Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay

Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay is a reasonably modern resort with a pretty setting on Mirabello Bay. There are two parts to this hotel, connected by a simple wooden footbridge: a "Village" of blocky white buildings that hold Bungalows, and a six-story white building with traditional hotel rooms. Neatly kept tropical gardens and stone pathways weave throughout the property, much of which has views of the bright-blue sea. Inside, the lobby is sleek and simple, with polished tile floors and a contemporary wood-paneled ceiling threaded with small spotlights. Stone accent walls and wicker seating create a modestly beachy vibe, while unusually high-backed sofas are eye-catching. Restaurants and bars are similarly minimalist, though rooms are spartan and even a bit dated. Most guests are families and couples looking for a property with all-inclusive options and beach access. There tend to be lots of children here during the summer months, and the abundance of families means the beach can get crowded. Entertainment may also last well into the night and can be noisy. 

Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay sits overlooking the clear blue waters of Mirabello Bay -- part of the Aegean Sea -- on the eastern end of Crete. Two beaches, one shingle and one sandy, are part of the property. There's not much commerce in the immediate area, other than a supermarket located one minute away on foot. The center of Agios Nikolaos, with restaurants and taverns, is a five-minute drive from the resort. The town of Elounda is a 10-minute drive north. There are beautiful nearby beaches to explore as well, including Ammoudi (a two-minute drive south, or a 15-minute walk), Almiros (a 10-minute drive south), and Kala Chorio (15 to 20 minutes south). Taxis are fairly inexpensive, and a small train stops near the harbor for access around the area. Buses also stop near the property. Heraklion International Airport is a 50-minute drive from the property. Chania International Airport is almost a three hours' drive. 

This property offers a variety of rooms as well as Bungalows and Family Maisonettes. All are bright and clean, with simple decor that's borderline coastal, but spartan and a bit tired. Tile floors, long drapes, and walls are neutral-toned, while bedding has subtle shades of blue and gray. Walls are decorated with colorful paintings of the beach, but otherwise there are no accents or accessories. Standard Rooms have light-wood armchairs with neutral cushions. Family Rooms, as well as Bungalows and Maisonettes, have pale-blue or bright-blue sofa beds. Basic oak-veneer furniture, some of which is worn, also includes built-in wooden tables that hold flat-screen TVs and tea- and coffee-making facilities; upper-tier options also have minibars (without alcohol). All rooms have terraces or balconies with wood-and-metal patio furniture, and many have views of the sea. Others overlook gardens or face inland. Bungalows and Maisonettes are located on a separate part of the property and some have shared pools. Bathrooms have beautiful pale-blue mosaic tile framing shower/tub combos. Toiletries and old-fashioned hairdryers are provided. All rooms have safes, but only some have Wi-Fi.

Like many of the larger resorts in this area, the Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay offers half-board and all-inclusive dining options at its main buffet restaurant, Sirens, which gets mixed reviews from guests. Water, soft drinks, and local alcoholic beverages are included. A la carte service is available (for an extra fee) at Il Patio restaurant, Elia restaurant, and the Greek Tavern. There are also five bars, including on the beach and by the pool, and local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included in packages. An ice cream bar, coffee and tea service, and snacks and barbecue options are also available, but they cost extra

The property has three pools: one by the beach, one in the Bungalow Village, and an unheated indoor pool at the Village Spa/wellness center. Most of the pools are saltwater pools, and kids' pools are attached to both outdoor pools. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are free for all-inclusive guests at the pools and beach, but half-board guests only get to use them for free at the pools. There are two beaches with clear, blue waters, although one is a bit rougher than it is sandy. Swimming areas tend to be more crowded with families and children in the summertime. 

The spa is in the Village part of the property and offers a Turkish bath, a sauna, a hot tub, and various beauty and massage treatments. These services come with extra fees. There's also a bright indoor fitness center that's oddly shaped (a bit narrow) and has standard weight-lifting and cardio machines along with free weights. Many sports and activities are available to guests, from tennis courts to aerobics to beach volleyball. Water sports cost extra, but the kids' club (for ages four to 12) and evening entertainment for adults are included. 

The hotel also offers three conference rooms available for up to 550 guests. Free Wi-Fi is available in reception and in some rooms. There are a few guest computers in the lobby, as well. Parking is free.