Cretan Dream Royal

Set in pretty gardens with sea views, this 2004-built property gains points for its beautiful location and swish, infinity pool. However, interiors are largely on the dated side and a bit in-cohesive in terms of decor, though some upgraded rooms are contemporary. A relaxing feel pervades throughout the pool area with palm trees and fountains, and the snack bar here is popular, but thrice-weekly poolside nights and buffet dining receive mixed reviews. On the upside, the a la carte eatery is solid, and guests here are by a golden-sand beach with clear waters. Crossing the busy main road to it is a downside though, and the underground tunnel alternative can be unpleasant. Like many hotels in Crete, this property doesn't live up to its advertised five-star rating, particularly due to its evident wear, room disparages, and lack of any kids' club, gym, or spa (reportedly to come in 2018). Prepare for steps throughout, and note, the hotel is only open May through October.

Cretan Dream Royal has a calm location, being both opposite a sandy beach, yet it's also within a 10-minute walk of tavernas and bars stretching west toward Kato Stalos. The hotel is on a busy main road though, and the beach requires crossing it either above or below ground. Loungers and straw umbrellas can be rented here, although they're often free at nearby beach bars with a purchase. A bus outside runs to Kato Stalos in 10 minutes, while Chania's town, harbor, and lighthouse are five minutes farther. Taxis and car rentals are popular alternatives to public transportation. Agia Marina and the Golden Beach are within a nine-minute drive. Chania International Airport is 26 minutes away by car.

Spanning 248 to 302 square feet (23 to 28 square meters), One-Bedroom Suites with pool, garden, or sea views (in upgraded units) are bright and clean, but underwhelming. Dated wooden furniture, tile floors, and mostly white walls are pleasantly accented by caramel of blue fabrics in bedspreads, drapes, and sofa beds, plus stone accent walls behind the beds. Larger Family Suites with two sofa beds sleep four. Upgraded Suites are in a new wing, featuring smart oversized cream quilted headboards, sleek wood furniture, dining tables, eye-catching wall decor, and vibrant green chairs. Some units offer private plunge pools, hot tubs, espresso machines, ironing facilities, or canopied beds. Expect similar disparages in worn or modern bathrooms, with stall showers or shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. Phones, desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and AC come standard. Cribs are available for free, but safes incur fees. Note, road noise is audible in some rooms, and some require traversing steps.

Guests here make a beeline for the hotel's strongest feature, its sea-view, outdoor infinity pool. The pool is large and surrounded by terraces housing loungers, umbrellas, and fountain features that look upscale (but expect loose tiles here and there). An adjacent pool bar is smart under wooden awnings, featuring hardwood floors and wicker seating. Its all-day menu or snacks and drinks, and happy hour, are more popular than the drab main restaurant, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are average. The a la carte Muse Restaurant offers higher-quality dishes. Cretan or seafood theme nights with live music provide limited entertainment poolside. There's also an indoor bar.

Notably lacking during our visit (but reportedly due to open in 2018) are a gym or spa. There's no kids' club either, although a kiddy pool is good-sized, and a small outdoor playground and an indoor pool table and air hockey offer activities. Of course, there's also the beach across the street, where travelers can rent loungers. A meeting room, free-to-use lobby computers, and a gift shop are on-site. Pets are not permitted. Parking and property-wide Wi-Fi are free.