What People are saying

Family holiday for 4 ( children age 11 & 15)

baxter114on 15/08/2017 08:55

We arrived around midnight and tentatively asked if there was any chance of something to eat. The receptionist advised they always look after their late arrivals. The dining room was opened for us and food had been left out, soft drink machine working and we sat down to a nice meal. No one rushed us out.
The room for 4 people is a tad small! ( we are on our last couple of days). However we did book very late and there was no other choice. The food is plentiful and good. Huge choice suitable for everyone. There is food and drink available in the pool bar nearly all day and a choice of flavoured ice cream.The hotel itself is on a huge plot. There are plenty of sun beds for everyone either in the pool area or the beach which is a step away. Guests are asked politely not to reserve beds but guess what? That is ignored! In our two weeks here we have never done without a sun bed! The pool is a good size but is salt water, which unfortunately our younger daughter had a reaction to although she was fine in the sea. Both girls had great fun ducking and diving the waves. There is a lifeguard on duty but the sea seems very safe .
The staff are all extremely friendly and smiley and are all on the go all the time. The Maitre'd in the dining room is super efficient ensuring tables are available quickly. I agree that maybe the cocktails could be a bit more imaginative, and maybe there should be more staff serving drinks at the pool bar as sometimes there is a long queue.
The hotel itself is very clean and although full never seems overcrowded. There are lots of families here but not really anything provided for teenagers. Animation team are very friendly and work tirelessly to entertain guests all day and in the evening.
A kettle is provided in the room with an assortment of tea/coffee but it is not restocked. We had an issue with the room cleaners but will mention that to management separately
There are areas which could do with a makeover but considering the heavy use has to be expected. We have had a really good holiday, been out and about (local bus service reliable and stop is right outside the hotel). If it is true this hotel is going to be refurbished to 5* it certainly has the scope and potential to be a good one!
We have been happy here and would definitely come again!

The best hotel at this level for nearby 50 KM

Hunan Aon 14/08/2017 15:35

We visited first time to Crete, Greece. We always stayed at luxury class hotels from Starwood chain and our lovely hotel was Sheraton. Rates for this hotel chain was extremely high in Greece and we chose this hotel by TripAdvisor search and feedback and have some concerns over service and room we should get for our holidays. First I read all negative feedback and was concerned over what I have booked.

But on the first step of our arrival to hotel we get get super super super service and staff is so friendly helping to resolve all issues. First We come from Airport by taxi. I would suggest others not to take taxi since you are paying 25 Euro for 5 minutes drivers and for 8 Kilometers. It does not worth that. Instead you need just get out from small airport and on the other side of road outside of airport you will have bus station. Very comfortable buses with Free Wifi and air conditioning. You will pay 2 Euro per person and they run every 15 minutes. Best way to go to this hotel by bus and you will be happy you do that way instead of taking taxi. No much difference between taxi and bus.

we arrive early morning around 6 am clock but reception was very nice and they arrange for us breakfast and allow us to use hotel amenities and arrange our 2 rooms at 10:30 earlier than supposed. They were so nice and friendly. I have get this service for 5 star hotels but it was done by part of service. Here you get it as part of friendly attitude and honest desire to make you feel your holidays is passed good with them.

Food: It is real 5-6 star hotel food. This was really astonishing. I have been staying only in Lux class for last 9 years. This hotel food is more than anybody can expect. It can not be expresses by words the variety and amount. You need to test and it is supplied without limits. You eat all day and anytime you search for it is nearby. All is done so testy and delicious. Before coming I ready some bad comments on food and now i can tell if anybody is complaining from this hotel food then he just doing something else rather expressing situation with food provided. It is not even issue of test since every can find super food for every day for all. Variety is so huge.

Hotel is nice and clean. It is pure family type hotel. Cleaners do cleaning every day. I always leave tip to persons who help with cleaning room. My suggestion to do it as well. 2 Euro per day. But you may not pay for this and you still get good service.

Facilities. It is good for family rest. A lot of Children here and all done for children play, run, freedom feeling and home environment

Amusement: Every day you have concerts, shows,In 9 days we have two life music. Bar is open and free for alcoholic beverages, coffee from 6 to 12th. You dont need to take with you alcohol since all is good quality martini, Ramazotii liqueurs, Ouzo, Tequila, Bacardi Rum all you need for good cocktails alcoholic and non alcoholic and barmen professional know how to do it

Location: It is close to Heraklion. You need to take bus in front of hotel and in 10 minutes you will be in Heraklion. Center is nice for Shopping for cosmetics Hondas center, HM, Adidas, Nike some souvenirs shops.

Sea. Hotel is located close to sea and it has huge sandy beach. Plenty of places for taking umbrella and beach beds. You dont need to worry to go there all the time there is plenty space for this.

So in one words holiday was super I had and definitely I will suggest to people who wants to come first time here BOOK without doubt. You get more than you paid. For people who has been here I don't doubt in 99 % they will fascinated and will come back.

One more issue in front of hotel on the lefts side there are shops. Talk with Seller of last shop they are husband and wife. They will offer you good home made drink raki with honey. It is very testy drink and you will glad you buy it. They offer free testing. They are very friendly all all Cretans just talk with them

Lovely

SDVTahon 11/08/2017 09:19

We were a large group and stayed at Arina Sand for a week at the end of July on an all inclusive basis. Would definitely recommend it for families with children. Short transfer from Herakliom airport (10 minutes) so perfect.
Enough sun lounger so no need to set an alarm!! The breach is beautiful. The pool which is salty water and not chlorinated, is big enough for both avid swimmers and excited children. You can get new beach towels everyday.
The rooms are clean but not fancy. There is a TV, DVD player, mini fridge (with only a bottle of water) and a safe. All rooms have sea view.
The animation team (who are Italian) are very friendly but not in your face. During the day, they organise aqua gym, water polo, beach volleyball, beach football, yoga/Pilates or aqua zumba. They also run a kids and a teen club.
The entertainment in the evenings is fun and divers: the animation team put on comedy and variety shows and some evening there is live music and dance performances.
The food is amazing. The buffet has a theme each evening and the choice and quality of food are excellent. All the staff are helpful.
The pool bar and main bar offer a good selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.
Although the majority of the guests (possibly over 85%) are Italian, all staff speak English, some German and Italian.
The trees around the hotel are full of Cicadas and you hear them constantly during the day, no matter where you go. But you don't see many. You might come across some dead ones on the grounds though. You don't hear them at night.

Great location great holiday

Jeffs4uon 10/08/2017 10:53

Just returned from a weeks stay with my husband and 14 and 11 year old. We had an amazing holiday at the Arina Sands.

Best bits:-
Beautiful location right on the beach.
Enthusiastic entertainment team who really try to include you ( they don't pester you though). My 11 year old did a number of activities around the pool including darts, water polo, football, and boules. They are mostly Italian but can speak wonderful English.
Great choice of food both in restaurant and snack bar.
Lots of space and never fight to get a sunbed either around the pool or on the beach.
Rooms cleaned daily.
Option to change towels daily.
Snacks all day and ice cream at the pool bar.
Amazing views of sunsets.

Bits to improve:-
Can't really say it is a 4* as the drink side lets it down but a little better than 3*.
Had to buy bottled water.
Wasn't shown to our room on arrival which I expect from 4*. Nor was there a drink on arrival although you could get one from the bar. No little welcome gifts in the room but there was a bottle of water in the fridge.
Stayed in a bungalow right near the beach which had amazing views but they are rather dated and could do with a coat of paint on the outside to make them look a bit more attractive. Bathroom also looks a bit tired.
Pet hate is plastic cups which drinks are served in. No care is taken to make nice cocktails. International brands. Inconsistent making of drinks. Better at pool bar. Would have liked to have seen nice milk shakes and cocktails made using blenders.
Need to label food better . I am vegetarian and a couple of times put food on my plate containing meat. My son also had an allergic reaction to something containing peanuts on the Asian night but luckily we rushed back to the room where he was instantly sick and was given a tablet to counteract the reaction so no harm done this time but could have been worse.
I am aware they are going to upgrade the hotel for next year to 5*. Some work to be done but I think a few tweaks and get the drinks right and we would definitely return.

Best holiday ever!!

sjdrisc45on 08/08/2017 10:24

I came here with my family from the 27th July to 3rd August and we had the best time.
On arrival the reception staff were very friendly and helpful. As it was late (10.15pm) they told us to go to the restaurant where there were cold food options and drinks.
Our rooms were very clean and spacious. We have a balcony with a lovely view of the sea.
In our rooms we had mini fridges which had a fresh bottle of water inside for us, air conditioning, towels for showers and also pool towels, plus the usual amenities. We also had a safe which was free of charge to use.
Our rooms were cleaned everyday and fresh towels everyday. You could also change pool towels everyday at the pool bar.
The food was lovely and each evening was a different theme, giving you the chance to try lots of different foods. The bar staff were very friendly and you had lots of drinks to choose from.
The pool area has lots of loungers around it plus extra on the terrace and the beach , so you don't have to stress each day about rushing to reserve any.
During the day there are various activities run by the animation team such as table tennis, football, water polo, darts, volleyball, French boules, Zumba,Pilates and Aqua gym ( which was my favourite run by the beautiful Aurora!)
The animation team work really hard to keep you entertained and are so friendly. They go out of their way to involve you and make you feel welcome and relaxed.
They work such long hours but are always full of enthusiasm and energy each day.
Mattia, Teresa, Giamba, Laura and Samuel are just some of the amazing animation team. Our favourite was our little Aqua gym ... Aurora xx
I would fully recommend this hotel and would happily return here for another holiday.
We had such an amazing week and made new friends and great family memories.
Thank you to all the staff at Arina sands and all the amazing Animation team 😍