After a 6 hour hike at Samaria Gorge it was just what I needed.

The animation team worked very hard to keep both adults and children entertained encouraging multi-national participation throughout.

The entertainment is mainly provided by the animations team who do well to entertain a generally multi-national audience.

The entertainment was split between the two hotels and was performed by a multi - national team of energetic young people who tried to do their job

The food and drinks were nice different variety everyday and the bar staff on the apollon bar knew how to make amazing cocktails.

It’s great to see the big improvements made, this year we noticed the snack bar which has been made into a much nicer buffet space (available all day from 10am - 9pm).

Loads of shops, bars and restaurants there.

The hotel itself sits on a massive site with.loada of pools, bars and restaurants/snack bars.

Snack bar kept you going during the day as well.

Plenty of food options at all the restaurants and snack bars on site, with enough variety to please the most fussy of eaters.

Artemis snack bar located on the middle level.

We went to the snack bar for lunch most days as we loved the pizzas and gyros 

Dinner it’s always varied

however costly  , that runs between Herronosis and Stalis (worth visiting as we did ) and Malia ,
Nice walk to Herronosis  plenty shops and bars on route we walked there roughly 30 mins walk and got taxi back for 10 euros .

We tried both restaurants, the snack bars and the Greek night at the church.

The food was hot and fresh and a good variety, no matter if this was from the restaurant or the snack bar.

The chicken gyros from the Artemis snack bar at the olympic pool were lovely i must say 😊
Drinks - didnt try any cocktails

but all ooutside bars use paper cups for H&S reasons.

The gyros at the snack bar are to die for!!

If you miss breakfast there is a late breakfast available in the snack bar at the Olympic pool.

The bar around the children's pool in the day and at night was fine.

Had an amazing room with a hot tub, rooms cleaned every day, had coffee machine and fridge with goodie inside, full double bed, food was good, loads of snack bars with a wide range, outside bar open from 10-1 am, very clean resort, if you have booked here you won’t be disappointed.

Really nice Hotel, friendly staff, good quality food, no long wait at bars even when busy, Clean room, good views, great location, only let-down was entertainment quality

All the reception staff and bar staff were very friendly.

The gyros were amazing from the snack bar!

The arcade was good, there was pool tables, stackers, racing games, basketball games and pool tables.

and Belvy always took the time to hug and “high five” all of the kids 😊 
There is a basketball court with one hoop which our 16 year old was extremely happy about and he spent most of his time there!

There are two animators for the teens who organise basketball, volleyball and other activities.

The good
 - the hotel is very clean and has lots of facilities, 2 large pools plus a children’s pool, tennis courts, a spa, (although oddly due to COVID the steam room and sauna & indoor pool were closed), basketball court etc.

The best was: animators, they organize many activities like water polo, volley ball, basketball, table tennis, beach soccer, archery, darts, riffle shoots and many othets funny activities near the pool.

Best animations in the world, basketball and darts were my favorite.

Hotel has everything to spend a good time, Football field basketball, tennis court, table tennis, 6 pools, 2 or three snack bars, mini golf court, car rent, mini-markets, shisha to smoke, darts, bow shooting area, there are really lot of things to do, i've never seen so much activities before in other hotels. Food.

We mainly stayed at the Olympic pool as they enjoyed diving and jumping in.

We completely sucked at the modern music quiz where Justin Bieber was considered a classic 😂
The hotel offers also professional massages and diving classes.

