Latania

The lower-middle-range Latania is known for its cozy social atmosphere. The hotel thinks of itself and its many repeat visitors as one big family, and various guests, many of whom come from the United Kingdom, are known to coordinate their visit with others they met during past trips. New guests are welcomed with the same warmth and friendliness, preventing a VIP exclusivity from developing, and long-standing bar staff continue to be popular with all guests. 

Latania is Greek for palm tree, and the peaceful pool area is surrounded with them, adding a tropical touch. The remaining grounds are lushly landscaped, and a large, comfortable lobby lounge adjacent to the bar and pool creates a central hub. Rooms are spread across five buildings, including an annex that’s a two-minute walk from the main complex. While the annex separates guests from the pool area, it’s closer to the beach, and doesn’t pose a problem with most guests. The hotel sees both couples young and old, families, and groups of friends.

Latania is situated on a busy beach road that runs through the heart of the coastal resort town Stalis. It's surrounded by restaurants, shops, and bars. Stalis lacks the authentic Cretan character found in more remote towns, but a lively vibe and plenty of affordable dining options remain a big draw. A supermarket just next door to the hotel provides basics, and the beach is a two-minute walk away, or just across the street from the annex building. A bus stop (a five-minute walk away) makes regular trips to popular towns such as Hersonissos to the west, and Malia and Agios Nikolaos to the east. Heraklion airport is a 25-minute drive west from the hotel. 

Latania’s self-catering rooms can accommodate from two to five people, via Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments. Rates vary according to capacity, and although some rooms have sea views, these aren’t priced any higher. All rooms are meticulously clean, and decorated with bright and cheery stripy decor in a raspberry-and-lime or blue color scheme. All units have flat-screen TV’s, sofa beds, and furnished outdoor spaces. Kitchenettes come with two cooking rings, a microwave, tea kettle, toaster, and coffeemaker. Using the air-conditioning and the safe cost extra. Wi-Fi in rooms is free, but the signal may be best in common areas of the hotel. Bathrooms are relatively spacious, especially those in the main complex, with either a shower/tub combo or shower only. All rooms overlook either mountains, the sea, or pool, and double glazed windows effectively cut out street noise.

Features focus on vacation. The pleasant palm-lined pool area is the heart of the main complex, and has a separate kids’ section as well as poolside bar. The bar does a convenient evening happy hour over a two-hour window, and also serves a variety of light meals as well as full cooked English breakfasts. There’s no restaurant, but the hotel hosts a weekly barbecue buffet that’s a good value and popular with guests. It also hosts live Greek music and dance once a week. The pool table and outdoor playground helps to entertain kids, while a small library in the lounge allows guests to relax with a book if desired. The free Wi-Fi has a good connection in public areas, and there’s free private parking.