Grand Hotel Holiday Resort

Grand Hotel Holiday resort is a large hotel set on a hillside. Past guests -- a near even mix of couples and families -- rave about the relaxing atmosphere, plentiful facilities and activities, and generally friendly staff -- especially the animation team. Decor in common spaces is appealing, with bright, open spaces done in earth tones. The circular lobby is a circle has minimal seating and a glass-domed ceiling above. Beyond the lobby, attractive grounds have trees and shrubbery lining the outdoor pathways between low-rise white and light-brown buildings. There are many areas for guests to spread out, so there’s little crowding outside of the lively main pool. 

Grand Hotel Holiday Resort is just off the northern coast of Crete, east of Heraklion. It is on a main road with easy access (10-minute drive) to the nearby village of Hersonissos. There are a few restaurants within a 12-minute walk of the hotel, but there are better quality ones in the nearby towns. A 10-minute walk brings guests to a small beach. The hotel has free parking for those with cars, and a public bus stops on the road out front. A six-minute drive in either direction brings guests to villages with plenty of restaurants and shops, plus sandy beaches. Knossos, the archeological site of Europe’s oldest city, is a 30-minute drive away. A 25-minute drive will bring guests to the city of Heraklion with its many restaurants, museums, shops, and historic sites. Heraklion Airport is 20 minutes away by car. 

Standard Rooms are 290 square feet (27 square meters), and decorated with off-white walls, green wooden furniture, and a red patterned duvets. They're dated and in need of a renovation, but the furnishings are adequate and everything is clean. Superior and Family Rooms have a warmer, more contemporary design -- neutral colors and light-wood furniture are accented with solid dark colors (red or blue) in the headboards and other fabrics. Decor is still kept to a minimum. All rooms have furnished balconies or patios, many with beautiful views to the sea, though some are blocked by buildings and trees. Rooms at the top of the hill have a climb that many find uncomfortable, though it does allow for lovely views.  

Mini-fridges and TVs with satellite channels are provided across all rooms, but there is a weekly charge for use of safes and Wi-Fi. Kettles are not available. Bathrooms are basic with shower/tub combos and some counter space, but families of three and four may find them too small. Hairdryers, shampoos, and soaps are included for free, plus upgraded rooms include sewing kits. 

A solid list of on-site features gives guests plenty to do on site. Three restaurants and several bars offer plenty of dining options. The main buffet generally receives positive reviews for food quality, plus there's a dining section just for kids. All-inclusive guests also get one meal in each of the two a la carte choices. The Greek restaurant is particularly well-liked, and there is an Italian restaurant. A snack bar and multiple bars are also available.

The four saltwater pools each offer something different. The main pool is a busy spot with plenty of deep-blue sunbeds and umbrellas. When activities are underway it can be quite crowded and loud. An adult-only pool offers a quieter environment, but it lacks the gorgeous view found at the Fun Pool with two waterslides. There’s also an indoor pool with a view into the fitness room, but it lacks lounge chairs. 

The spa decor consists of Buddhist statues, clusters of stones, and votive candles, and there are a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool. Both kids and adults can receive a variety of spa treatments. The gym is spacious but not equipped with a ton of equipment. Kids have access to a small mini-club with supervised activities and a shaded outdoor playground. The Aqua Park with waterslides is another fun option, as is the game room with a few video and table games. Plenty more on-site activities are offered, including beach volleyball, water polo, and shows in the amphitheater. Conference facilities are available for events up to 200 people.