The Royal & Imperial Belvedere Hotels is near these landmarks: Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, Stalis Beach, Milatos Cave, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Agios Nikolaos Beach, Agios Nikolaos Church, Star Beach, Zervas Beach, Milatos Beach, Cave Of Zeus, Archaeological Museum of Archanes, Castello del Molo (Koules), Minoan Peak Sanctuary, Kretasurf - Water Sports Crete, Lake Voulismeni, Althaea, Crete Safari, Acqua Plus Water Park, The Whisky Bar, Winery Stilianou, The Natural History Museum of Crete, Almyros Beach, Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, Petra Beach, Amarillis Stable, Surf in Crete, Lyrarakis Winery, Ammoudi Beach, Slainte Irish Bar, Labyrinth Theme Park, Happy Train Sissi, Gournes Beach, Winery Sinadinakis, Cathedral of St. Minas, Panagias Keras Church, Starbeach Bungy Jump, Themis Beach Bar, Sissi Mini Golf, Rebekka store, Cretan Thematic Park, Historical Museum of Crete, Agios Nikolaos Beach, Roman Archaeological Remains, Peggy Gordon's Irish Bar, Supermarket Dictamos, Koronekes, Sailingtrips Zuiderzee, Agios Titos Church, Agios Nicolaos Church, Europa-Statue, Irish House, Josef, Morosini Fountain (Lion's Fountain), Porto, Cycling Creta, Cretan Tennis Academy, Idols Art, Old Venetian Harbor of Heraklion, Moni Faneromeni, Fantasia Yachting, Evexia Spa, I Archana, Douloufakis Winery, Horse Riding, Luxurious Furs, Stefanos Bar, Domaine Paterianakis, Municipal Beach Kitroplatia, Buggy Safari Motoxperience, Ekklisia Agios Nikolaos, HayTours, Kera Bar, Loggia, Maria Sanoudaki Ceramic - Art Studio, Cretan Flavor, Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, Katharo Plataeu, Whisper Music Cocktail Bar, Sunset Bar, Passion, Arion Stables, Agios Nikolaos Wednesday Market, Dia Xeiros, Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, Cretan Family, Scalarea Estate (Boutari Winery Crete), Votsalo Beach, Hersonissos Cruises, Church and the Museum of St. Aikaterini, Heraklion Diving Center, Ekklisia Analipsi, Argo Rent Boats Yachts & Watersports, Solo  Brewery, Folk Art Museum of Agios Nikolaos, Discovery Dive Centre, The Crete Golf Club, Vasiliki Agios Markos Municipal Art Gallery, HOTEL KASTRO, Church of Agios Mathaios Sinaites, Hatzis Leather, Sky at Night, KTEL Heraklio - Lasithi S.A, Palm Beach Club Restaurant, Vassiliki's Votanopoleio (Botanical Store), Akis Watersports, Scubakreta, Saint Nicolas Antiques, New York Beach Club Hersonissos, Creta's Happy Divers, Star Beach, Pelagos Dive Centre, Y.O.L.O.

The scuba diving company based in the hotel are exceptional and go over and above for beginners.

And for scuba diving enthusiasts: at the hotel is a bureau of PADI, who give scuba diving lessons, for beginners, too.

but the bigger pools are really deep which is great for diving and playing around in.

The pools were great - the main pool is deep enough (4 metres) that my husband could teach the boys diving quite safely, while the variety of pools meant none got too crowded.

The pools are great, something for everyone, kids pool, Olympic pool for sports (water polo and diving comps) and top pool for more sophisticated and quiet tastes!

Land train, scuba diving, sunset Nemo boat trip to Sissi Harbour and Old Harbour at Chernisossis made our trip.

It was perfect for them with plenty of pools for diving and inflatables!

Great for silly jumping and diving in fun!

We also had a lovely day out for my sons 2nd birthday whilst there to the dinosaur park which was a 15 minute taxi ride, and also the aquarium which was near the dinosaur park.

We went on a boat trip and to the water city water park and had a ride on the little train that goes round.

Really good place water park etc and decent cocktails!

We did excursions to Spinalonga Island and the water park.

We went huge water park fir day - coach included.

I understand there’s a go kart track and water park very near and places further out are easily accessible by the bus stop outside such as malia or further.

There’s also star beach across the road from the hotel which has a chargeable water park, water sports and other bars.

There was never an issue with sun beds around the Olympic or water park pool throughout the day.

It’s very close to a little town and mini water park just over the road .

Not served anywhere else 
3) There is a cute park next to the entertainment stage.

We also did parasailing, banana boating and the little water park there which was good value.

There are shops and restaurants a sort walk away with star beach and water park.

Visited a water park which was reasonably priced and the hotel sort out a bus to get you there.

