Macaris Suites & Spa

The hotel is highly regarded for its spacious suites and apartments, many featuring large balconies with stunning sea views, offering a memorable and comfortable stay. This makes it an excellent choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway and families looking for ample space and amenities. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the hotel's impeccable cleanliness, and the excellent breakfast offerings. For those planning a visit, requesting a room on a higher floor is recommended to maximize the breathtaking views, and taking advantage of the hotel's spa services can enhance the relaxation experience. Be aware that while the Old Town is a pleasant walk away, the hotel's elevated position means there are steps to navigate upon arrival if dropped off by coach.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities designed for guest comfort and enjoyment. The outdoor pool area is a popular spot, featuring comfortable sunbeds and a convenient pool bar, though some guests note it can get crowded during peak times. There is also a dedicated baby pool for younger guests. The spa facilities are a significant highlight, offering various treatments, including highly recommended massages, and featuring an indoor pool, jacuzzi, and sauna. While a gym is available, some guests found it limited or in need of updating. Most rooms and suites are equipped with a well-appointed kitchen or kitchenette, including a fridge, coffee maker, and often a dishwasher, providing the option for self-catering. Free Wi-Fi is generally available, though some guests experienced intermittent connectivity.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's commitment to cleanliness, describing rooms and common areas as spotless and immaculately clean, with daily housekeeping services ensuring a fresh environment. The spacious rooms and suites are a recurring positive, offering ample space for relaxation. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable beds and high-quality linens, contributing to a restful night's sleep. While the hotel generally maintains a quiet atmosphere, a few guests noted occasional noise from adjacent rooms or the restaurant terrace. In-room amenities include a coffee maker, and welcome provisions like water, wine, and fruit. The bathrooms are typically spacious, featuring hot showers with good water pressure, though some designs may lead to water spraying outside the bath, and a few guests wished for more towel hangers.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, described as outstanding with a wide variety of choices. The buffet includes both hot and cold options, featuring good quality local foods and Cretan specialties, with dishes regularly replenished. Guests appreciate the good coffee and the changing selection throughout the week, though some found the orange juice from a machine to be watery, and a few vegan/vegetarian options were limited. The rooftop bar and restaurant, known as Skyview, is a standout feature, offering excellent food, good value, and fantastic views of the sea and sunset, making it a popular spot for cocktails and evening meals. A pool bar also serves snacks and drinks throughout the day, and room service is available for lunch and dinner.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally well-regarded, situated within a pleasant 10 to 20-minute walk of the Rethymno Old Town, allowing guests to easily explore its charming streets, shops, and restaurants. It offers a more private setting away from the main beachfront hustle. The hotel is also conveniently located near a bus station and a supermarket, both within a 10-minute walk. Its elevated position provides stunning sea views from many rooms and common areas. While the hotel is accessible with ramps and lifts, guests arriving by coach should be aware that drop-off is typically on the main road below, requiring navigation of steps to reach the entrance. Parking is available on the road outside the hotel.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives glowing reviews for their exceptional friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their welcoming and hospitable demeanor, noting that nothing seems to be too much trouble. The front desk staff are praised for assisting with booking day trips and tours, while the wait staff and breakfast service are commended for their efficiency and pleasant interactions. Housekeeping is noted for its prompt and thorough cleaning, often tidying rooms quickly after guests leave for breakfast. Many guests reported receiving complimentary room upgrades, which significantly enhanced their stay. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel truly at home.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably pet-friendly, welcoming dogs, which is a significant advantage for guests traveling with their companions. Upon arrival, guests are often greeted with thoughtful welcome amenities such as water, a bottle of wine, and fresh fruit in their rooms. While the hotel generally offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, some guests have observed that certain areas, particularly the outdoor pool, can become crowded, and there may not always be enough sunbeds available, with some instances of guests reserving them. A few reviews mentioned that certain aspects of the hotel, such as some bathrooms or the exterior, appear a little dated or could benefit from minor renovations.