Grand Hotel Holiday Resort
Hersonissos | Crete (Heraklion Area)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Set on a sweeping Cretan hillside between Hersonissos and Stalis, Grand Hotel Holiday Resort is a proper all-rounder: a family-friendly resort hotel with an on-site waterpark, dedicated adults-only pool, sea-view terraces and a choice of buffet and à la carte dining. With 292 rooms spread across low-rise blocks, it feels like a small village looking out over the Aegean, with plenty of space for couples and families to find their own favourite corner.
Whitewashed buildings climbing the hillside, huge sea-facing pools and a colourful waterpark make Grand Hotel Holiday Resort a natural choice for sunshine escapes on Crete’s north coast. Spend your days flitting between splashy family fun and the calm adults-only pool, then settle into long, sociable dinners at the buffet or one of the à la carte restaurants overlooking the water.
For couples and families seeking Crete (Heraklion Area)’s charm with a big-resort choice of pools and dining, Grand Hotel Holiday Resort delivers the perfect balance. It’s 1 hour 30 minutes from the airport. See more Greece holidays.
Hotel Overview | Grand Hotel Holiday Resort
Highlights
💦 On-site waterpark with slides and children’s splash pool
👨👩👧 Perfect for all ages, from kids’ clubs to adult-only quiet zones
🍽️ Great range of buffet and à la carte dining options
🧘 Adults-only saltwater relaxation pool with sea views
🎯 Wide range of facilities including spa, gym, sports and entertainment
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rating and Board
Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options: All Inclusive Plus, Half Board
Child age: up to 12 years
18 accommodation blocks | 292 rooms | 2 lifts | 2 floors in main areas
Location | Grand Hotel Holiday Resort
Location
Grand Hotel Holiday Resort cascades down a hillside on Crete’s sun-drenched north coast, between the lively resorts of Hersonissos and Stalis. From many points around the grounds you’ll enjoy wide-open sea views, while a short stroll takes you down to the nearest beach for sand and gentle waves.
Hersonissos is known for its blend of traditional Greek charm and modern fun – think beach bars, waterfront tavernas, waterparks and historic sites within easy driving distance. Stalis, meanwhile, brings a slightly more relaxed feel with its long sandy bay and family-friendly cafés.][vc_empty_space][mkdf_section_title type="standard" position="" title_tag="h3" disable_break_words="no" title="Distances and Transfers"][vc_column_text css=""]
• Hillside setting on Crete’s north coast
• 450m from the nearest beach
• 1.7km from the nearest shops, bars and restaurants
• 2km from Stalis resort centre
• 2.6km from Hersonissos resort centre
Approx. transfer time from airport: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Hersonissos, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Facilities and Rooms | Grand Hotel Holiday Resort
Restaurants and Bars
With four restaurants and a spread of bars, you can eat and drink somewhere different almost every day of your stay.
Dionysos Main Restaurant is the heart of the hotel’s All Inclusive Plus offering, serving buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner with show-cooking stations and a mix of Greek and international favourites. Highchairs are available for families, and casual but neat attire is requested (no beachwear).
For something special, book into one of the à la carte venues. Aegean Greek A La Carte showcases local flavours and island recipes at dinner, while La Luna Italian A La Carte brings wood-fired, comfort-food classics to the poolside in the evenings. Ilios Snack Bar A La Carte sits by the pool and covers relaxed lunches and daytime snacks with a mix of Greek and international dishes.
A generous bar line-up keeps everyone refreshed: from the stylish Venus Lobby Bar for pre-dinner cocktails, to the Cocktail Bar, multiple pool bars including the Fun Pool Bar and Horizon Pool Bar, and a seasonal Theater Bar in the gardens that pairs drinks with evening shows. Opening dates and times can change with the season, and some venues may require reservations or carry supplements depending on your board basis.
All Inclusive Plus typically includes buffet meals, daytime snacks, a wide selection of local drinks from late morning until late evening, plus a small set of premium international brands and discounts on any extras you choose to add. Exact inclusions can vary by season – check the latest details in resort. What All Inclusive typically includes.
Pool Areas and Beach
Pool days are a major highlight here. The hotel offers:
• Main saltwater pool with wide sun terraces, sunbeds and parasols – great for leisurely swimming and family time. Inflatables are permitted, adding to the relaxed feel.
• Adults-only saltwater pool – a quiet, sea-facing retreat for grown-ups to unwind with a book and a cocktail.
• Freshwater children’s pool and waterpark zone – designed with younger guests in mind, featuring slides, a separate children’s section and plenty of shallow areas.
The on-site aqua park is included, with a selection of slides typically operating between 11:00 and 18:00 (opening times and attractions may vary by season and weather). Pool towels are available with a refundable deposit, so you can pack a little lighter.
When you fancy a change of scene, the nearest beach is about 450 metres away – ideal for sandcastles, paddling and classic Cretan sea views.
Spa, Sports and Other Facilities
Active guests and relaxation-seekers are both well catered for.
Inside, you’ll find an air-conditioned gym (minimum age 16) equipped with cardio machines and fixed strength equipment, typically open from 08:00–19:00. Outdoors there’s space for football, tennis, volleyball, table tennis and yoga, with daily activity programmes running through the main season.
The spa offers a sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and a menu of massage and beauty treatments for guests aged 16 and over (extra charges apply). This is the place to book a post-flight massage or midweek pamper session.
Practical extras include a 24-hour reception offering concierge-style support, currency exchange and luggage storage, plus an on-site mini-market for holiday essentials, drinks and snacks.