The times were fine if you just wanted to go to the beach or the local "theme park" with children,

The room was very space for a family room food was good different choice and entertainment was brill for kids plenty pools on different levels and also right over the road from star beach and the water park free to get in just need to pay for food and drink.

The children’s play park is great and with a huge shelter over too meant that you didn’t have to worry about the sun so much whilst they played.

Shops are only a few minutes walk away and we visited the water park this year which was very enjoyable and only 15 minutes away and £15 by taxi.

They have water sports, bar, restaurants, pools, water park etc.

I had the pleasure to take a lesson from Matthias and Ronja, who really seem to love what they're doing and teach you with great passion (and patience) about the world of scuba diving.

The only thing I  would moan about this time was my room wasn't swept/ hoovered in two weeks,  bit of plastic still on floor when I checked out!!

however the sunbeds are plastic and the toppers faux leather that gets extremely hot.

but the cups still contain plastic so aren't that sustainable anyway.

All plastic cups, half filled and all taste the same.

but soggy paper cups are shocking way to serve drinks get with the modern age of plastic glasses which won't break

When we first arrived it was very busy and did not get a sun bed for the first couple of days and had to sit on the plastic chairs.

Nobody likes drinking cocktails or wine out of a plastic cup

The cocktails are badly made in small single-use plastic glasses.

There is a huge waste of plastic in the drinking cups which can end up blowing about the pool areas for those who don't choose to put these in the bins.

The amount of plastic you produce is not OK!!!

Also a drawback was the vast amount of plastics used for drinks containers outside and too many plastic straws.

Only down side to the hotel was the beer was a bit watered down and the amount of plastic used.

but the waiters look tired and unhappy,no wonder after a long busy season they work so hard.Now the bar.. plastic glasses all the time day and night,why plastic glasses at night,how can you enjoy a nice drink in a plastic glass,YET i saw people who must not have been AI or were having branded drinks get a proper glass,whats all that about,you can go to the Royal Belvedere and your drinks are in proper glasses?

Please note that every chair, sofa, sunbed everywhere is plastic, every cushion is plastic, everywhere you sit down you sweat as you are seated on plastic.

Outside the main meal times drinks were served in small plastic cups.

At the very least the hotel should be using paper instead of plastic straws.

The major point for improvement is the sustainability aspect, we were concerned about the number of plastic plates and glasses that are being thrown to rubbish every day, no basic recycling is done, definitely the management shall take the issue more seriously.

The pool bars generate an enormous amount of plastic waste and we were actively discouraged from refilling water bottles which was perplexing given no bottled water is available (unless you pay).

How people can badmouth this hotel I’ll never know, we have just left and gonna book again asap, one gripe was a bad egg smell around top pool, Petty I know, the people 10/10, cleanness 10/10, room 10/10, food 10/10, drink, yes plastic glasses

Kid’s section poor chips cremated chicken nuggets pasta and sauce .

The all inclusive cocktails could be improved, as not much selection and the ones on offer were poor.

but a great feature was if you were just after a beer there were self service pumps not very far away where you could poor your own so I never understood why people waited at the bar especially when they pour them you only got half beer half froth.

Breakfast was the worst bacon- poor like warned up ham, stale hash browns.

Please believe me that if the food hadn't been good we would never have returned, we are great cooks ourselves and poor food would have spoiled our holiday.

Cleaned next morning
Entertainment area the same and hotel entertainment poor.

The all inclusive drinks were poor, beer not great and wine you wouldn't even want to cook with!

5.some nights the food is poor with meat being over cooked and tough.

All inclusive is poor anything you actually want is at a cost.

The beers not great, the local spirits are not great along with the poor draft soft drinks to the point I think the syrip was making us feel ill. Again my experience of I'll inclusive this is normal.

but sometimes the weather was poor and we just wanted to chill in the room.

My only negative of the hotel would be the poor donkeys and goats at the entrance.

The room whilst again is acceptable the standard of cleaning is pretty poor & the floors look despicable & in need of a good sweep & mop.

Entertainment-
I am 23 and my partner 25 and the entertainment was really really poor.

