Louis Creta Princess Aquapark & Spa

Giant water slides, themed pools, and a peaceful pebbly beach are the major attractions at this all-inclusive resort. Frequent footfall at the pool areas and poolside bar lend a lively, social atmosphere, and these remain highly popular with guests both old and new. Although room decor is basic, public spaces are tasteful and modern, including the reception area, with its soothing peach-and-gray color scheme and cool marble floors. Most striking is the resort's Asian-themed buffet restaurant Mura -- a handsome space with low-hanging pendant lights and natural wood accents. Even the main buffet restaurant -- although hectic during peak meal times -- comes in elegant shades of cream and gray. Although heavy traffic inevitably leaves its mark, the hotel manages to maintain furnishings and cleanliness to a decent standard overall -- although the strong artificial air freshener in public areas may put off some. 

Rooms are spread across three main buildings and situated around the extensive pool complex, which serves as the main hub of the resort. The pebbly beachfront -- with its crystal-clear water -- extends from the pool area. Although this is a busy, social property suited to families with energetic kids, those who prefer peace and quiet can escape to the beachfront, and grounds are extensive enough to allow parents some down time when needed. The Louis Creta Princess attracts mostly families from the U.K., Belgium, Germany, and Scandinavia. 

Louis Creta Princess Beach Hotel is located at the end of Maleme village, which has a host of shops and restaurants along its main road. The hotel has its own private cul-de-sac, well-suited to accommodate large tour buses. A supermarket across the street provides basics at lower rates than the hotel’s mini-market, while a bus stop on the main road stops in nearby resort town Platanias. It’s a 30-minute drive to Chania, with its charming old town and historic Venetian port. Chania airport is a 37-minute drive, while the wonderful town of Rethymnon is about an hour and 25 minutes away by car.

Louis Creta Princess Hotel has 420 rooms, all of which are the same size, with a powder-blue-and-white color scheme. Rooms are basic, and a few may need some TLC, but overall they’re clean and pleasant, with comfortable beds. All come with mini-fridges, tea- and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and outdoor spaces. Air-conditioning is centralized, and although functional, may take a while to cool the room. Most rooms have sea views, but the garden views are still pleasant, and those overlooking the pool complex are great for people watching. Balconies are relatively small and not equipped with sunbeds – those intending to sunbathe would be better off by the pool or on the beach. Wi-Fi and a large bottle of spring water are available for free, but access to the safe costs extra.

Rooms are furnished according to occupancy, and some are situated in bungalows flanking the grounds, while others are located in the main building along with the reception and restaurants. Double Rooms accommodate two people via either one double bed or two single beds, while triple rooms are furnished with one double bed and one single bed. Family Rooms can fit four via two additional sofa beds, or an additional single bed and sofa bed, but may feel cramped due to a lack of extra space. 

Louis Creta Princess Hotel is a haven for families: its pool complex is large and varied enough to pass for a water park, and themed pools are designed to cater to specific age groups. Five different water slides come in various themes, and are suited to older kids, while a jungle-themed pool with fountains is better for younger children. A smaller infants’ pool ensures that toddlers get their share of the fun, and a large freeform pool for adults comes complete with a central activities pavilion and popular poolside bar that's a solid lunch spot. 

The peaceful, pebbly beachfront is another popular attraction, with plenty of free sunbeds and umbrellas available (beach towels are also free). Note that there is no waiter service on the beach. The hotel hosts a dynamic recreation program for adults, and activities include stretching, aqua gym, zumba, and sports tournaments. Kids are spoiled for choice here, with free hosted activities to suit all ages including a daily mini disco; special themed days including pirates’ day, ice cream day, princess day, and face-painting day; outdoor sports include soccer, basketball, tennis, beach volleyball, and mini-golf. 

All guests stay under the all-inclusive plan, which covers meals at the main buffet restaurant, as well as the option to dine free at the handsome Asian-themed restaurant. The latter does require reservations. Snacks between meals are available throughout the day, and local brand alcoholic drinks are available at the main bar and pool bar until midnight. Name-brand alcohol will cost extra depending on your preferences.

Live entertainment energizes evenings in the form of live music, traditional Greek dancing, and other professional shows. There’s also a host of arcade and table games available for a fee, and a small wellness center with a fish spa and special kids’ spa. A mini-market is well stocked, although a bit pricey. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and the hotel provides free parking as well as a free shuttle to Chania three times per day.