Gouves Park Holiday Resort

Gouves Park Holiday Resort appeals largely to families for its long list of kid-friendly features and the comfortable, if dated, surroundings. The lobby is white with deep-green trim and a few plants that bring freshness to the space. Tan leather couches and track lighting give the room a dated feel. However, the front desk commands attention, flanked by two substantial stone vases topped with topiary domes, and backed by an interesting sunset painting complete with Greek statues.

The hotel is split into two main sections, with one set of rooms surrounding the quieter pool and the other set across the hotel driveway around the activity pool. Grounds are limited, with most common space being around the pools. The quieter pool is surrounded by palm trees and picturesque buildings, while the activity pool has a more open, utilitarian feel, sharing a courtyard with the snack bar and restaurant.

Gouves Park Holiday Resort is on the northern coast of Crete, a 20-minute drive from Heraklion in Gouves, a tourist area with many resorts and farmland. The hotel is a bit south of the coast, and an eight-minute walk will bring guests to a beautiful, sandy beach with nearby restaurants and a supermarket. Two more minutes down the beach road is Smile, the hotel’s beach restaurant with discounted meals and sun loungers for guests. A 12-minute walk to the south brings guests to the main road and a bus stop. From the hotel, it is a four-minute drive to Dinosauria Park, a fun spot for kids who love dinosaurs. It is a seven-minute drive to CretAquarium, which has exhibits showcasing local sea life. There is a full, 18-hole golf course a 16-minute drive away. It is a 15-minute drive to Heraklion Airport.

Though plain, rooms are clean and spacious. Upgraded rooms have more contemporary wood furniture, solid-blue linens, and crisp white walls, plus they offer more space for additional guests thanks to an extra bedroom or two-story options. These also come with flat-screen TVs. All rooms have air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and large balconies or terraces with plastic tables and chairs. Safes are available for a fee.

Bathrooms are basic, with curtained showers or tub/shower combos, sinks with limited counter space, and wall-mounted soap dispensers. Hairdryers are provided. Free Wi-Fi is available in rooms; an optional package is available which includes a kettle, bottle warmer, and baby bath for an extra fee.

This all-inclusive resort caters to families, particularly those with young children. Two exciting water parks have several big slides, plus there’s a shaded playground with a few fun toys for small kids. The kids’ club has a spacious indoor activity space where the animation team does a good job of entertaining young guests. Two main pool areas provide a choice between an active space with water games, and a quieter space where guests can relax. None of the pools are deep and each has a small wading section for kids. Evening entertainment is largely geared toward little ones. Adult guests report a nice experience at the spa, especially the free 15-minute massage gifted on arrival.

Meal-time options are limited, with a large buffet restaurant being the main on-site source for meals. Most guests find the food tasty and varied. Artemis, the pool bar next to the activity pool, serves snacks, and an Asian restaurant as well as a sports bar near the main entrance offer additional options for evening meals.