We spent 7 days in an all inclusive holiday at Katrin Hotel and Bungalows in Stalida (Stalis), Crete – Greece. If you’re looking to stay there, then you might want to keep on reading our review.
As always, please keep in mind all my reviews are (very) subjective and you might find your experience to be quite different than mine.
Now, let’s see if this hotel was a hit or miss!
- Location and what to visit nearby
- Katrin hotel rooms review
- Food review
- All inclusive program
- Staff
- Pros and cons
- Hotel map
Perfect Location for Sea Lovers
We were looking for a hotel to book that was close to the beach and in our budget range. And we found Katrin suites in Crete, which was perfect!
If you’re someone that likes the sea and sand and you’re looking to sunbathe everyday, while hearing the waves, then yes, this hotel is for you. Not to mention, it’s very close.
It’s around 4 minutes to get from the hotel to the beach: you exit the hotel, make a right, pass the neighboring supermarket, descend beneath the road via pedestrian pass, get on the other side, and there you have it! You can see the sea. There’s just a 15m soft slope to the beach and sunbeds.
While we were in Anastasia Hotel last year, in Stalida, which was a couple of miles away, Katrin hotel was way closer! I’ve placed below a Google map for reference, but the PIN is actually further than the hotel actually is. Katrin hotel is facing the road, the PIN is actually the reception. But, just so you can get an idea of how close it is to the sea.
Besides being close to the beach, you also had a Wash & Dry laundromat right next to the hotel, if you ever needed one. It’s self-service, open from 8:00 until 23:00.
A supermarket is right next to the Wash & Dry: Maria supermarket. You can get drinks, snacks, some local souvenirs, and whatnot. I personally bought some olives to take home and some Greek sweets. Pricing wise you could probably find products to be just a little bit cheaper somewhere else, but it was just right next to the hotel, so it was convenient to buy some things from there.
Oh, and I forgot: Katrin hotel has its own parking space. So, if you’re looking to rent a car from the hotel or somewhere else (which I would advise, because the hotel rentals are more expensive) and explore the surroundings, you won’t have to worry about parking.
Where can you go?
Because the location was so great, besides walking on the shoreline, we also rented a car and went on a one day mini trip.
First stop’: Olive Oil Factory – My Favorite
I knew I wanted to visit again Vassilakis Estate – an oil factory, which I had visited the year before. Their Merlin Orange balsamic vinegar was something I craved for. I took three bottles and hoped they would last me some time. Buy the time I am writing this review, half of the first bottle is already gone…
If you stick to their schedule, you can have a tour of the estate and a small history lesson. You’ll have tastings after and decide if you want to purchase anything. The tour is free, the basic one, which also includes the small tastings at the end. But, you can book wine tastings, olive oil tastings, have a picnic and some other things, Check them out – https://vassilakisestate.gr/tours/
Learn the history of olive oil
From the oil factory, we went to stop at Spiridi olive oil farm. This is actually what it says it is: a farm, not a factory. I wouldn’t call it a “farm” to be honest. It was more like a small setting where visitors could walk around and explore different zones of the so called farm.
You would learn about how olive oil was made years go, how raki was made, see the old hardware (like a traditional olive press), and other things. I actually found it quite interesting, especially the 15 minutes documentary, narrated by the owner.
I couldn’t help myself and while heading out, I turned right and bought some things: olive oil with garlic inside, some local honey with flavors, and a balsamic vinegar. You can taste them before, just to make sure you actually like them.
I don’t remember exactly how much the entrance fee was, but we were given a tablet (each one of us) and we could play the video for each zone in the farm, for a quick history lesson. Also, you got to taste those products, at the end. On their website it states 8 EUR, so it was probably that much.
Eat delicious seafood
We continued our trip into Agios Nikolaos and stopped to eat at Faros Seaside Restaurant. If you also like seafood, like I do, then stop here.
We were there around 12 and the place was empty. This was because it was actually closed, they wouldn’t serve customers until 12:30. But, despite their schedule, they sat us down and said they would happily serve us drinks and we could order food later – which we did.
Staff was extremely nice, the location of the restaurant is right on the shoreline, and, most of all, the food was great!
We had fish, octopus, mussels, shrimps and garlic bread – everything was delicious and we ate it all! And price wise, we thought the bill would be much higher, but we ended up paying around 110 EUR, with drinks and free desert included. What a bargain!