But sady no, the poor guys have to do it all and this is why it takes so long.

but you had to reserve sunbeds really early in the morning (6:30)
the food option at the main restaurant was poor and sometimes everything would be cold but food at the snack bar was delicious ( pizza, gyros etc.)

but the attitude of the staff is poor overall.

We had a family room which was very small for 5 of us and very dated decor and poor shower.

but be prepared for a bit of a walk and to be followed round by the staff to pay for loungers if you use them, also doesn’t include drinks there.

Whatever they are being paid - increase it!

Your signature cocktails such as pinacolada etc need to be paid for as they are not included in the package.

we rented  a car from the hotel during our stay and had no issues, this could of been cheaper elsewhere

You can’t get a coffee or hot drink after your lunch or tea in the restaurant.Everything is served in paper cups even indoors unless you pay for a cocktail.

I told her about my past experience with massages and she gave me a minutes massage by the pool to show me what my experience would be like, and still there was no pressure to sign up and pay!

The food was rubbish - cheap and canteen like; no real Greek food - not even in the Greek restaurant which was a disappointment.

but basic and my other half wanted to upgrade so we asked at the desk which they then changed our room to a superior room for €83 which we didn’t mind paying! However I have read some people didn’t have to pay ( unlucky us ha!)

Get to the room we'd paid for the safe which is like €3 a day we also had a stereo and dvd player in the room.

We are filled with mixed feelings about this hotel, I would not rate it as a 4 star hotel, it is more like a 3.

Food was the WORST, for a four star hotel I would expect better, even my daughter struggled as she doesn’t drink fizzy juice and this was all that was on offer I had to pay extra for bottled water, no fresh orange, apple or any fruit juices at breakfast.

but was all like the same and really your standard 
“sex on beach” Cocktail etc should be on a 
all inclusive menu like I find it is at most hotels but not here as if you want that then you pay more.

but when you think any beach you go to these days you have to pay so no difference there, but at least the kids can play all day long if you wish.

Huge reception area is bizarre  – expensive pool tables, Huge cigarette packet display cases and WW2 memorabilia complete with anti-aircraft gun and jeep.

All inclusive is not named spirits and beers you have to pay for , then there is the sniper  room tax they charge you , towels they charge you per day , entertainment is shocking .

Also if you don't drink ( like me ) and want a non alcoholic option you have to pay extra or have a coffee like I did.

Royal & Imperial Belvedere Hotels

price

poor

plastic

park

Samaria

Gorge

National

passion

diving

basketball

Whilst on this holiday, I took a trip to the Samaria gorge (Thomson excursion) This was an incredible trip

I understand he is about to do his National Service, so good luck with that, and I hope the hotel will re-employ him afterwards, as he was an asset.

it was an all inclusive so plenty of good food particularly the fish to thoroughly enjoy.

We have recently returned from our stay from 8th to 15th October in a garden room, all inclusive.

We had a late flight home & were able to have a late (6pm) check out for €50 & made full use of the all inclusive right up to when we left at 8pm.

We went all inclusive, and you get a mixture of using the restaurants and buffet.

The Food 
We were ‘All inclusive plus’ with our tour operator and could honestly not fault the food.

The all inclusive wine was very drinkable and we also had a few paid for bottles which we purchased at half price.

We stayed at the Knossos Royal for a week, paying for bed and breakfast rather than all-inclusive.

We opted for the bed and breakfast option as we wanted to explore the different restaurants at the resort and within the surrounding area without being restricted to the all inclusive buffet every day.

Every member of staff has been fantastic, and please try and tip them as with all-inclusive and not paying as such, the staff really do appreciate the tips and thoroughly deserve them.

Food - I've been on quite a few all inclusive holidays

It was also nice to have international drinks and lots of cocktails included in the all-inclusive deal which were served by the loveliest of bar staff.

The all inclusive lunch was very repetitive.

Food is great - and the all inclusive is really generous.

The AI option was great, food of a good standard and drinks were decent with an option to upgrade to premium drinks

Go VIP All Inclusive so worth it 

There is nothing not to like about Knossos Royal its beautiful 

We really enjoyed a relaxing and sunny week and our daughter loved it

The only thing we would comment on is please give some extra thought to the entertainment on an evening they do try at the amphitheatre

They did give us VIP breakfast for 3 days, free drinks on one dinner day  and an all inclusive lunch.

