The upscale Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort has a phenomenal list of on-site features, gorgeous grounds, and mostly beautiful common spaces. Experiences such as an amusement park for kids, escape rooms where guests solve a mystery, and a virtual game room go beyond the typical elegant spa, fitness room, and animation (which are also available). The hotel is divided into three sections, with access to facilities limited by room type. All 465 rooms have flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, and outdoor spaces, while upgrades include hot tubs and separate living rooms. Unfortunately, guests find fault with the quality of food in the restaurants, maintenance issues, and lackluster service by some staff. It's worth comparing rates with the comparable Sea Side Resort and Spa, which has less unique offerings but a more inclusive atmosphere.
The upscale Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort has a phenomenal list of on-site features, gorgeous grounds, and mostly beautiful common spaces. Experiences such as an amusement park for kids, escape rooms where guests solve a mystery, and a virtual game room go beyond the typical elegant spa, fitness room, and animation (which are also available). The hotel is divided into three sections, with access to facilities limited by room type. All 465 rooms have flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, and outdoor spaces, while upgrades include hot tubs and separate living rooms. Unfortunately, guests find fault with the quality of food in the restaurants, maintenance issues, and lackluster service by some staff. It's worth comparing rates with the comparable Sea Side Resort and Spa, which has less unique offerings but a more inclusive atmosphere.
The 355-room CHC Athina Palace Resort & Spa labels itself as a five-pearl hotel, but with dated furnishings and older bathrooms, it's not quite that luxurious. The most alluring feature of the three-and-a-half pearl property is its position cliffside overlooking the sea for truly stunning views. The small but sufficient beach area is a great space to relax, in addition to the venue’s several pools and spa. All-inclusive packages with the on-site buffet restaurant are available, but water bottles aren't included and guests have to pay for alcoholic drinks after 11:00 p.m. The property is large and requires walking up and down several steps, so guests with limited mobility or stroller-bound children won't fare well here.
The 355-room CHC Athina Palace Resort & Spa labels itself as a five-pearl hotel, but with dated furnishings and older bathrooms, it's not quite that luxurious. The most alluring feature of the three-and-a-half pearl property is its position cliffside overlooking the sea for truly stunning views. The small but sufficient beach area is a great space to relax, in addition to the venue’s several pools and spa. All-inclusive packages with the on-site buffet restaurant are available, but water bottles aren't included and guests have to pay for alcoholic drinks after 11:00 p.m. The property is large and requires walking up and down several steps, so guests with limited mobility or stroller-bound children won't fare well here.
The 136-room, mid-range, all-inclusive Village Panorama Hotel sits on a hillside high above the sea. The hotel has two small pools, one of which is dedicated to relaxation (so is pristine and never crowded). Rooms are clean and large but basic, with balconies or terraces; many have sea views. Some have been updated with flat-screen TVs and others have not. There is neither a sports program or a kids club, and the beach is a 15-minute walk down a steep hill (however, the hotel provides a free shuttle). Guests repeatedly mention that the Village Panorama has a serious problem with overbooking, which causes stress at check-in.
The 136-room, mid-range, all-inclusive Village Panorama Hotel sits on a hillside high above the sea. The hotel has two small pools, one of which is dedicated to relaxation (so is pristine and never crowded). Rooms are clean and large but basic, with balconies or terraces; many have sea views. Some have been updated with flat-screen TVs and others have not. There is neither a sports program or a kids club, and the beach is a 15-minute walk down a steep hill (however, the hotel provides a free shuttle). Guests repeatedly mention that the Village Panorama has a serious problem with overbooking, which causes stress at check-in.
This 250-room, upper-middle-range resort has beautiful surroundings and panoramic ocean views throughout the property. There are three pools -- freshwater, saltwater, and heated indoor -- plus direct access to a public “beach,” though it’s only a concrete patio at the water's edge. Guests may also appreciate the lovely spa services, the animation team’s organized activities, and the kids’ club with a playground and a wading pool with slides. All-white rooms feel a bit sterile, though some upgraded rooms have nicer touches of color. All have mini-fridges, kettles, and outdoor spaces -- many with gorgeous sea views. The property is large with many hills and stairs, so those with limited mobility or children in strollers might prefer Apollonia Beach Resort and Spa, which offers flatter grounds and a beachfront location.
This 250-room, upper-middle-range resort has beautiful surroundings and panoramic ocean views throughout the property. There are three pools -- freshwater, saltwater, and heated indoor -- plus direct access to a public “beach,” though it’s only a concrete patio at the water's edge. Guests may also appreciate the lovely spa services, the animation team’s organized activities, and the kids’ club with a playground and a wading pool with slides. All-white rooms feel a bit sterile, though some upgraded rooms have nicer touches of color. All have mini-fridges, kettles, and outdoor spaces -- many with gorgeous sea views. The property is large with many hills and stairs, so those with limited mobility or children in strollers might prefer Apollonia Beach Resort and Spa, which offers flatter grounds and a beachfront location.
The 248-room Sea Side Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel with gorgeous views of the water throughout the property. The beach is a short walk away and its clear water makes it perfect for snorkeling, but guests have to pay for beach chairs and umbrellas. The pretty main pool area has both a children's pool and whirlpool; there's an adults-only pool but guests have complained about the policy not being enforced. Guest rooms are spacious with balconies or terraces, although decor is bland and some views are much better than others. There are also consistent complaints of overbooking and guests forced to go to another hotel for a night. This, coupled with long lines and monotonous food options, can lead to headaches and a vacation that’s less than relaxing -- especially at these prices.
The 248-room Sea Side Resort & Spa is a luxury hotel with gorgeous views of the water throughout the property. The beach is a short walk away and its clear water makes it perfect for snorkeling, but guests have to pay for beach chairs and umbrellas. The pretty main pool area has both a children's pool and whirlpool; there's an adults-only pool but guests have complained about the policy not being enforced. Guest rooms are spacious with balconies or terraces, although decor is bland and some views are much better than others. There are also consistent complaints of overbooking and guests forced to go to another hotel for a night. This, coupled with long lines and monotonous food options, can lead to headaches and a vacation that’s less than relaxing -- especially at these prices.
Romantic and elegant, Happy Cretan Suites is a hidden upscale boutique nestled in the countryside just west of Heraklion, a six-minute drive to the nearest beach. All 26 individually-designed suites are modern, and come with ample perks including king beds, Nespresso machines, bathrobes, and furnished balconies. Many have beautiful sea views and private hot tubs or spa baths. The saltwater pool, hydrotherapy pool, and fitness center all have panoramic sea views, and dinner in the restaurant offers some of the best local cuisine on the island. The delicious free breakfast is accompanied by live Greek piano music twice a week, and there’s also free Wi-Fi throughout and free private parking. For something closer to Agia Pelagia, try Sea Side Resort Resort & Spa -- but it has higher rates and an impersonal resort atmosphere.
Romantic and elegant, Happy Cretan Suites is a hidden upscale boutique nestled in the countryside just west of Heraklion, a six-minute drive to the nearest beach. All 26 individually-designed suites are modern, and come with ample perks including king beds, Nespresso machines, bathrobes, and furnished balconies. Many have beautiful sea views and private hot tubs or spa baths. The saltwater pool, hydrotherapy pool, and fitness center all have panoramic sea views, and dinner in the restaurant offers some of the best local cuisine on the island. The delicious free breakfast is accompanied by live Greek piano music twice a week, and there’s also free Wi-Fi throughout and free private parking. For something closer to Agia Pelagia, try Sea Side Resort Resort & Spa -- but it has higher rates and an impersonal resort atmosphere.