Vecchio Hotel

This charming hotel, a true hidden oasis tucked away in the heart of Rethymno's old town, is celebrated for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful courtyard with a swimming pool. Its historic character, stemming from a 12th-century Venetian building, provides a unique and memorable stay, making it an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore the city's rich past and couples seeking a peaceful and romantic getaway. The hotel's ability to offer quietude despite its central location is a consistent highlight, appealing to travelers seeking tranquility. To enhance your experience, consider clarifying the specific bathroom setup of your room upon booking, as configurations can vary, and be mindful of sunbed etiquette around the pool to ensure enjoyment for all guests.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's swimming pool is consistently praised as a major highlight, described as lovely, clean, and perfect for a refreshing dip, serving as a peaceful oasis within the bustling old town. Guests appreciate the ample sunbeds available around the pool, though some note issues with towels being used to reserve them for extended periods. The hotel also provides inflatables for pool use, adding to the enjoyment. While some rooms feature a kitchenette, guests often find them to be outdated or lacking sufficient equipment. Air conditioning is available and generally works well, though a few guests mentioned it only effectively cooled a portion of their room. The hotel does not have a dedicated bar, but its central location means numerous options are just steps away.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's spotless cleanliness, noting that rooms are well-maintained and cleaned efficiently. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, with many appreciating the high-quality linens and good pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, feedback on room condition is mixed; while some find rooms basic but adequate, others describe them as tired, worn out, or in need of renovation. Bathrooms receive varied comments, with some guests encountering issues like a lack of a shower cubicle or curtain, leading to wet floors, or reporting outdated fixtures and occasional unpleasant odors. Conversely, other guests found their bathrooms functional and spacious. Noise levels can fluctuate, with some reporting sounds from nearby streets or bars on weekends, though many emphasize the hotel's overall peaceful ambiance.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a breakfast buffet, which is generally described as simple but good, providing enough options to start the day. Many guests found the breakfast tasty, with some specifically praising the strong coffee. However, feedback is not entirely consistent, as some reviewers noted the breakfast could be repetitive, with items like scrambled eggs and coffee occasionally served cold. A few guests also mentioned that the orange juice was not fresh. While the hotel does not feature a full-service restaurant or bar, its prime location ensures that a vast array of dining establishments and cafes are readily accessible just outside its doors, providing ample alternatives for meals throughout the day.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in the heart of Rethymno's old town is overwhelmingly praised as perfect and superb. It is ideally situated near the Rimondi Fountain and within easy walking distance of numerous attractions, including museums, restaurants, shops, taverns, bars, and clubs. Despite being in a bustling area, the hotel is tucked away in quiet alleys, providing a peaceful and tranquil retreat from the city's activity. This unique combination of centrality and quietude is a significant draw for guests. While parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging or expensive, guests report finding free parking options within a 10 to 15-minute walk, though this may require carrying luggage some distance.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive high praise, with guests frequently describing them as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Many reviewers highlight the staff's attentiveness and efficiency, noting their willingness to accommodate requests and provide useful information. The owner and the entire team are commended for creating a very happy and positive atmosphere, making guests feel valued and appreciated. Specific mentions include the staff's polite demeanor and their commitment to fulfilling guests' needs. This dedication to excellent service is a recurring theme, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience and making many feel like they are part of a family.

Additional Information
This hotel is housed within a beautiful historic building that dates back to the 12th century, retaining much of its original Venetian charm and character. It operates as a small, family-owned establishment, which contributes to its warm and personal atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's superb value for money, considering its prime location and amenities. It is important to note that the building does not have a lift, so guests should be prepared for steep stairs. Some rooms may be darker due to the historic architecture, lacking windows to the outside, and a few guests reported issues with the quality of the towels, finding them hard or stained.