Review of Four Star Hotel ‘allsun Carolina Mare’, Malia: Honest Guide & Insights.
So, you’re thinking about a beachfront escape in Crete that blends modern comfort with all-inclusive perks? The allsun Hotel Carolina Mare in Malia could be just what you’re after.
This contemporary resort sits right on a lovely sandy beach. With 273 rooms and a calm vibe, it’s a solid pick for families and couples who just want to chill.
Value-wise, the hotel really delivers. You get a full all-inclusive package—think multiple restaurants, four pools, and direct beach access with free sunbeds and umbrellas.
It’s just a short drive from Malia’s lively center, but the setting feels much quieter. Local attractions like the ancient Palace of Malia are close by, so you can split your time between exploring and unwinding.
The modern lobby and range of leisure facilities—from a kids’ club to spa treatments and different dining spots—show that the resort tries to cover a lot of holiday styles. If you’re eyeing a family trip or a romantic break, knowing these details might help you figure out if this place fits your Cretan plans.
Overview of allsun Hotel Carolina Mare
The allsun Hotel Carolina Mare is a 4-star beachfront spot set on Malia’s golden sands. There are 273 rooms split across several buildings, and you get direct beach access in a quieter pocket of the resort.
Location and Surroundings
Carolina Mare sits at the eastern end of Malia’s long beach, so things feel more peaceful here than at some of the busier hotels. You step right out onto a private sandy beach, with the Mediterranean just a few meters away.
The hotel keeps you close to the action but still tucked away. Help Bar and Bar On Wheels are both just 0.2 miles away, and you’ve got Olivia Shop nearby if you need to grab something.
When you want to eat out, you’ll find places like Mr. Dish, Queen Cretan Cuisine, and Geitonia Malia – Cretan Creative Cuisine within walking distance. They do offer airport transfers, but you’ll want to call ahead and sort that out.
Hotel Layout and Design
There’s a main building, plus wings and bungalows dotted around, which gives the place a bit of a village feel. It helps spread out the 273 rooms, so it never feels too crowded.
Several pools are scattered across the grounds, and with the beachfront location, you can jump between the pool and the sea whenever you want.
The design is modern but comfy, nothing too flashy. Each room comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a fridge.
Just a heads up: the reception isn’t open 24/7, so you’ll need to plan your arrival time. There are two bars and an on-site restaurant, so you’re covered for food and drinks without leaving the property.
You can book the hotel at Trivago (UK):
Accommodation and Room Types
Carolina Mare offers 273 rooms, all with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and fridges. You’ve got standard rooms for couples and some larger options for families.
Standard Rooms and Amenities
Standard rooms have the basics you’d expect: air conditioning, a TV, and a fridge. The layouts are practical and work well for couples or solo travelers.
Room service is available if you just want to stay in and relax. The rooms are kept tidy, but don’t go expecting high-end luxury finishes.
Furnishings are simple, with enough storage for a holiday. Bathrooms are straightforward and functional—nothing fancy, but they do the job.
Family and Superior Options
Traveling with kids? The hotel has bigger rooms with extra beds or sofa beds, so you’re not crammed in. You still get the same core amenities: air conditioning, TV, and fridge.
One thing to note: cots aren’t available on demand, so if you’ve got toddlers, plan ahead. They offer a few superior rooms too, which might have a bit more space or better views, but the main features stay the same.
All-Inclusive Experience
Carolina Mare runs a pretty thorough all-inclusive package that covers your meals and drinks. They try to keep things interesting with a good mix of food and drink choices.
Dining and Buffet Quality
Breakfast is free and part of the deal. It’s buffet-style, so you can grab what you like, and there’s usually something for everyone.
The on-site restaurant handles the main meals. Expect a blend of international dishes and some Greek or Cretan specialties thrown in.
The food quality is about what you’d expect from a mid-range all-inclusive. They change up the menu daily, so you’re not eating the exact same thing every day.
Staff keep the buffet stocked, even when it gets busy. You don’t have to worry about missing out on the good stuff.
Dining areas are roomy enough, and if you have dietary needs, just ask—staff are usually happy to help.
Bars and Drinks Selection
Your package covers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the bars. The lounge is open most of the day and into the evening.
You’ll get local Greek wines, beer, and spirits included, and there are some international options, though premium stuff might cost extra.
The bar staff speak German and Greek, which makes ordering a bit easier. Service is usually quick, even when things get busy.
