Hersonissos Palace Hotel appeals to couples (and occasionally families and groups of friends) for its comfortable atmosphere and convenient location, but decor is outdated. Those expecting the hotel to live up to its advertised five-star rating will be disappointed. The lobby is the most modern space on-site, featuring neutral-tone tiling and walls, a range of contemporary seating, and large pieces of artwork. The pool is similarly attractive, surrounded by bougainvillea, green lawns, but the white plastic loungers could use an update. On-site entertainment is limited, and sometimes there is a fee when it's offered. Overall, this is a no-frills all-inclusive option, best for low-key travelers who will be spending lots of time outside of the hotel.

Hersonissos Palace Hotel is conveniently located in the village of Hersonissos on the northern coast of Crete, about a 30-minute drive from Heraklion. It's a quick two-minute walk to reach a narrow strip of sand at the pebbly beach. A three-minute walk away is a coastal road with ample shops, restaurants, and clubs for nightlife. A four-minute walk will bring guests to Hersonissos harbor for boat rentals and excursions. 

The hotel has free parking for guests with cars, and a bus stops a 15-minute walk from the hotel. It is a 15-minute drive to Crete Golf Club and the neighboring Acqua Plus water park. Cretaquarium is also a 15-minute drive and popular with families. A 30-minute drive will bring guests to Knossos, the archaeological dig site of the oldest city in Europe. Heraklion Airport is 23 minutes away by road.

Guest rooms have modern dark-wood furniture, but that's where the up-to-date furnishings stop. The white tiling, as well as the unappealing duvets and curtains, are in need of a refresh. Plus, wear and tear is visible throughout. One notable pro is that all rooms have a terrace or balcony with a small table and chairs, some with lovely sea views. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, small flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, but use of the safes requires a hefty fee. Wi-Fi is not provided in rooms, but those near the lobby may be able to access it. Bathrooms are particularly showing age with some having broken tiles and rusty fixtures. They have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and free soap. Guests complain that rooms in the annexed building are in worse shape than the rest.

The all-inclusive hotel has a few extra amenities, but overall the offerings are basic. The buffet restaurant is a simple but appealing setting with cream-colored walls, brown-leather chairs, and light-blue table linens. It also has an outdoor terrace, but it's next to parked cars. Greek and international specialties are served with mixed reviews, though most agree it's adequate if a bit repetitive. The hotel also owns a well-reviewed bar on the beach where all-inclusive guests can get free drinks.

Three pools provide space for guest to spread out. The main pool is surrounded by a concrete patio with a nearby lawn, both with free sunbeds and tiki umbrellas. The pool bar offers plastic chairs under a trellis for shade. As the primary leisure spot for the hotel, it can become crowded. A simple indoor pool lacks windows and loungers but it has an adjacent sauna. The tiny gym is ill-equipped, with just a handful of equipment, and is next to a ping-pong table. There’s a billiards table by the main pool and a tennis court out past the secondary pool. 

Occasional entertainment is offered, but generally nights are quiet. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby and an on-site market sells snacks and sundries.