Candia Park Village

Candia Park is spread over a series of low-lying terra-cotta-color buildings with manicured grounds and a few palm trees. The place has a simple, casual vibe that blends in well with its seaside surroundings. Beautiful Mirabello Bay and the mountains are visible off in the distance from the narrow hillside street where the property sits. There's even rustic charm in the parking lot, a simple paved area surrounded by Cretan foliage and with wooden logs designating spaces. The lobby is equally low-key, with exposed wood beams, dark tile floors, and wooden tables and sofa benches. Blue accents throughout the space, such as on door frames and couch cushions, lend some Mediterranean flair. The property is geared primarily towards families, and many of the guests here are tourists with children -- so some playful noise is to be expected around the pools. Couples tend to head to the beach for a quieter setting. The hotel draws many German and Russian vacationers, as well as some from the U.K., France, and other parts of Europe.

The hotel is located on the island of Crete in a northern suburb of Agios Nikolaos, a sea-facing city with approximately 10,000 residents. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the center of the city, where there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. Charming Elounda village is also a 10-minute drive from the property and offers more tavernas and activity. A bus stops in front of the property hourly for service to both Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. The popular Faedra Beach is a 15-minute drive away. Chania, Crete's second-largest city with waterfront restaurants and shopping, is about two and a half hours away. Getting to Rethymno, a provincial-feeling town with Venetian and Turkish influences, takes about two hours. Candia Park Village is about 50 minutes to an hour from both the port at Heraklion and the airport.

Candia Park offers four types of units: Sea-View Suites and Seafront Suites (for up to four people), Family Apartments (for up to four people), and Superior Family Apartments (which sleep up to six guests). Decor is similar throughout the 222 units, and most have simple light-wood furniture and a neutral color scheme with soft-green or pale-blue accents. Bedding is white and some beds have mosquito nets and floral blankets. The overall feel is homey but a bit dated, and some beds are hard. All units are air-conditioned and have separate living rooms and bedrooms, plus furnished balconies with tile floors and wooden furniture with white canvas cushions. Each unit also has a kitchenette with a mini-fridge, two-burner stovetop (but no oven), kettle, coffeemaker, and dishes and utensils. Some have toasters.

Bathrooms are consistent across room types, with white tile trimmed in blue or green. They have shower/tub combos and hairdryers, plus wall-mounted soap dispensers. Bathrobes are provided and each room has a safe and free Wi-Fi. Some guests have complained of outdated decor and showers. Rooms have TVs but some are tube-style and there aren't many channels in English.

The main restaurant, Agapi, offers breakfast and dinner buffets daily with a mix of international and local cuisine options. They also organize the occasional thematic night featuring live music and dancing. There's also an a la carte restaurant, Fili Taverna, which is open for lunch and dinner, including light meals such as sandwiches and pizza along with seafood and Cretan dishes. Kafeneion serves cocktails and light snacks in the evening, as does Eros (the main bar). There's also a poolside bar open during the daytime and an Internet cafe with drinks and computers that's open in late afternoon and evenings. All-inclusive and half-board options are available.

Other features include an on-site spa, Ananea Wellness, which offers a variety of treatments including scrubs, massages, and facials. For families, there's a colorful outdoor playground as well as a kids' club, Mini Blues, which offers children ages 4 to 12 activities ranging from educational games to treasure hunts.The property also offers water sports including windsurfing and water skiing. Eco-activities such as bike rides and landscape photography are available.

Other property features include a large pool area with two large pools for children and adults plus lounge chairs with umbrellas. Guests also have direct access to a small but attractive sandy beach with plenty of lounge chairs and parasols, and the waters here are generally calm and well-suited to swimming. Free towels are provided. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there's plenty of free on-site parking.