Pros
- Large family-friendly property with all-inclusive rates
- Free shuttle or 10-minute walk to Star Beach, which has a water park
- Seven pools include kids’ pools, relaxation pool, and indoor pool
- Buffet restaurant offers themed nights such as Mexican and Asian
- Three bars for snacks, local beer, wine, and liquor, and soda
- Spacious rooms with terraces, mini-fridges, AC, and hairdryers
- Superior Rooms have bright, contemporary decor; some with sea views
- Ample kids’ facilities such as playgrounds, kids’ club, and arcade (fee)
- Outdoor stage for evening shows, plus daily activities
- Gym, sports courts, and spa for various treatments
- On-site mini-market, as well as clothing and souvenir shops
- Free property-wide Wi-Fi and parking
Cons
- Standard Room decor is dated and bland
- Food and drink quality and variety receive mixed reviews
- Hilly grounds may be difficult for some to navigate
- Caged farm animals may upset some guests
- Fee for use of in-room safe
Bottom Line
The 340-room Imperial Belvedere is a large, upper-middle-range all-inclusive property with tons of features for kids and adults. Set on a hill, it’s a 10-minute walk to the beach and 12-minute drive to the center of Hersonissos. The hotel shares most facilities with its neighboring sister hotel, Royal Belvedere, including seven pools, two snack bars, and an array of kid-friendly facilities such as an arcade, kids’ club, playgrounds, and sports courts. Food at the buffet restaurant receives mixed reviews, as do drinks for their quality and limited variety. An outdoor stage hosts evening entertainment, plus there are a simple spa and free Wi-Fi. Rooms are simple and spacious, outfitted with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and furnished terraces. Standard units have dated decor while Superior Rooms are contemporary. A free shuttle runs to the nearest beach. Couples may prefer the quieter Sissi Bay Hotel & Spa.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Fitness Center
- Internet
- Pets Allowed
- Pool
Scene
Lively all inclusive with some quiet couple-friendly areas and shared facilities
Extensive grounds at the Imperial Belvedere house tons of family- and adult-friendly facilities, which are nearly all shared with neighboring sister hotel Royal Belvedere. Although bustling and family-friendly, the Imperial is the better option for couples between the two. Set into a hill overlooking Hersonissos, many steps and steep inclines are required to get around, which may be difficult for some. On the plus side, this means there are beautiful views of the surrounding towns and distant sea from multiple vantage points. Kid-friendly pools like the mid-level Olympic-sized pool are boisterous, thanks to daily activities, while a more subdued vibe can be found at a relaxation pool and secluded terraces with Balinese beds.
Although the entrance to the hotel is impressive, with high archways and a grand staircase leading to reception, interiors are largely dated. Aside from Superior Rooms, which are done in a bright, contemporary style, simple wood furniture, old-fashioned linens, and little in terms of decor are found throughout the property. All things considered, this is a pleasant property with affordable all-inclusive rates and enough amenities to keep guests occupied.
Location
10-minute downhill walk to the beach, and 15 minutes to a town center
Imperial Belvedere is located about a 12-minute drive from the center of Hersonissos, where buzzing nightlife, restaurants, and shops can be found. The nearest beach, Star Beach, can be reached via a 10-minute downhill walk, or a free hotel-run shuttle. A supermarket is located at the base of the hill, a five-minute walk away. A 15- to 20-minute walk up a hill behind the hotel takes travelers to the traditional village of Koutouloufari, where tavernas serving traditional Cretan fare can be found. Heraklion International Airport is roughly a 25-minute drive away.
Rooms
Dated standards and more contemporary superior units, all with outdoor spaces
The 340 rooms vary between dated Standard Rooms and contemporary Superior Rooms. The former have simple wood furniture, old-fashioned linens in earth tones, and beige floors, plus locally inspired artwork. Superior units, meanwhile, have bright, contemporary furnishings, including light-wood furniture, off-white floors and walls, and pops of blue in curtains, patterned bed runners, and big beach photos above the beds. All rooms come with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs with free international channels, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and furnished outdoor spaces -- some with sea views. Safes are available for a fee. Superior Rooms add DVD players, tea- and coffee-making facilities, bathrobes, and slippers. Neutral-tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Family Rooms have separate sleeping areas.
Features
Tons of shared amenities for kids and adults, plus all-inclusive dining
Most of the facilities are shared between Imperial Belvedere and Royal Belvedere. There are tons of features for both kids and adults, including six outdoor pools spread across four levels and one indoor pool. An adult-oriented relaxation pool is at Imperial Belvedere, accompanied by a lounge bar that hosts a pianist twice a week. The main, Olympic-sized pool hosts daily recreation, and it has a separate kiddy pool, snack bar, and cushioned loungers under umbrellas. At the lowest level is a collection of kids’ pools, complete with fun fountains, slides, a toddlers’ pool, snack bar, and evening bar.