Being all inclusive for 7 nights we had included lunch at the beach bar one day and dinner at the 3 al la carte restaurants all booked easily and with gorgeous food.

Special praise and appreciation for the reception and bar staff.

In the evening the hotel offers various entertainment options, we preferred to end the evening comfortably at the beach bar.

There is also access to a private bar which was very convenient and a great bonus.

We spent most evenings at the little bar with the blue chairs.

There’s a nice bar and supermarket round the corner, and we visited old Hersonissos which was beautiful and very atmospheric.

We also experienced various good musicians entertaining at the bar in the evenings.

The saxophonist in the main bar was very good.

After check in we were taken to the bar for a drink.

Drinks were a little hit & miss -  the main bar has waiter service & the cocktails were lovely

We enjoyed the various bars, our favourites being the beach bar and the coffee bar, which is open from 5.30 to 11 I think.

The beach had plenty of sunbeds to choose from and the friendly beach bar was close to hand!

The live music in the main bar is nice and chilled,

The premises are big, lots of greenery, excellent pools, bars.

Often live music in restaurants and bars.

The former appeared to be served with dinner, the latter was served in the bar - unless you specifically ask otherwise.

The main restaurant buffet and the snack bar for lunch was well stocked with lots of different choice and was always hot.

We used the beach bar daily and one evening.

however provide a singer or band in the main bar which was nice to listen to.

Entertainment is on every evening from full shows to musicians in the bar.

I highly recommend the ‘Ariadne’ cocktail at Mylos bar if you like aperol!!

I was assured that there would be a good range of gluten free meal options in all the restaurants and that was me experience during the holiday.

we definitely would recommend the hotel for family vacation.

Thank you very much for that, you made our holiday easy.

Thank you for making our first family trip to the Greek islands a wonderful and memorable holiday

Overall  l would recommend this hotel with all its superb settings and surroundings, superb service and warm welcome and offering a  very high standard of holiday

The hotel has everything you need for a wonderful, relaxing holiday.

I will continue to travel to the Greek islands for my holidays

Would highly recommend the Knossos Royal as a conference venue, or just for a holiday.

Was away with my daughter for my 40th birthday for a relaxing holiday and that's exactly what we got.

Overall a lovely holiday and would highly recommend this hotel.

We have just returned from a very relaxing 7 night break & would highly recommend this hotel to anyone thinking of visiting Crete.

but a few standout that made our holiday.

My wife and I felt pleased to have chosen this hotel for a 10 day holiday.

I really don’t know where to start to be honest, as the whole holiday was just incredible.

We didn't go on any excursions so can't comment.but if you're looking for a beach and pool holiday with great food this ticks all the boxes

For those of you who like to work out on holiday, be warned that the gym whilst large and has ample machines, has no air con.

Break fast was lovely loads of choice as was lunch by the pool bar.

SERVICE

4/5

The hotel were helpful when we contacted them via email in the weeks before our holiday.

There’s plenty to do for young families, little park areas and pool areas for youngsters.

