The hype
Guests are blown away by the lagoons and the staff, but many feel the standard rooms are tired and overpriced.
Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort
$250-1200+/ night
Book this if You want a photogenic, water-obsessed resort bubble that feels like a modern Minoan palace, and you don't mind being under a flight path.
Why People Love It
- The architecture is stunning—endless lagoons, stone arches, and floating walkways
- Villas with private heated pools offer serious privacy
- Service is consistently praised as warm and professional
Quick Take: It's a visual masterpiece that charges five-star prices for rooms that are starting to show their age.
Reviewed by @martadtravels: I stayed at Amirandes for a getaway and was blown away by the architecture. The sunsets from the lounge are unforgettable, and the service made me feel completely spoiled. It's the perfect mix of luxury and total relaxation.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Olympic-sized' main pool is unheated seawater and freezing cold outside of high summer.
- You live for Instagrammable architecture
- You are a family wanting a safe, contained resort with a good kids' club
- You plan to splurge on a Villa or Lagoon Wing suite
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Twice daily service (turndown included). Generally excellent, though some corners show age.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless, but fixtures in standard rooms are aging (some rust spots on chrome).
- Maintenance: The main issue. Reports of peeling paint, worn deck chairs, and tired furniture in lower-tier rooms.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp white linens and fluffy beach towels provided daily.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers and signature scent; no mustiness reported.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heraklion Airport flight path (planes overhead)
- Thin walls in connecting rooms
- Hallway noise in the main building
Before you book
Good to know
- The main pool is saltwater and unheated; the indoor pool is heated only in April and October.
- Men must wear long trousers for dinner in all restaurants (strict dress code).
- You can swap your buffet dinner for a credit at à la carte restaurants if you're on Half Board.
What to pack
- Water shoes (the beach has some rocky patches)
- Mosquito repellent (lots of standing water in the lagoons)
- Formal trousers for men (mandatory for dinner)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Lagoon Wing Junior Suites (ground floor) for direct water access
- Creta Beach Villas for privacy and direct beach access
- Room numbers in the 100s (Lagoon Wing) are generally preferred over the main building
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Garden View rooms (often dark, limited views)
- Rooms near the main pool if you want daytime quiet
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room in the Lagoon Wing, specifically on the ground floor if possible. Please ensure the room is not a connecting unit to avoid noise transfer. We would prefer a view that is not obstructed by high walls.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
The main Olympic pool is NOT heated. Private pools can be heated for €90/day. The indoor spa pool is heated only in cooler months (April/Oct).
Is it noisy due to the airport?
Yes. You are under the flight path for Heraklion Airport. It's loud during the day, though flights taper off at night.
Is the beach sandy?
Yes, but it's narrow and can be rocky in the water. It's not the best beach in Crete, but it is private and serviced.
How much is the tourist tax?
As of 2025, the Climate Crisis Resilience Fee is €15 per night per room from April to October.
Is it suitable for kids?
Yes, very. There is a Grecoland Kids Club, a shallow kids' pool, and early dining hours. It's a family-heavy resort.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes, you can walk to Gouves (10-15 mins) for cheaper tavernas, but the immediate road outside is not very scenic.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Join the 'Grecotel Privilege Club' before booking for potential room upgrades or discounts.
- ✨
The 'Comfort All-In' package for kids includes lunch and snacks, which can save a fortune.
- ✨
Book the Minotaur restaurant early—it has genuine Picasso ceramics and fills up fast.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'private' beaches for villas are just roped-off sections of the main beach.
💡Tap water is safe to brush teeth but tastes salty; stick to bottled water for drinking.
💡The gym is surprisingly small for a resort of this size.
💡You have to pay for coffee pods in your room after the first two complimentary ones.
💡The 'Lagoon' rooms have direct water access, but you can't actually swim in the decorative lagoons—only specific sections.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort is located and what's nearby.