Cactus Beach Hotel & Bungalows

Families and couples come to Cactus Beach Hotel & Bungalows for its lovely grounds and functional, clean facilities. Lush gardens and cobblestone pathways are dripping with flowers and dotted with statues in ancient Greek style. Buildings of stone masonry and cream-colored stucco with decorative wooden railings combine for a picturesque effect. Interiors, however, tend to be less charming. The lobby is checkered in green and white tiles with ivory walls and black furniture. The few cushy leather couches and massage chairs are comfortable, but the rest of the room offers only straight-backed office chairs and tables. The main restaurant has the most attractive design, as there are stone walls, interesting spider-like light fixtures, and an outdoor terrace with wicker seating. 

Cactus Beach Hotel & Bungalows is on the northern coast of Crete, about a 30-minute drive from Heraklion. It is on the main beach road in a bustling area full of shops and restaurants, and across the street from a crowded, sandy strip of beach. Less than a minute walk from the hotel there are a supermarket, car rental, and several bars. A seven-minute walk from the hotel there's a local bus stop, plus the hotel has free parking for those with a car. From the hotel, it is a five-minute drive to Amarillis stables, where guests can book horse riding tours of the area. It is an eight-minute drive to Limenas Chersonisou, a bustling area with shops and restaurants to suit all tastes, plus family entertainment and clubs. It is a 14-minute drive to Crete Golf Club, a full 18-hole course, and Acqua Plus, a fun water park for kids. Heraklion Airport is a 23-minute drive from the hotel. 

Standard rooms are clean but basic with off-white walls, wood furniture, and neutral-tone linens. A single painting over twin beds (for up to three guests) adds the only visual interest to the room. Junior suites have a bit more style; though still primarily neutral in color, there are a variety of textures, light-wood furniture, stone accents, and spiral staircases. All rooms have balconies or terraces with plastic furniture, and some have beautiful views out to sea. 

Also standard are mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, but safes require a fee. Bathrooms are small but have a bit more color with black-tile floors and marble countertops. There are wall-mounted hairdryers and bath gel dispensers, plus free soaps are provided. Bathtubs have hand-held showerheads and a partial glass wall to minimize spray. Upgraded rooms offer more space, with family rooms and suites accommodating up to four people. 

The three pools are small for the size of the hotel and each is in a courtyard surrounded by buildings and packed with free sunbeds, though sometimes they can be hard to come by. The main pool has a wading section with some fun fountains for kids, plus children may enjoy the mini club and a shaded playground with a nice variety of toys. Mini-golf and sporting courts are available but cost extra. There is no gym or spa on-site, though it is a one-minute walk to a sister hotel where guests may pay to use their facilities. The free 15-minute massage offered to guests on arrival is at this location, as well. Wi-Fi requires a fee.

The main restaurant serves three meals daily for all-inclusive guests. Food is well-presented and most guests find it appealing. Two a la carte restaurants are open in the high tourist season, and guests receive one free meal at each during their stay. The Italian restaurant has a more intimate setting, and the beachfront Greek restaurant serves seafood specialties. The hotel organizes a weekly Cretan Market where local products, such as honey and baked goods, are available for guests to peruse.