JW Marriott Crete review – The Points Guy

Situated approximately 100 miles south of mainland Greece, a captivating new island retreat awaits your visit—and perhaps a few of your Marriott Bonvoy points, too.

Last month marked the opening of the JW Marriott in Crete, inviting guests to experience its 160-room hillside resort that gracefully hugs the Aegean coast, just a stone’s throw from the vibrant city of Chania.

Guests can unwind in a private infinity pool while enjoying stunning views of the Dikti mountains. This luxury Marriott property has quickly earned its place on Flying Frugal’s list of the most exciting hotel openings of 2025.

As one of the early guests, here’s an overview of my experience.

Initial Impressions

Upon arrival at the newly opened JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa, it’s immediately evident that water plays a central role in the resort’s design—from the gleaming reflective pools that greet you upon entering to the numerous swimming spots available.

Moreover, the Aegean Sea is conveniently located mere steps away from the resort.

The property is gracefully integrated into the hillside, featuring clusters of villas, dining venues, and pools positioned along the rugged landscape—each step upward offers breathtaking panoramic views.

A sense of tranquility envelops you immediately upon entering: soothing melodies play softly, a refreshing sea breeze wafts through, and magnificent mountain vistas invite your gaze.

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No need to visit the front desk during check-in; the entire process can be completed comfortably while relaxing on a sofa, sipping a complimentary signature mocktail (crafted with lemon verbena and fresh thyme).

Accommodations

Aligned with the property’s emphasis on water features, the type of room you choose—and the price—largely depends on the pool arrangement included with your stay.

I opted for a deluxe swim-up room, which felt like a great choice. The introductory rate included breakfast and amounted to 346 euros (approximately $405) per night.

Upon checking in, I was pleasantly surprised to be upgraded (thanks to my Platinum Elite status) to a deluxe room featuring a private pool.

The room itself is designed with a minimalist aesthetic, showcasing neutral tones accented with wooden elements.

It features a two-level layout that includes the bed and bathroom on the upper level, while the living room area and sofa are slightly sunken on the lower level.

The bathroom boasts a spacious soaking tub illuminated by a skylight, and a generous open shower. Toiletries are courtesy of Aromatherapy Associates London.

The standout feature of the room is undoubtedly the private infinity pool just outside the sliding glass door, spacious enough for two—and perhaps a couple of children too.

The patio includes a dining table and two cushioned lounge chairs, with beach towels readily supplied by housekeeping throughout my stay.

If I had to nitpick, the patio lacks some privacy; you’re close to both neighboring rooms and passing guests. Furthermore, the sea and mountain views aren’t as expansive compared to rooms situated higher up the hillside, should you prioritize that.

Other room options include shared swim-up pools and some accommodations without pools. There are also luxurious suites and multi-story villas available higher up the hillside, though some were still under construction during my stay. Thankfully, I didn’t experience any construction noise.

Related: 14 best all-inclusive resorts with swim-up rooms

Dining Options

The JW Marriott Crete offers six dining venues, although some were still in the early stages of opening during my visit.

In the evenings, only two full-service restaurants were operational, both boasting breathtaking sea views.

One standout was Anoee, known for its delectable Cretan-inspired shareable plates set in an outdoor landscape that embraces the rugged terrain. Highlights included the kalitsounia (cheese pastries) priced at $21, traditional Cretan pilafi (rice dish) at $25, and keftedes (Greek meatballs) at $29.

Nearby is Onalos, an upscale seafood restaurant with a delightful patio.

During the day, we enjoyed lunches and a few refreshing drinks at Suncti, the poolside bar covered by a bamboo awning.

Up at the main level, adjacent to the check-in area, the bar Eexis offered cocktails, wines, and beers, making it a lovely spot to relish an early evening drink while watching the sunset.

Next door, Fayi is listed on the Marriott app as the “main restaurant,” but only served a substantial breakfast buffet featuring a blend of American and Mediterranean dishes during my stay—a perfect fit for Platinum Elite members and above entitled to complimentary breakfast.

Cuccagna, the adjoining Italian restaurant featuring a brick oven, was set to open just as I left the resort.

Overall, I found the food to be well-crafted, fresh, and rich in local flavors, despite many venues still adjusting to service as the resort begins to welcome more guests.

Resort Amenities

A great pool is always a highlight for me, and this resort features three primary pools—one wading pool and another designated for adults—each offering picturesque views of the Aegean Sea and Crete’s mountains.

Seaside Cabanas

If being close to the water is your preference, complimentary cabanas line the rocky shoreline, providing a perfect spot for relaxation.

Just a few steps from there, a ladder leads down to the water, or you can stroll over to a narrow zero-entry beach.

Fitness Center

The fitness center is well-appointed with state-of-the-art cardio and weight machines. Additionally, there’s a yoga room that hosts various yoga and Pilates classes.

Spa

The resort is in the process of launching a spa, which promises to be a significant attraction once it’s complete.

Boat Excursions

In addition to the amenities, the on-site concierge can assist in arranging private boat tours from the nearby dock. Full-day excursions start at 1,500 euros ($1,759), a tempting option though not within my budget this time.

Related: 30 best Marriott hotels worldwide where you can use points

Location and Logistics

This new JW Marriott is positioned on the northern coast of Crete, on the island’s western side.

It’s conveniently located around a 20-minute drive from Chania International Airport (CHQ), facilitated by a seamless private transfer service set up by the front desk, costing 35 euros ($41) each way.

Traveling to Chania’s Old Venetian Harbor takes about 25 to 30 minutes, and the same private transfer service arranged by the resort costs 40 euros (approximately $47) each way. Given this additional cost, I recommend allocating an afternoon and evening to explore if it piques your interest.

The resort is just a short five-minute stroll from a public beach and several beach bar-style restaurants, though nearby conveniences like stores and pharmacies may be scarce.

This JW Marriott is the fourth Marriott-affiliated location on Crete and the first JW Marriott property on the island, following the Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete.

Booking Information

For the next six months, nightly rates at the JW Marriott Crete can start as low as $343 or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Guests looking to redeem points can explore various options:

The simplest approach is to utilize your Marriott Bonvoy points. Personally, I accumulate my points primarily through purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees), which has also aided in enhancing my Marriott Bonvoy elite status. This card has a $95 annual fee.

Additionally, you can transfer credit card rewards at a 1:1 ratio from several major programs, such as:

When planning to book the JW Marriott Crete, opt for a credit card that maximizes points for Marriott stays, and consider one that offers automatic Bonvoy elite status, providing valuable benefits like:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, automatic Platinum Elite status, and 25 elite night credits each year toward a higher status tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, automatic Gold Elite status, and 15 elite night credits each year toward a higher status tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at eligible hotels, automatic Gold Elite status, and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating hotels, automatic Gold Elite status, and 15 elite night credits each year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent at participating hotels, automatic Silver Elite status, and 15 elite night credits toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (see rates and fees): Earn 3 points per dollar spent at hotels, automatic Silver Elite status, and 5 elite night credits each year toward a higher tier.

Details regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card have been collected independently by The Points Guy. The information on this page has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Final Thoughts

The JW Marriott Crete’s appearance on Flying Frugal’s list of most anticipated hotel openings for 2025 is well-deserved. With its stunning infinity pools, immediate access to the Aegean Sea, and breathtaking mountain views, it promises a remarkable escape. As services and amenities continue to develop in the coming weeks and months, it will surely become an attractive destination for travelers aiming to redeem points in the enchanting Greek islands.

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