Marilenna Studios

We have just spent a lovely 2 weeks in Crete. There is so much to see and do. The Marilenna Studios were a bit small and basic but no different to other places I've been to in Greece. They were always well cleaned and linen changed regularly. We didn't stay in the apartments much so we weren't bothered that there were no games/clubs etc for the kids or nothing at the apartments. If I had wanted a holiday like that I would have booked a hotel in Alcudia! There are loads of things to do and places to explore in Crete. Just get out there and enjoy yourself! There are a few Water parks to choose from, the best I think being Aquasplash. It was convenient just paying for everything when you leave instead of having to carry money about with you all day. You will see what I mean if you go there. I agree with the reviewer who said about shopping around to book trips. We booked through the rep and paid through the nose! We could have saved a fortune by just booking through the travel shops dotted around. I didn't hear of any problems from people booking through them. There are loads of bars and restaurants to choose from and we enjoyed our meal in every one we went to. Quite a few places offer you a free ouzo or raki before your meal. Very kind I must say. You don't get that service at the Dog and Duck in Chester! We had an early morning breakfast in a couple of places too. It was very surprising but the cooked breakfasts are just as we like them, if you like that sort of thing of course. If you do wish to eat in the apartments, a little word of advice. The Apartments are on a hill which can be a struggle in 90 degree heat. Get your stuff delivered to the apartments. One of the reviewers commented about the owner's supermarket being dearer than everyone else's. What's paying a couple of Euro more to have it delivered instead of trudging up and down a hill in that heat to save next to nothing? Just remember. You are on holiday. Take it easy! Enjoy your holiday.

Hersonissos itself is beautiful and there is plenty to do. The choice of restaurants is immense and the people are very friendly.

The Marilenna apartments are in a good location as long as you do not have mobility problems.

There are many problems to be found at the Marilenna Studios and Apartments so please be prepared if you are going there! The rooms are small and in a state of disrepair. The level of cleanliness is well below standard and unfortunately there is no reception to speak to about it! The owners are friendly when they want to be but can also become very off hand. The owner of the complex also owns a supermarket down the road and I must admit the offer of someone carrying your water to you is appealing however his supermarket is the most expensive out of all those that we looked and shopped in. Be aware that although there is the Wednesday night BBQ on the complex and the bar is open throughout the day and night, there is very little to do at the Marilenna studios. The site itself is also very small and can be claustrophobic. When it tells you in the brochure that it is basic accommodation then please believe it! The cookers and fridges are on there last legs and quite frankly nobody in their right minds would want to eat in the rooms as the plates are dirty and the cutlery is rusty.

oh and what tops the whole thing off is that the Kosmar Reps on the complex are definitely not helpful! if you do end up at this resort and it isn't up to standard remember that you must make a complaint and fill out a form before leaving and then you must follow it up within twenty eight day of returning home.

The Marilenna Studios are situated in a nice little area away from the main town but not too far away. It's only about a 15 - 20 minute walk to the beach front bars and restaurants. There are a load of restaurants to choose from and they all offer a large choice of meals. If you have children it's nice to stroll along the beach front/pier in the evening, before the party goers come out! It is quite busy all the time but the younger drinkers came out after midnight so parents and kids can have their time looking around in peace, not that I saw any sort of trouble there whatsoever.

There are a few trips to be taken but I would recommend the Greek night and the trip to Spinalonga on a boat. The prices for the trips will vary greatly and it is best to look around. You could cut the cost by 50%. There are a few travel shops offering trips. It's worth considering as you could save up to £100 over the holiday.

One last thing. Remember that you are in Greece and things are different than in England. The service may be a bit slower, there may be no urgency over anything but they are lovely people and are doing their best for us.