Golden Bay — Hotel in Municipality of Chersonissos

We recently stayed at Golden Bay Apartments as a family of five. two adults, a teenager, a child, and a toddler and it was such a lovely experience that we’re already planning to return.||When we first arrived, we were placed in a room that wasn’t quite to our liking in terms of the outlook. However, the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and kindly moved us to a different one. The rooms themselves are immaculately clean and very comfortable, although slightly on the small side for a larger family like ours. Next time, we’ll likely book an extra room for our teenager just to give everyone a bit more space.||In terms of in-room facilities, I’d describe this as a solid 3-star , quite basic, but everything you need is there. We had a couple of small issues during our stay, but to their credit, the team resolved them almost immediately. A really pleasant surprise was the beds unlike many hotels, they were actually bouncy and soft, making for a great night’s sleep.||What truly sets this hotel apart, however, is the atmosphere and the people. In that respect, it’s a 5-star+ experience. Every single staff member we interacted with was kind, generous, and genuinely welcoming. A huge thank you to Joanna, George, Rita, and Stelios, who were absolute superstars. Joanna has the sweetest heart, and George not only makes great drinks but is a genuinely lovely person. The rest of the team, from housekeeping to reception, breakfast staff to maintenance, were equally wonderful. We felt so well looked after, and they were fantastic with our children.||The breakfast was good , simple but satisfying, with something for everyone. What really impressed us, though, was the bar food: absolutely delicious and easily a 10 out of 10. We would have loved to try the on-site taverna if it had been open — maybe next time!||The hotel is incredibly peaceful and relaxing, with always enough sun loungers available. There was a lovely sense of community among the guests, many of whom had their “usual spots” by the pool. It made for a friendly and familiar environment, which we loved.||Location-wise, it’s in a quieter area, but that’s part of its charm. There’s a small shop nearby for essentials, and a 15-minute walk takes you to Kokkini Hani, a livelier resort with more restaurants and shops. There are a few good local restaurants just a couple of minutes’ walk away, and the Crete Aquarium, which is great for kids, is also not far, perfect for a midday break from the sun.||The hotel has a lovely little park with astro turf the equipment is like little tikes so it’s softer for younger children, it’s shaded by about 6/7 so perfect for the kids to burn off some energy before dinner or bed. ||Honestly the best drinks in the area, Joanna makes the best ice coffee ever and George really knows his way around bars and cocktails! ||All in all, if you’re looking for a modern, spotless, peaceful hotel with outstanding hospitality, Golden Bay Apartments is a real find. We’ll definitely be back when our little one is more comfortable with flying.||Highly recommended....

I have just come back from a week here. There are lots of great things about this hotel and some not so great. Golden Bay is a small holiday complex that is a road away from a stone beach. We were welcomed by George late at night who was very nice. There is a €10 a night local tax. We went to our room which was fine. The room felt very small for a family of four but we were not planning on spending lots of time on there. Everything was clean and functional.

I'm the morning we visited the pool. It looks small but we never shared it with more than five people. We always had a sun bed and we're able to relax. The pool bar is manned by Joanna and George. They are both lovely and the bar always has great songs playing from a local radio station. After a week, we felt relaxed and the kids loved it. Travel to and from the airport was short. As we were to be out of our room at 11am, we paid €50 and had a day room. We left at 11pm and it was a god send!

Pros: Staff are lovely. The place is small and quiet. Breakfast was great and food was always nice from the bar. There is a pool table for the kids to play (€2 a game). You are as close to the beach as you can get. Some of the rooms have a sea view. The pool is nice.

Cons: The rooms are a bit small. The cooking area wasn't really usable as you do not have a lot of space. The toilets smell. There was a drain issue outside the room. You are under a direct flight path and have planes overhead every 20 mins or so. Food and drink is a bit pricey but not too bad. A majority of the rooms do not view the sea. It would be a challenging place for someone with mobility issues.

Gournes has 8 places to eat and one small supermarket. There isn't anything else there.

Useful tips.

Turn right out of the complex and head up the street to the he village. There is an amazing bakery and small supermarket which is reasonable.

Head right out of the complex towards the aquarium. A five minute walk leads you to a beautiful beach which is used by the locals.

The aquarium is a good place to go if it is too hot or the kids want to go somewhere.

There are buses from the village that head towards Hereklion.

Visit the small shop to the left for snacks but avoid any other shopping . It is expensive.

If possible, rent a car from Hereklion. You will find it a lot easier to get around.

Download the freenow app. This will allow you to book a taxi and know what you are paying. Saved us €20 on a trip to Knossos.

I hope that helps and that you enjoy your time...

We have just got back from an amazing week at Golden Bay. We have stayed in Crete on numerous occasions but this is by far our best ever stay. Staying as a family of 5 we had a one bedroom apartment with 2 sofa beds. The apartment was a good size and the amenities provided within the room were spot on. The beds were very comfortable and the travel cot provided was excellent as well. The pool is a good size and there is always sunbeds available. The pool bar provides ample refreshments and provides food up until half 4 every day. The food is excellent and is reasonably priced as well. The pool bar has Joanna during the day and George at night. Not enough can be said about how brilliant they are. From the moment you arrive they make you feel a part of the fabric of the place and truly become friends during your stay. Joanna will not stop from the moment she arrives until she leaves and George makes the best cocktails you’ve ever tasted. Rita and Mariana on reception go out of their way to be helpful and make your stay comfortable and are always on hand to help you with any need you may have. The breakfast provided in the morning is well stocked and the staff again are incredibly attentive. The cleaners come round everyday and provide fresh towels and clean the rooms to a high standard. The staff truly make Golden Bay and we were all very sad to have to leave after a week and could have stayed for another. We will absolutely return and cannot wait to come back. The atmosphere the staff create means that guests interact and you all become very close knit and friends very quickly. Thank you to all the staff at Golden Bay for a brilliant stay!!||Away from the hotel the area it is in is on the quieter side. There are some nice beaches a 5/10 minute walk away which will charge 10 Euros for 2 sunbeds for the day. There are half a dozen tavernas again around a 5 minute walk down the road. In and Out, Ambrosia and Avra are great. There is a small supermarket on the strip but to get more supplies for your room you’ll have to go to Kokkini Hani which is about a 20 minute walk away. Again for any souvenirs etc you’ll have to go there. The aquarium is a 10 minute walk away and is well worth a visit. To go further a field I would suggest...