Smartline The Village Resort & Waterpark

Smartline Village Resort & Waterpark feels custom built to appeal to children. Common areas in and around the lobby are done with a white base and bright accents in primary colors. The wall behind the front desk is a mosaic of white, red, blue, and yellow tile, and a bright-pink plastic lamp sits on the desk -- more child-like than chic. Restaurants and bars are a bit more mature with lots of neutral tones and stone accents. Grounds have neatly trimmed hedges lining brick-paved pathways between buildings. There are a lot of short trees and shrubbery with a few flowering plants providing color. Guests find the animation team to be great with kids, engaging them in many activities which do create noise throughout the hotel, especially the pools. The adult entertainment is less appealing, and there are no adult-only pools, so couples may feel out of place.

The resort is set on a hill overlooking the sea on the northern coast of Crete, west of Heraklion. There isn't a ton in the immediate area, but the nearby Hersonissos can be reached in about a 20-minute walk. The hotel also provides a free shuttle. There, guests will find a tiny, crowded beach plus supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment. Free parking is available at the hotel. A 30-minute drive will bring travelers to the city of Heraklion with its many restaurants, museums, shops, and historic sites. Knossos, the archaeological site of Europe’s oldest city, is a 30-minute drive. Lassithi Plateau is a beautiful area with quaint villages to explore and stunning views, which can be reached in 60 minutes by car. Heraklion Airport is a 20-minute drive away, while Heraklion Port, where many cruise ships arrive, is 30 minutes away. 

Minimally furnished standard rooms are a bit underwhelming but nonetheless pleasant with terra-cotta floors and mostly neutral tones in walls, curtains, and furniture. Pale blue accent walls and red chair cushions add a little color, while black wrought-iron furniture stands out against lighter surroundings. Every room has a furnished balcony or terrace, many with a view of the sea. Others overlook the garden. Note that rooms higher on the hill may be difficult for some with limited mobility.Standard amenities include mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Wi-Fi and safes each cost extra. Basic bathrooms have shower/tub combos or curtained showers and pedestal sinks that lack counter space. Hand soap and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided, but no shampoo or conditioner. Upgraded rooms offer a separate bedroom and a larger bathroom; some have a little sitting area with a couch. Smart Suites come with robes and slippers, plus a fruit and wine basket as a welcome gift. 

This all-inclusive resort has plenty of food, pools, and activities for kids. The main restaurant serves three buffet-style meals daily in a bright, open room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests appreciate the variety available at meals, and find the quality is decent. The kids’ buffet is noted as being less desirable for picky eaters. An a la carte restaurant serves Italian dinners. The main pool is a sunny area stacked with metal-framed loungers covered in blue nylon. An adjacent kids’ pool has floats and toys, which tend to fill the main pool, too. Activities are regularly in progress, making it a crowded, active environment. There is a separate Relax Pool for all ages with a quieter atmosphere. Kids also have an appealing wading pool with fountains and a slide, plus a kids’ bar for snacks. There are a worn playground and kids’ club with supervised activities. The free, small water park has a few slides and a lazy river, though there's a height requirement. A game room has billiards, air hockey, and some video games with a charge for use. Well-reviewed spa treatments will appeal more to adults. The below-ground fitness center has a large room for classes, a small area with some worn cardio and weight training equipment, and a sauna (with a fee to use). Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby.