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Original poster

Sensatori Crete - any advice or recommendations?

73 replies

Eggrules · 25/03/2012 20:53

Will it be hot in May?

If we opt for full board - how much more will we need to take for drinks in between?

Can we drink water bought from the shop at the hotel pool?

Can jeans (dark denim skinny) count as long trousers?

What is the tipping etiquette?

Anything else?

Many thanks in advance.

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sailorsgal · 25/03/2012 21:36

We are going in July. Have only booked the full board option as there is wine and beer with meals. I think drinks will be expensive, around 7-10 euros each.

Am planning on buying water from the local shops. Grin

Original poster
Eggrules · 25/03/2012 21:52

sailorsgal I was worried the hotel would frown on BYO around the pool. I don't mind buying ours but DS drinks loads.
7-10? - yikes. Tipping yay or nay?

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sailorsgal · 25/03/2012 21:59

I'm not planning on tipping at all other than the maids who clean my room. I don't think its expected at this kind of place as most will be on an all inclusive package.

sailorsgal · 25/03/2012 22:01

I'm only expecting for dh and I to have a pre dinner drink before the wine with dinner.

Original poster
Eggrules · 25/03/2012 23:12

Found a forum that answers some of my questions on Trip Advisor

Will it be hot in May? 24C

If we opt for full board - how much more will we need to take for drinks in between? 8? mohito

Can we drink water bought from the shop at the hotel pool? One review mentions they were prevented from taking the rest of the wine bottle back to their room.

Can jeans (dark denim skinny) count as long trousers? yes but not shorts or 3/4 lengths. Not sure if this applies to women.

What is the tipping etiquette? It's difficult to buy a drink anywhere in the hotel, everything is put on your room and signed for, I did try and sit at the bar and use cash however the barman would suggest you go and sit down then a short wait later a waitress would appear with drinks, peanuts or crisps and a bill asking for your signature and of course expecting a tip.

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Original poster
Eggrules · 25/03/2012 23:14

Drinks package is expensive at 23 euro each per day (322 p/w) kids are free under 11. We opted not to take the package and had drinks when ever we wanted and drunk lots of alcohol and cocktails and our bill was 260 euro. Unless you are a big big drinker, its not worth it. You get unlimited wine at lunch and dinner free and any other drinks while you are at breakfast lunch or dinner. The free wine they give is ok. I preferred the white wine over the Rose.

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sailorsgal · 26/03/2012 09:33

Thats great. I did read somewhere that you don't pay for drinks until the end and just sign for them. I think you are less likely to tip if you are not paying cash at the time.

I think 24 degrees is ideal. Its probably going to be a lot hotter in July when we are there so will be sitting out of the sun as we are all fair skinned and I can't have anymore wrinkles than i have already. Grin

Original poster
Eggrules · 26/03/2012 10:19

sailorsgal I was wondering how tipping would work. If it is cash free I wouldn't have change for tips.

28C in July. Happy days.

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sailorsgal · 26/03/2012 10:49

Are you going for 1 week or 2? we are only there for a week. I preferred the look of the Tenerife Sensatori but I like Crete.

am already planning my wardrobe. Grin

Original poster
Eggrules · 26/03/2012 10:58

  1. I loved the look of the Tenerife one too - this was much cheaper for the dates we wanted to go. Never been to Crete but I love Greece.

Oh goes mental about luggage. Hmm DS is 5 and needs loads of clothes. I think you need more because you dress for lunch. Although I normally take them anyway, pool towels are included and so if things get desperate I can just take one for the beach.

I need to sort out a capsule wardrobe.

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sailorsgal · 26/03/2012 11:06

Yes Crete came out cheaper for us two and as we are away before the state schools break up, am hoping its not too busy.

Off to Style and Beauty for us then. Grin

gosh didn't realise we have to dress for lunch too.

sailorsgal · 26/03/2012 11:08

My ds is 5 too. He is looking forward to the banana in the pool and having a sleep over in the playroom, though this probably won't happen.

Original poster
Eggrules · 26/03/2012 11:31

I think shorts and t-shirts are ok for lunch. If we were self catering then I think we would not make as much effort iykwim?

I saw they had sleepovers. I think the Playhouse looks fab and this was one of the reasons we looked at Sensatori. We have stayed in FC Holiday Villages and the iFiveLive entertainment was rubbish and inappropriate (they had a drinking game one nightShock).

I will leave it up to DS to see if he wants to go to kids club (I hope he does). I think it is a great way for kiddos to make friends.

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Original poster
Eggrules · 27/03/2012 20:52

Anyone else - not sure about the tipping situation.

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Original poster
Eggrules · 09/04/2012 16:19

Shameless bumping - anyone been to Sensatori Crete?

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sailorsgal · 18/04/2012 17:42

Eggrules Won't be long before you are going? Smile

I've restarted the 30 day shred and am already planning my wardrobe.

Original poster
Eggrules · 18/04/2012 18:13

Just enough time to do 30 day shred; If only I had the dvd :)

Temp now looks between 21 - 26c - Angry

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sailorsgal · 18/04/2012 20:35

I think on the whole the reviews are good. I'm not expecting it to be a five star but a very good 4 star. I think its probably got a five star rating for the facilites it offers. It does seem to suit those with small children and ds is very excited to go to the kids club.

I have to pay the balance this week. Grin

Original poster
Eggrules · 18/04/2012 20:57

eeeeeeeeek how exciting. The kids club looks fab and the entertaining sounds just right for my DS.

I saw comments like ' 4 star at best'and thought 'that will do me grand'. The reviews seem fine to me TA is always about extremes.

I will buy drinks in the supermarket outside of the complex. If I have any tips after my visit, I will let you know.

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sailorsgal · 18/04/2012 21:29

We are not planning on doing any trips unless something really appeals to us. We just want some quality family time as dh has been away for months. This is our first summer holiday abroad and it will be very chilled and relaxed. hopefully Grin

Original poster
Eggrules · 18/04/2012 22:36

DH loves trips. I may be dragged along. Grin

Taking DS out of school (Reception). If a trip has a minotaur related trip that would almost be like home schooling him.

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sailorsgal · 19/04/2012 09:07

I would like to go to Spinalonga as read the book about the leper colony. I don't think dh and ds would enjoy it though.

sailorsgal · 19/04/2012 09:14

Will you eat in any of the other restaurants? I would like to have one nice dinner with dh on our own. Quite fancy the thai.

Original poster
Eggrules · 19/04/2012 09:31

Leper colony sounds just up DHs street Grin. I did classical studies and have enjoyed trips to Athens and Olympia on previous visits to Greece. I will look at what is on offer when we get there.

I think the main restaurant sounds fine for DS (5). I fancy trying them all. DH loves steak and we may try the Aroma Stone Grill (if it is open). I am the only person in the family that will want to try the Japanese and Al Dente. I am surprised that people seem to be having trouble booking a table this early in the season. DS likes Thai and Mexican food so we may give them a try. DS is most looking forward to Playhouse Live in the evening and so we plan to eat around that.

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Original poster
Eggrules · 23/04/2012 19:20

Sailorsgal - A few more. As ever on Trip Advisor, they are a mixed bag.

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