Chrispy World

Chrispy World has more on-site facilities and space than the typical three-pearl resort, but feels out of date in most areas. The complex is spread out and finding a spot to lounge never seems to be an issue. The main pool is the most popular gathering spot, particularly due to adjacent animation programs for both kids and adults, but the rest of the grounds tend to be quiet. Indoor spaces are kept neat but lack a modern, cohesive design scheme. Appealing features such as glossy marble floors and stained-glass skylights in the lobby are paired with knick-knack decor and worn sofas crowded next to computers and information kiosks. Outdoor areas are pleasant and mostly well-kept, though some parts are in need of a refresh. The hotel's range of features, coupled with an affordable price point, make the overall experience a plus despite these issues. 

Chrispy World is farther west on the island of Crete than many other popular resorts. This means the surrounding village is less crowded with tourists and the bustle that comes with them, but it's a longer drive to popular sites. Historical Chania is nearly 30 minutes away by car and the town of Platanias, with a selection of markets, restaurants and clubs, is about a 15-minute drive. There's a pebble-filled stretch of beach just a two-minute walk from the property, though many more are within easy driving distance. Guests can easily access public buses from the stop in front of the hotel. The Chania International Airport is a 40-minute drive away.

Functional but dull Standard and Superior Rooms, starting at 183 square feet (17 square meters), contain traditional wood furniture, mismatched curtains, and blue-cushioned seating. They include a wardrobe and some shelving for personal items, but in-room safes aren't provided and require a fee. More eye-catching bathrooms have floor-to-ceiling marble and shower/tub combos, but they're showing wear. 

Deluxe Rooms have a much more cohesive design scheme; albeit simple, it includes black furniture with dark wood accents, beige floors and walls, and pops of peach in the headboards and curtains. They include wardrobes with shelving, a desk, and some extra seating. Deluxe Family Rooms have separate living areas. More contemporary bathrooms have either stall showers or shower/tub combos with an additional separate shower. All rooms have small flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, mini-fridges, toiletries, and hairdryers, while higher-category rooms add bathrobes and free use of safes. Plus, most rooms have furnished balconies or terraces. A few rooms have lovely private pools, but some are more secluded than others. 

This hotel makes use of its expansive grounds with plenty of areas for guests to enjoy a variety of entertainment, though more maintenance is needed in many spots. Three swimming pools, one of which is a kiddy pool, are surrounded by metal loungers and umbrellas. Occasionally, the animation team leads activities for both kids and adults. The small gym has a handful of cardio and weight-training equipment, plus there's a wellness area with a sauna and whirlpool tub. A tired playground and table tennis are available, as are a basketball court that doubles as a tennis court, adjacent volleyball net, and a small soccer field that's a bit removed from the rest of the hotel. The beach is a two-minute walk from the hotel; it's pebbly and not ideal for swimming, but it's peaceful.

The two restaurants at the hotel include the main buffet open for all three meals and an Italian eatery. All-inclusive rates include all meals at the buffet restaurant, and limited meals at the Italian. Food as a whole receives mixed reviews, as does the included selection of alcoholic drinks served at the two bars. Late at night (11 p.m. during our visit), guests have to start paying for any alcoholic beverages.  

Wi-Fi is free around the lobby, but it can be spotty. A market on-site sells liquor and sundries.