Macaris Suites & Spa

"From the moment we arrived, this hotel exceeded our expectations. The staff were very warm and welcome throughout our stay. The rooms are modern and clean with separate air con in both lounge area and bedroom. Great to cool down and have a break from the mid day heat. Drinking cocktails in the rooftop bar watching the sunset was stunning. Bar staff were lovely. Breakfast was delicious with lots of variety to cater for all. We also managed to get a sun lounger around 9-9.30am so no need to get up early. School holidays may be different, but a small beach is directly opposite or more larger beaches a short bus ride away. It was leisurely 15-20 minute walk to the old town. Was nice walking to the fortress area which is surrounded by lots of local restaurants, authentic food, reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend this hotel if you like somewhere peaceful but still within walking distance to the centre."

"Second time at the Macaris suites and spa having visited last year. As per previous review the Macaris is a great hotel, not to big and not to small. Facilities are good, pool area is a nice compact size and the hotel is kept immaculately clean. We stayed in a two bedroom superior suite with friends. The rooms have a smashing kitchen area, large terrace with great sea views and are really a self contained apartment! The rooms are cleaned each day and have new air conditioning systems. Food at the hotel is very good, extensive breakfast with everything from a cooked breakfast to fruit. We had a few lunches on the nice terrace at near the pool and again the food was excellent, really large portions, for example the club sandwich fed two really and all decent value. Massive bonus is the friendly staff who create a great atmosphere for you to relax and enjoy your holiday. Nothing is to much trouble, we asked if we could change our allocated room to the one we stayed in last year, reception accommodated this when able which was appreciated. As per previous review the Macaris maintains its high standards, go ahead and book!"

"Small, friendly hotel just outside Rethymno town. Anything I say that’s negative is really just nitpicking. There aren’t many places I would go back to but I would come back here! Wonderful holiday. Family of 2 adults, 11 yr old and 13 yr old. Room: We booked a 2 bed superior apartment with breakfast. We didn’t know this but there was a hot tub on our veranda. It was €150 for the week. You have to let them know before midday, at the start of your stay, if you want to use it. We did and it was a lovely little treat after long days out. The apartment is very spacious! The balcony is superb and also spacious. We were on the 6th floor with fabulous sea views and the fortezza. Very impressed by this! I will add a photo. Both bedrooms have patio doors to the balcony as does the kitchen/diner. We didn’t use the jacuzzi in the bath tub. Nitpick number one: If you use the shower (which we all did) it floods the floor as the shower screen is almost non existent. We just chucked towels down. 4 wardrobes…yes 4!! Bed and pillows were comfy. Slept like a bird. Nitpick 2: could really do with some art on the bedroom walls, some Ancient Greek art 🤷🏻‍♀️ kitchen well equipped (not that we really used it). Tea bags and a filter coffee machine. Fruit plate left for us and a small bottle of wine and water. Staff: Our housekeeper was a lovely lady (forgot to get her name) All beautiful and clean, every day! So sweet and friendly. Reception staff, again all friendly and very helpful and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble. Helping us with places to visit. Marking them down on the map for us. As it’s quite small the staff that work in the dining room were often working at the pool bar and roof top restaurant. We ate at the roof top restaurant, most evenings, with a stunning view overlooking the sea! Not a single bad meal was had. Service from the restaurant team was excellent and the food was delivered promptly. What a lovely bunch of people. This hotel has an excellent team and they all clearly get on. Happy fun atmosphere. We would like to say a special thank you to Patagonias for treating us like royalty. We loved our chats with you. Genuinely interested in our days out, full of recommendations. Treating us to glasses of Raki, puddings etc. remembered our names and made our stay that little bit more special!! That’s how you do customer service 👏🏻 But to be fair they were all like this. So, so sweet. Macaris is very lucky to have each and every one of you !! 🤩 When you arrive you are dropped on the road outside then there are steps that you have to take your suitcases up…however…little tip, there’s a ramp next to them 😉 you’re welcome! You can walk in to town which takes about 20 minutes to stroll or a taxi is €6/7 so we went in a couple of times. Had a posh meal overlooking the Venetian harbour. Not cheap but worth it and the seafood is amazing. We hired a car. Visited lake Kournos and the turtles (get there early to avoid queues) that was a great day, Skinaria, off the beaten track, down some hairy old roads but well worth it. Again get there early as parking is tricky if you leave it too late. Reception recommended we went left for beaches nearer. Went to a taverna called the Salty Goat, young set but there were families there and we had a good time. Matala with the caves, better off season I would think. VERY crowded. Avoided the Waterfall as we heard it was a bit of a hike and queues. We drove through the gorge anyway, stunning and watched the mountain goats hike up the mountain 😱 We booked a 3 hour boat trip which stops in Panorma. Cute little fishing village. Had a wonderful lunch there. Would highly recommend! Eldest had her nails done at the spa and they were beautiful. We didn’t do the pool until the last day as we were out every day! Had to play the ‘sunbed game’ If you are pool people you will need to go down early and reserve beds and sit with them until breakfast. I got up at 06:45, with my coffee and tablet and got more coffee brought down to me. The first sunbed nabber arrived at 07:30!! Not a game I like to play but we were there until our transfer bus arrived, so it was necessity. 2 hour transfer to Heraklion airport. Tired old airport and very expensive to eat and drink. But it’s just an airport, you get over it! Sorry to have rambled on but I hope it’s helpful to some! Thank you Macaris suites and apartments for a wonderful time. It’s quite likely we will return 🥰"