3 Best Hotels in Rethymnon, Crete

In a cluster of lovely 16th-century Venetian buildings, centered on a romantic, leafy, walled yard, accommodations are split between the various properties, and characterfully decorated with sparkling chandeliers, baroque gilt frames, and antique furniture against a backdrop of rough stone and wooden beams. Avli is a complex of rooms, suites, restaurant, wine bar, cooking school, store, and rakadiko. It's as a whole, though, that Avli sparkles; the food in both dining options is exemplary, as is breakfast, and the courtyard with stone mill wheels and antiquated farm utensils is a great place to hang out. Alternatively, take a glass of wine from one of Greece's largest cellars to the roof terrace with its mosaic Jacuzzi, and enjoy the views of a contender for Crete's most appealing town.

Eleni Christonaki oversees this lovely little inn that occupies the 600-year-old house in which she was raised---its location is on a quiet lane at the heart of the Old Town, yet removed from the well-worn tourist paths. Large, well-decorated guest rooms with stone walls and beamed ceilings are filled with handsome contemporary furnishings. Architectural details abound as you would expect, with secret alcoves, fireplaces, and arched vaults. A bar spills onto the street downstairs and is a great place to take breakfast and watch the world go by.

Step through the heavy 16th-century wooden door of this hotel and you are transported to an oasis of civility away from the bustle of Rethymnon's busy streets, where two buildings split by a pretty pedestrian alleyway house some of the most sumptuous rooms in town. The owners are architects and it shows—contemporary chic furnishings are allied to carefully selected antiques to offer a superbly comfortable and elegant stay. A dramatic courtyard pool with a palm tree in each corner is a smart place to while away the hours, day or night. The hotel also has two well appointed self-contained residencies a short walk down the street.