The hype
Guests are obsessed with the staff (especially Jacob) and the 'gigantic' breakfast, often calling it the best hotel experience of their lives.
Amalen Suites
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a romantic, adults-only hideaway in the heart of Rethymno's Old Town with a private pool and zero screaming kids.
Why People Love It
- Only 5 suites, ensuring total privacy and personalized service
- Incredible 6-course à la carte breakfast that changes daily
- Restored 19th-century Ottoman architecture mixed with modern industrial design
Quick Take: A stunning architectural oasis that makes you forget you're in the middle of a busy city—until you open the windows.
Reviewed by @alexandra_gonova: I honestly fell in love with the stone architecture here. Having a private pool to cool off in, then heading to the roof for wine at sunset, made this the most romantic trip we've taken. It’s the perfect spot to just disconnect.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'private' pools are lovely but some are compact plunge pools rather than swimming laps, and street noise is the only recurring complaint.
- You appreciate design-forward interiors with exposed stone and glass
- You want to step out the door directly into the Old Town's best streets
- You prefer a curated, intimate boutique vibe over a large resort
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable daily service. Guests consistently rate cleanliness 9.7/10.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless. Modern walk-in showers with rain heads, no mold or grime reported.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition. Restored stone walls are dust-free, pools are well-maintained.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, fresh linens and plush bathrobes provided.
- Odors & scents: Neutral and fresh; no musty old-building smells reported.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise from pedestrians and scooters
- Music from nearby bars like Antika Irish Pub (400m away)
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is adults-only (18+).
- Breakfast is served a la carte (no buffet) and is massive—come hungry.
- Reception is not 24/7, so coordinate arrival time in advance.
What to pack
- Earplugs (just in case it's a rowdy Friday night)
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones everywhere)
- Swimsuit (even in shoulder season, for the heated plunge pools)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Suite Four: Best for sun lovers, features a terrace with a small private pool and sea views.
- Suite Five: The 'Fortress of Seclusion' with a private sun deck and pool, accessed via a wooden staircase.
Rooms to avoid
- Suite Two: Features a twin bed setup (check if joinable) and a curtained bathroom, which might be too 'open plan' for some couples.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking for a romantic getaway and would love to request Suite Four for the sea view and terrace, or Suite Five for maximum privacy. Please avoid Suite Two if possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there parking?
No on-site parking. Use 'Parking Fortezza' (24/7, ~€20/day) or 'Parking Sifi Vlastou' (cheaper but closes at night).
Is breakfast included?
Yes, and it's legendary. A 6-course tasting menu of Cretan delicacies served in the courtyard or your room.
Is there a pool?
Yes, a small lagoon-style main pool plus private plunge pools in specific suites (check your room type).
How far is the beach?
Koumbes Beach is about a 15-minute walk (1.3km), and the main Rethymno Beach is slightly further.
Is it noisy?
It's in the heart of the Old Town. While the courtyard is peaceful, street noise is inevitable if windows are open.
Do the rooms have privacy?
Yes, suites are designed for privacy, though some outdoor terraces may be visible from upper levels of other buildings.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for breakfast to be served in your room if you want a lazy morning; the staff sets it up beautifully.
- ✨
The 'Sokaki Lemon Garden' restaurant next door is excellent and convenient for a first-night dinner.
- ✨
Suite Three has a cool 'net hammock' feature at the entrance—great for photos.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'private pools' are more like plunge pools—great for a dip, not for laps.
💡Suite Two has an actual old well inside the room.
💡The bathroom in Suite Two is separated only by a curtain.
💡You might hear the church bells or the mosque call to prayer (part of the charm, or a wake-up call).
💡The entrance is discreet and can be hard to find; look for the heavy wooden door.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Amalen Suites is located and what's nearby.