Guest User
September 3, 2024
I recently had the opportunity to stay at Star Beach, and while the location and the surrounding area of Crete were delightful, I must express my concerns regarding the hotel’s overall quality and service, which fell significantly short of the expected UK 4/5-star standards. On arrival it is unpleasant to hear guests at the reception desk arguing about how unhappy and disgusted they are with the hotel. I think maybe a guest relation desk away from reception would work better and give a better first impression to those new arrivals. Three guests were making complaints which made us immediately think negatively before we even got to our room. Firstly, the hotel is situated on a public beach, a detail that was not clearly communicated during the booking process. As a parent, I found the public environment unsettling, particularly due to the presence of loud drunken bar patrons and music, which created an uncomfortable atmosphere for families. Additionally, I noted the lack of visible security, raising concerns about safety, especially given reports of theft. Although my children are pre teen I was not happy to let them wonder if on their own due to this public drunken coming and going. The dining experience at the hotel was mixed. While the Minos restaurant offered a variety of options, we encountered issues with cleanliness, such as red ants in the dining area. Additionally, the milk provided for breakfast was not sufficiently chilled, and the staff’s cleaning practices raised concerns about cross-contamination using the same cloth to wipe down various food displays. I also observed that many guests displayed a lack of courtesy, which detracted from the overall experience. The Cretan star Taverna - a staff member rudely told us at 9pm it is ten mins to closing, although it shuts at 9:30pm. On a different occasion we went in at 2:10pm and were told rudely we had to be quick as they were closing in five mins yet lunch stops at 2:30pm, so we never dined in there again. Cleanliness was a significant issue throughout our stay. The restrooms near the pool and beach were often in a state of disrepair, making it necessary to seek alternative facilities. Our room cleaning was minimal, and I noticed areas, such as the phone beside the bed, were covered in dust, indicating inadequate cleaning protocols. Staff demeanor was another area of concern. Many employees in the bars appeared disinterested and unwelcoming, which contributed to a negative atmosphere. While there were a few exceptions, such as Claudia at the pool bar across the rd in the other part of the hotel, the overall impression was one of dissatisfaction among the staff. I have never met such an unhappy bunch of workers. The reception area was also problematic, as it felt more like a complaint center than a welcoming environment. The absence of air conditioning in the lobby during high temperatures was uncomfortable, and the layout of the hotel, particularly the lack of proximity betwe