You can get drinks poolside, so there’s no need to leave your lounger. Bars have set hours, but the main one stays open pretty late.
Non-alcoholic choices include soft drinks, juice, coffee, and tea. Sometimes there’s fresh fruit juice, depending on the season.
Leisure Facilities and Relaxation
Carolina Mare has several pools, bar service by the water, and a wellness area with a fitness center and sauna. The beachfront spot lets you jump right into the Mediterranean and join in on some organized activities.
Outdoor Pools and Sun Decks
There are a few pools around the grounds. The main pool has wide sun decks and comfy loungers for soaking up the sun.
The pool bar serves drinks and snacks all day. You can grab a cocktail or something cold without leaving your spot.
Pools look out onto the beach and sea, which is a nice touch. Sun umbrellas are everywhere, so you can find shade when it gets too hot.
They provide pool towels, and if you want a quieter swim, try going early or later in the day when it’s less crowded.
Wellness and Spa Services
Fancy a massage? The hotel’s got a dedicated room for treatments, and you can book different therapies to unwind.
The spa team focuses on relaxation, using decent products and trained therapists. It’s a good way to shake off any travel stress.
The wellness area fits in well with the beachy vibe. You can mix spa time with a swim or nap by the water.
If you want a massage during peak season, book ahead. The room is tucked away from the noise, so it’s actually peaceful.
Sauna and Fitness Area
There’s a sauna in the fitness area for relaxing your muscles after a swim or a day exploring. The gym has basic equipment if you want to keep up your workouts.
Access to the gym is usually included in your stay. It’s not huge, but it does the trick for a holiday workout.
The sauna runs on a schedule, so check with reception about times. Both the gym and sauna are a nice bonus if you want to unwind after a busy day exploring Crete.
Family-Friendly Features
The hotel’s set up for families, with plenty of extras for kids. There are organized activities and play areas to keep little ones happy.
Kids’ Club and Children’s Activities
There’s a kids’ club that runs activities for children, especially during the holidays. Staff organize games and group fun, so kids can make friends while parents get a break.
The club covers ages 4 to 12 and operates mostly in peak season. Staff keep an eye on things, so you can relax knowing your kids are safe and entertained.
Activities change depending on how many children are staying and the time of year. It’s a handy option if you’re traveling as a family and want a bit of downtime.
Playgrounds and Family Amenities
The allsun Hotel Carolina Mare has a children’s playground right on the property. It gives kids a spot to burn off some energy between beach visits.
Baby cribs are available if you’re traveling with a little one. Just ask when you book, or check with reception when you arrive.
The hotel’s close to the beach, so families can easily get to the sand and sea. Kids usually end up building sandcastles or playing in the shallow water.
Family rooms work well for bigger groups with children. These rooms give you extra space if a standard room feels too cramped.
In the restaurant, you’ll find high chairs for toddlers at meal times.
Activities, Entertainment, and Nearby Attractions
Carolina Mare hosts theme nights and on-site entertainment. The ancient Palace of Malia is just minutes away.
Entertainment Programmes
The main buffet restaurant puts on regular theme nights. These events mix up your dining experience each week.
There’s a game room with air-hockey tables and video games. The video games cost extra, but they’re a good way to fill downtime.
By the pool, you’ll find entertainment options near the main swimming pools. The pool bar serves drinks while you kick back by the water.
Families can use the small kids’ club with supervised activities. The club has a simple playground area for children too.
Evenings bring entertainment to the hotel’s main areas. The lobby bar feels modern and relaxed—nice for a drink or a chat.
Sports and Fitness
You get four different pools to swim in. The main pool is pretty big, and three smaller pools connect to it.
There’s a separate wading pool with slides for kids and families. This area has free sunbeds and black umbrellas for shade.
Since the hotel sits right on the beach, you can try water sports in the Mediterranean. Just walk out from the hotel grounds and you’re there.
Free sunbeds line the beach, so you can stretch out and sunbathe. The hotel includes these as part of your stay.
A concrete patio holds massage rooms with curtains for privacy. Beauty treatments cost extra if you’re into that.
Exploring Malia and Local Sights
The Palace of Malia archaeological site is about 20 minutes away on foot. If you drive, you’ll get there in four minutes.
Malia’s town centre is just six minutes by car. You’ll find restaurants, shops, and nightlife there.
Hersonissos is 15 minutes away by car and has plenty of family-friendly entertainment. It’s a lively spot with more shops and attractions.
