Inotropes Boutique Suites - Adults Only, Heraklion

Pros

• The integration of owner Effie's personal family history and Greek mythology makes this hotel feel deeply rooted in its place—fantastic for anyone wanting to experience Crete authentically.
• The hotel's unique features include a well that Effie's grandmother used to use, a wine cellar that’s now the reception, and a blooming garden and courtyard where you can have coffee and breakfast.
• Rooms are warm and inviting with a mix of wood and stone and include kitchens or fireplaces for guests to get extra comfortable.

Cons

• The historic building doesn't have an elevator, so you need to climb steps to get to higher rooms. 
• While several suites have sofabeds to accommodate up to three people, there aren't connecting room options.
• The hotel has no spa, pool, fitness center, restaurant, or bar.

Authenticity

When Inotropes owner Effie decided to turn her grandmother's house into a hotel, she did the unthinkable: a full renovation completed within six months. Effie transformed her grandmother's property but retained its spirit. Guests can witness this history by peeking down into the old well or touching the cool stone of the former wine cellar that's now the reception. That spirit of family and love of place course through this hotel, which takes its concept from Dionysus and his family. Dionysus was a god of the land, so the Inotropes incorporates that element: try homemade butterscotch raki or local wine, or go on a tailor-made excursion that combines a trip to Knossos with an olive oil tasting or cooking class. As manager Vivian puts it, the staff's goal is to "bring people into the real culture and the real feeling of what Crete is."

Location

Tucked away on a quiet side street of Archanes, the Intropes offers seclusion and easy access to the surrounding area. Eleftherios Venizelos Square and the Archaeological Museum of Archanes are within five minutes on foot. Various restaurants, cafés, and shops near the hotel, so guests can live like locals and enjoy the village life. Heraklion and its airport are 20 minutes away by car, while Knossos is just under 15 minutes away.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel has six suites that each accommodate two people. Some of the suites have pullout sofa beds to accommodate one more person. Named for descendants of Dionysus, the suites offer different amenities, such as kitchens or fireplaces. Three are split-level, and they all include standing showers. The upper-level suites have a shared patio space that overlooks the courtyard and village. The decoration is warm and cozy, with a mix of stone, wood, and soft lighting that lends a feeling of romance and relaxation, ideal for couples or anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.

Amenities

The hotel has a large Jacuzzi in an inner courtyard on the first floor, surrounded by trees and open from April to October. Guests can enjoy an outdoor fireplace in the winter, and wine tasting is available in an on-site cellar. There's no pool, spa, or gym, and the hotel isn't accessible for travelers with limited mobility. 

Family-Friendliness

This hotel is adults-only. Guests ages 12 and up are welcome and charged a reduced rate. There are no extra beds available and no special amenities for younger guests. The hotel caters more to couples and groups of adult friends traveling together.

Other Highlights

Inotropes Boutique Suites has no restaurant, but breakfast is served in a covered lounge. The spread includes yogurt, local jam, bread, cheese, and meat and vegetarian and vegan options.