Eliros Mare Hotel are sharply divided. While some guests praise the beautiful beach, friendly staff, and good value all-inclusive package, a significant number report severe issues with a pervasive sewage smell, sewage flies, and poor hygiene standards. The quality of food and the gym facilities also receive criticism, leading many to question its 5-star rating. Reddit

"My first all-inclusive and it had checked all the boxes and was even better than I could’ve imagined! The hotel is great: not too big, very cozy and calm, the beach - great with beautiful sea, that had crystal clear water all day long (also very warm in the middle of September). Tasty food, cozy beds, nice pool, etc.
A big thank you to all the staff - amazing people who genuinely take care of all the guests! A lot of them work there for decades and it shows - they treat the hotel as their own home. Amazing! Thank you to Olga, Maria, Katarina, Dimitri, Elli (we saw her just before departure) and other‘s whose name I, unfortunately, don’t remember.
And a special thanks to Lorenzo for our very special request for a Hugo Boss cocktail!:))
All the beach bar staff - you‘re great!"

Poki Loki

"Hotel is faultless, clean, well presented. The meals are great lots of choice as with the drinks - we were all inclusive and it was well worth it. The staff are super friendly without being too much, pleasant and polite and always happy to help.

Close enough to the airport 45 mins or so. And within travelling distance to local villages and towns but you will need to take a cab or hire a car to get about

Would absolutely recommend this hotel and would happily return we have had a wonderful break"

Kate Hull

"This hotel was, unfortunately, the most disappointing “5-star” experience I have ever had. Sadly, many of the negative reviews you’ll find online turned out to be accurate.

From the moment we arrived, a pervasive sewage smell was noticeable throughout the property in the lobby, hallways, dining areas, and especially inside the rooms. The issue was compounded by the presence of sewage flies, which we found not only in the room but also on the terrace, making it impossible to sit outside or even open the bathroom window. Hygiene standards were far below what one would reasonably expect from a hotel of this category.

The air conditioning emitted a damp, musty odor, which made the rooms uncomfortable at best.

The food offered was repetitive, of poor quality, and far from the standard associated with a luxury (all-inclusive) resort. To make matters worse, additional charges were applied for basics such as fresh orange juice or even a very simple iced coffee items that one would reasonably expect to be included.

The so-called “gym” was another major disappointment: extremely small (no larger than a bathroom), poorly maintained, with outdated and even unsafe equipment. Access was limited to two people per hour, requiring reservations. Many guests booked their entire stay upon arrival, leaving little to no opportunity for others to use it at a convenient time.

Overall, labeling this property as 5-star is highly misleading. While the price reflects a luxury standard, the quality of facilities, food, and overall hygiene falls far below. Despite raising our concerns with management several times, no meaningful improvements were made, and we ultimately chose to leave early.

I would strongly advise anyone seeking a genuine 5-star experience to avoid this property."

Anique Mak van Waay

What People Like

Beautiful beach
Friendly staff
All-inclusive value

What People Dislike

Sewage smell & flies
Poor hygiene
Subpar gym

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient option is to contact the hotel directly. They can provide pricing and arrange a transfer for you. Taxis or car rentals are also available, with the journey taking approximately 45 minutes. Reddit

While the hotel is within travelling distance to local villages and towns, you will likely need to take a cab or hire a car to explore effectively. Reddit

The distance is approximately 45 minutes by car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While marketed as a 5-star property, many reviews suggest the quality of facilities, food, and hygiene falls significantly below this standard. Reddit

Despite being all-inclusive, some guests reported being charged extra for items like fresh orange juice or iced coffee. Reddit

Specific operating hours for facilities like the gym or bars are not detailed, but gym access requires reservations. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Multiple guests have reported a pervasive sewage smell throughout the property and the presence of sewage flies, impacting rooms and common areas. Reddit

Rooms can be affected by a sewage smell and a musty odor from the air conditioning. Some guests also noted dead mosquitoes on walls. Reddit

The gym is described as very small, poorly maintained, and with outdated equipment. Access is limited to two people per hour via reservation, making it difficult to use. Reddit

