Alsus Hotel

Alsus Hotel is a smaller mid-range hotel at 50 Andreas Papandreou Avenue in Ammoudara, on the coast west of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, a short walk from the sea. Ammoudara is a long strip of sand and resorts roughly 5 to 7 kilometres from the centre of Heraklion, and Papandreou Avenue is its main road, served by buses and taxis to the old town, the Archaeological Museum and the road to Knossos. Heraklion airport lies a short drive to the east. Unlike the large beach resorts nearby, Alsus is a modest property with a quieter, more local character, offering double rooms and breakfast. There is no pool or spa listed, so the beach is the main leisure draw, along with the cafes and tavernas along the road. Indicative high-season rates for a double room run from about EUR 50 to EUR 95 per night, which makes it one of the more affordable ways to stay near the beach. Dining in the area covers seafood tavernas, grills, cafes and mini-markets, where Cretan dishes such as grilled fish, lamb, stuffed vegetables, salads dressed with local olive oil and raki are standard. The service style is simple and owner-style, with a reception that can arrange taxis, car hire and excursions. The hotel suits budget-conscious couples, small families and independent travellers who want to be near the sea while keeping the option of day trips into Heraklion by bus. Guests should be aware that Papandreou Avenue is a busy road, so rooms away from the street may be quieter. Check-in and parking arrangements should be confirmed before arrival. For a larger range of facilities, such as pools and spas, neighbouring resorts along the strip are the alternative.