Alai Crete A Tribute Portfolio Resort formerly Alai Beach Resort

🏖️ Beachfront setting with direct access to Stalis’ golden sand
📍 Fantastic central location in the heart of Stalis resort
🤝 Attentive, personalised service with a boutique feel
🌊 Two freshwater pools with loungers and sea views
👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly vibe with kids’ menus and gently shelving shore
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options: Bed and Breakfast, Half Board

Child age guideline: up to 12 yrs
Blocks: 2 | Floors: 4 | Rooms: 115 | Lifts: 2

Stalis is the mellow middle ground between lively Malia and buzzing Hersonissos, and Alai Crete sits right at its heart. Step out of the hotel and straight onto a long ribbon of soft sand backed by cafés and tavernas, or hop on the little “Happy Train” for a fun trundle along the seafront. The calm, shallow water and wide promenade make this area particularly easy for families and relaxed evening strolls, while nightlife and waterparks in nearby resorts are an inexpensive taxi ride away.

• Beach: on the beachfront (direct access)
• Stalis resort centre: on the doorstep
• Hersonissos resort centre: approx. 5km
• Malia: approx. 3km

Approx. transfer time from airport: 1 hour 30 minutes from Heraklion (HER)

Stalis, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece

Food is a real highlight at Alai Crete A Tribute Portfolio Resort. The main restaurant, Raeti, pairs buffet and à la carte breakfast with live show-cooking and a terrace setting, while Lychnama specialises in modern Greek dishes served à la carte, again with chefs on show and plenty of local flavours. On the beach, Sealai All Day Bar Restaurant offers Greek and international favourites and snack-style plates, ideal between swims.

You’ll also find a relaxed beach bar, a stylish lobby bar and an inviting pool bar for chilled drinks, coffees and sundowners. Highchairs, microwaves and children’s menus are available in the main dining venues, and a smart-casual dress code may apply for dinner. Reservations and supplements can vary by season and board basis.

Half Board here typically includes buffet breakfast in Raeti and a three-course à la carte dinner at Lychnama. What All Inclusive typically includes.

Days here naturally centre around the water. The hotel features two outdoor freshwater pools set just back from the sand, each with sunbathing terraces, cushioned loungers and parasols. Inflatables and water toys are permitted, making it a relaxed choice for families, and complimentary pool towels mean lighter packing.

Directly in front of the hotel, Stalis’ long, sandy beach shelves gently into clear, calm water – excellent for paddling and swimming. A variety of water sports such as canoes, pedalos, motorised options and giant inflatables is typically available for a fee from an independent provider on the beach (usually with a minimum age of around 5 years).

Stay active in the air-conditioned gym, which offers cardio machines, a free-weights area and a stretching zone (minimum age 15 years; opening hours can vary seasonally).

Beyond that, the focus here is on unhurried beachfront living rather than a packed activity schedule. You can stroll the promenade, join boat trips from nearby harbours or simply unwind with a drink at the beach or lobby bar while soaking up the Aegean views.

On the practical side, there’s a 24-hour reception with concierge-style support and luggage storage, plus free Wi-Fi across the property so you can stay connected whether you’re by the pool or up in your room.

Classic Double Room Inland View
Sleeps 2 (min 2, max 2). A comfortable, well-equipped room with inland views and a simple, contemporary style.

Standard Double Room Inland View
Sleeps 2 (min 2, max 2). Similar in layout to the Classic but with allocation in standard category; ideal for couples looking for value in a beachfront hotel. Also available for sole use (sleeps 1).

Superior Double Room Inland View
Sleeps up to 3 (min 2, max 3). Extra space compared to Standard rooms, with a sofa bed or similar sleeping arrangement for a third guest and inland-facing balcony or terrace.

Premium Double Room Inland View
Sleeps 2 (min 2, max 2). Upgraded interiors and a preferred location within the resort, plus inland views.

Premium Double Room Sea View
Sleeps 2 (min 2, max 2). Chic upgraded room with a balcony or terrace looking straight out towards the Aegean – ideal for sunrise coffees or evening drinks.

Superior Double Room Sea View
Sleeps up to 3 (min 2, max 3). Combines the additional space of Superior category with a wide sea view from the furnished balcony or terrace.

Classic Twin & Premium Twin Rooms Inland View
Each sleeps 2 (min 2, max 2). Two separate twin beds with inland views; Premium Twin adds an upgraded feel and often a preferred position within the building.

Standard Double Inland View for Sole Use
Sleeps 1 (min 1, max 1). Perfect for solo travellers who want all facilities of the hotel in a comfortable, private space.

