Civitel Creta Beach

Couples and families alike are drawn to Creta Beach Hotel & Bungalows for the quiet atmosphere, all-inclusive features, and friendly staff. Some areas are a tad dated, but others have a fresh, modern look and the grounds are lovely. Stone masonry gives the lobby a rustic feel, but there are not enough modern elements to balance the old and new. The wood-paneled front desk, tables with brass legs, and black-leather stools lend to the dated feel. Everything is comfortable and clean, though, and the main bar is a modern, open space with a crisp look plus large windows that emphasize the sea views. Outside, the grounds are lovely and well-maintained with trim lawns, loads of palm trees, and flowering plants all around. Stone bungalows and tidy pathways help to create a charming village-like environment. Guests consistently report positive experiences with staff members, and praise their hospitality and willingness to resolve any issues. 

Creta Beach Hotel & Bungalows is on the northern coast of Crete, west of Heraklion. It's on the main beach road, with hotels lining the beach side of the street, and touristy shops across the way. There are several restaurants, a supermarket, and car rentals within a five-minute walk from the hotel. There is free parking in the hotel’s lot for those with a car, and a public bus stops out front. It's a 17-minute drive to the archaeological dig site of Knossos, where tourists can explore the ruins of an ancient Minoan palace. Doxa Cave, a large and impressive cave with four rooms for tourists to explore is a 22-minute drive. A 12-minute drive brings guests to the city of Heraklion, with many museums and historic sites, plus all types of shopping and eateries. Heraklion Airport is a 13-minute drive from the hotel. 

Creta Beach Hotel & Bungalows offers 150 standard hotel rooms and stone-masonry bungalows. Decor is attractive and contemporary, if a bit underwhelming, with neutral-colored tile floors, light-wood furniture, and off-white walls. Rooms have teal accents in the headboards, as well as the flower-patterned curtains and matching bed runners and throw pillows. Bungalows have lovely stone accent walls, feminine-looking white-wood furnishings, and neutral-tone linens with a flower motif; they could use a touch of color to liven up the space. All rooms come with a furnished balcony or terrace, air-conditioning, mini-fridge, a flat-screen TV, and a room safe that requires a fee to use. Some also have a sofa bed for an extra guest. 

Bathrooms have a warm look with either a combination of tile and brick walls or a nicer tile all around. There are a shower/tub combo with a handheld showerhead, a hairdryer, and free soap and shower gel in every room. Upgraded rooms offer nicer toiletries, sitting areas, and more space. Guests find rooms comfortable and spotless, but some may be disappointed that rooms look much classier on the hotel’s website than in person. Additionally, many guests find difficulty accessing Wi-Fi in the rooms. 

This all-inclusive hotel has a solid list of quality offerings. Guests report good quality and variety of food offered at the main buffet restaurant. Breakfast is American-style, while lunch and dinner offer international cuisine with Mediterranean specialties. The main dining area is a bit monochromatic with floors, walls, and furniture all blending together into a light, sandy color, though it does have a stunning view of the sea. There’s a lovely sunroom with additional seating, and the buffet area has a stone wall that adds charm. One free meal at the a la carte restaurant is included in all-inclusive packages, and guests enjoy the food there as well. 

The ocean-view pool is on an open patio that gets loads of sun, and has plenty of loungers under tiki umbrellas. It is generally a quiet area, but sometimes the animation team runs lively events in the water. Nearby, a small children’s pool is shaded with netting and a playground is on-site for smaller children. Beyond the pool is a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach with loungers and palapas. Nighttime entertainment is offered for kids and adults. Sports facilities include mini-golf, tennis, volleyball, and archery, while relaxation can be found with massages and skin treatments offered in a couple of outdoor treatment rooms. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but it is only free to those booking through the hotel’s website.