CHC Galini Sea View

Though advertising claims a five-star experience, CHC Galini Sea View does not deliver. The lobby is spacious but plain; its neutral color scheme lacks visual interest and rows of leather couches are crowded in the center, making the overall layout feel disjointed rather than thoughtfully arranged. The main buffet restaurant is simple but contemporary, featuring wooden tables, cream-leather chairs, and blue tile. The ocean views here are great, but they're even more spectacular at the rooftop Chinese restaurant, which provides a more intimate setting under a wooden pavilion with hanging red lanterns. Aside from the beach, the main pool is the central focus of the hotel, but both areas are packed with loungers and feel crowded. Still, many couples and families are content to be a little close to others in order to enjoy the widespread gorgeous views.

CHC Galini Sea View is located in Agia Marina, an area popular with tourists for its beautiful beaches and proximity to Chania. True to its name, the hotel sits up on a hill overlooking the main coastal road and water beyond. It's a five-minute walk to the beach, as well as restaurants, shops, and scooter rentals on the main road. The village of Platanias can be reached in 10 minutes by car. Chania is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, and there travelers will find its popular Old Venetian Harbor and museums. From the hotel, it's a five-minute walk to the nearest bus stop and a 32-minute drive to Chania International Airport.

Guest rooms are spread among two buildings and outfitted in neutral tones through dark-wood furniture, beige tiles, and linens in shades of white, tan, or light peach. Though the furnishings are contemporary, the overall look is a bit lackluster. Their best feature is undoubtedly that they all have furnished balconies or terraces, most of which have views of the water. Some rooms show their age more than others, particularly in furniture that has been worn through much use. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, small flat-screen TVs, and safes, but only some come with kettles. Wi-Fi is free, but guests complain that the connection is spotty. 

Bathrooms are done in dark-purple tile with mosaic-tile accents, as well as a light-wood countertops and vessel sinks. The modern shower stalls have features such as rainfall showerheads and colored lighting, but there have been complaints about broken features, stains, and leaks. A range of bath products, hairdryers, and even telephones are provided in the bathrooms.

Some rooms are two-story suites with the second bedroom being in a loft; these are geared toward families and come with added amenities such as slippers and bathrobes. Rooms start at 302 square feet (28.1 square meters) and the larger suites are 527 square feet (49 square meters). A few have private pools.

Galini Sea View resort has a wide range of amenities, but many are showing their age. The main outdoor pool has a shallow section for kids and is surrounded by loungers and umbrellas. However, the space around the pool is tight and makes it feel crowded. An indoor pool is small and is heated at certain times of the year. For beach-goers, a shuttle runs to the Beach Wing building throughout the day. Drinks and snacks are available by the pebbly beach, and like the pool, the beach is packed with loungers and umbrellas. However, guests not on the all-inclusive package have to pay a fee to use the chairs.

A game room includes billiards and video games for kids and there are two play areas for young children -- inside and outdoors. The outside playground looks appealing, but the inside space is run-down and dark. For adults there is a fitness room, a sauna, and a spa (down from the main hotel) with a lengthy menu of services. The sauna and fitness room are out-of-date and worn in some spots.

Three restaurants on-site include the main buffet eatery, and the Chinese and Italian a la carte. Food at the main buffet received mixed reviews, but the a la carte restaurants receive better feedback. All-inclusive packages are available, but this only includes the buffet and limited access to the a la carte eateries. Local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also in the rate.