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Perched directly on the beach in Hersonissos, Crete, the five-star Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa promises a premium Mediterranean escape focused on adults. With a Booking.com guest score of 9.1/10 from 241 reviews (Booking.com), this property ranks among the most talked-about options on the island’s northern coast. This review examines guest experiences across major booking platforms to help you decide whether the price tag matches the reality, drawing on verified scores and traveller feedback from multiple sources.
Last checked: 2026-08-09
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Location: Hersonissos, Crete ·
Star rating: 5 ·
Outdoor pools: 3 ·
Beachfront: Yes (right by the beach)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-09.
Sources reviewed: official property listing on Booking.com, TripAdvisor reviews, Hotels.com listing, Expedia pricing data, Trip.com guest feedback, HolidayCheck reviews.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify prices. All scores and ratings reflect publicly available data from the platforms cited.
Published: February 2026
Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa at a glance
Location
- Beachfront in Limenas Chersonisou, Hersonissos, Crete
Rating
- 4.5/5 from 868 reviews on TripAdvisor (TripAdvisor)
Guest score
- 9.1/10 from 241 reviews on Booking.com
Recognition
- 9.4/10 “Exceptional” from 588 reviews on Hotels.com (Hotels.com)
| Location | Hersonissos, Crete |
| Star rating | 5 |
| Outdoor pools | 3 |
| Beachfront | Yes (right by the beach) |
| On-site restaurants | 2 |
| Room count | 192 |
| Adults-only policy | Yes |
| Hotel class | 5-star |
Is Akasha Beach Hotel worth the price?
Across multiple platforms, the hotel earns high numerical scores — a 9.1 on Booking.com, 4.5 on TripAdvisor, and 9.4 on Hotels.com — but the value-for-money question produces more nuanced answers. On Booking.com, the value-for-money sub-score sits at 8.8, lower than the overall score, which reflects a pattern visible in written reviews. TripAdvisor’s summary notes that the central beachfront location draws consistent praise, while some guests say that extra charges reduce the perceived value.
One 2023 review titled “Not worth £4k for 7 nights” described the property as beautiful and very clean but below 5-star expectations for that price bracket (TripAdvisor review). Another reviewer called the hotel “fantastic” but said the food and drinks let it down, arguing the experience did not match a 5-star rating (TripAdvisor.co.uk). On Trip.com, verified guests flagged overpriced bottled water and sunbeds being reserved early as recurring frustrations (Trip.com).
Watch out for: Multiple reviews across platforms mention that extra charges — for water, sunbed reservations, and late checkout — can add significantly to the bill. Factor these into your budget when comparing room-only versus half-board rates.
Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa prices
Expedia listed a starting price of $347 for a one-night stay for two adults on 1 September 2026, as recorded in August 2026 (Expedia). This represents the lowest observed rate. Peak-season pricing, particularly in July and August, will likely exceed this figure substantially. The property ranks #3 of 26 hotels in Limenas Chersonisou on TripAdvisor UK (TripAdvisor.co.uk), which suggests strong relative demand but also competitive pressure from neighbouring properties.
Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa reviews
Review volumes vary significantly by platform. TripAdvisor carries 868 reviews, Booking.com 241, Hotels.com 588, HolidayCheck 696, and Trip.com 44. The consistency of high scores across large samples — 9.1, 9.4, 4.5, 89% recommendation — indicates that most guests leave satisfied. But the qualitative complaints about food quality, drink pricing, and sunbed availability reappear across enough reviews to form a clear pattern. German-speaking reviewers on HolidayCheck and TripAdvisor.de tend to focus on the modern design and friendly staff, with one describing it as a “very nice and modern hotel” (TripAdvisor.de). UK-based reviewers more often weigh the cost against the experience.
The bottom line: The hotel delivers strong cleanliness, a prime beachfront location, and polite service. Value-for-money is where opinions split, driven largely by supplementary costs that inflate the total bill beyond the headline room rate.
Is Akasha Beach Hotel adults only?
Yes, the Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa operates as an adults-only property. The policy is consistently referenced across booking platforms and guest reviews. While the specific minimum age is not universally stated on every OTA page, the restriction means that guests should expect an environment tailored to couples and adult groups, without children’s facilities or family-oriented programming. This positioning aligns with the hotel’s broader marketing as a quiet luxury escape on the Crete coast.
Why this matters: The adults-only policy directly shapes the atmosphere. Guests looking for a peaceful, child-free stay will find the hotel suited to their needs, while families with children should look at alternative properties in the Hersonissos area that welcome younger guests.
How far is Akasha Beach Hotel from the airport?
The hotel sits at Eleftheriou Venizelou 183 in Limenas Chersonisou, Hersonissos, on the northern coast of Crete. Heraklion International Airport (HER) is the nearest airport, located approximately 25 kilometres west. Under normal traffic, the drive takes between 25 and 35 minutes. The route follows the New National Road (EO90) eastbound, a well-maintained coastal highway.
How much does a taxi cost from Heraklion Airport to Stalis?
While the hotel is in Limenas Chersonisou — adjacent to the Stalis area — taxi fares from Heraklion Airport to this part of the coast generally range between €35 and €50 depending on the time of day, vehicle type, and demand. Official airport taxis operate on a metered system. Some guests also opt for pre-booked private transfers, which cost slightly more but guarantee fixed pricing and vehicle availability. Independent price verification was not conducted for this article, and rates are subject to seasonal fluctuation.
Is the Akasha Beach Hotel beach sandy?
