An arched door leads through a dim, leafy alley into the soft-lit reception with its black-and-white checkered floors, life-size statues of Greek gods, and gleaming chandeliers. Low couches and stained-glass panels separate the lobby from the spacious, but rather sunless, restaurant and the hotel’s downstairs bar.

With few on-site offerings, a tranquil location, and a "no children under 12" policy, this hotel largely attracts budget-minded couples who appreciate the low rates and willingly overlook drawbacks like small rooms and hard mattresses.

A short stroll from Elounda’s lively harbor area (lined with shops and cafes), an easy car ride away from the museums, shops, wineries and Minoan sites of Heraklion, and a 15-minute drive from Agios Nikolaos (renowned for its paved shopping streets and legendary ‘bottomless’ lake), this hotel has a great location.

It's also located close to Spinalonga, the eponymous island featured in Victoria Hislops bestselling novel. Regular boat trips leave from Elounda to Hislop’s island and there are a string of pretty beaches -- some sandy, some pebbly -- on either side of town. Plaka, with its seaside taverns and stunning views of Spinalonga is a 10-minute drive away.

The four room categories vary in size but all have French windows leading onto small balconies with sitting areas. All rooms are equipped kettles, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and wall-mounted radios. Bathrooms have walk-in showers, except for the Junior Suite Seaview Rooms, which have bathtubs. Use of in-room safes are an extra fee.

Smaller Grove Standard Rooms and Double Rooms with side sea views are best for couples, whilst families will want to choose the Superior Grove, or a Junior Suite Sea View Room, both of which have larger balconies and bathrooms. Note that the hotel does not accept children under the age of 12.

Lower floor rooms have garden views, whilst upper floor rooms have sea or mountain views. Rooms in the rear of the hotel are larger but have limited views. Rooms near the elevators can be noisy.

This budget property offers simple amenities such as a guest computer, board games, a lounge, and free Wi-Fi. Though small, the pool with lovely views is a highlight. The pebbly beach is set up with lounge chairs and umbrellas but it's tiny.

The hotel’s seafront Blue Sea restaurant serves a la carte dishes throughout the day, whilst the hotel’s half-board guests eat in the hotel’s large interior restaurant just opposite. There is a main bar serving drinks and snacks attached to the hotel’s interior restaurant. The rooftop SkyBar serves drinks, snacks and cocktails until late. There are also a few chairs and tables, and a counter serving ice cream near the rooftop pool.