Kronos Hotel

Travelers choose the Kronos Hotel for its pretty, nearly seafront setting, convenient location, and cheap rates. Wraparound balconies on the hotel's corner street have simple Greek charm, and 2011-renovated interiors are bright and pleasant. Large windows in the lobby's lounge overlook the Gulf of Heraklion's deep blue waters, plus brushed-wood floors feel polished amid brown and tan leather seating. Most of the decor is generic and bland, though the front desk has a photographic mural of the nearby Koules fortress, and wall-mounted ship art and dolphin photography are upbeat. Sit-up stools at the small bar are fine for a quick drink, but like the menu here, the space is limited, and breakfast is the only meal offered. Tavernas and restaurants surround the hotel though, as do Heraklion's sights, and most guests spend their days outside the property.

The hotel occupies a great seafront spot on the edges of downtown Heraklion, and since this city is small, walks to sights are short. Quaint boats docking nearby are picturesque, and the 16th-century Venetian Koules fortress is a five-minute walk away. It's the same distance for the Historic Museum of Crete, and four minutes farther for Heraklion's Archaeological Museum, where artifacts are thousands of years old. Restaurants fill the fountain-flanked Lion's Square, an eight-minute walk, although plenty of eateries line the waterfront and surrounding streets. Beaches are a half-hour drive or bus ride from the central bus station; alongside Heraklion's ferry port, it's nine minutes on foot. Taxis are plentiful, and it's a 17-minute drive to the Bronze Age archaeological Knossos site. Heraklion International Airport is a 10-minute drive.

Facing city streets or the sea, Single, Twin/Double, and Triple rooms are clean, simple, and comfortable. Some sport russet or peach palettes in the old-fashioned bedspreads and drapes, while others have bright whites and tans in walls, white-tiled floors, and light striped bed runners on beds. Note that beds can be two twins pushed together, though that's common for Greece. Decor is kept to a minimum, but wooden or quilted headboards, bow details on chair covers at glass-topped desks, and gilt-framed artwork add some pleasant details. French doors open onto small balconies, some offering full or partial sea and fortress views, but not all are furnished and some have poor city vistas. Amenities include phones, small flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, AC, and free Wi-Fi, plus slippers, small safes, and hairdryers. No tea- and coffee-making facilities are provided. Bathrooms in tiled creams are compact, but well-maintained with bowl sinks, frosted-glass showers with handheld showerheads, and wall-dispensed toiletries. Note, street-facing rooms particularly are subject to road noise, and passing planes have disturbed some guests. Rooms can be fitted with cribs.

Features here are limited, but reasonable for the price. Buffet breakfasts are at a fee, and served in a simple room with banquet-style tables and chairs. The spread consists of boiled and scrambled eggs, Greek and continental fare, tea, coffee, and juice. No other meals are offered. The adjacent bar has a limited menu of coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Comfy seating in the lounge overlooks the sea, and bottled water here is free. A free-to-use business center with internet-connected PCs and printer is located by the bar. Reception is staffed 24/7, and luggage can be stored securely after check-out. No private parking is offered, but guests with vehicles can park on the street or at nearby parking lots. Pets are not permitted. Wi-Fi is free throughout.