Minos Mare Royal

For a first visit to Crete, this was a lovely choice. The hotel is near Rethymno and several tourist attractions, yet it was a peaceful place to spend a holiday. The staff were kind, attentive, and focused on helping guests, always with a smile.

The food made a strong impression: alongside the generous buffet, there was an à la carte choice of main courses with every meal, and they were consistently excellent. It was hard to pick just one. The desserts were so tempting that even someone without much of a sweet tooth might leave with one. The pool is thoughtfully laid out, with sunny loungers and others shaded by palm trees, plus a hot tub area. The pool bar had cocktails, wine, and snacks for the wait until dinner. Minos Mare Royal sits right by the coast, with direct access to the beach and guest loungers and umbrellas. The shore is pebbly, so water shoes make it more comfortable. The rooms were spacious and elegant, with a hot tub and a large terrace. Housekeeping came several times a day, leaving a little sweet treat each time. From arrival, the staff were warm, professional, and smiling. The hotel manager was especially engaging and thoughtful, and I always came away from a conversation having learned something. Every detail felt carefully considered, and I can see why people return. A five-star stay that lived up to its rating.

We miss the people at Minos! Everyone working there was warm and genuinely cared about guests. They even helped me arrange a lovely birthday surprise for my partner during our stay. The food was good quality, everything was very clean, and the customer care was excellent.

The location was excellent, and the staff were so friendly.