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Original poster

Holiday disappointment - trying to enjoy it but honestly so upset

199 replies

OnTheRoll · 26/07/2023 14:35

Now I know that this is not really a big problem - but it certainly feels like it when I have spent over 4k on 8 days for all-inclusive hotel and it's just meh...
it wasn't the cheapest option by far, a 4-star hotel and excellent reviews on Booking.com and Triparvisor - but I just don't see how they were rated so good.
The beach is abysmal, very little parasols so we had to do without. Same with lounges around the pool. The AL bar serves 5 cocktails that consist 90% of lemonade. The AC is the room is not cool enough.
I have been to all-inclusives before, same price range or even cheaper and they were miles better.
This is our only family holiday in the year and I was so looking forward to it. I want to enjoy it but it's lacking in the very basics.
How to get over the disappointment and try to have a good time? I am at the beach right now and it's just depressing

OP posts:
Burnamer · 26/07/2023 14:36

What exactly is the issue with the beach?

Burnamer · 26/07/2023 14:36

Does the bar serve wine or beer?
the issues you’ve highlighted don’t sound that bad. Do you have kids?

Original poster
OnTheRoll · 26/07/2023 14:37

It is very small, sparse and doesn't have any available parasols. There are a few poles and the parasol roofs nearby but we were not able to attach them. It's 35 degrees and it's not possible to spend any time by the sea without a shade

OP posts:
polkadotclip · 26/07/2023 14:37

That's so disappointing when you've been looking forward to it.

Can you have a polite conversation with management and say how disappointed you are, and maybe be upgraded to a better room?

If they know you are unhappy they may make an effort with drinks and loungers etc.

Try and enjoy the sunshine and the aspects that are positive.

Original poster
OnTheRoll · 26/07/2023 14:38

Burnamer · 26/07/2023 14:36

Does the bar serve wine or beer?
the issues you’ve highlighted don’t sound that bad. Do you have kids?

Yes, I am with two teens.
I

OP posts:
Hellocatshome · 26/07/2023 14:39

Can you go on some excursions/do some activities?

polkadotclip · 26/07/2023 14:39

OnTheRoll · 26/07/2023 14:37

It is very small, sparse and doesn't have any available parasols. There are a few poles and the parasol roofs nearby but we were not able to attach them. It's 35 degrees and it's not possible to spend any time by the sea without a shade

Definitely ask at the hotel then for help with parasols rather than suffering.

RoundAndBeautiful · 26/07/2023 14:39

where are you?

ItsNotRocketSalad · 26/07/2023 14:39

I always do a search for 'sunbeds' on TripAdvisor before booking to make sure I don't go anywhere with stupid towel wars. I also look at visitors' photos (not ones uploaded by the hotel) to see how busy the pool and beach are.

Have you asked them to check the AC, or to provide electric fans?

Original poster
OnTheRoll · 26/07/2023 14:40

That's the beach. It's not even sand

Holiday disappointment - trying to enjoy it but honestly so upset
OP posts:
RoundAndBeautiful · 26/07/2023 14:41

looks volcanic, is it on one of the Canary Islands?

Original poster
OnTheRoll · 26/07/2023 14:41

Hellocatshome · 26/07/2023 14:39

Can you go on some excursions/do some activities?

I can but it is really very hot for outdoor activities and to be frank I resent spending even more money

OP posts:
Original poster
OnTheRoll · 26/07/2023 14:42

RoundAndBeautiful · 26/07/2023 14:39

where are you?

Crete

OP posts:
LaCerbiatta · 26/07/2023 14:42

Can you get to the beach early to secure a parasol/ loungers?

KnickerlessParsons · 26/07/2023 14:43

Lots of beaches on the Med have quite rough sand. The tides aren't big enough to make smaller grains of sand.
That beach looks fine though - why don't you buy a cheap parasol you can leave behind when you come home (or pass on to someone else).

Hellocatshome · 26/07/2023 14:43

OnTheRoll · 26/07/2023 14:41

I can but it is really very hot for outdoor activities and to be frank I resent spending even more money

Show quote history

It seems like the options are

Resent the money you have already spent and not enjoy your holiday.

Resent spending more money but enjoy the holiday.

Original poster
OnTheRoll · 26/07/2023 14:44

LaCerbiatta · 26/07/2023 14:42

Can you get to the beach early to secure a parasol/ loungers?

I guess I'll have to.
I feel like I'd better keep coming back to the same hotel that I liked previously and not seek anything new. That was at least I know what to expect

OP posts:
Mintyt · 26/07/2023 14:45

AI isn't like it used to be, we had one draft local beer, and house wine. Other beer and wine had to be purchased. The AI stopped at 11 so if you had a pool day late meal went for a walk along the front then come back you had to pay.

Georgiepud · 26/07/2023 14:47

Oh dear that beach does look unwelcoming, and as you say "sparse".
I agree that you may need to take a trip or two out to nicer surroundings. Such a shame for you.

RoundAndBeautiful · 26/07/2023 14:48

That is why we always return to the same place every year, people call us boring but if we have found something we love why risk it? We tried that once and went to Majorca, it was truly awful and a waste of money

LegendsBeyond · 26/07/2023 14:51

Did you not see photos of the beach before booking? I’m surprised if you didn’t. Crete is beautiful. There’s loads to see. Just get and about and enjoy the island-Elounda, Spinalonga, Plaka, Agios Nicklaus etc.

BunnyBettChettwynd · 26/07/2023 14:52

Sitting here in England watching the rain fall outside that beach looks pretty idyllic to me. Have a dip in the sea, get a cocktail, slap on some lovely smelling sunscreen and read your book whilst planning what you're going to eat tonight. When you're back in your office you'll wish you'd made the most of every minute. Have fun.

Dinoswearunderpants · 26/07/2023 14:53

Sounds like you didn't do your own research properly. Surely you saw pictures of the beach and realised it's not sand?

I appreciate it's a lot of money but it's the school holidays so even the worse 3 star in Benidorm is fully booked and pricey.

I'd let go of the issues you have. They are really not that big a deal. Fair enough if the air con is not working properly, report it but other things I feel are more you haven't researched fully.

SleepingStandingUp · 26/07/2023 14:53

Surely even all inc you don't want to be just sat on a hot beach every day. Are there no public beaches which are nicer? Local market for a mooch? Bus service to get you out of the immediate area?

CeeJay81 · 26/07/2023 14:54

Where abouts on crete are you? I love crete. Can't you go into one of the main towns on excursion and stay cool in some of the musuems or something.