In-room amenities (typical across room types):
Flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, safety deposit box, balcony or terrace, hairdryer, ironing board and iron, coffee-making facilities and kettle, fridge, pillow menu, USB charging port, air conditioning, shower bathroom, daily room cleaning and a minibar (local charges apply for contents).

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary. Room categories and features can change by season; we’ll confirm exact room type at the time of booking.

💦 Two outdoor freshwater pools for swimming and relaxing
🏖️ Beach days on Stalis’ gently shelving golden sand
🚤 Water sports on the beach, including canoes, pedalos and motorised options (external provider, extra charge, seasonal; minimum age usually 5+)
💪 Workouts in the air-conditioned gym with cardio and free weights
🚂 Rides on the local “Happy Train” along the seafront (payable locally)
🌅 Sundowner sessions at the beach and pool bars with sea views

🛎️ 24-hour reception with concierge-style assistance
🎒 Luggage storage for early arrivals or late departures
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
🧺 Daily housekeeping and towel change
🪙 Minibar in room (contents at extra charge)
👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly dining with highchairs and kids’ menus in main restaurants
♻️ Certified sustainable hotel ethos, including energy and waste initiatives
✈️ Support with airport assistance requests arranged at booking stage

Good to know: Stalis is a relaxed, beach-focused resort that suits couples and families who like an easy stroll to tavernas and low-key bars. Livelier nights and additional attractions await in neighbouring Malia and Hersonissos, a short taxi or bus ride away.

• Country: Greece
• Island/Region: Crete (Heraklion Area)
• Resort: Stalis
• Flight time from UK: around 4–4.5 hours
• Local time: GMT +2 hours (GMT +3 in summer)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: Greek (English widely spoken in resort areas)

Hotel features: official rating 4-star; approx. 115 rooms across 2 blocks and 4 floors, with 2 lifts. Child age generally up to 12 years. Facilities, opening hours and entertainment are often seasonal and may be weather or occupancy dependent. Some services and activities incur local charges.

If you or someone you’re travelling with needs assistance at the airport or on your flight, please advise at the time of booking so arrangements can be made in advance.

For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.

Alai Crete A Tribute Portfolio Resort formerly Alai Beach Resort Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and our latest offers on this beachfront Stalis hotel. Secure your Crete holiday with low deposits, with ATOL protection for package bookings from the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Alai Crete A Tribute Portfolio Resort directly on the beach?
Yes. The hotel is set on the beachfront in Stalis with direct access from the pool terrace down to the golden sand. There’s no road to cross, so you can move easily between your lounger, the pools and the sea.

2. What board options can I book at Alai Crete A Tribute Portfolio Resort?
You can stay on Bed and Breakfast or Half Board. Half Board normally includes buffet and à la carte breakfast in the main restaurant Raeti, plus a three-course à la carte dinner in Lychnama. Drinks outside the meals and any à la carte extras not included in the set menu are payable locally.

3. Is Alai Crete A Tribute Portfolio Resort suitable for families?
Yes. Although it has a boutique look, the resort is very family-friendly, with a gently shelving sandy beach, two pools where inflatables are permitted, and children’s menus and highchairs available in the restaurants. The general child age is up to 12 years, and Stalis itself is a relaxed, easy-going resort.

4. What facilities does the gym at Alai Crete offer?
The air-conditioned gym includes cardio fitness equipment, a free-weights section and a stretching area, making it easy to keep up your routine while away. The minimum age for using the gym is usually 15 years, and opening times and access policies may vary by season.

5. Are there restaurants and bars within walking distance?
Absolutely. The hotel is in the resort centre of Stalis, with a wide choice of tavernas, cafés, bars and small shops immediately along the seafront and side streets. You can also reach the livelier areas of Malia and Hersonissos by local bus, taxi or the coastal “Happy Train”.

6. Do rooms at Alai Crete A Tribute Portfolio Resort have sea views?
Many room categories offer inland views, but you can upgrade to Premium or Superior Double rooms with Sea View for a balcony or terrace looking out over the Aegean. These are well worth considering if you value waking up to the water or enjoying sunset drinks on your balcony.

7. Is Wi-Fi free at Alai Crete A Tribute Portfolio Resort?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, including guest rooms, public spaces, pool areas and bars, so it’s easy to stay connected or stream content during your stay.

8. What is the approximate transfer time from the airport?
The resort is around 1 hour 30 minutes by coach from Heraklion Airport (HER), depending on traffic and the number of stops. Private transfers can be arranged for a faster and more direct journey.