The third largest city on the beautiful island of Crete is rightfully included in the list of the most picturesque settlements in all of Greece. For lovers of cultural holidays there are a huge number of attractions. The refined medieval architecture of the Old City, magnificent churches built in the Venetian style, the proximity of Catholic churches and Ottoman mosques, incredibly beautiful fountains - all this can be seen in Rethymno alone.
Once outside the city, tourists seem to fall into a completely different world - in the atmosphere of pacifying landscapes and winding paths, in fragrant vegetation. Thirteen kilometers from Rethymnon is a small seaside village, located on the northern coast of Crete. This is the village of Skaleta, considered an ideal place for families with children. It was chosen by those who prefer to spend their holidays in a calm atmosphere on the beach, away from the hustle and bustle, surrounded only by the azure sea, the gentle sun and the amazing atmosphere that the wonderful island of Crete gives everyone.
There is practically no nightlife in Skeleton. Moreover, those who want to go shopping or just sit in a noisy bar mostly go to neighboring villages, where you can get by bus, taxi, or rented car. In many ways, this place has gained fame thanks to its sandy beach, which stretches for almost a kilometer, as well as to numerous hotels located along the coastline. One of them is Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Greece, Skaleta). Crete, Rethymno in particular, near which this small village is located, has become quite a popular tourist destination in recent years. Russians who prefer to spend their holidays here are choosing hotels located on the first coastline. And one of them is Gortyna Hotel 3 *.
general information
The hotel was opened in 2002. Since then, every two years it is undergoing cosmetic repairs. The last major renovation at Gortyna Hotel 3 * was carried out in 2015. It has a relatively small, but well-thought-out area, whose cleanliness is taken care of by special staff from morning to evening. Moreover, every morning all marble paths, judging by the reviews, are disinfected with a solution of chlorine.
In general, cleanliness is not the only advantage of the Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Crete). Rethymno is a large port city where you can walk along the old streets, visit restaurants and night clubs, buy gifts. The village is located ten minutes drive. The city bus stop is located directly at the entrance to the territory. Tickets can be bought either from the driver or at the hotel at the registration desk or at the nearest grocery stores. The fare is 1.8 euros to the bus station in Rethymnon.
Location
Hotel Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Greece), the reviews on the location of which are mostly positive, are seventy kilometers from the international airport located in Heraklion. Transfer time is about two and a half hours, depending on the number of tourists leaving at previous stops. This is not very convenient for those who come to the hotel with young children who have poor road tolerance. Although many couples ignore this fact, preferring a convenient location and affordable price, at which they sell tickets to Gortyna Hotel 3 *. O. Crete (Rethymno, Heraklion, Chania and other big and small cities of this resort) is famous for its many attractions. You can see them by buying excursions both in the hotel itself, at the registration desk, and in one of the many offices located nearby.
Infrastructure
I must say that the list of services offered at this hotel is not numerous. This is due to the fact that Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Crete) has a low category. Nevertheless, its infrastructure is fully consistent with the three-star hotel.
A small free parking lot, a 24-hour reception, laundry service, an internet corner, an amphitheater, a car rental desk, a tour desk, a left-luggage office and a depository safe, good animation are not all the services that are offered at Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Greece, Crete) . Rethymnon, located a short drive away, is an excellent solution for those who prefer an active holiday. The city is full of clubs and restaurants, there is also a water park and other entertainment venues.
But on the territory of the hotel itself is always quiet. That is why it is chosen by those who prefer a calm and measured rest. Tourists who did not arrange a return transfer can order this service at the registration desk for an additional fee.
Hotel Policies
Those who arrive at the Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Greece) at an unplanned time can always count on a quick check-in if there are free rooms. According to the rules of the hotel, keys are issued at two in the afternoon. And you should free rooms at noon. Nevertheless, the hotel has a fairly democratic policy both with regard to check-in, and with regard to the delivery of the room. This is evidenced by those who have already rested in the Gortyna Hotel 3 *. Reviews of tourists say that if possible, guests are allowed to stay in the rooms until the time of transfer.
