This stylish Crete hotel proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for a cool holiday

Cook's Club Hersonissos has the chic aesthetic and cool vibe of an Ibiza beach club, but at an affordable price.

Just a 20-minute drive from Heraklion Airport, Hersonissos is one of Crete’s busiest coastal resorts. The main strip buzzes with restaurants, ice cream parlours, and Irish pubs—especially in peak season.

But, tucked discreetly behind a container façade, Cooks Club Hersonissos offers a refreshing escape from the crowds. The hotel opened in 2018 and caters to adults only, with a modern, wellness-leaning vibe that’s surprisingly affordable. At the height of summer, rooms hover around £200 a night, but in shoulder seasons, I found rates dipping below £100 – a steal considering the quality of the space.

You can also find some decent package deals with providers including easyJet holidays, TUI and Loveholidays.

The main resort is built around its swimming pool area – two sleek pools separated by a wooden walkway, each flanked by beige loungers, plush daybeds, and oversized bean bags.

During the day, lo-fi beats drift through the air, and drinks are delivered straight to your sun bed. It’s got a low-key party energy, more Ibiza day club than full-on rave. When I visited, the crowd skewed young: hen parties, birthday trips, and twenty- and thirty-something friend groups (though we did spot some mature holidaymakers enjoying the vibe too). Still, the atmosphere stayed relaxed—more Aperol spritz and ambient DJ sets than dancing on tables.

At night, the atmosphere at Cooks Club shifts down a gear. Yes, there's a bar, but it's far from rowdy. Some packages include daily credit to spend on food and drinks, which most people seemed to use during the day—poolside snacks, cocktails, or lunch—before heading out into town in the evening.

If you’d rather stay in, the hotel offers low-key entertainment on select nights. There is no traditional Greek dancing or live singers, but instead, one evening we watched a film projected onto a wall by the pool. It was Flight Risk when we visited, but the film changes depending on when you’re there. It was a nice touch and meant we could enjoy a relaxed evening in.

The hotel’s open layout creates a casual sense of community – great if you want to chat to fellow guests, but just as easy to do your own thing. The lobby doubles as both a check-in and a lounge, with friendly staff on hand to help. Pool towels are handed out here, too. There’s a small book corner where guests leave their finished reads to share with others, and indoor seating if you need to catch up on emails or squeeze in a bit of remote work.

Though Cook’s Club Hersonissos leans toward the more budget-conscious traveller, it punches above its weight in terms of design and amenities. While we only had a quick look around, the basement spa is a stylish retreat with a serene heated indoor pool at its heart. Access comes at an additional cost and requires booking. There’s also a compact but well-equipped gym that’s free for all guests. It’s ideal if you want to keep up your fitness routine while away—we ended up making it a daily habit.

In a more unexpected twist, the hotel even has its own tattoo studio, Six for Six, and a barbershop called Rusty Blades—perfect for the holidaymaker who wants something a little different or a unique souvenir.

Rating: 4/5

Cook’s Club Hersonissos is home to 140 pared-back, minimalist rooms. They may not be flashy, but they’re modern, clean, and thoughtfully designed for a comfortable stay. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with a group, there’s a room type to suit—from standard doubles to spacious maisonettes that sleep up to six.

We stayed in one of the Large Maisonettes, which spans two levels: the ground floor features twin single beds, while a floating upper loft holds a second double. With two bathrooms, it’s an ideal setup for friends or couples who appreciate a little extra space and privacy.

The aesthetic is understated yet stylish. A crisp white colour palette is softened by rustic striped cushions and warm, woven wicker pendant lights beside each bed, adding a touch of boho charm.

The aesthetic is understated yet stylish

Rating: 3.5/5

Cantina, the hotel’s laid-back restaurant, serves guests from morning through to evening in a relaxed, no-fuss setting. There’s no table service or formal waitstaff here – just walk up, place your order, and settle in.

Guests can choose from two board options: Bed & Breakfast, which includes access to the morning buffet, or Half Board, which provides a fixed daily credit of €22 (approximately £18.54) to spend on food and drinks. This credit can be used at any time during the day—perfect for grazing by the pool with a drink in hand—though it does expire at 10pm and can’t be carried over or shared between guests.

Breakfast is arguably where Cantina shines. It's a generous and varied buffet offering that serves a mix of continental and hot options. Expect a tempting selection of fresh pastries, cheeses, seasonal fruits, yoghurt, cereals, and crisp vegetables. Hot dishes include eggs, bacon, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, pancakes, and even traditional Greek pastries for a local taste.

Dinner takes a simpler, canteen-style approach. You order at the till and are handed a buzzer that goes off when food is ready to collect. The menu includes both meat and vegetarian options, though the dishes lean toward the basic and functional rather than indulgent.

During the day, drinks from the bar can be delivered straight to your sun lounger, which is a thoughtful detail. While cocktails are pricier, they’re delicious and feel like a worthy treat during a lazy afternoon in the sun.

Rating: 4/5

Hersonissos won’t be for everyone, but for those who thrive in a lively, tourist-friendly setting, it more than delivers. Lined with pubs, bars, cafés, souvenir shops and casual restaurants, the town’s main strip hums with energy, especially as summer sets in. We visited just before peak season, when things were still relatively quiet, though the usual calls from restaurant hosts and bar reps inviting us to dine and drink reminded us that this is a place built for holidaymakers.

By day, there's a laid-back charm. A handful of sandy beach spots dot the coastline, and the Aegean water here is as stunning as you'd expect—glass-clear, cool and deeply blue. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon dipping in and out of the sea, but bring water shoes as some stretches can be rocky underfoot. Then, stay on the beach to watch the golden glow of daylight melt into the soft pinks of sunset.

If you want a break from the beach and pool, there’s also a local bus that runs regularly to Heraklion, Crete’s capital. It's an easy day trip and means you can visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum or just wander through the city to get a taste of local life.

If you’ve got a car, it’s worth making the drive about two hours west to the lovely harbour town of Chania. With its pretty Venetian buildings and laid-back vibe, it’s a charming spot that shows off a different side of Crete.

Rating: 5/5

In the peak season rooms hover around £200 to £250 a night, but in shoulder seasons, rates can start from as low as £80 per night. However, prices can vary based on booking dates, board type length of stay. Book directly via the Cooks Club website or compare prices and read reviews at Booking.com.

You can also book a package holiday with TUI, loveholidays or easyJet holidays.