The hotel has its own buffet restaurant that can only be used by Imperial guests. It offers different themed nights, including Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian, with live cooking stations and a decent range of dishes. Unfortunately, food quality receives mixed reviews. All-inclusive rates cover local alcohol, beer, wine, and soda, but travelers have complained the variety is limited. On the plus side, guests can keep using the facilities after checking out if they have a late flight.
Ample kid-friendly facilities consist of multiple outdoor playgrounds, kids’ and teens’ clubs, arcade (fee), and volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts. Daily activities and evening entertainment are available, as well as a simple spa with treatment menus and a sauna. A small gym is also on-site. Wi-Fi is free but often finicky. Free parking is available, and the hotel provides a free shuttle bus to and from the nearest beach at Star Beach Water Park.
Related Hotels
Scene
Lively all inclusive with some quiet couple-friendly areas and shared facilities
Extensive grounds at the Imperial Belvedere house tons of family- and adult-friendly facilities, which are nearly all shared with neighboring sister hotel Royal Belvedere. Although bustling and family-friendly, the Imperial is the better option for couples between the two. Set into a hill overlooking Hersonissos, many steps and steep inclines are required to get around, which may be difficult for some. On the plus side, this means there are beautiful views of the surrounding towns and distant sea from multiple vantage points. Kid-friendly pools like the mid-level Olympic-sized pool are boisterous, thanks to daily activities, while a more subdued vibe can be found at a relaxation pool and secluded terraces with Balinese beds.
Although the entrance to the hotel is impressive, with high archways and a grand staircase leading to reception, interiors are largely dated. Aside from Superior Rooms, which are done in a bright, contemporary style, simple wood furniture, old-fashioned linens, and little in terms of decor are found throughout the property. All things considered, this is a pleasant property with affordable all-inclusive rates and enough amenities to keep guests occupied.
Location
10-minute downhill walk to the beach, and 15 minutes to a town center
Imperial Belvedere is located about a 12-minute drive from the center of Hersonissos, where buzzing nightlife, restaurants, and shops can be found. The nearest beach, Star Beach, can be reached via a 10-minute downhill walk, or a free hotel-run shuttle. A supermarket is located at the base of the hill, a five-minute walk away. A 15- to 20-minute walk up a hill behind the hotel takes travelers to the traditional village of Koutouloufari, where tavernas serving traditional Cretan fare can be found. Heraklion International Airport is roughly a 25-minute drive away.
Rooms
Dated standards and more contemporary superior units, all with outdoor spaces
The 340 rooms vary between dated Standard Rooms and contemporary Superior Rooms. The former have simple wood furniture, old-fashioned linens in earth tones, and beige floors, plus locally inspired artwork. Superior units, meanwhile, have bright, contemporary furnishings, including light-wood furniture, off-white floors and walls, and pops of blue in curtains, patterned bed runners, and big beach photos above the beds. All rooms come with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs with free international channels, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and furnished outdoor spaces -- some with sea views. Safes are available for a fee. Superior Rooms add DVD players, tea- and coffee-making facilities, bathrobes, and slippers. Neutral-tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Family Rooms have separate sleeping areas.
Features
Tons of shared amenities for kids and adults, plus all-inclusive dining
Most of the facilities are shared between Imperial Belvedere and Royal Belvedere. There are tons of features for both kids and adults, including six outdoor pools spread across four levels and one indoor pool. An adult-oriented relaxation pool is at Imperial Belvedere, accompanied by a lounge bar that hosts a pianist twice a week. The main, Olympic-sized pool hosts daily recreation, and it has a separate kiddy pool, snack bar, and cushioned loungers under umbrellas. At the lowest level is a collection of kids’ pools, complete with fun fountains, slides, a toddlers’ pool, snack bar, and evening bar.
The hotel has its own buffet restaurant that can only be used by Imperial guests. It offers different themed nights, including Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian, with live cooking stations and a decent range of dishes. Unfortunately, food quality receives mixed reviews. All-inclusive rates cover local alcohol, beer, wine, and soda, but travelers have complained the variety is limited. On the plus side, guests can keep using the facilities after checking out if they have a late flight.
Ample kid-friendly facilities consist of multiple outdoor playgrounds, kids’ and teens’ clubs, arcade (fee), and volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts. Daily activities and evening entertainment are available, as well as a simple spa with treatment menus and a sauna. A small gym is also on-site. Wi-Fi is free but often finicky. Free parking is available, and the hotel provides a free shuttle bus to and from the nearest beach at Star Beach Water Park.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
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Air Conditioner
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Babysitting Services
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Beach
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Children's Pool
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Concierge
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Fitness Center
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Internet
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Kids Allowed
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Laundry
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Meeting / Conference Rooms
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Pets Allowed
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Pool
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Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
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Supervised Kids Activities
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Swim-Up Bar
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Tennis Court
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
