The Royal Senses Resort Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton

This hotel offers a luxurious escape, distinguished by its stunning architecture and breathtaking sea views that create a serene and inviting atmosphere. It is an ideal destination for both families seeking engaging activities and couples desiring a peaceful, romantic retreat. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional service, the variety of high-quality dining options, and the overall cleanliness of the property. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a private pool for an elevated experience, and be prepared to utilize the hotel's convenient shuttle service or rent a car to explore the wider island, as the immediate surroundings are quite secluded.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts an impressive array of pools, including a large heated pool, saltwater pools, and dedicated adult-only pools for tranquility. Families particularly appreciate the extensive kids' pools and a fun water park with slides. Many rooms offer the luxury of a private pool, providing an exclusive space for relaxation. The spa is frequently praised for its luxurious ambiance and range of treatments, complemented by a well-equipped fitness center or gym. Guests can also benefit from the user-friendly hotel app for managing reservations and services. For those arriving by car, covered parking is readily available. The multi-level design of the property is navigated by elevators and a funicular, though some guests note these can be slow. Convenient shops are located on-site for various needs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms spacious, beautifully decorated, and maintained with high cleanliness standards. The comfortable beds are consistently praised for ensuring a restful night's sleep. Many rooms feature a private pool, which is a significant highlight, along with in-room amenities such as a coffee maker and a mini-bar. Guests often receive thoughtful welcome treats upon arrival. While most find the rooms quiet, some report occasional noise levels from corridors or nearby families. Feedback on air conditioning control is mixed, with some noting central systems that can be less flexible. The bathroom layout is generally good, though a few guests mention an unusual open-plan design or a faint sewage smell in some areas, which the staff typically addresses promptly.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet receives widespread acclaim for its amazing variety, high quality, and extensive options, including fresh juices and diverse choices catering to various dietary needs. The dinner buffet also offers a wide selection with changing themes, though some guests find it can become repetitive over longer stays, and a few note issues with food temperature. The a la carte restaurants are highly praised for their exceptional dining experiences, delicious dishes, and attentive service, offering a more refined atmosphere. Overall, the food quality is consistently described as high, with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. While the main buffet can be bustling, the restaurant atmosphere in the specialty dining venues is more serene. Poolside food and bar food receive mixed reviews, with some finding them convenient and tasty, while others consider them underwhelming. Room service is generally efficient, though occasional delays or inaccuracies are reported.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's remote location offers a tranquil escape but means that exploring nearby towns like Rethymno or Panormos typically requires a car or taxi. Direct beach access is not available; however, a convenient and frequent shuttle service transports guests to a private beach at a sister property. This beach, while offering calm waters and amenities, is described by some as man-made and not ideal for long sandy walks. Parking is ample and often covered, providing convenience for guests with vehicles. Navigating the multi-level property can be a unique experience due to the use of elevators and a funicular, though some guests find these transport options slow, leading to longer walks, especially when the funicular is busy.

Staff & Service
The exceptional staff consistently receives high praise for their warm hospitality, attentive service, and overall professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is generally smooth, often accompanied by welcome drinks and snacks, though some guests find the initial procedure a bit lengthy. Housekeeping is noted for its daily thoroughness and attentiveness, though a few instances of missed cleanings or slow replenishment are mentioned. The concierge team is highly regarded for their helpful recommendations and assistance with arrangements. Restaurant staff are largely praised for their attentiveness, despite occasional reports of slow drink service. The kids' club staff are also commended for their caring and engaging approach with children, contributing to a positive family experience.

Additional Information
Guests benefit from the convenient hotel app for various services, including room service and reservations. For those celebrating, the hotel excels in special occasion recognition, often providing complimentary upgrades, cakes, and champagne for honeymoons or birthdays. It is important to note that while the spa facilities are excellent, there may be an spa access fee for certain areas like the sauna and steam room. Additionally, private pool heating fee is applied for rooms with private pools, as they are not heated by default. Some guests have noted issues with central air conditioning control, which can affect room temperature comfort. The hotel's multi-level design and reliance on a single funicular can sometimes lead to longer wait times for transport within the property. An environmental fee is also mentioned by some guests.