Aldemar Royal Mare

Couples and families alike enjoy this relaxing beach resort for its many leisure opportunities, packaged in a lovely environment of beautiful interior spaces and trim grounds overlooking the sea. The lobby is a grand and beautiful space with a high, vaulted ceiling featuring delicate scrollwork amidst exposed beams. Pops of red in colored glass and a huge, unique chandelier brighten the room. Beyond the lobby, buildings are clustered in small groups with tall palm trees and manicured hedges lining streets that stretch from the lobby to the beach. Pools, water features, and small gardens with pretty flowers are peppered throughout. The grounds are expansive but narrow, which can mean a long walk from rooms to certain areas. The hotel does provide transport, if needed, but it is an inconvenience for some. While common areas and grounds are geared toward relaxation, some guests note that there are no areas designated as quiet or adult-only and noise from children can be disrupting. 

The hotel is on the northern coast of Crete, east of Heraklion in an area full of hotels. A five-minute walk from the lobby will bring guests to a road with a restaurant, a gift shop, and a car rental. Three more minutes down the road there is a small supermarket. There is a bus to Heraklion that stops in front of the hotel, or a five-minute walk along the beach will bring guests to a stop for an on-and-off bus trip that brings tourists to popular spots in the area. It is a nine-minute drive to Limenas Chersonisou, a bustling village with boat tours, plenty of shopping and dining, and family entertainment. Heraklion's historic sites and museums, along with big-city dining and shopping, are a 30-minute drive away. Heraklion Airport is 23 minutes away by car.  

Comfortable rooms are nicely decorated and well-appointed, with an overall airy and beachy feel. They have a contemporary design that includes white walls with pretty teal accent walls, light-wood furnishings, and teal or seafoam-green details peppered through the room in the bedspreads, curtains, drawers, and seating. Starting at just over 300 square feet, standard rooms offer a double bed or two twins, plus a sofa bed for a third person. All rooms have a mini-fridge, kettle, free digital safe, and satellite flat-screen TV. Also standard are furnished balconies or terraces, some of which have views of the sea. 

Marble bathrooms have shower/tub combos with partial glass walls, bidets, bathrobes, and slippers. Free toiletries include soap, shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner, plus a sewing kit. Upgraded rooms -- either a suite or VIP room -- add options such as a sitting room, dining room, and a private or shared pool. These guests also have access to extras such as a free breakfast at El Greco restaurant, minibar, coffeemaker, fresh flowers in the room, newspaper delivery, and fresh fruit and water daily. 

Aldemar Royal Mare Thalasso Resort offers quality facilities that appeal to both families and couples. The two main pools are large, surrounded by tiled patios and grass with rows of free sunbeds and umbrellas. A long strip of shingled beach has a somewhat rocky sea bottom, and cabanas are available on a shelf above the sand. A beautiful, full-service spa offers hydrotherapy treatments and massages, plus it has indoor pools, a sauna, and a nice fitness area with a decent range of equipment. The facilities are free with a spa program, but others pay a fee. Kids have access to a spacious playground, shaded kids’ pool with fountains, or activities at the mini-club. A wide range of adult activities include a tennis club, on-site shopping, and a driving range. Guests find that the evening entertainment falls flat with music and dancing or a show being the only options. Wi-Fi if free but has a data limit, or guests can purchase unlimited access.

The main restaurant is an appealing space with the feel of an outdoor cafe thanks to green patio chairs with tie-on cushions, potted trees, and sky-blue ceiling sections mottled with white. Food is well-presented and guests generally appreciate the quality and variety on offer for half- and full-board plans. There are also a la carte options to choose from, including Asian, traditional Greek, and seafood restaurants.