Avra Imperial Hotel

Avra Imperial Beach Resort is a beautiful, sprawling hotel designed in the style of ancient Minoan Palaces. Light streams into the lobby from large windows and the space practically gleams from the glossy gray and white tile floors; the glass tables, impeccable white modern furniture, and marble square columns continue the sleek appearance. The lobby floor is engraved with text in the ancient Minoan language, which can also be found adorning buildings and room walls throughout the hotel. The well-manicured grounds stretch from the hillside at the foot of the mountains, across two roadways and on down to the rocky beach. There is a walkway over the busier road. Many families come for the kid-friendly atmosphere and facilities, and couples who aren't disturbed by the lively vibe also frequent the hotel. 

Avra Imperial Beach Resort & Spa is situated in the small town of Kolymbari, far west on the island of Crete. There are a general store and a supermarket a two-minute walk away, as well as several restaurants within a seven-minute walk. The hotel has free parking for guests, and a public bus stops directly in front of the hotel for trips farther afield. The town of Platanias has more shops, restaurants, entertainment, and a nightlife scene, and is a 15-minute drive away. A 22-minute drive will bring guests to the port at Kissamos where a ferry travels to the stunning Balos Beach, or the gorgeous Elafonissi Beach can be reached in 70 minutes. Chania and its historic Old Venetian Harbor is a 22-minute drive. Chania International Airport is 40 minutes away by car. 

Though there are some differences between room categories, all are stylishly decorated in sleek white wood furniture, wood floors, neutral-tone linens, and a few bright pops of color in glass doors, large floor vases, and artwork. Modern bathrooms have glass-walled showers and separate tubs, plus quality toiletries from the spa, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers. Every room has a furnished terrace or balcony. All rooms come with minibars, safes, and 26-inch flat-screen TVs with panels to connect devices. A DVD player can be requested at an additional charge (free for suites). Free Wi-Fi is available, though the connection is reportedly weak, and there is also a free wired connection. Some rooms have attached pools, either shared or private. 

Deluxe Rooms are 345 square feet (32 square meters) and can sleep up to three people. In Family Rooms, half-wall glass dividers separate the living areas with sofas from the bedrooms. Suites have two bathrooms, a separate living room, and larger balconies, and start at 645 square feet (60 square meters) for up to four guests. Other upgrades include in-room whirlpools, offices, dining rooms, and walk-in closets. Note that some rooms can be far from facilities such as the beach.

A full list of on-site amenities will keep guests with a variety of tastes happy. Four well-reviewed restaurants offer plenty of choice for dining. Two buffets offer international dishes and Cretan specialties, and the free breakfast is particularly well-liked. An a la carte restaurant by the pool serves Asian cuisine inside or on an open terrace. Another a la carte restaurant offers smaller meals with an Italian emphasis in a cafe-like setting. There are multiple bars, include by the pool and beach.

The beach is pebbly, but it's pretty and lined with cushioned loungers under palapas. The striking, infinity-edge main pool is surrounded by palm trees and grassy lawns with plenty of loungers and cabanas. It has a large shallow section but there’s not a full barrier stopping young children from wandering into the deeper areas. Water from the pool spills over a glass wall into decorative moats adorned with raised plant boxes. It's a beautiful but busy and sometimes loud area of the hotel. There is a quieter pool on the smaller side of the hotel across the road, plus a saltwater pool. 

The modern, comprehensive spa also has a beautiful indoor pool with fountains and hydromassage chairs in the water. The spa offers a variety of body treatments, a large whirlpool tub, a Finnish sauna, a spacious fitness room, and a hair and nail salon. 

Kids have plenty to do at the kids’ club with its outdoor playground and kiddy pool, plus the bright, charming indoor activity space above the lobby. Ten fully equipped conference rooms can accommodate events for up to 2000 people, and a private chapel provides couples with a venue for wedding ceremonies.