Hersonissos Maris Hotel and Suites

Located a 15-minute walk from the lively beach resort area of Hersonissos, this village-style hotel sits directly opposite a small sandy beach. Behind a low stone wall, the hotel’s main pool, overlooked by the Alexander restaurant, is surrounded by a grassy lawn studded with sunbeds. There is a second outside pool near the hotel’s lounge bar where families tend to congregate. The hotel also attracts couples thanks to its spa area and all-inclusive options.

A 10-minute drive from the lively resort area of Hersonissos and 20 minutes from Heraklion’s international airport, the Hersonissos Maris sits opposite a sandy cove. It's also within easy reach of a string of sandy beaches, lively party Mecca Malia, and fabled Minoan remains of Knossos.

Opposite a small sandy beach, Hersonissos Maris’ village-style complex consists of standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and maisonettes. All have balconies or terraces with pool, sea, or garden views. Standard rooms have bathrooms with walk-in showers or tubs, air conditioning, and mini-fridges. Decor is relatively bland with nearly bare walls and simple wooden furniture.

Twenty-six "pool sharing" rooms have direct access to a semi-private swimming pool; these rooms are particularly popular among families. Guests seeking a more peaceful environment should chose rooms away from the pool areas. More luxurious maisonettes have spacious living rooms, large mezzanine-style master bedrooms and marble-lined bathroom with whirlpools. Guests of these rooms receive welcome packages with special toiletries, bottled water, wine, and fruit.

Hersonissos Maris’ main pool, overlooked by the main Alexander restaurant, is a popular hangout during the daytime, as is the small beach just opposite the hotel. The second large pool to one side of the hotel is preferred by guests with younger families. For lunchtime and evening meals guests head for the main Alexander restaurant, where a buffet of Greek specialties is served. It offers a la carte options for guests who are not on the all-inclusive plan. For drinks and snacks the hotel’s beachside snack bar is a popular venue, especially at sunset, whilst the lobby bar is preferred for late-night drinking.

There is a small shop near the hotel lobby selling snacks and souvenirs, and a well-equipped gym in the basement. Hersonissos Maris’ spa is small and dimly lit, but facilities -- including a sauna, steam room, and indoor pool -- are clean and modern. On the other side of the main pool a narrow drive leads past the hotel’s reception and small souvenir shop to a labyrinth of stairs and alleys lined with shared pool rooms, standard rooms, and maisonettes with private pools.