Olive Green Hotel is the first provider of sustainable, eco-friendly accommodation powered by smart technology in the whole of Greece. It is the brainchild of Karatarakis Hotels SA Company, the company that owns an already iconic hotel in Heraklion, the Lato Boutique Hotel, famous for its Herbs’ Garden Restaurant, which offers breathtaking views over the Old Harbor and the Koules Venetian fortress.

Olive Green Hotel had a silent opening at the beginning of the fall, and it has already received rave reviews from travelers who happened to cross its sill. The fate of a building of the early 1960s that stood empty and in need of substantial renovations at 22 Idomeneos Street in Heraklion is a metamorphosis worthy of praise.

A bright lobby with warm wood walls and olive green accents welcomes guests with a minimalist décor, where olive tree saplings are the central eyecatchers, raising from their innovative pots that dub as seats in front of the reception. It’s the first photo op for those who arrive for the first time, and a promise of a different experience, in moderately priced luxury.

This is the kind of hotel where the first impression sets the mood for the rest of the stay. Fortunately, the experience is continued with equal flair throughout the entire building. Upon booking, guests can choose between four types of rooms, ranging from Popular, to Urban, Club, and Family. The rooms are stylish, with minimalist décor, enhanced by QR-coded posters depicting pristine Cretan landscapes, most of them within one hour driving distance from the hotel. By scanning the codes, guests find out the address of the destination, points of interest on the route, and other details that make the trip interesting.

Guests can control room lighting, air conditioning, TVs, and other features with the help of smart tablets provided upon arrival at the reception. The tablets can also be used to order room service, or to post updates on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

What we learned from Lefteris Karatarakis, Karatarakis Hotels SA Company CEO, is that the hotel was designed respecting modern principles of renewable energy: “We employed reuse and recycle operational systems that utilize solar panels and other innovative methods that promote sustainable development,” he said.

The aim of the owners was to develop a hotel that aligns nature, tradition, and technology into a harmonious haven for leisure tourists and business travelers alike, and they fully achieved their goal. Olive Green Hotel is urban and modern, yet laid-back and elegant, with a subtle air of sophistication.

Although it just opened, it is already in demand, with high occupancy offseason. This is due to its central location, steps away from the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and within walking distance from the tourist heart of the city. The Venetian Fortress of Rocca al Mare (Koules) is less than 850 meters walk, and other landmarks, like the Central Market of Heraklion, Saint Titos Cathedral, and the famous Morozini Fountain, are even closer.

The olive tree, which inspired the name of the hotel, is centric to the dining experience at Liotrivi, the guest breakfast area at Olive Green. The complimentary olive oil tastings offered to guests every morning deserve special attention, as they feature different types of cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oils from around Crete. Complimentary breakfast buffet is available for all guests.

Finally, the experience ends at 626 All Day Lounge & City Garden, an urban café and lounge, with airy, bright interiors, that opens its doors to hotel guests and walk-in diners alike. This is where you can stop for signature coffee brews, for sweet or savory snacks, and for gourmet creations by renowned Chef Zinonas Christofidis, who delivers artsy dishes worthy of Instagram moments.