Disappointed – Not What You Expect from a 5-Star Hotel
I usually don’t write long reviews, but this experience calls for honesty.
Upon arrival at Harmony Boutique Crete, we were welcomed with a drink and a long presentation about the hotel. While charming at first, it was a full hour of unnecessary information — spa, bars, excursions — with zero focus on what actually matters for a guest’s comfort. And no one even asked if we wanted that much detail after a long trip.
We booked a room with two separate beds (mother and son). The receptionist said such rooms don’t exist and blamed the tour operator. Sorry — but that’s not the guest’s problem. Your hotel has a contract with TUI and should honor what the guest booked. Their “solution”? A housekeeper dropped two sets of sheets on the bed and left. No bed-making. In a 5-star hotel?
The room is pretty but not functional. The balcony is useless due to strong food smells from the restaurant’s exhaust system — impossible to enjoy even for 3 minutes.
But the real failure came at dinner. At check-in, no one told us that the last food order must be placed by 21:30. So when we walked into the Ophelia restaurant at exactly 21:30, we were turned away by a rude waiter who refused to speak English (despite request). Reception told us it was probably our fault, that we “didn’t remember being told.” We weren’t. That kind of guest-blaming is unacceptable.
Eventually, after much stress, we were taken to another restaurant (Autograph), where the staff were already cleaning and clearly wanted us gone. They served us a salad with chicken and croutons and a pasta dish — even though my mother is pescatarian and gluten-free, which the hotel had been informed about. This could have led to serious health consequences. The final “meal”? A few roasted potatoes. That was it.
We left feeling humiliated and went to a local taverna (Arolithos) where we were welcomed like guests — within 5 minutes we had Greek meze, salad, ouzo, water, and friendly service. THAT is hospitality. Something Harmony Boutique seriously lacks.
For a hotel with such high reviews and five stars, this was a shockingly poor experience — miscommunication, disorganization, form over function, and most of all, a complete lack of genuine hospitality.
We travel to Greece often — usually staying in Mitsis, Grecotel, or Chania Flair Boutique Hotel, Tapestry Collection By Hilton hotels. Sadly, Harmony Boutique is far behind. I would change hotels if not for our short 4-day stay and package contract.
I will update this review after the end of our stay, in fairness to the hotel. But today was a serious disappointment that no 5-star hotel should allow.
UPDATE
Following my initial review, I’d like to acknowledge that the hotel responded to our feedback, which I truly appreciate. At breakfast, gluten-free options were introduced — including freshly baked rolls that were genuinely delicious. Staff were clearly better informed, which made a real difference. That said, on the day when Jaba wasn’t on duty, the restaurant felt noticeably more chaotic. His presence clearly brings structure and quality to the service.
Our room was cleaned regularly — nothing exceptional, but clean and sufficient. Unfortunately, due to a mistake by receptionist Viky, we missed one à la carte dinner we had booked. It’s not even worth getting into now. Thankfully, the hotel offered us a dinner at another restaurant, fully covered — a kind and appreciated gesture.
That evening at Armonia, served by the same outstanding waiter we had met before, was exactly what we’d expected from a 5-star hotel — perfect and even magical.
All in all, the hotel clearly made an effort, and we noticed several thoughtful touches during the second half of our stay.
Overall? A much better experience than it started with. So yes — it was more than good. And come on — the beautiful beach, the fresh fruit salad served right there, and the crystal-clear sea really make up for a lot. Moments like that remind you: you’re still on holiday in Greece — and that’s...
