Ionia Suites

Perfectly situated for guests wishing to enjoy both the fabulous beach and the many historic attractions of Rethymnon, this charming hotel stands just over 100 metres from the widest end of the town's long sandy beach and the adjacent marina, and just a pleasant 10-minute stroll from the beautiful Venetian harbour and the maze of narrow back streets that make up the atmospheric old town.

Comprehensively renovated in 2014, Ionia Suites comprises twenty studios and suites that combine the spaciousness and convenience of self-catering accommodation with the comfort and style of a 4-star hotel. The decor is classically elegant, with high-quality furnishings including hypoallergenic Coco-Mat mattresses and pillows. Facilities include air-conditioning, safety-deposit boxes, satellite TV, hairdryers and free WiFi, as well as a kitchenette with a fridge, two-ring hob, microwave, kettle and coffeemaker. Each room also has a modern shower room, and all have balconies or terrace areas. The open-plan studios are approximately 30 square metres in size and suitable for two people. Junior and executive suites have a separate sitting room with a double sofa bed and can accommodate up to four people (prices for the third and fourth person on request); junior suites are approx. 40 sqm whilst executive suites are around 50 sqm.

Although the rooms are equipped for basic self-catering, an extensive buffet breakfast is served every morning from 07:30 until 10:30, with a changing selection of hot and cold dishes including traditional Cretan specialities made from locally sourced ingredients. The hotel does not serve lunch or evening meals, but there is a vast choice of restaurants and tavernas within easy walking distance, and the hotel's friendly staff are on hand to suggest recommendations and make reservations for you. They are also more than happy to advise you on local attractions and assist you with planning your days out. As well as boasting plenty of sights within its own city limits, Rethymnon makes a good base for exploring further afield by bus, whilst for those planning to hire a car, Ionia Suites has its own small car park - a rare bonus in such a central location.

For those occasions when you wish to spend the whole day swimming and sunbathing, the lure of the long sandy beach will be hard to resist, but for a refreshing dip or a well-earned snooze in the sun after a day's sightseeing, the little swimming pool on the hotel's attractive roof-top terrace is just right.