Aldemar Cretan Village

Aldemar Cretan Village is a comfortable, but out-of-date hotel that families enjoy for its long list of kid-friendly facilities. The village-like grounds slope gently toward the sea, with trim hedges lining pathways and local plant life all around. Colorful blue, red, or green railings give character to the low-rise, whitewashed buildings. It is a pleasant atmosphere, enhanced by lots of lovely views to the sea. However, outdoor facilities such as the kids’ club, playground, and beach restaurant could use a fresh coat of paint and a style update. Many interior spaces also feel outdated. The lobby has an attractive wood-beam ceiling, carved-wood lining the walls, and a mix of tile and wood flooring. Local-inspired paintings behind the front desk give the space a personality, but the blue-patterned couches are in need of a modern refresh. Same goes for the restaurant, though the panoramic windows with ocean vistas help make up for the decor. Despite these shortcomings, the overall design and vibe is cheerful and upbeat.

Aldemar Cretan Village is on the northern coast of Crete in the municipality of Hersonissos, about a 30-minute drive east of Heraklion. There isn’t much nearby aside from other hotels, but a walk along the beach west of the hotel leads to a diving center and mini-market within two minutes. A four-minute walk down the main road will bring guests to a car rental agency and a supermarket. From the hotel, it is a nine-minute drive to the bustling village of Hersonissos, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and boat excursions from the port. It is a 12-minute drive to Crete Golf Club, a quality 18-hole course and a water park. Knossos, an archaeological dig site of the oldest city in Europe, is a 30-minute drive. Heraklion Airport is a 22-minute drive away. There is free parking at the hotel. 

Rooms are simple and outdated, but they're cheerful. The design consists of white walls and floors, white or light-wood furniture, and either red, blue, or green accents. Double beds (or two twins pushed together) have dated patterned bedspreads matching the color scheme. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces -- some are tiny -- with some overlooking the sea. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and safes for a fee. Free Wi-Fi is provided, though the amount of data available is limited per day. Bathrooms are more attractive and done in marble tile, with some wear is evident. All have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and free toiletries. Family apartments have more space, including a separate sitting room with a sofa bed and a larger bathroom. Suites have few extra amenities, such as minibars, coffee and tea, robes, slippers, and beach towels. 

Aldemar Cretan Village offers plenty to do on-site during the day, particularly for children. Pools are spread throughout the grounds so guests can choose the atmosphere they prefer. The main pool gets quite lively, especially when the animation team is running a program. During weekly Greek nights, there is music and dancing around the pool. There are two other pools, one with a 245-foot (75-meter) twisting waterslide. A tired and unappealing kids’ club includes two small wading pools for children and a worn but spacious kids’ playground. The long stretch of sandy beach is packed with loungers, though the sea bottom is very rocky and warrants shoes. The main buffet restaurant gets good reviews for quality, though it does get repetitive. There is an area sectioned off for children old enough to dine alone, complete with its own buffet and smaller seating. The a la carte beach restaurant gets better reviews, and a third restaurant offers evening meals with live music. The bars are largely self-service during the day with basic all-inclusive drinks, and cocktails are available in the early evening (starting at 5 p.m. during our visit).A spacious fitness room has a decent selection of equipment and free fitness classes, while an open-air game room has a few billiards tables, air hockey, and toys for small children. The animation team is appreciated by guests, though there are varying reports on their ability to engage adults of all languages.