Arina Beach Resort

Arina Sand Resort appeals to families and couples for its relaxing environment and beachfront location. Though in need of refreshing in some areas, it's generally clean and has a pleasant atmosphere. Light-filled spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows and beachy decor are found throughout the hotel’s common spaces. The lobby has some pretty stonework and paintings along the walls, but the patterned seating and light-wood accents look dated. The restaurant has a similar old-fashioned vibe, though the vaulted-ceiling and paintings add a touch of charm. Weather permitting, most guests will spend their days outside on the beach or around the large pool. 

Arina Sands Resort is on the northern coast of Crete, with little in the immediate vicinity but just a 20-minute walk east of the major city of Heraklion. There is a public bus stop in front of the hotel for trips farther afield. Watercity, a fun waterpark with plenty of waterslides, is an eight-minute drive away. A 10-minute drive will bring guests to CretAquarium, a modern aquarium with a good number of exhibits. Knossos, the oldest city in Europe and an archaeological dig site, is a 20-minute drive away. Heraklion Airport is an 11-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms are spacious and have a minimalist design that travelers may find appealing or plain. They're outfitted with light-wood floors and streamlined furniture, white walls, and gray cushions on the sofa beds, chairs, and headboards. Paintings and either mustard-yellow or light-blue bedding add touches of color. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces with a view to the sea, though some are limited by the shape of the building. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, kettles with tea and coffee, and safes that require a fee to use. Wi-Fi is free, but guests note it is not always reliable, especially farther from the lobby. Bathrooms are simple, with gray tile and a pale accent color. Long counters provide a good amount of space and there are shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and soap dispensers. Upgraded rooms add DVD players, add Bungalows are situated along the beach, with the most impressive ocean views. 

Arina Sand Resort has a decent list of all-inclusive amenities. Food is available almost all day, from early breakfast to late dinner, plus a snack bar open from midmorning to evening. The main restaurant serves buffet-style meals that generally receive positive reviews, and theme nights provide some added variety. A Greek a la carte restaurant offers a change of pace. 

The pool is a large space surrounded by tile, and with a kiddy pool off to the side -- both are saltwater. Blue sunbeds are shaded with blue-and-white striped umbrellas, and a raised terrace houses the snack bar. Beyond the pool, stairs lead to a long strip of sandy beach. Loungers are free in both areas, though guests complain that they are hard to come by, especially during peak season.

The small spa offers a range of treatments, and there's a gym with a handful of cardio machines and weight-training equipment. Tennis courts, beach volleyball, and beach soccer offer additional options for activity. Kids can utilize the simple playground, supervised activities, and game room with table tennis, air hockey, and a couple of simple ride-on toys. The animation team gets positive feedback from guests, particularly for the way they engage younger children in activities.