Royal & Imperial Belvedere: Rooms, Dress Code, Prices (2025)

Planning a stay at the Royal & Imperial Belvedere in Crete means weighing a large all‑inclusive resort with seven pools, a hillside setting, and a merger that doubles your options. This review cuts through the marketing to answer your key questions: dress code, luxury rating, room count, and how to get there from Heraklion Airport, backed by verified pricing and guest feedback from multiple sources.

Last checked: 2026-07-24

Total Rooms: 730 · Number of Pools: 7 · Distance to Beach: 10-minute stroll · Price Range (per night): €197 – €789

What is the dress code for the Royal and Imperial Belvedere?

Based on guest reports and independent reviews, the resort encourages smart‑casual attire for evening dining – think collared shirts, trousers, or dresses for dinner at the à‑la‑carte restaurants. During the day, standard resort wear (swimwear, shorts, t‑shirts) is fine across pool areas and buffets. A YouTube tour of the property notes that “no formal dress code is enforced for daytime areas,” and the main buffet restaurants are generally relaxed. The bottom line: pack one or two smarter outfits for evening meals at Cave Mezo or Imperial Sakiura, but you won’t need black‑tie.

Is Hotel Belvedere a luxury hotel?

The Royal & Imperial Belvedere sits in the upper‑midscale to upscale bracket. Price evidence supports this: standard rooms on TripAdvisor average €110–€404 per night, while an October 2025 all‑inclusive rate on Expedia UK starts at £102 per night for two adults. Those figures place it above budget resorts but below ultra‑luxury properties such as Elounda or Blue Palace.

What defines luxury at the Belvedere? The resort has seven pools, three restaurants, five bars, tennis courts, mini‑golf, a fitness centre, and a spa – a solid amenity list. A Hotels.com guest review from July 2025 described “lovely surroundings and helpful staff,” rating it 8/10. Yet some limitations temper the luxury claim: in‑room safes cost extra, spa treatments at AEGEO Spa are not included in the base rate, and pool towels require a refundable deposit. The trade‑off: you get extensive facilities and good service, but nickel‑and‑dime extras and a hillside location (not beachfront) keep it from true luxury territory.

How does it compare to other high‑end resorts in Crete?

Compared with top‑tier hotels like Creta Maris or Aldemar Royal Mare, the Belvedere offers more pools but less direct beach access. Its price point is generally lower, making it a strong value for travellers who prioritise a variety of on‑site activities over a private beach cove.

How many rooms does the Royal and Imperial Belvedere have?

The complex contains 729 rooms according to TripAdvisor, spread across 19 three‑storey buildings. Room types include standard (≈28 m²), superior (28–30 m²), and family rooms (≈35–45 m²). The merger of the Royal and Imperial wings means guests can use both sides, effectively doubling the variety of restaurant and pool options. A YouTube full‑resort tour shows that standard rooms are comfortable but not lavish, while family rooms offer extra space for larger groups.

The implication: with nearly 730 rooms, you’re never far from a pool or a bar, but the resort can feel busy during peak weeks.

How far is the Royal and Imperial Belvedere from Heraklion airport?

The resort is in Limenas Hersonissou, about 25 km east of Heraklion International Airport. A taxi or pre‑booked transfer typically takes 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic. Expedia and Booking.com both list the address and standard transfer advice – the hotel offers a shuttle or can recommend transport. For a quick comparison, that’s one of the shorter airport‑to‑hotel journeys in Crete; many west‑coast resorts require an hour or more.

Single‑entity specification: an overview of facilities

Pros and cons

Best for segments

Families: The resort’s seven pools, kids’ club, and family rooms (up to 45 m²) make it a strong choice. The nearby Star Beach Water Park adds extra entertainment. Couples: Quiet adults‑only areas are limited, but the à‑la‑carte restaurants and evening entertainment offer a romantic setting away from the main buffet. Groups of friends: The twin‑resort layout and five bars create plenty of social spaces; group bookings benefit from the large room inventory.

Alternatives in Crete

If the Belvedere doesn’t quite fit, consider these well‑known competitors:

• Creta Maris Resort (Hersonissos) – beachfront, upscale, similar price bracket
• Aldemar Royal Mare (Hersonissos) – part of the Aldemar chain, higher service ratings
• Blue Lagoon Resort (Kos) – closer to the airport, quieter atmosphere

Pricing bands and value

Standard room rates range from €110 to €404 per night (TripAdvisor average), while all‑inclusive packages on Expedia UK start at £102 per night for two adults in October 2025. Peak summer (July–August) sees the highest prices, often reaching €789 for larger suites. The all‑inclusive covers buffet meals, snacks and drinks at designated bars, but spa treatments, safe rental, and premium drinks are extra.

Location and getting there

Address: Limenas Hersonissou, Hersonissos, Crete 70014. The resort sits on a raised hillside above the town, approximately 25 km from Heraklion International Airport (25–35 min drive). A free beach shuttle runs during the season. Self‑parking is free but watch for height restrictions. Taxis from the airport cost around €35–€50.

“Lovely property, great surroundings and helpful staff.”

– NADINE Angela, Hotels.com guest reviewer

Frequently asked questions