Read moreMy mother and i stayed at the Harmony Boutique Resort located in the fishing village of Georgioupolis on the island of Crete. Firstly i want to point out that the hotel is stunning, i love the Boutique feel that the hotel has achieved by having smaller building's dotted about. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome by Kaan who works in Guest Relations, he took us to cool room and offered us a choice of drinks to tell us sbout the hotel and facitlities. There are multiple different pool options some within the hotel and then another in the sister hotel across the street but kids are allowed in that one, asa result there are loads of sun lounges so you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to reserve one! There is also a really lovely private beach just steps away, again loads of loungers available. There is a rooftop bar at another sister hotel which is a nice spot for after dinner drinks.||We booked Full Board, which in hindsight i would probably only do Half Board next time, not because of the food quality and choices but it would be nice to sample the little traditional restuants that are plentiful. As part of the FB package you can east at the Ophelia a la carte restaurant which you have lots of choices for breakfast and dinner. At dinner, they changed the menu every 2 days show casing foods from the different parts of Greece. Shout out to Filo who took us through the menu and gave us recomendations, they also have a nice touch where by they have a recommended a wine pairing, of course were allowed to try! One of the waiters Petros deserves a mention too, had really good service from him. For lunch we went to the Buffet which was also good, you could also order a la carte if you want to but that depends on the hotels occupancy.||When checking out they also give you a gift bag with a bottle of Olive oil and a bottle of water which i thought was a nice touch. I would most definately stay there again, wish i could have stayed for another!||took us to a cool room while|| Everyone was very helpful |Olive oil||AI||My mother and I recently enjoyed a stay at the Harmony|Boutique Resort in the fishing village of Georgioupolis on the island of Crete.|I must say, the hotel is absolutely stunning. I especially loved the boutique|feel created by the smaller buildings scattered around the property.|| ||Upon our arrival, Kaan from Guest Relations warmly welcomed|us, took us to a seated area, and offered us a choice of drinks while providing|information about the hotel and its facilities. The resort boasts multiple pool|options, some within the hotel and another in the sister hotel across the|street, which is open to kids. Consequently, there are plenty of sun loungers|available, eliminating the need to rush to reserve one. Additionally, the|resort offers a lovely private beach just steps away, with ample loungers|available. We also took advantage of the rooftop bar at another sister hotel,|which provided a great spot for after-dinner drinks.|| ||We opted for the Full Board package, although in hindsight,|I might choose the Half Board option next time, not due to the food quality or|choices, but to experience the traditional restaurants in the area. As part of|the Full Board package, we dined at the Ophelia à la carte restaurant, which|offered a wide variety of breakfast and dinner choices. The dinner menu changes|every two days, featuring foods from various regions of Greece. Special thanks|to Filo, who guided us through the menu and provided recommendations. They also|suggested wine pairings, allowing us to try different options. I must mention|the excellent service provided by one of the waiters, Petros. For lunch, we|visited the Buffet, which also offered good food. Additionally, à la carte ordering|was available, dependent on the hotel's occupancy.|| ||Upon checking out, we received a thoughtful gift bag|containing a bottle of Olive oil and a bottle of water, which was a nice touch.|I can confidently say that I would definitely stay there again, and I wish I|could have stayed for...
Read moreMy recent stay at Corissia Harmony was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warmth and impeccable service by the reception staff. Their attention to detail and genuine hospitality set the tone for an unforgettable experience.
The highlight of my stay was undoubtedly the room with a mini pool as an extension of the balcony. It was a slice of paradise, offering a private oasis where I could relax and unwind in complete privacy. The room itself was spacious, elegantly furnished, and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and luxurious stay. The mini pool was an absolute delight, providing a serene and refreshing retreat right at my fingertips.
Throughout my stay, Patrick, one of the hotel's staff members, went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of my experience was exceptional. From providing valuable recommendations for local attractions to promptly attending to any requests or queries, Patrick's attentiveness and professionalism were truly commendable. His warm and friendly demeanor made me feel welcome and well taken care of throughout my stay.
Corissia Harmony offers a plethora of amenities and facilities that cater to every guest's needs. The resort boasts a stunning pool area, surrounded by lush greenery, where I could soak up the sun and indulge in moments of pure relaxation. The on-site restaurant served a delectable array of culinary delights, showcasing the rich flavors of Greek cuisine. The attentive staff ensured that every dining experience was a treat for the taste buds, further enhancing the overall stay.
The location of Corissia Harmony is truly a gem. Situated in the enchanting town of Georgioupoli, it offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility. The pristine beaches, charming streets, and picturesque harbor are just a stone's throw away, providing endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
The spa at Corissia Harmony boasts an array of amenities designed to cater to the well-being of its guests. The jacuzzi provided a blissful and soothing experience, allowing me to unwind and relax in its warm and bubbling waters. The sauna, with its gentle heat, offered a detoxifying and invigorating retreat, leaving me feeling refreshed and revitalized. The highlight of my spa journey was undoubtedly the massage session. The skilled therapists at Corissia Harmony are masters in their craft, delivering a truly indulgent and therapeutic experience. With their expert hands and soothing techniques, they eased away all my tension and stress, leaving me in a state of pure bliss.
In summary, Corissia Harmony is a luxurious haven that exceeded all my expectations. From the delightful room with a mini pool to the exceptional service provided by the reception staff and Patrick, every moment of my stay was truly memorable. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for their dedication and commitment to ensuring a flawless experience. If you are seeking a 5-star resort hotel in Georgioupoli, Corissia Harmony is the perfect choice for an indulgent and...
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