Aquila Rithymna Beach

This was our third time here and this hotel is dependably wonderful. I'd say it's a low-key / relaxed fire-star in the best way -- not uptight about dress codes, staff don't constantly greet you and ask if you need anything, etc. But if you do need anything, they're so happy to provide. This hotel had a ton to offer, especially for families, and the atmosphere was perfect for our week here.

Here are some of the things we loved:

• The location! With direct beach access, we could easily enjoy the sunset, walk out early in the morning to search for any new turtle nests and have a chat with the organization that cares for them, and obviously enjoy the beach itself.

• The food! Oh, man... the food. There are several food options on site, but we mostly went to the main restaurant and the Taverna. Both offered incredible selections that tested our ability to not over-indulge. You would use the hotel app to make restaurant reservations. The app itself didn't do much else, other than repeating info from the hotel website, or maybe they're still in the process of adding features (there was no app last time we were here).

• The facilities! Since our first stay, they've completely transformed the spa area. Where it was poorly lit, borderline depressing / basement-like, and mostly deserted before, it's done a complete 180º and turned into a luxurious oasis of calm and relaxation. As a couple, we visited the salt room, the steam room, and the sauna, and all were fantastic. They've also added their own waterpark with three separate areas: one with multiple slides (kids have to be a certain height), one for the little ones, and one dedicated to a small lazy river. Just like in the main pool, the water temperature was perfect. And of course, there's that little store near the main pool that sells everything you may need from beach toys to dresses, to snacks, to souvenirs, all for very reasonable prices. Our room was bright and spacious, and the beds were very comfortable.

• The staff! Everyone was very kind and helpful. If you wish to book an off-site tour or aren't sure what activities to do in the area, you'll find someone at the front desk who'd be happy to help you. The cleaning crew are very good, and very, very kind. I adored the lady who took care of our room (#30). She was lovely to my son and me.

• The things you can do outside the resort! There are tours that start from here, and there are also third-party options right on site like parasailing (sign up right from the beach) and scuba diving with Atlantis Diving Center (sign up by the main pool). I was surprised that they would offer diving lessons for kids under 10 years old, and they said they do those at the pool. Otherwise, they go about 30 minutes out where it's less sandy and visibility is preferable. And of course, there are car rentals nearby so you can drive out to hike various gorges or enjoy a day trip to Melidoni.

A few things to note:

• The one grumpy person at this resort was the man tasked with closing down the main pool. The pool technically closes at 7 pm, but every night he would yell for everyone to get out of the pool by 6:45 pm. Oh, no! It's 6:48 pm and there are still three kids in the water? "OUT! Time to get OUT!" I asked him what time the pool closed and he confirmed that it was 7 pm. Then he started demanding again that those kids just get out. Maybe 7 pm "pool closing" means that he clocks out at 7 pm? Anyway, scary and stressful that was; maybe he needs to visit the spa/relaxation area.

• The waterpark was super fun but be careful. Some of us moms got bumps and bruises from the slides. For me, the tricky part was to get myself into the back of the two-person inflatable tube as when I sat (slipped!) down, my legs went up and I hit a metal bar handle nearby. After that, and without asking, the attending staff would hold onto the tube and keep it stationary while I slipped into position. Everyone was so nice! And really, it was tons of fun so don't let this warning deter you!

• The rooms were... tired. Maybe there are plans to get them updated in the near future, just like the spa area was outdated a few years ago and got a complete makeover. Well, the rooms need attention too. There were signs of water damage along the door frame in the bathroom, half our cabinet drawers couldn't open due to wood swelling, and for some reason the shower head was installed above the long side of the tub, which made showering very awkward. Oh, and watch out for that door stopper sticking up in the middle of the bathroom floor; hitting it with any toe any number of times will be very painful. These updates may require major intervention but other things can be easily fixed, like (1) replacing the old, badly dented, trashcan with the malfunctioning pedal, (2) replacing the curtains with light-blocking ones to help kids stay asleep a bit longer if needed, etc. Attention to detail could really make a world of difference here and keep it competitive against other hotels.

I certainly have enjoyed the additions and improvements that the hotel has made over the years, and I very much look forward to visiting again in two years.

Was amazing vacation! We had room with pool on the beach was amazing! Thanks to the lovely evagelia andrulaki in the italian resterunt!

Our great satisfaction with our holiday at the Aquila Rithymna Beach hotel in Crete was due to the cleanliness and regular cleaning of the rooms, the wide and varied selection of meals in the all inclusive program, the proximity of the beach, the swimming pool and the aquapark, the offer of trips, but above all the opportunity for our son Peta (8 years old) to visit the FUNTAZIE children's club, which is offered here by CK Fischer - DER TOUR. Under the guidance of the very skilled animators Oli and Dory, he and his peers enjoyed a lot of fun in the areas of sports, art, dance and other activities. He definitely did not get bored and for us parents it was also a way to treat ourselves to, for example, massages in the hotel Spa. We definitely recommend it to all families with children. Nebuchlovi.