The Bottom Line
An inexpensive hotel offering a Cretan "village" experience - sort of.
Pros
- Located not far from Heraklion, Crete.
- Low rates even in high season.
- Open year-round.
- More atmospheric than many hotels on Crete.
- Rates start at about 45 Euro if booked through their website.
Cons
- Slightly "Disney" feel to the constructed village.
Description
- The 34 rooms are furnished with locally-made items and textiles.
- Greek folklore nights offer dancing exhibitions.
- The "village" is open daily throughout the year; call for hours in the off-season.
- Breakfast is included; additional meals can be arranged.
- Located on the road from Heraklion heading toward the large town of Rethimno, which is also worth a visit.
- Depending on the time of year, special seasonal activities such as raki making may be viewable.
- They accept major credit cards and traveler's checks.
Guide Review - Arolithos Hotel and Village
The Arolithos Hotel and village was built by the Saloustros family. They wanted to preserve an older way of life by creating a village where craftsmen could continue to practice their arts in a traditional environment. In some ways, it's almost too good to be true - visitors get to see Cretan costuming, watch potters and leatherworkers ply their trades, and often encounter dance exhibits or other cultural offerings. Is it a modern Cretan village? No. Is it a genuine old-fashioned village? No. But if you want to enjoy a culturally-intense experience in a short time, while finding inexpensive, charming lodging, it may work for you.
Some tour operators include a stop at Arolithos without mentioning it is a "created" village, which is a bit misleading. But for someone who generally enjoys quirky theme hotels, Arolithos and its village could be a treat.
AROLITHOS
Traditional Cretan Village
Servilli Tilissou
P.O Box 2032 71002
Heraklion Crete[nr]
Phone: (011 30) 2810 821 050
Fax: (011 30) 2810 821 051
E-mail: arolithos@otenet.gr
Website: http://www.arolithosvillage.gr/
