Where to Stay in Rethymnon: Top Hotels in Rethymnon Town and Region - The Tiny Book (2024)

ARE YOU PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO CRETE LAST MINUTE?
Be sure to book accommodation and tours in Crete ahead of time to ensure availability!

📍 Top tours in Crete:
– Full-day Samaria Gorge trek (#1 tour in Crete!)
– Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa (top-selling tour!)
– Boat Trip to Spinalonga with swim stop (popular in Agios!)
– Ticket to Knossos Archaeological Site (top tour in Heraklion)
– Day trip to Elafonisi (a must in Chania!)

🛌 Top picks for places to stay in Crete:
– Lyttos Beach (top beachfront hotel in Hersonissos)
– SanSal Boutique Hotel (in Chania Old Town with a pool!)
– Grecotel Lux Me White Palace (the best resort in Rethymnon)

🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Crete?Checkrental car rates for Crete now!

💳 Use WISE as a digital card and top-up from the app. Wise is one of the best cards for overseas travel!

DOWNLOAD THE NEW RETHYMNON DIGITAL CITY GUIDE

Get your copy now and unlock the secrets of Rethymnon like a local!

The choice of hotels, all-inclusive resorts, villas, and other places to stay in Rethymnon is quite impressive. Being so popular among tourists, you can find any type of accommodation no matter your budget.

From exclusive boutique hotels in the historic old town, hosted in spectacular Venetian buildings, to extremely convenient apartments to rent and budget family hotels…

Everything is available when it comes to places to stay in Rethymnon.

There are also unique seaside resorts with a private beach quite close to the city center and fantastic villas with an outdoor pool on the southern coast.

Booking well in advance or away from the city center will reveal very convenient deals and much cheaper fees.

Best Places to Stay in Rethymnon

Rethymnon sees a lot of activity during the high season. It’s an area with beautiful beaches, especially in the south.

There are some unique mountain villages and a wonderful landscape.

And if all those reasons weren’t enough, many people stay in Rethymnon as a compromise region, halfway from Chania and Heraklion.

There are 5 municipalities in Rethymnon:
– Rethymno
– Mylopotamos
– Amari
– Anogia
– Agios Vasileios (South coast).

Highlights in the Region of Rethymnon include…

– The old town and the Venetian Fortress
– Arkadi Monastery
– Preveli Monastery
– Preveli Palm Beach
– Margarites village
– Spili village
– Ancient Eleftherna
– Anogia village
– The Valley of Amari
– Triopetra Beach
– Argyroupoli Springs

Best Hotels in Rethymnon on a Budget

Crete has long been known as a convenient destination, but having a restricted budget does not mean you cannot find a great place to stay.

Indeed, it’s possible to find great places to stay in Rethymnon (as in any other region in Crete) even if you need to stay within a very limited budget.

There are fantastic hotels in the old town of Rethymnon and in the modern part of town at quite convenient fees.

These are some of the best budget places to stay in Rethymnon within a budget limit of €60-€80 per day.

Atelier

Atelier is a small studio right in the heart of Rethymnon Old Town, close to landmarks such as the Fortress and the Archaeological Museum of Rethymnon.

The small balcony overlooks the alleys of the small town of Rethymnon and is perfect to sit and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee. In fact, in the studio, you will find a coffee machine and an electric teapot (two things I cannot do without when I book accommodation!).

Most reviews praise the central position, the comfortable bed, and the friendly staff… three elements that have earned Atelier excellent reviews.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Faros Rooms & Suites

Faros Rooms and Suites is in a great location, at the Venetian Port of Rethymnon, with panoramic views overlooking the Lighthouse and the city beach.

Although the area can be a bit noisy at night, nothing beats the comfort of dozens of bars and restaurants just meters from where you’re staying.

Rooms with private balconies over the port have a higher price tag but are worth it. If you are on a very tight budget, you can check the rooms without a view.

The hotel is close to the beautiful Municipal Garden and not far from the Loggia and museums in town.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

You might also enjoy: Best Vacation Homes in Rethymnon, Crete

Rethymno House

An affordable place to stay in Rethymnon in a traditional alley in the old town, an ideal place to feel the vibe of the city.

Rethymno House is a historic building that’s more than 600 years old and that has been restored keeping the characteristic stone walls of Venetian architecture and the picturesque wooden balcony from the Turkish period.

When checking the reviews, you will notice that most guests appreciate that the hotel is close to the town landmarks, and yet the area is quiet.

Another key point is the welcoming hospitality of the host.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Preveli Apartments

Preveli Apartments are a perfect place to stay for young couples or a family with a kid.

Both the Old Venetian Harbor and the modern town of Rethymnon are just a short walk away from the property.

The accommodation is located in a quiet alley, rooms can have a small patio or a balcony. If you want a bit more space and privacy, try to book the studio on two levels.

