"On arrival, we met Vivi, who was lovely and friendly. She, along with another member of the reception staff, helped us carry our suitcases up the steps.
All of the reception staff were lovely, friendly, and helpful throughout our stay. The cleaning staff were also lovely, always greeting us with a smile. If any of the wonderful staff we spoke to read this, thank you for your excellent customer service and the lovely conversations we shared — you are truly what makes the hotel what it is. Vivi and Elektra deserve special mention: Vivi for her help on arrival, and Elektra for serving drinks and snacks around the pool and helping with beds. Both were cheerful, polite, and attentive, a real credit to the hotel.
Entering the hotel via steps wasn’t easy for my mother. It’s strange there’s no ramp at the main entrance, considering ramps exist around the rest of the hotel and are disabled-friendly. Parking wasn’t easy, and the only alternative exit for wheelchair users led to a road with no pavement and tightly packed cars, which felt unsafe.
Our room was in the block near the children’s playground. It was a nice room and generally quiet. We spent most days at the main pool for all-day sun. I shared the downstairs room with my sister, while my mum had the sofa bed upstairs. Unfortunately, the sofa bed was far too large for the space, came out the wrong way, and made the area cramped. It had to be converted into a single bed so my mum could use it, which helped but this was not ideal for a 70-year-old adult. A proper pull-out bed would have been far more suitable.
Breakfast had a good choice of food. While it became repetitive after a few days, the food was hot and enjoyable if you went early. On some mornings, toddlers wandered unsupervised while guests carried hot food and drinks, which felt unsafe. On several occasions, guests also insisted on using phones on loudspeaker during breakfast, apparently holiday time still requires full volume FaceTime.
The supermarket nearby was convenient and well stocked, and there were plenty of restaurants close to the hotel. Marem Café Bistro was particularly lovely, great cakes and waffles, friendly staff, and a highlight outside the hotel.
Throughout our stay, we repeatedly had to listen to guests playing music, videos, and FaceTime calls on loudspeaker in what was advertised as a quiet pool area. This wasn’t a one-off, it happened almost daily, sometimes sporadically throughout the day, it was pathetic to see grown adults behave in such an entitled selfish manner. Peace and quiet seemed optional, only achievable if you weren’t surrounded by selfish cretins.
At one point, a woman was on FaceTime in a public area. I deliberately stood behind her and waved, if it’s acceptable to make everyone listen to your conversation, then I’ll make my presence known. That’s how intrusive this behaviour became; she wouldn’t have died without WiFi.
As someone who is neurodiverse, this constant noise was draining and entirely unnecessary. When I complained to the manager, I explained how intrusive it was. My family had managed breakfast and pool time without loudspeaker use or could wear earphones, but apparently some guests found this impossible.
Rather than addressing the issue, the manager walked away mid-conversation without apology and left staff to deal with it. His arrogance was obvious, and I certainly wouldn’t want to work for someone like that.
Sunbeds were also an issue. Some days, up to ten were “reserved” with towels and left unused for over an hour. Elektra tried to stop guests moving mattresses from wooden beds and was argued with. The manager also intervened with one couple, but did so rudely, barking instructions rather than handling it professionally. Unsurprisingly, they ignored him, I would have too!
The area itself was lovely. Just over the road and past some restaurants was the beach, which we didn’t swim at but walked to, it was beautiful. Rethymnon itself was far nicer than Chania. I would return for the staff, the location, and the nearby restaurants if the manager were replaced by someone who genuinely cared, treated all guests equally, and actually wanted people to enjoy their holiday.
5 stars for the staff — they genuinely made the stay.
0 stars for the manager — dismissive, rude, and unprofessional."