Yes, mosquitoes are frequently reported as being a significant issue, present in rooms, beach bars, by the pool, and on the stage. Reddit

The pool is described as very small and some guests reported chemical additives causing eye irritation in children. There is only one bartender at the pool bar. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Reviews are mixed, with some praising the tasty food and variety, while others describe it as repetitive, of poor quality, and not up to 5-star standards. Reddit

While many drinks are included, some guests noted being charged extra for items like fresh orange juice or simple iced coffee. Reddit

The restaurant is often compared to a school cafeteria, described as crowded, noisy, and with loud staff. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The beach with its crystal-clear water offers beautiful scenery for photos. The natural delta area can also be picturesque. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families looking for a beachfront stay might be drawn to the hotel's location and beach access. However, the reported issues with hygiene, including sewage smells and flies, could be particularly concerning for families with young children. Reddit The small pool and potential for eye irritation from chemicals are also points to consider. Reddit

Recommendation: While the beach is a plus, thoroughly research recent reviews regarding cleanliness and air quality before booking for a family trip. Consider if the potential downsides outweigh the beachfront convenience. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers (Seeking Value)

The all-inclusive package at Eliros Mare Hotel is often highlighted as offering good value for money, which can appeal to budget-conscious travelers. The variety of food and drinks included can help manage expenses during the stay. Reddit

Caveat: Be mindful that some 'basics' might incur extra charges, so clarify what is truly included. The overall experience, particularly regarding hygiene and facility quality, may not align with what some expect even at a lower price point for an 'all-inclusive' offering. Reddit

couples seeking a relaxing getaway

For couples seeking a tranquil beach escape, the hotel's beachfront location and warm sea are definite positives. The staff's friendliness can also contribute to a pleasant atmosphere. Reddit

Consideration: However, the pervasive sewage smell and presence of flies, along with the noisy dining hall, could significantly detract from a romantic or relaxing experience. The limited and poorly equipped gym might also be a drawback for fitness-oriented couples. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Hotel Experience

The Eliros Mare Hotel presents a stark contrast in guest experiences. While some praise its cozy atmosphere, beautiful beach, and exceptionally friendly staff, a significant number of reviews highlight serious issues. The most frequently cited problem is a pervasive sewage smell that affects rooms, hallways, and dining areas, often accompanied by sewage flies. This, combined with a musty odor from the air conditioning, severely impacts the comfort and perceived hygiene of the property. Reddit

Community Tip: If you are sensitive to smells or concerned about hygiene, it's advisable to contact the hotel directly before booking to inquire about any recent improvements or specific room allocations. Managing expectations is key, as the reality for many guests has fallen short of a typical 5-star standard. Reddit

Another area of concern is the "gym," which is described as minuscule, poorly equipped, and with outdated, potentially unsafe equipment. Access is restricted, making it difficult for guests to utilize. Reddit

Dining and All-Inclusive Realities

The dining experience at Eliros Mare Hotel receives mixed reviews. Some guests enjoyed the tasty food and variety offered within the all-inclusive package, finding it to be good value. However, a recurring complaint is that the food can be repetitive and of poor quality, not aligning with the expectations of a luxury resort. Reddit

Adding to the disappointment for some, there are reports of extra charges for basic items such as fresh orange juice or even a simple iced coffee, which guests felt should be included in an all-inclusive plan. The dining hall itself is often described as resembling a school cafeteria, characterized by noise, crowds, and loud staff, detracting from a relaxed dining atmosphere. Reddit

Traveler Insight: While the all-inclusive package can offer convenience, be prepared for potential upcharges on certain items and a less-than-refined dining environment. Reddit

The Almyros River Delta Environment

The Almyros River Delta near Georgioupoli offers a natural setting with a beautiful beach and clear waters, which many guests find appealing. The proximity to the river delta provides a scenic backdrop and opportunities for enjoying the coastline. Reddit

However, visitors should be aware of potential environmental factors. Mosquitoes are frequently mentioned as a significant nuisance, particularly in the evenings, affecting enjoyment of outdoor spaces like the beach bar, pool area, and even rooms. Reddit

Local Tip: Bringing effective insect repellent is highly recommended if you plan to spend time outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn. Reddit

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