Alexander Beach Hotel appeals to couples and families with its ornate common spaces, picturesque surroundings, and variety of on-site features. The front entrance resembles a stone fortress, but a white adobe archway, decorative wood paneling, and trim shrubbery soften the look. Many of the hotel’s exteriors are bright-white adobe-style buildings with stone towers interspersed throughout. Stone-paved pathways wind between buildings and lush gardens with trees and flowers. Inside, the lobby has a rustic feel with more stone walls, antique wood furniture, and different styles of art adorning the walls. Green marble pillars, a marble arch over the front desk, and statues in the ancient Greek style, adorn the area. 

A few sitting areas off the lobby include a glass-ceiling atrium and a comfortable room with an ornate wood ceiling, fine furnishings, and brown-leather couches. The lobby bar continues the lavish yet rustic feel with more stone walls and floors, plus a beautiful wood bar adorned with clay pots. Pink and purple chairs brighten up the space, though feel a bit out of place. Overall, the hotel has an elegant vibe, but furnishings -- particularly in the rooms -- don't live up to the advertised five-star rating.

Alexander Beach Hotel is located on the northern coast of Crete, 30 minutes by car east of the major city of Heraklion. It is on the beach, accessible from a narrow road catering to tourists with many hotels. There is a car and quad rental shop across the street, and within a few minutes’ walk there are shops, cafes, and a supermarket. It is a six-minute walk to a stop for a local transport which makes a circuit around popular tourist areas. Private parking for the hotel is a two-minute walk away. A six-minute drive will bring guests to the central area of Malia, known for its active nightlife. Malia Palace, the archaeological dig site of ancient Minoan ruins, is a nine-minute drive from the hotel. The town of Elounda is a 40-minute drive, from which guests can take a boat to the historic and beautiful island of Spinalonga. Heraklion Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms are spacious and comfortably appointed with old-fashioned furnishings. Standard rooms have adobe tile floors, stucco ivory walls, classic wood furniture, and are dressed in yellows and reds. The full bed (or two twins) has a mustard-yellow duvet and sash draped above the decorative wood headboard. A comfortable red chair and stool pop against the warm color scheme. A long desk holds a small flat-screen TV, plus there are a safe and a mini-fridge, which can be stocked as a minibar upon request. Glass doors lead to a furnished balcony or terrace with a rustic wood railing. Attractive marble bathrooms have a shower/tub combo, some counter space, and a large, framed mirror. A hairdryer and free toiletries are provided. 

Upgraded rooms are larger and include a sitting area with a sofa bed, a kettle, and a DVD player. Suites add bathrobes and slippers, a welcome gift of a drink, and some have separate shower cabins or whirlpool tubs. Many guests say upgrading to a sea-view room is worth it.

Restaurant, pools, and entertainment options give guests plenty to do on site. Half-board meal plans offer a buffet-style breakfast with the typical continental choices, plus Cretan specialties. Dinner is a choice between a full buffet, or tableside service for entrees. Guests appreciate the quality of food, but find it caters more toward German tastes and can be repetitive. For variety, there are two a la carte restaurants serving Greek dinners and offering snacks or a light lunch during the day. 

The main pool is a decent size, with a wading pool sectioned off for small children plus a shallow area. It is next to the beach and has lovely views of the ocean. Plenty of bright-yellow sunbeds line walkways, some with tiki umbrellas. Another small pool is nearby. Down a few stairs is a beautiful, sandy beach with plenty of room for guests to spread out. 

Kids have a worn indoor play area, simple playground, and a wading pool with fountains and slides. Supervised activities are available, though entertainment receives mixed reviews. Guests have free access to a spa offering massages, beauty treatments, a sauna, whirlpool, and a small indoor pool. Those who prefer to be more active can make use of the well-equipped fitness room, with plenty of equipment for cardio and weight training. Two tennis courts and beach volleyball are on-site as well. Free Wi-Fi is available in the main building, though guests report the connection can be poor.