Pilot Beach Resort

Pilot Beach Resort feels more like an upscale village than a hotel. Interior spaces are beautifully done and impeccably maintained. The main lobby is spacious and has a high, exposed-beam ceiling. A richly patterned marble floor and large mural behind the front desk also draw the eye. The grounds are done with cobblestone pathways, green lawns accented with bushes and flowers, and road signs pointing to various facilities. Guest rooms are clustered into neighborhoods and look like apartments and bungalows. A market, small cinema, shops, and a hairdresser add to the village atmosphere. Unfortunately, this village straddles a main roadway for the area, though there is a well-lit underpass providing access to both sides of the resort. Due to extensive family-friendly features, children -- along with their energy and noise -- are common, especially in the main section. Couples and honeymooners may feel a tad out of place because of this.  

Pilot Beach Resort is on the northern coast of Crete between the major cities of Chania (a 35-minute drive) and Rethimno (22 minutes). It is a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk east to the fishing village of Georgioupolis, a charming small town with a number of good restaurants and shops. In the immediate vicinity of the hotel, there is not much to do or see. Popular tourist sites, such as Samaria Gorge or Knossos, are at least a 90-minute drive away. 

There is a bus stop on the main road directly in front of the hotel, a few-minutes’ walk from the lobby. Port Souda, where many ferries from the mainland dock, is a 30-minute drive away. Chania International Airport is 45 minutes by car.

Standard guest rooms are comfortable but basic, lacking the upscale feel of the rest of the hotel. White tile, white walls, and a white duvet combined with light-wood furniture and beige curtains all feels very bland. All rooms have furnished balconies or patios, with views either of the pool, garden, or sea. Also standard are flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, wired internet, and safes (fee required to use). Wi-Fi is free, but unreliable. Room start at 260 square feet (24 square meters) and either have a double bed or two singles, and the sofa or an extra cot can be used for additional guests. Bathrooms done in white marble feel a bit more elegant, outfitted with shower/tub combos, free hotel-brand bath products, and hairdryers, plus bathrobes and slippers are provided. Rooms near the main pool can be noisy when activities are underway, and some guests complain of noise from road traffic. 

Larger suites offer more upscale decor with touches of blue in the duvet and curtains, gleaming wood flooring, and more thoughtfully selected artwork. Other upgrades includes DVD players and tea- and coffee-making facilities, plus some have whirlpool tubs. Aqua Suites are the highest-end rooms, and they include their own patio and pool in a backyard setting. While the outdoor space is intended solely for the occupant, it's in sight of anyone strolling by and not entirely private, particularly those next to the beach.

Pilot Beach Resort has such an extensive list of features and services that it is entirely possible to spend a relaxing vacation on-site without leaving to explore the rest of the island. Four restaurants and three bars offer mostly well-reviewed food. The main restaurant serves international cuisine buffet-style and seats 750 people, but it gets noisy at times. The seaside restaurant is quieter, plus there are a smaller Italian restaurant and a Greek restaurant. There are three bars; the Music Bar near the central pool opens in the evenings for drinks and dancing. A kids’ buffet is available much of the day and is free for those on the all-inclusive package. 

The beach is a long, sandy stretch with blue lounge chairs and umbrellas, as well as plenty of open space. Four pools are spread around the grounds, plus a fun kids’ pool with fountains and slides, and a small wading pool for younger children. The indoor pool is elegant and is heated during the cooler months of the season. There are many other facilities and activities planned on-site, some highlights are: dancing, classes, games, and organized sports arranged for either kids or adults.

Olive Spa is beautiful and extensive; adjustable colored lighting in the recessed ceilings and a variety of funky chairs are visually appealing. The spa offers a wide range of services with modern equipment. A fully equipped gym and fitness classes (yoga, Pilates, swimming lessons, and others) are available in the spa, as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but a bit spotty in some areas.