Solimar Emerald

My husband and I spent a week at the Solimar Emerald in August 2024. We were absolutely thrilled. We were warmly welcomed on arrival and taken to our room by Rodoula. It was very large and clean. It is not a completely new hotel, which is why the wardrobe showed some signs of wear. However, we didn't find this a problem at all. It is a small hotel and you quickly get the feeling of being one big family. Not least because of Zara, who organises the entertainment. He is motivated but not intrusive. Perhaps a little too much French, but this is also due to the fact that around 80 % of the guests are French. It didn't bother us. The rest of the staff speak English as well as Greek and are no less friendly. The evening programme was varied and we really enjoyed ourselves, especially at the cocktail night and the karaoke. The food was varied and good. 2 times a week you can make your own food (gyros pita and tzatziki). A big highlight for us were the two cats Soli and Gino, who came round regularly and were very friendly. On the last day, despite checking out at 12, we were allowed to stay at the pool until 4pm (when we got picked up) and benefit from all the all-inclusive offers. The location is also great. It's about 6 kilometres from the city centre, so it's quiet. Nevertheless, everything important (beach, shopping facilities, bus stop) is right there. The bus takes about 15-20 minutes to Rethymnon. All in all, a very successful holiday that we can recommend to anyone.

A truly terrifying experience. Rooms overheated, air con unable to combat it. Window broken, no running water in kitchenette Wasp infestation that was reported with no action taken despite partner having an allergy. Entertainer was never seen, 5 nights there and only saw him once. Complaints met with aggressive responses from staff witnessed by several other holidaymakers. No evidence of any pool cleaning takes place. And lastly and most importantly - the food, repeated, left out in sun at times, reheated mush, not in hygienic setting, caused various stomach aches and sudden change in bowel movements. The pictures below show the filth and grime in the kitchen alone. Despite all inclusive stating it covered alcohol and soft drinks, they choose to charge for WATER! We had to eat out to avoid malnutrition. A 4 star hotel? A one star nightmare! If you value your life and wish to be treated with dignity and respect then choose somewhere else. The only saving grace was a very warm and friendly reception team whose spirit hasn't broken yet.

It doesn’t deserve 4 stars, MAX 2. Rooms need a renovation, food is poor quality, all inclusive alcohols are undrinkable except a beer. Only location and personel is nice. I’m totally disappointed because of all inclusive price. I would not like to come back here never again.