In every studio, there’s a kitchen if you’re looking to save a few euros instead of eating out every night.

Kallithea Studios

Kallithea Studios is among the most convenient places to stay in the heart of the old town and has an absolute value-for-money deal.

The most valued feature of the studios is the location. Kallithea is close to the sandy beaches in town, the shops, and different tavernas along the seaside. Bear in mind, though, that some guests find the area a bit noisy at night.

Mid-Range Hotels in Rethymnon

If you’re wondering where to stay in Rethymnon with a more flexible budget, you will be able to find some great accommodation in this section.

These are my places of choice when it comes to a price range between €80 to €150 per night, both in the old town and in the city center.

Hotel Olympia

Hotel Olympia is less than 200 meters from the sandy beaches in Rethymnon town which makes it extremely convenient if you’re not renting a car to visit other beaches in the region.

If instead, you are getting here with a car, the hotel provides free parking, something highly valued in the center of Rethymnon.

The hotel, perfect for family holidays, is also quite close to the old town (about 1.5 km) which you can reach by walking or taking the bus at the nearby bus stop.

Other highlights are the outdoor pool, the swimming pool for kids, and the garden bar. Here, a delicious breakfast is served every morning.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Archipelagos Hotel

I’ve often recommended this hotel for a stay in the modern city, but only steps away from the old town as well, in fact, the hotel is in one of the best areas in Rethymnon.

Archipelagos is super close to the Venetian Fortress and the Public Bus Station. It also offers magnificent views of the sea and the skyline of Rethymnon.

Highlights of the property are the different pools you can enjoy. The pool bar serves coffee and delicious cakes and pies all day long while breakfast is served close to the hotel reception.

The staff has always been extremely helpful and welcoming, accommodating every need.

Inks Hotels Phos

Ink Hotels Phos is a gem of a hotel in the old town, set in a fantastic ancient mansion that has been completely renovated, and decorated using light furniture and a minimal style.

There are family rooms available so it’s a great choice in the city if you’re traveling with kids. Every day, continental breakfast is served in an adjacent building also belonging to the hotel. From this spot, the sea view is stunning.

This hotel is real value for money and it’s in a great location, a few minutes away from the main attractions of Rethymnon.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Bellagio Luxury Boutique Hotel

When entering the Bellagio Luxury Boutique Hotel you are stepping into a wonderful historical building just like stepping back in time. The hotel is inside a magnificent Venetian palace dating from the XVI century.

It represents a perfect Cretan Renaissance example in the historic old town.

Each of the five luxury suites has a style of its own, combining elements such as the typical Venetian arches, but also stone walls, glass, and wood.

May Beach Hotel

Not exactly in the old town, May Beach Hotel is a great place to stay in Rethymnon. It’s just 4 km east of the city center, and a few meters from the sea offering views of the crystal clear water over Crete’s north coast.

The swimming pool environment is stunningly beautiful, with a garden and palm trees. The rooms close to the pool can be a bit noisy but are still the favorite of many guests.

When booking a stay it’s also possible to choose a half-board stay, dinners are well-rated too. This is particularly helpful if you don’t plan on going to town for dinner every night.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Boutique Hotels in Rethymnon Old Town

There are amazing exclusive boutique hotels in the old town of Rethymnon, unique for their charm and elegance.

Old Venetian houses that have been restored respecting the original style but including every thinkable comfort you need for a five-star experience.

A stay in any of these beautiful venues starts from €160 per night. However, don’t think that a high price tag will allow you to find availability, these suites are super requested.

So, if you have already made up your mind don’t wait a minute and book your stay as soon as you find the room of your dreams.

Palazzino di Corina

Palazzino di Corina is one of the best places to stay in Rethymnon. It’s set in an ancient building in the heart of the old town that has been renewed respecting the character and traditional features of the original house.

The wooden ceilings and limestone walls add a romantic touch to the atmosphere of the boutique hotel.

Some rooms have a jacuzzi and there’s also a gorgeous swimming pool on the patio of the hotel. Guests love the comfortable beds, the bathroom facilities, and the parking space nearby.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Pepi Boutique Hotel (Adults Only)

Pepi Boutique Hotel must be among the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever been to in Crete! It’s in the heart of the historic old town of Rethymnon, in a very quiet area.

Silence and relaxation are two of the words that could best define a stay in this boutique hotel.

The garden with the pool is one of my favorite features of this venue.

The area is an oasis in the middle of the town where you can spend hours enjoying a drink, reading a book, and in total peace…

You won’t regret a stay here, especially when it comes to tasting their morning breakfast! Another key feature is its location in town, just a few minutes from the city beach. It’s also close to shops, museums, bars, and restaurants.

