Rethymno Palace

The hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly highlighted by its direct beach access and a beautiful pool area, providing a serene escape. Guests frequently commend the hotel's overall cleanliness, the spacious rooms, and the consistently friendly staff who contribute significantly to a positive atmosphere. The good food and varied dining options are also a recurring positive theme. This destination is well-suited for families seeking engaging activities and a peaceful environment, as well as couples looking for a relaxing and romantic getaway. Sightseers and explorers will appreciate its convenient location for accessing local attractions and the availability of car rentals. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to bring water shoes for comfortable beach access due to the pebbly shore, and consider renting a car to explore the wider area, as many guests found this beneficial for discovering the island's charm. The hotel's tranquil ambiance makes it ideal for those seeking relaxation.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently praise the hotel's extensive facilities, which cater to various needs and preferences. The large, clean pool area, often described as beautiful, provides ample space for relaxation and swimming, though some note it is unheated. The popular beach bar offers refreshing drinks and stunning sea views, while the lobby bar is also appreciated for its service and atmosphere. For wellness, there is a spa offering treatments, with some guests receiving a complimentary welcome massage, and a fitness center that hosts daily activities like yoga and aqua gym. The hotel also provides various entertainment activities, including evening shows and sports tournaments, ensuring there is always something to do. A convenient hotel shop is available on-site for essentials, and car rental services are offered. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests experienced inconsistent connectivity. Most guests found ample sunbeds around the pool and beach, though early morning reservation was a common practice.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives high marks for its cleanliness, with guests frequently noting the meticulous daily housekeeping of both rooms and common areas. Rooms are generally described as spacious and comfortable, often featuring a balcony and modern amenities like a fridge and television. The comfortable beds contribute to a restful stay for most. However, feedback on noise levels is mixed; while some rooms, particularly those with sea views, are reported as quiet, others, especially street-facing or near corridors, can experience significant noise from slamming doors or passing guests. Some older rooms are noted as being outdated, and a few guests reported issues such as mold in bathrooms, unpleasant sewage smells, or problems with air conditioning effectiveness or noise. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall impression is that rooms are well-maintained and provide a pleasant environment.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining and food quality is generally positive, with many guests describing the food as delicious, varied, and plentiful. The varied buffet offers a wide selection, ensuring diverse options for all tastes, and guests appreciate the inclusion of themed dinners such as Italian or Greek nights. Breakfast is consistently praised for its wide variety, though some note the daily offerings can become repetitive over longer stays. While the cocktails are frequently highlighted as very good, opinions on the overall all-inclusive drinks quality are mixed, with some guests finding local alcohol and powdered juices to be of lower quality. Most guests found the restaurant staff attentive, ensuring dishes were replenished promptly. However, a few guests reported issues with food not being consistently warm or experiencing stomach discomfort, suggesting occasional inconsistencies in food preparation.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a prime direct beach access, allowing guests to easily transition from their rooms to the shore. Its location is also convenient for exploring the surrounding area, with Rethymno town accessible by a short bus ride or a 10-15 minute walk to the nearby village. A bus stop is conveniently located close to the hotel, facilitating travel to the town and other attractions. The immediate vicinity offers a variety of local shops, cafes, and supermarkets, providing easy access to necessities and souvenirs. However, the stony beach with gravel and rocks requires guests to wear water shoes for comfortable entry into the sea, though it is noted as suitable for snorkeling in calm conditions. Some guests found the main road near the hotel to have poor visibility, but overall, the location is considered advantageous for both relaxation and exploration.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff and service consistently receive high praise from guests, with many highlighting their friendly staff, politeness, and helpfulness. The team is often described as professional and attentive, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Guests appreciate the warm welcome upon arrival and the efficiency of the check-in process. Attentive housekeeping ensures rooms are cleaned daily and meticulously maintained. The excellent bar staff are frequently commended for their professionalism, quick service, and ability to craft delicious cocktails. The engaging animation team provides a variety of activities for both adults and children, enhancing the holiday experience. While most interactions are positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of less friendly service, particularly from some reception or restaurant staff, and some perceived preferential treatment towards certain nationalities.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain additional details to ensure a smooth stay. A tourist tax is applied per room per day, which is a government-mandated fee. For added security, a safe deposit box fee is charged for daily use in the rooms. The towel policy requires a cash deposit for pool towels, with changes available every two days. While the all-inclusive package is comprehensive, guests note that it typically ends at 11 PM, and some specific drinks or snacks may not be included or available during certain hours. A common issue observed is the sunbed reservation practice, where guests place towels early in the morning, making it challenging to find available spots later in the day. Some guests reported issues with mosquitoes in their rooms, and a few areas of the hotel are perceived as outdated. The hotel tends to attract an older clientele, contributing to a generally quiet atmosphere.