See amazing sunsets
Craving that sunset that’s just perfect for a romantic evening? Or maybe looking to take the perfect Cretan photo? Drive to Sisi!
We got this tip from the lady that rented us the car, Barbara. She said we would see an amazing sunset if we go to Sisi and be there at 18:00. Which we did.
We found the perfect spot at the Cactus pub, ordered drinks and waited. And waited. We ordered food. And we waited. The sunset was actually after 20:00 so we didn’t get to see it. What we got to see was the beginning of the sunset and the great atmosphere at the bar.
Barbara probably told us to be there by 18:00 because the bars and terraces started getting a crowd. By the time we finished our meals, the Cactus pub was running at full capacity – and so were the other neighboring bars.
Cactus pub: perfect for the sunset, for drinks – but as far as dining there, you don’t have that many options. It’s perfect for a late snack tho.
@7daysabroad We were advised that Sisi was the best place to see the sunset from the Bay of Malia. Any other good spots? #maliacrete #sunset #sea ♬ Saltwater Daydream – Jazz Fingers
Local village vibes
From Katrin hotel, take the road Epar.Od. Stalidas – Gonion and head up to Mochos.
Why? Well, for breathtaking views of the Malia bay and to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Cretan village.
@7daysabroad How about the view from the top? Bay of Malia in Crete is amazing! #cretegreece #maliacrete #seaview #stalida ♬ original sound – 7DaysAbroad
Rooms and Amenities – Hit or Miss?
Both.
We booked a room with a sea view, which was on the second floor of the reception building. But, before being checked in that room, we were given an apartment with a jacuzzi for our first night.
Now, they said it was a complementary gift because our flight was late. But, truth be told, it was because probably our room got overbooked. I mean, we arrived at 2 a.m. (should have arrived around 20:30) and instead of checking us in our room, you’re telling us we will be spending our first night in this apartment and we need to clear it before 10 a.m. the next day? I thought that was so wrong, but I was tired and just went to bed, there was no point in arguing.
Katrin Bungalows Rooms
I’ll start by saying that our friends had a bunk bed room, as they had their 2 kids with them. They said everything was great: they loved the room and they loved that it was being cleaned daily.
Me? Not that much!
I’ll start with the apartment with the jacuzzi: outdated. I mean, I looked on their website: it’s nowhere near those photos! Or, maybe it’s not even on their website, I can’t tell.
What I can certainly say is that the apartment was clean, the beds were comfortable and the blackout curtains did their job! We slept from 2 a.m. until 12 minutes past 10 a.m. When I opened my eyes I thought it was around 4 a. m. and was wondering what all the buzz was about. It was pitch dark in the room.
The sea view room in which we ended up staying was just perfect – minus the bathroom door, which was chipped, had rust on the handle and lacked some parts of it, towards the floor.
But, overall, the room looked great, furniture was in good condition and I was pleased with it. It resembles a lot with the photos on their website.
You can check out both room and apartment in the video of the hotel.
Would I stay in the sea view room again? Yes, probably. Would I ever get the jacuzzi apartment? No, never.
Dine Inside or Go Outside: Food
Dine inside! One thing I really enjoyed was the food at Katrin hotel. I honestly expected way less and I was prepared to dine outside the hotel every evening. Boy, did this hotel prove me wrong!
I’ll start with breakfast
I honestly don’t eat much for breakfast. Sometimes, I skip it entirely. But, that week, I ate breakfast everyday! I’m not even sure how to say this, but my relationship with Katrin hotel’s breakfast was unbreakable. And I’m not talking about cereals and milk. I’m talking about: french fries, bacon, eggs, olives, cheese, pies – all for me, please!
You had lots to choose from, for breakfast: from cereals with milk, pancakes, toast with jam, beans and sausages, to semolina desserts (which I loved) and other meats you could choose from.
For me, that first breakfast I had at Katrin hotel, was the first day breakfast became the most important meal of my day. For 6 straight mornings. Perfection!
Lunch and dinner – same thing. Loved every meal.