Rooms
Superior Double Room
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 2
Comfortable and bright rooms ideal for couples or friends, with either a balcony or terrace. Facilities typically include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi (local charge may apply), safety deposit box (local charge), hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, fridge, air conditioning and a bathroom with bath and shower attachment. Daily cleaning and towel change keep everything fresh.
Standard Double Room
Sleeps: minimum 2, maximum 2
A great-value option offering similar amenities to the Superior Double, with a balcony or terrace in most rooms, air conditioning, TV, fridge and bathroom with bath and shower attachment.
Superior Triple Room
Sleeps: minimum 3, maximum 3
Perfect for small families or friends travelling together, these larger rooms include a double or twin beds plus an extra bed, along with balcony or terrace, TV, Wi‑Fi (local charge), safe (local charge), coffee-making facilities, fridge and full bathroom with bath and shower attachment.
Family Room
Sleeps: minimum 4, maximum 4
Designed for families who want more space, these rooms generally feature separate sleeping areas or an open-plan layout tailored to four guests. Expect flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi (local charge), safe (local charge), hairdryer, terrace, coffee-making facilities, fridge, bathroom with bath and shower attachment and air conditioning, plus daily cleaning and towel changes.
Single Room
Sleeps: minimum 1, maximum 1
A comfortable base for solo travellers, with similar facilities to the Superior Double: TV, Wi‑Fi (local charge), safety deposit box (local charge), balcony or terrace, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, fridge, air conditioning and bathroom with bath and shower attachment.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
Activities & Experiences
Hotel Activities
🎯 Daily daytime activities (main season), including:
• Racket sports and team games
• Football, tennis and volleyball
• Water-based activities in and around the pool
• Yoga and fitness sessions
🎭 Evening entertainment most nights between April and October, such as:
• In-house shows and professional performances
• Live music and live DJ sets
• Quizzes, bingo and cabaret
• Mini-disco for children
Programme details, frequency and availability can vary by season and occupancy, but you can expect a lively, family-friendly atmosphere during the main summer months.
Guest Services
🛎️ 24-hour reception with concierge-style assistance
💱 Currency exchange and luggage storage
🛒 On-site mini-market for essentials and snacks
💻 Wi-Fi throughout the hotel (may be chargeable in some areas/rooms)
🧴 Spa with sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and massage treatments (16+, extra charge)
💆 Beauty treatments (16+, extra charge)
👨👩👧 Children’s club (4–12 yrs) with arts & crafts, sports and water-based fun
🎡 Children’s playground with slides, see-saw and shaded zones (age/height restrictions may apply)
Services, opening hours and charges can vary across the season; full details are available from reception on arrival.
Practical Info
Local area: Hersonissos sits on Crete’s north coast and blends modern resort life with a taste of traditional Greece. Expect sandy beaches, watersports, beach clubs and family attractions such as waterparks and aquariums, plus easy drives to ancient sites like the Minoan palace of Knossos and the island of Spinalonga.
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro (€)
Time difference: GMT +2 hours
Average UK–Heraklion flight time: around 4.5 hours
This information is a guide based on the most recent details from our suppliers and may change from season to season. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.
Prices and Book | Grand Hotel Holiday Resort
Grand Hotel Holiday Resort Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and current offers. Many holidays are bookable with low deposits and are ATOL Protected for your peace of mind.
FAQs | Grand Hotel Holiday Resort
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Grand Hotel Holiday Resort suitable for families with young children?
Yes. Grand Hotel Holiday Resort is very family-orientated, with an on-site waterpark, children’s pool, kids’ club for ages 4–12, a playground, highchairs in the main and à la carte restaurants, family rooms and a full daytime and evening entertainment programme including mini-discos.
2. How far is Grand Hotel Holiday Resort from the beach?
The hotel is set on a hillside approximately 450m from the nearest beach. It’s a manageable walk downhill for most guests, with the reward of sand and the clear Cretan Sea when you arrive.
3. What is included in All Inclusive Plus at Grand Hotel Holiday Resort?
All Inclusive Plus normally includes buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurant, one dinner per stay at the Aegean Greek à la carte and one at La Luna Italian à la carte (reservation required), snacks between meals for at least three hours per day, and a selection of local wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks from around 10:30–22:30. A small range of premium international brands is also included, and guests receive a discount on drinks not covered by the package. Exact details can vary by season, so check the latest information on arrival.
4. Does Grand Hotel Holiday Resort have an adults-only area?
Yes. In addition to the family and activity pools, the hotel offers an adults-only outdoor saltwater pool, providing a quieter space for grown-ups to relax. The spa and gym are also reserved for guests aged 16 and above.
5. How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport to Grand Hotel Holiday Resort?
The approximate coach transfer time from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Grand Hotel Holiday Resort is 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic levels and the number of hotel stops on the route. Private transfers can be quicker.
6. Is Wi-Fi available at Grand Hotel Holiday Resort?
Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. In some areas or room types a local charge may apply or speeds may vary, so it’s worth checking the latest details at reception when you arrive.
7. Are there any dress codes in the restaurants?
The hotel asks guests not to wear beachwear in the main restaurant or in the à la carte venues, especially at dinner. A smart-casual dress code is recommended – think resort wear rather than swimwear, with closed shoes and longer shorts or trousers preferred for evening meals.
8. What children’s facilities does the hotel offer?
Children have access to a freshwater pool with slides and children’s section, the on-site aqua park, a kids’ club for ages 4–12 with arts and crafts, games and sports, plus a playground with slides and shaded areas. Highchairs are provided in several restaurants, and early-evening mini-discos feature in the entertainment line-up across the main season.
