Yes, the property sits directly on a sandy beach, a fact confirmed by multiple listing pages and guest photos. The beachfront location is one of the hotel’s most frequently praised features, with reviewers describing it as central and convenient. Being right on the sand means that guests can walk directly from the hotel to the shoreline without crossing a road. The beach itself is part of the longer stretch of sand that runs along Limenas Chersonisou, which tends to be well maintained during the tourist season.
Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa photos
Image galleries on Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Hotels.com show a contemporary property with clean lines, an infinity-style pool overlooking the sea, and modern guest rooms with neutral tones. The outdoor areas — particularly the pool deck and beachfront terrace — appear spacious in guest-uploaded photos. If you are relying on images to assess whether the reality matches the marketing, the guest-submitted pictures on TripAdvisor and HolidayCheck offer the most candid perspective.
Pros
- Prime beachfront location in central Hersonissos
- Adults-only policy ensures a calm atmosphere
- Cleanliness score of 9.6 on Booking.com
- Three outdoor pools offer variety
- High recommendation rate (89% on HolidayCheck)
Cons
- Food and drink quality receives mixed reviews
- Extra charges (water, sunbeds, late checkout) reduce value perception
- Sunbed availability reported as limited by multiple guests
- Some reviewers question whether the experience matches 5-star standards
- Inconsistent service experiences at reception
Who is Akasha Beach Hotel best for?
Based on the adults-only policy, the amenity set, and the patterns in guest feedback, the property suits three traveller types particularly well:
- Adults seeking a quiet beach escape. The lack of children on-site and the direct beach access make it a strong choice for a restful week.
- Couples looking for a luxury Crete base. The 5-star rating, pool complex, and spa facilities support a romantic or celebratory trip.
- Wellness travellers. The spa, beachfront setting, and adults-only quiet hours appeal to guests prioritising relaxation.
Pricing overview
The lowest rate observed was $347 per night for two adults on Expedia for a September 2026 date. Off-peak rates from April to June and September to October are likely to fall between $250 and $400 per night. Peak season (July–August) rates typically exceed $400 per night. All rates are for standard double rooms; upgraded rooms with sea views or suites will command higher prices. Board basis varies by booking: some rates include breakfast only, while half-board packages include dinner.
Currency note: Prices listed are in US dollars based on the Expedia snapshot reviewed. Actual rates at the time of booking may differ and may be quoted in euros by the property directly.
Location and getting there
The hotel is at Eleftheriou Venizelou 183, Limenas Chersonissou, Hersonissos, Crete 70014, Greece. The address places it on the main coastal road, within walking distance of shops, tavernas, and the Hersonissos strip. Renting a car is an option for exploring eastern Crete — the Palace of Knossos is roughly 30 minutes west by car — but many guests rely on taxis and organised excursions for day trips. On-site parking is available, though spaces may be limited during peak weeks.
Alternatives in the Hersonissos area
For travellers weighing the Akasha Hotel against other options in the same price band, several nearby hotels offer comparable positioning. The area around Limenas Chersonisou and Stalis is dense with beachfront resorts. Guests who found the adults-only policy or the pricing structure not quite right might consider properties such as the Creta Maris Beach Resort (family-friendly, larger grounds) or the Nana Princess Suites & Villas (higher-end luxury, private pools). Each alternative trades off one aspect — price, atmosphere, or beach access — against another. No specific comparison data across these options was collected for this review.
Our recommendation
The Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa is a strong pick for couples and adults who value a central beachfront location and a child-free environment above all else. The cleanliness scores are outstanding, and the pool complex — three outdoor pools — offers genuine variety. However, the value-for-money debate is real: if food quality, all-inclusive-style convenience, and freedom from supplementary charges matter to you, budget for extras or consider a premium-board package. For guests who prioritise a quiet, modern, beachside stay and are comfortable managing add-ons, this hotel delivers on its core promise.
“The hotel offers a central beachfront location praised by many travelers for its convenience to shops and attractions.”
– Tripadvisor review summary, review-platform summary
“Some guests find value lacking due to extra charges.”
– Tripadvisor review summary, review-platform summary
tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, ca.hotels.com, tripadvisor.co.uk, tripadvisor.ca, tripadvisor.co.uk, youtube.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the star rating of Akasha Beach Hotel?
The Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa is rated 5 stars across all major booking platforms, including Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com.
How many outdoor pools does Akasha Beach Hotel have?
The hotel features three outdoor pools, as listed on its property profile across OTAs and verified in guest photo galleries.
How many on-site restaurants does Akasha Beach Hotel have?
The property operates two on-site restaurants, a fact confirmed by multiple listing pages and guest reviews that reference both the main buffet and the a la carte option.
Where is Akasha Beach Hotel located?
The hotel is at Eleftheriou Venizelou 183, Limenas Chersonissou, Hersonissos, Crete 70014, Greece, directly on the beach.
Does Akasha Beach Hotel have a spa?
Yes, the hotel operates a spa, which is part of its full trading name — Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa. Guest reviews reference spa services and facilities.
Is Akasha Beach Hotel beachfront?
Yes, the property is directly on the beach in Limenas Chersonisou, with direct access to the sandy shoreline.
Sources cited
- Booking.com — Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa reviews
- TripAdvisor — Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa
- Hotels.com — Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa
- Expedia — Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa pricing
- Trip.com — Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa reviews
- HolidayCheck — Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa
- TripAdvisor.co.uk — Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa ranking
- TripAdvisor.de — German-language review