If you’re a vegan, you’ll probably love how they cook their vegetables – I know I did. For maybe more than half of my stay there, I morphed into a vegan, for lunch and dinner. Perfectly cooked onion, all kinds of pepper, cauliflower, broccoli, eggplants, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes – all oven baked. I believe I have certainly missed some vegetables from the menu, but those I remember with a sigh and a watering mouth.
They had an amazing ragù sauce for the pasta, they served delicious lamb, chicken, pork and fish.
Salads were there, but I never tried any.
Desserts were there: tried them all (almost)! I’d be exaggerating if I would say I loved each and every dessert. We would usually grab a plate and take one piece of each dessert and we would all try them. We were 6, so please don’t judge. If someone liked something, they would go get some more, for them. We rarely left one cake unfinished.
You can see one sample of all the meals in the video I filmed. I’m sure you’ll find something to eat everytime!
Is the hotel really All inclusive?
If you’re wondering how All Inclusive Eurohotel Katrin hotel & bungalows, well, I guess you can say it’s “mostly” all inclusive. I have the schedule for the all inclusive program they gave me, so I’ll just write it below:
Full board in main restaurant “Amvrosia”:
- breakfast 07:30 – 10:00;
- lunch 12:30 – 14:30;
- dinner 18:30 – 21:30
all accompanied by soft drinks, juices, local beer, local wine.
Pool bars: Posseidon 10:00 – 18:00:
- soft drinks, local beer, local wine, ouzo, brandy, raki;
- sandwiches, snacks, fresh fruits 11:00 – 12:30;
- ice cream 12:00 – 15:30;
- coffee time 16:00 – 17:00.
Pool bars: Sunshine action pool 10:00 – 18:00:
- late continental breakfast 10:00 – 11:00;
- soft drinks, local beer, local wine, ouzo, brandy, raki;
- sandwiches, snacks, fresh fruits, salads 11:00 – 16:00;
- ice cream 12:00 – 15:30;
- coffee time 16:00 – 17:00.
Mini bar Dionissos 18:00 – 23:00 (opening hours 18:00 – 01:00):
- soft drinks;
- local beer;
- local wine;
- local spirits: ouzo, raki, brandy, vodka, gin, whisky, rum, tequila;
- coffee.
Animation, entertainment and sport activities
Light animation program 6 days a week: water polo, quiz, darts, games, gymnastics, aqua gym, bingo, competitions, tournaments, board games, table tenis, etc.
Although the hotel offers free sunbeds and umbrellas, if you need beach towels, you would need to pay for them. I was told at the reception that if you want a beach towel, you would need to pay 10 EUR deposit and 3 EUR per day.
Also, after a certain hour ( I believe it was 23:00), they would not serve you free drinks at the main bar Dionissos – you would have to pay for them.
Gym usage was free, but you needed to make a reservation in advance, at the reception – which I thought was a bit uncomfortable. I never went, just because of that, so I don’t know how the gym looks, sorry!
So, not sure Katrin suites in Crete offers your standard “all inclusive”, but it gets pretty close to it.
Is the hotel staff nice at Katrin hotel?
Generally, yes, the hotel staff was welcoming and nice. The reception staff was nice, the ladies cleaning the rooms were nice, the restaurant staff was nice, the SPA ladies always inviting us there were nice (never went, but they were still nice).
2 people I thought weren’t that nice: the gentleman from the car rentals and the barman who asked 5 EUR for a lemon slice – jokingly, but not really. The man from the car rental just seemed bored to even talk to us and we could feel his lack of enthusiasm, so we just gave up. Rented a car from the beach area.
Otherwise, I found all the staff was great. Thank you for being so welcoming!
Pros and Cons of Katrin hotel – My Personal Point of View
There were some obvious pros and cons while spending 7 days at Katrin hotel and bungalows, in Stalida, Crete. There were some things that positively surprised me, but some things I would not have expected, and could have gone without ever knowing.
Pros: great meals, clean rooms, nice staff.
Cons: low entertainment standards, shouting until 2 a.m. and no staff taking action, gym with reservation.
Was I 100% satisfied with this hotel? No. Would I go there again? Possibly.
If you have questions, let me know in a comment. If you have other tips about this hotel, also let us know in a comment. Enjoy your stay, if you’re going!
P.S.: I’m leaving below a map of Katrin hotel in Stalis (or Stalida) Crete so you can see the size of the hotel. It might look big on the map, but it’s actually not
