Prince Of Lillies

Although basic in style, this laid-back, welcoming hotel is a popular spot for vacationing retired couples and families who want a home base for beach days and sightseeing excursions. A white-washed building with arched doorways, marble tile floors, and wood and stone accents, the hotel channels traditional Cretan style, a look only accentuated by its surrounding gardens. The hub of the hotel, the pool is a good size for the number of guests, with a separate area for kids, and there's plenty of grass and metal loungers to relax on.  The restaurant and lounge areas are clean and pleasant, if a bit dated, with either white or natural wood-colored chairs and few other accents. 

Located in a sleepy, quiet area just a little over 1,500 feet from a long sandy beach, the Prince of Lillies is within walking distance of the restaurants and bars of the town of Karteros. The airport is just a seven-minute drive away (be aware that noise from airplanes can be bothersome in the high season), and the main city of Heraklion is just a 20-minute drive or bus ride from the hotel. The town of Agios Nikolaos, renowned for its paved shopping streets and legendary "bottomless" lake, is a half-hour drive away. The hotel does offer private parking.

The 40 rooms at the Prince of Lillies vary in size -- running the gamut from Double Rooms to Quadruple Rooms -- and are all outfitted with cream-colored walls and tile-work; chunky, painted wooden furniture; and private balconies or patios. Rooms are simple, with pastel hues in the limited furniture and linens; some feel quite dark and small, and many could stand to be refreshed. Balconies have plastic patio furniture, and higher-floor balconies look out toward the sea. Bathrooms are basic, with gray tiles and shower stalls with curtains; some bathrooms could use a deeper clean. All rooms have tube TVs, kettles, and mini-fridges. Rooms near the pool and bar can be noisy.

Set on a manicured strip of lawn, the Prince of Lillies’ main attraction is its lounger-lined, average-sized pool, with an adjoining pool bar that serves snacks and drinks throughout the day. There's also a small kids' pool area. The cafe serves a limited, but well-prepared, range of local specialties, and there's a TV lounge with a Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as an indoor bar for inclement weather. During the summer season, parents can leave their children for an hour or two at the hotel's small kindergarten. Breakfast is served each morning and is included in some rates; ask about half-board options, as well, which includes two daily meals.