The childrens club looked great with a good park, sand area and paddling pool

The Aldemar Knossos Royal Beach Resort is near these landmarks: Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre, Stalis Beach, Milatos Cave, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Poseidon Diving Club, Agios Nikolaos Beach, Agios Nikolaos Church, Star Beach, Zervas Beach, Milatos Beach, Cave Of Zeus, Castello del Molo (Koules), Archaeological Museum of Archanes, Minoan Peak Sanctuary, Kretasurf - Water Sports Crete, Lake Voulismeni, Crete Safari, The Whisky Bar, Acqua Plus Water Park, Winery Stilianou, The Natural History Museum of Crete, Panagia Beach, Almyros Beach, Petra Beach, Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, Amarillis Stable, Surf in Crete, Lyrarakis Winery, Ammoudi Beach, Labyrinth Theme Park, Slainte Irish Bar, Gournes Beach, Happy Train Sissi, Cathedral of St. Minas, Winery Sinadinakis, Panagias Keras Church, Starbeach Bungy Jump, Themis Beach Bar, Rebekka store, Sissi Mini Golf, Cretan Thematic Park, Historical Museum of Crete, Agios Nikolaos Beach, Roman Archaeological Remains, Supermarket Dictamos, Peggy Gordon's Irish Bar, Koronekes, Sailingtrips Zuiderzee, Agios Titos Church, Agios Nicolaos Church, Europa-Statue, Irish House, Morosini Fountain (Lion's Fountain), Josef, Porto, Cycling Creta, Cretan Tennis Academy, Old Venetian Harbor of Heraklion, Idols Art, Fantasia Yachting, Evexia Spa, I Archana, Douloufakis Winery, Luxurious Furs, Horse Riding, Stefanos Bar, Domaine Paterianakis, Municipal Beach Kitroplatia, Buggy Safari Motoxperience, Ekklisia Agios Nikolaos, HayTours, Kera Bar, Loggia, Maria Sanoudaki Ceramic - Art Studio, Cretan Flavor, Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, Katharo Plataeu, Whisper Music Cocktail Bar, Sunset Bar, Arion Stables, Passion, Agios Nikolaos Wednesday Market, Dia Xeiros, Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos, Cretan Family, Scalarea Estate (Boutari Winery Crete), Votsalo Beach, Hersonissos Cruises, Church and the Museum of St. Aikaterini, Heraklion Diving Center, Ekklisia Analipsi, Argo Rent Boats Yachts & Watersports, Solo  Brewery, Folk Art Museum of Agios Nikolaos, Discovery Dive Centre, The Crete Golf Club, Vasiliki Agios Markos Municipal Art Gallery, HOTEL KASTRO, Church of Agios Mathaios Sinaites, Paliokastro, Hatzis Leather, KTEL Heraklio - Lasithi S.A, Palm Beach Club Restaurant, Vassiliki's Votanopoleio (Botanical Store), Akis Watersports, Scubakreta, Saint Nicolas Antiques, New York Beach Club Hersonissos, Creta's Happy Divers, Star Beach, Pelagos Dive Centre, Y.O.L.O.

Also have mini golf, a small arcade/playroom room and park for children.

but there were plenty of areas good for children including a park and swimming pool dedicated to children.

A 25 minute walk along the sea front takes you into Hersonissos quite a pleasant walk in the evening and a lovely buzzing place full of restaurants and bars shops etc

We only did one trip which was through TUI for the Amazonas park and Agios Nikolaos,  think it cost 45 euros each, the wildlife park was great

We stayed here for 7 nights and only left the hotel once (to go to the water park) because there was simply no need, the hotel was so nice.

), Spinalonga and Aqua Park - all great).

We took a trip to the aqua plus water park and spinalonga ( which of if you book from an agent in hersonissos is 1/2 the way price of the agents)We also had dinner at Old hersonissos which was lovely to get out and visit the older towns.

Tip 1 Book Birmingham airport car park number 2 so easy to get in and out yet 2 mins fro departures 
Tip 2 Use on line book in for Jet 2 at Birmingham check in then is self-service and takes a few minutes hassle free.

but all you need to do is follow the Port signs and this will lead to a big free car park.)

Great place, friendly and professional staff, delicious food, goog houskeeping service, lovely park and beach!

Wonderful very well-kept park around all the houses.

From family or couples fun on the great "Cretan Labyrinth", water slides park, a worldwide awarded aquarium, museums, etc.

We did the water park aqua splash which we loved!

although we did break our stay up with various trips in the area to include Aqua Plus Water Park, Knossos Palace, Quad Bike Safari, Spinalonga Island and Santorini (there were 8 of us altogether so this is what we covered between us) We booked these locally rather than through reps as cheaper 😁Hersonnisoss town is an €8 euro taxi ride down the road and it's beautiful in the little bars by the bay.

The evening was disappointing as the service was poor, wine was served in a plastic beaker to us whilst the next table received theirs is glass wine glasses, we didn't return  again in the evenings.

though was the lunchtime snack restaurant, having had many all-inclusive holidays this lunchtime food was quite poor.

The food was poor and the service slow (especially in the main buffet).

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