The history of the building is quite interesting. It used to be one of the oldest public primary schools in Europe for boys and girls of the 20th century.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Sutor Chic Manor

Sutor Manor Chic is another stunning boutique hotel in the center of the old town. Minimal decoration, elements of style, and every comfort you can think of are some of the characteristics that will make you fall in love with this chic hotel, as its name suggests.

The accommodation has a very good restaurant and breakfast à la carte is served every day.

Another great facility is the parking availability for those traveling around the island with their car. If you prefer to ride a bike instead, the hotel can arrange for the service.

A beautiful courtyard is a great place where to spend some time relaxing. Just right by the swimming pool and surrounded by the original stone walls of the building.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Avli Lounge Aparments

Avli Lounge Apartments is a boutique dream in the gorgeous old town of Rethymnon.

The hotel stands in a former Venetian lord’s house in the heart of the old town. Every suite has been redesigned maintaining the traditional characteristics of the local architecture.

Among the most precious features are the rooftop terrace and the tiled hot tub, the unique Avli Restaurant, set amidst a magnificent garden, and the superb wine bar on the premises.

I cannot recommend the hotel, the friendly staff, and the amenities warmly enough.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Rimondi Boutique Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Probably the most famous and luxurious boutique hotel in Rethymnon is Rimondi Boutique Hotel, housed in an ancient Venetian palazzo, in one of the most beautiful backstreets in the old town.

The most gorgeous area is the fantastic courtyard with a swimming pool, comfortable lounging chairs, and palm trees that create a relaxing and refreshing atmosphere.

In this place, every day you can enjoy a rich breakfast that also features unique Cretan delicacies.

Do check their spa before you leave!
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Luxury Hotels and Villas in Rethymnon Town

These exclusive hotels also belong to a higher price range but are not located in the old town of Rethymnon.

They represent a better option if you’re looking to stay closer to the beaches along the coast of the region.

If access by car to the hotel is one of your top priorities, then you should check the best villas in the Rethymnon region or take a look at the following hotels.

Macaris Suites & Spa

Macaris Suites & Spa is a 4-star hotel overlooking the Sea of Crete, about 2 km from the center of Rethymnon.

The hotel serves a rich buffet breakfast, and it’s also possible to enjoy à la carte dinners. During summer, enjoy every meal in the rooftop garden which has unique views of the sea and the skyline of the old town with its fortress and its minarets.

The hotel has a beautiful pool and a swimming pool for children. There’s also an indoor pool and a hot tub in the spa area (only for adults).
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Atlantis Beach Hotel

Atlantis Beach Hotel is a 5-star hotel located less than 2 km from the Venetian Port of Rethymnon.

The hotel has access to a private blue-flag beach with lounges and umbrellas for their guests.

There’s also a huge swimming pool surrounded by a garden and trees. Among other facilities are a sauna and a fitness center for total relaxation.

Those traveling with kids certainly appreciate the dedicated playground and the games room, making it a perfect place for a family holiday.

There’s also a Greek-Cretan restaurant while the bar at the lobby serves wonderful drinks.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Best Hotels Near Rethymnon

There are several seaside resort towns where to stay in Rethymnon’s broader area if you are looking for a quieter lifestyle and the more tranquil atmosphere of Crete’s small villages.

Those who seek a holiday filled with outdoor adventures and excursions might find it more comfortable to stay away from the city center, but still close enough to reach the old Venetian harbor for a walk or to enjoy a dinner in one of the restaurants in Rethymnon town.

In this section, you will find my top favorite hotels in the areas surrounding the city of Rethymnon.

Panormos – Z Boutique Hotel

One of the most frequented seaside resorts in the region is the picturesque town of Panormos. Tourists coming back to the island year after year often count Panormos (and Bali, see below) among their favorite places to stay in Crete.

If you are still not sure where to stay in Rethymnon, maybe Panormos is a good idea.

The suites in Z Boutique Hotel maintain a distinctive Cretan character with their walls and arches in limestone.

One of the main features that most guests seem to appreciate in this family-run hotel is the comfortable beds and the unique personal touches of style and hospitality, the staff is indeed amiable.

Breakfast is another gem in this venue, with unique homemade cakes every morning!
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Bali – Paradise Hotel

The gorgeous bay of Balì is one of the top-rated beaches in Crete for those traveling with kids.

The area is safe and well-protected from the winds despite being on the northern coast of Rethymnon. The bay has several small coves where you can enjoy snorkeling.

Balì is about 30 minutes east of Rethymnon along the National Highway in the direction of Heraklion. If you want to read a review of the beaches of Balì, check these over 45 stunning Cretan beaches.

Paradise Hotel has every ingredient for you to have the perfect holiday in Crete. It’s only 100 meters from the beach and a magnificent garden surrounds the property and the two pools.