Elounda is 34 minutes from the hotel by car. From there, you can rent boats to visit the island of Spinalonga.
The hotel sits on a quiet road with mostly other hotels nearby. A few restaurants are within a 10-minute walk if you want to try something local.
Service Standards and Guest Impressions
The Carolina Mare usually meets guest expectations for service. Reviews often mention the hotel’s effort to keep everything clean and the friendly staff.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
The allsun Hotel Carolina Mare gets good marks for cleanliness. Guest rooms stay well-maintained with modern fixtures and regular housekeeping.
The contemporary design helps the whole place feel clean. You’ll notice the lobbies, restaurants, and pool areas stay tidy.
Room maintenance highlights:
- Modern bathrooms with glossy white tiles
- Regular housekeeping service
- Well-maintained air conditioning systems
- Clean balconies and outdoor spaces
Staff keep the pools and beach areas in good shape. Sunbeds and umbrellas get arranged neatly every day.
Some guests say a few spots could use a little more attention. The hotel’s age shows in minor maintenance issues now and then.
Staff Friendliness and Hospitality
The Carolina Mare team usually feels friendly and accommodating. Reception helps with questions and booking stuff.
Restaurant staff get positive feedback for being attentive at meal times. The buffet area stays well-managed and food gets replenished regularly.
Service strengths:
- Helpful reception desk assistance
- Attentive restaurant service
- Kids’ club supervision
- Pool and beach maintenance
Concierge staff can help with local tips or transport. Most team members speak several languages, which helps international guests.
Some reviews mention service levels change with the season and how busy the hotel is. During peak times, you might wait a bit longer for help.
You can book the hotel at Trivago (UK):
Frequently Asked Questions
Guests usually rate Carolina Mare 4 out of 5 stars, and you’ll see it ranked around #466 of hotels in Malia. The hotel offers free breakfast, pool access, and airport transport, plus it’s just a short walk from Malia’s ancient palace ruins.
What are guests saying about their stay at Carolina Mare in Malia?
Most guests leave solid reviews for Carolina Mare on TripAdvisor. The hotel holds a 4 out of 5 star rating from travelers.
It’s ranked around #466 out of nearly 1,500 hotels in Malia, so it’s sort of in the middle of the pack. Guest photos show over 1,000 candid shots of their stays.
People mention it’s good value for money in this popular Crete spot.
Can someone dish the dirt on the grub at the allsun Hotel Carolina Mare?
You get free breakfast with your stay. The on-site restaurant covers your other meals.
There’s a lounge for drinks too. If you want to try something different, places like Mr. Dish and Queen Cretan Cuisine are nearby.
Geitonia Malia serves Cretan Creative Cuisine within walking distance. The hotel sits on a quiet road, but you can reach several dining options in 10 minutes or less.
Is the allsun Hotel Carolina Mare a good shout for families with kids?
The hotel works well for families, with a swimming pool and family-friendly features. Rooms come with air conditioning and flat screen TVs for comfort.
There’s an on-site restaurant, so you don’t have to go far for meals with little ones. Airport transport is available, which makes traveling with kids less stressful.
Free breakfast takes care of one meal each day. The beachfront location gives families easy access to sand and sea.
How far is the old town from the hotel if you fancy a wander?
You can get to Malia’s ancient palace ruins in about 20 minutes on foot, or drive there in four minutes. The archaeological site sits at the end of the road where your hotel is.
Heraklion is about 37 minutes away by car if you want to check out the main city. The hotel’s spot on Crete’s northern coast gives you access to plenty of other attractions too.
What’s the pool scene like over at Carolina Mare – any good for a dip and lounge?
Carolina Mare has a swimming pool for guests. It’s one of the main exercise and relaxation options at the hotel.
The pool area gives you a place to cool off from the Crete sun. Since you’re also right on the beach, you get both pool and sea access.
The hotel sits in a quieter area, so the pool scene stays more relaxed than the busy party spots.
Are the rooms at Carolina Mare up to scratch when it comes to kip and comfort?
Your room has air conditioning, which is honestly a lifesaver in the Mediterranean heat. There’s a flat screen TV and a refrigerator, too.
The hotel staff speaks German, English and Greek. So, you probably won’t run into any major language barriers.
Rooms get cleaned every day. If you need it, you can ask for dry cleaning or laundry services.
Parking comes free if you’ve rented a car to check out Crete. The place sits right on the beach, so a bunch of rooms probably have sea views—depends on which one you get, though.
