Lyttos Beach Hotel

Lyttos Hotel is a sprawling, 150-acre (61 hectares) property catering to families, but with a full list of facilities for every type of vacationer. Many interior spaces are dated, such as the lobby's white wicker seating with rust-colored cushions, but they're comfortable and spacious. A 2015 renovation also enhanced the main buffet restaurant and pool bar into more modern and attractive areas, though guests should expect both of them to be quite busy. Fortunately, rooms are separated from the activity and dining hub, and spread out among lush and peaceful grounds. Vine-covered trellises shade walkways lined with flowering plants. Trim green lawns, local plants, and trees surround the buildings and provide some separation between them. 

Lyttos Beach Hotel is in the municipality of Hersonissos on the northern coast of Crete. There isn’t a lot to do in the immediate vicinity, but a six-minute walk along the beach road behind the hotel brings guests to an area with a few restaurants and a supermarket. From the front of the hotel, it's an eight-minute walk to the main road and a local bus stop. The village of Hersonissos -- with plenty of places to eat, shop, and explore -- is an eight-minute drive. The 18-hole Crete Golf Club and Acqua Plus, a well-rated water park, are 12 minutes away by car. Heraklion, a large city with museums, sites, and plenty of shopping, is a 23-minute drive from the hotel. Heraklion also has an airport (18 minutes from the hotel) and a port (25 minutes away) where many cruise ships from the mainland dock. 

Standard rooms have a light, beachy feel with sand-colored tile floors, off-white walls, and sky blue accents in lampshades, patterned bed runners, and painted ceilings. Some rooms have cream wicker furniture with patterned cushions, generic artwork, and blue tile floors that make the spaces feel dated dated. Still, they're comfortable and have a soothing vibe. Family Rooms renovated in 2015 have more modern wood floors, sleek white furniture, and partitions with colorful circle cutouts. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces, either with garden or seas views. 

Every room has a 42-inch flat-screen TV, tea- and coffee-making facilities, mini-fridges, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms also vary in style, with some showing notable wear. They either have shower/tub combos or showers, and all have hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries. Higher-category rooms add more toiletries and bathrobes.  

Extensive facilities at this all-inclusive include plenty for both families and couples. The main buffet restaurant has a different theme each night, and guests appreciate the variety and quality of food. A separate restaurant on the beach has a quieter atmosphere and an open-air view to the sea. The beautiful, long stretch of sandy beach offers free loungers and straw umbrellas, plus a lifeguard is on duty. 

The main gathering area of the hotel consists of an Olympic-sized pool, kiddy pool, waterslides, and a playground. Plenty of free loungers and umbrellas surround the area, particularly on the grassy lawns. Add music and crowds from the pool bar, and the area becomes very busy and loud, particularly during planned pool activities. There is a separate quiet pool with wicker sunbeds and more loungers dotted around the lawn. Adjacent to this is a small but well-reviewed spa offering treatments and a fitness room. 

Kids have use of a simple indoor activity space, a good-size outdoor playground with fun climbing equipment, and a wading pool with slides and fountains. There’s also a water park with a few larger slides for older kids and adults. The animation team is well-reviewed for their engagement of kids and adults alike. Also available are sports facilities (including 15 tennis courts), a putting range, a biking center with planned excursions, shops, and free self-service laundry machines. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and grounds.