Swell Boutique Hotel

The sea is right across the street, and the city centre is 10-15 minutes away. Swell felt like home. Everything was excellent, from reception and cleaning to restaurant service, with dinner fit for the gods. Thanks to Yannis, Margaret, Aggeliki, and the other hotel team members whose names I don't know. BG

The hotel's in just the right spot, with the beach across the road and the centre within walking distance. We had amazing room views and saw both sunrise and sunset, and they even supplied beach towels. Breakfast was generous and tasty, with savoury and sweet choices and some produce from the garden. They brought fresh squeezed orange juice separately, and on Sunday there was sparkling wine too. The building is old, so the seams aren't perfectly clean, but the daily cleaning was done very well. Towels were changed every day, and coffee and tea were replenished in the room. Customer service made our stay, especially the room change, which felt like a birthday present. Thank you, Nikos! We were welcomed with bread and a drink at check-in. Everyone at reception was friendly and helpful all week, from recommending local restaurants to arranging an earlier breakfast for our departure and giving us stomach medicine. Thanks to Angeliki, Yannis, and Costas. Couldn't have asked for more, thank you! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

We loved our five nights at Swell Boutique Hotel in Rethymno, Crete, and wish we'd had more time. The double suite was spacious, thoughtfully laid out, and had a lovely view, air conditioning, a coffee machine, water, tea, and plenty of storage. It would suit two couples or a family with older children, though the inside stairs are steep. Breakfast was very good, with a nice range and a lovely place to eat with a view. The hotel is steps from the beach and boardwalk, with restaurants and shops close by. Heraklion Airport is about an hour away by car, and the trip is worth it. Rethymno has plenty of charm and history, with the Old Town and fortress walkable from the hotel. Staff welcomed us warmly even though we arrived early, had our room ready ahead of time, and offered refreshments while we waited. When our flight home was delayed, they arranged a late checkout for a small fee. My husband had a birthday during our stay, and we were surprised with wine and fresh fruit in the room. The cleaners were excellent, and the bartender was lovely too. Parking is available but limited. When it was full, we found a spot nearby after a short drive around. We'd gladly stay again on our next visit to Crete.

Everyone on staff, from housekeeping to the front desk, was friendly and eager to help. The hotel was extremely clean, and it's centrally located. They'd save us a parking spot out front. This will be my home when I return to Crete.