There are also two restaurants where you can enjoy every meal of the day.

Rooms provide stunning sea views and a coffee machine (yeah!). There’s a mini spa with a sauna and beauty treatments, a tennis court, and beach access.

For kids, a dedicated pool, water slides, and a playground too.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Adelianos Kampos – The Syntopia Hotel

Adelianos Kampos is one of my favorite little villages to stay in to fully enjoy Rethymnon. It’s fairly close to the city center, but far enough to stay away from the hassle of the city center.

The beach area in Adelianos is good, with small pebbles mixed with sand and the sea is clean, while the bottom can descend abruptly.

If you are traveling with toddlers or small kids, take this into account and don’t leave them all alone by the sea. In the village, there’s a small center along the main road with shops, restaurants, and good tavernas.

The Syntopia is a hotel a bit on the expensive side, but it’s also an excellent all-inclusive choice in the area. The fantastic swimming pool and the surrounding area are some of the main reasons to choose this accommodation.

Suites and rooms are super modern, with every comfort you need. The restaurant has very good reviews as well. Check the rooms with the jacuzzi on their balconies!

The hotel is about 6.5 km from the old town, which can be reached by car or public transport.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Where to Stay in the Region of Rethymnon

There are endless places to discover all over the Rethymnon region.

The southern coast hosts a few of the most beautiful beaches on the island, including the palm tree beach of Preveli (which can be reached daily with boat trips departing from Plakias), beautiful nearby Preveli Monastery), and the magnificent Triopetra Beach.

If you want to discover the south of the region and still don’t know where to stay in South Rethymnon, this guide will help you make up your mind.

South Crete is a remote and mostly rural place, still maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. The Libyan sea is pristine with an intense deep blue color and the water is sometimes cooler than on the northern coast of the island.

High mountains, spectacular gorges, and a more relaxed lifestyle, far from the city center make the south one of the most privileged places for holidays in Crete.

Best Hotels in Rethymnon by the Sea

Are you dreaming of waking up to the sound of the waves on a tranquil beach? Check these areas in Rethymnon

Plakias

I’ve often talked about Plakias in different beach guides I’ve published over the years. It remains one of the most beautiful beaches in the region of Rethymnon and one of my favorite places on the island for subaquatic sports.

Different beaches are close to the main Plakias beach, such as Ammoudi and Ammoudaki. This last one has gained a position among the top naturist beaches on the island.

Agia Galini

Agia Galini is a famous seaside resort on the south coast of Rethymnon, on Messara Bay. It’s located about 60 km from the city of Rethymnon and it attracts tourists from April to October.

Despite being extremely popular among European tourists, the village has managed to keep its authentic atmosphere almost intact.

If you want to discover all the accommodation options on Booking.com, read reviews, and compare prices, check this link.

Where to Stay in Rethymnon in the Mountains

Check these alternatives for a stay in the mountain villages of the region.

Anogia

A few villages on the island have gained fame for being typically Cretan and for treasuring the most authentic traditions of the island.

Among them, we count Chora Sfakion and Therisso in Chania, Archanes and Viannos in Heraklion, Zaros and Kritsa in Lasithi, and indeed, Zoniana, Axos, and Anogia when it comes to Rethymnon.

Some of these villages are on this list of the most beautiful villages in Crete.

Suppose you’re willing to live and discover how life is in a traditional Cretan mountain village. In that case, you should certainly try to book a stay in Anogia, which has grown its fame under the shade of the imposing Mount Psiloritis.

Spili

Another of my favorite villages in the mountains of Rethymnon is the picturesque Spili, an important town on the road connecting the northern capital of the region with the southern beaches of Agios Pavlos, Triopetra, Ligres, and Preveli.

The village is famous for the beautiful lion heads that line up in the central square, forming a unique fountain.

I hope this guide will be of help when it’s time for you to choose where to stay in Rethymnon.

You can choose a place in the city center, a boutique hotel in the old town, or stay in a nearby beach resort. In any case, you can be sure there’s much to do in the region to have a great time in Crete. Have you made up your mind yet? Do you already know where to stay in Rethymnon?

Read more about Rethymnon

• Plan your Trip to Arkadi Monastery, Rethymno
• Fantastic Things to Do in Rethymnon, Crete
• Best Rental Homes in Rethymnon, Crete
• The Most Beautiful Beaches in Rethymnon, Crete
• Perfect 2-Day Itinerary in Rethymnon: City Break in Crete

Don’t Leave without Pinning! Pin this Guide to the Best Hotels in Rethymnon For Your Next Adventure in Crete!

About my blog:

Gabi Ancarola

I moved to Crete in 2016. During these years, I learned much about the island.
In Crete, I juggle being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours, and writing for several travel media.
I’ve written forGreek Reporter, published travel guides about Greece, co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.