Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos

We stayed at Santa Marina for our honeymoon. We were really excited about it. The photos looked amazing, and the hotel seemed like the perfect place for something this special. But honestly, it just didn’t feel the way it should have. What should’ve been one of the best trips of our lives left us disappointed. The hotel itself is absolutely beautiful. The setting, the views, the rooms, all of that was great. But the service? The energy? The way we were treated? It felt cold from the start. Like we weren’t really welcome. Almost like unless we were spending extra or adding charges, we didn’t matter. At check-in, interactions were already uncomfortable. Simple questions were either ignored or answered like they were doing us a favor. At one point, we asked about food allergies and got no clear answer at all. But anything that involved money? That was quick and eager. We really tried to stay positive and make the best of it. It was our honeymoon, after all. But it kept building up. By the end, we felt like our presence was more of an inconvenience than anything else. After the trip, we shared our feedback calmly and respectfully, hoping someone would care. Instead, we were told there would be no compensation. Not even an apology. Just a very cold “we will not be proceeding with any form of compensation.” That’s what stuck with us. Not the view. Not the food. That email. For a resort under the Marriott Luxury Collection name, at this price point, with this kind of branding, I expected more. We didn’t need over-the-top luxury. We just wanted a place that would make us feel celebrated and cared for. Santa Marina had the looks, but none of the warmth. And that’s not what luxury is supposed to be.

The last time I went to Mykonos was with the boys and we hooked up with a bunch of Italian nurses. It was, quite simply, epic. But I was relatively poor and I shared my 3-star hotels suite with my two friends. God knows how we survived driving around the island on our scooters pissed out of our mind. If all young men could have the same fun as we did. 20-plus years on and I returned with my family. One of the friends I originally went with, a Greek-American who fancies himself a connoisseur of all things Mykonos, said that Mykonos had changed and not for the better. WRONG. Okay, maybe it’s not the carefree destination it was of my younger years but I had no complaints about the island’s beach clubs which, as an annual summer partier in St. Tropez and Cannes I can assure you they are well on par with their South of France cousins and, gasp!, may in fact be better. YES, they’re THAT good. Great vibe, great food and, just as importantly, GREAT and FRIENDLY staff. So the hotel…. It’s a Marriot Bonvoy. Honestly, my experience with chains is generally not good. They’re too corporatized and don’t have the flexibility the smaller hotel groups have. This, frankly, blew us away. The facilities were excellent and the actual hotel layout was incredibly nice. Sure, coulda done without the stairs but they were helpful in working off some of the calories. But, seriously, the beach and beach restaurant was gorgeous the food was outstanding and the staff were among the nicest we’ve encountered. I can’t remember the category of room I had. I did find it to be on the small side. Were I to return I would definitely request something bigger. But, it was very nicely appointed and well in-line with its international peers. A particular mention for the concierge. They were superb. I admit my wife is the concierge queen and uses them extensively wherever we go. Weeks before a trip she sends emails to book restaurants, day trips, etc., and once on site she uses them to hone the experience. They were fabulous and incredibly efficient. If only all concierges could be that good. Lastly, based on my single guy experience I LOVE the town but, frankly, our dining experience at what were considered “good” in town restaurants was dismal. I don’t mind paying for good food and I particularly like Mediterranean cuisine and often have fish, but the in-town restaurants were as expensive as the beach clubs for poor food and no ambiance. Stay at the hotel and eat there instead.

Amazing hotel with amazing staff. Best hotel in Mykonos, the beach area is perfect, hotel location is perfect. Special thanks to Fay from concierge team.

This hotel is for sure way over priced to go to the beach you need the buggy service and the beach is nothing special, the breakfast buffet is good but not excellent, there are other hotels where one dent need to pay these silly prices

Me and my wife recently got back from vacation here and it was an unforgettable stay. From the very beginning the staff were extremely friendly and a free upgrade on arrival was the perfect start. Throughout the whole stay we become good friends with many of the staff and I would like to give a special mention to those - Fay from the front desk, George the waiter and nick, Alex and thanos from the buddah bar. Thank you guys for making it extra special! We will be back for sure!!

Thank you so much Dimitris and Menios‬⁩ for your hospitality 🙏🏻 We had such great memories made here. Santa Marina was absolute best hotel- resort that we have visited so far, not talking about the facilities but the services that you all rendered was absolutely far and beyond. From the reception desk, the resto staffs, the beach attendants. .all the way to the room services The list of all the amazing members goes on .. We wish Santa Marina all the very best . We hope to come back next time 🙏🏻 Again thank you for the memorable time ❤️ *Να προσέχετε, εις το επανιδείν* 🙏🏻

My favorite resort in the world. The hotel is stunning and service outstanding. The hotel is extremely gracious in how they handle their guests. Nothing is overlooked. The hotel's manager, Nikolaos, is a wonderful gentlemen who has his guests best interest at heart. Can't wait until I return.

Celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with 7 day stay here at Santa Marina and it was everything we could have hoped for. We are Marriot Bonvoy members and upon arrival were pleasantly upgraded to ocean view room which overlooked the beach. We saw the beautiful yachts coming and going off our private balcony. From the front desk to the staff at all of the dining areas and the pool were beyond accommodating. I need to shout out Theona at front desk, Frania at Elais Restaurant and both Stefanos and George at the adult only pool. Their attention to the finest service and welcoming attitude made the trip all that more enjoyable. Decided to use the airport shuttle provided rather than a private one and we were the only couple on the transport. Would highly recommend using it. We were in room 230. I believe we counted 400 stairs to the pool which we basically viewed as our daily fitness activity. There are elevators provided for those who prefer to use them. The rooms were freshened twice a day with friendly staff as well. I asked for an iron and board which was in the room when we arrived. Ate at The Elais (every morning for complimentary breakfast buffet- would have been 60 euro per person) and Buddha bar. Every meal was delicious as were the drinks. Took a taxi into Mykonos town which is a must do to see the sunset. However be warned that if there are cruise ships in town that day they will likely obscure your view depending on where they dock. The accommodations, the food, the drinks, the staff and the quiet luxury of the pre high season booking made this trip a dream come true.

Beautiful hotel. Everything is very well done. The staff could be friendlier but the property was outstanding and I would highly recommend. Remember to get a beach chair early and sit down the beach if you don’t want to sit near kids. Buffet breakfast is wonderful and staff is very friendly. Again I can’t even begin to say how beautiful the hotel is but it is not cheap.

The best hotel in Mykonos hands down - one of the best ever! Service was better than any Four Seasons. From the check in to the wait staff to every single person in the hotel! The beach was the best in Mykonos, the rooms were stunning, grounds and view like nothing else. Can’t rave more about it!