The hotel provides everything for people with disabilities: ramps are equipped throughout. In addition, there are special rooms with bathrooms for the disabled. According to the rules of the hotel, pets can be accommodated there. Entry restrictions apply only to certain rooms. The arrival of a dog or cat is planned in advance. Room reservation is only possible with consent.
The hotel Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Crete, Rethymnon) provides connecting rooms, which are subject to availability upon prior arrangement. Cash payments cannot exceed one thousand five hundred euros. You need to know about this in advance, checking in at Gortyna Hotel 3 *. Greece, including Crete, has adopted a special law regulating cash payments.
Housing stock
This hotel has seventy rooms. All of them have a standard category and are designed for one, two or three people. The apartments are quite spacious and bright, equipped with modern comfortable furniture made of pure wood. Depending on the type of room in it, in addition to standard single or double beds, there is also a sofa, which easily turns into a berth. The furniture has bedside tables, a luggage rack, a wardrobe, a desk, and chairs. All rooms have balconies with plastic white tables and chairs. Sitting here in the evenings, you can admire the vast expanses of the sea or a wonderful inner garden.
In addition to furniture, the rooms also have satellite TV, showing two Russian channels, a refrigerator and manually controlled air conditioning, a direct dial telephone, and a radio. For the use of the built-in small safe, you need to pay at the registration desk two euros per day.
All rooms are decorated in calm pastel colors. A large glass sliding door leads to the balcony, which, if necessary, can be closed with thick curtains. Curtains and bedspreads are designed in the same color scheme. On the floor is ceramic tile, which is washed daily with special disinfectants that repel insects. Rooms are cleaned daily, at a time convenient for residents. Bathrooms are combined. They include showers. There is also a hairdryer and all the necessary accessories, which are updated daily with towels. Bed linen is changed at this hotel twice a week.
Nutrition
Hotel Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Crete) works according to two concepts: “continental breakfast” and “all inclusive”. Judging by the reviews, the food here, although not very diverse, but satisfying.
Muesli and honey, two or three types of jam and jam, Greek yogurt, several types of cheese, canned peaches or pineapples, ham, sausage, butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, muffins, scrambled eggs and boiled eggs are usually served for breakfast. Coffee, tea and milk can be obtained from the vending machine.
For lunch and dinner, you can eat one of the many side dishes, including broccoli, mushrooms and rice, several chicken dishes, fish, as well as ice cream and pastries. In the evening, one type of mashed soup is served.
Once a week, all-inclusive meals are offered seafood, including shrimp and octopus. Juices are always present, as well as two types of wine - red and white.
Those who have paid “all inclusive” at the bar, working near the pool, from ten in the morning to ten in the evening you can get drinks from local producers, including beer, for free and in unlimited quantities.
In addition to the main one, the hotel also has a lobby restaurant, which serves à la carte dishes of national Greek cuisine. On the territory of Gortyna Hotel 3 * there is also a snack bar with an excellent wine list. Those who are not satisfied with the food at the hotel can eat in one of the nearby taverns.
Beach Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Greece)
Crete (Rethymnon), reviews of which most tourists have a good stay in, is especially beautiful in early summer, when the weather is not so hot, but sunbathing and swimming is already quite comfortable. There are not many visitors here at this time, and therefore the prices are not so high.
Many hotels on the island are built on the first line. Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Crete, Rethymnon) is no exception. It is from the beach across the road. You can reach the coast in a few minutes along the underpass, going a little to the side, or carefully through the highway. The beach has a sand cover. This is a good entrance to the water. If you go a little to the left of the hotel, you can get to the wild beach, where there are much fewer people, although not very comfortable. At the entrance to the water you need to walk about a meter on small stones, which without special shoes will be difficult to do.
Residents of this hotel can use the beach of the five-star Creta Royal, located within walking distance. However, for sunbeds and umbrellas here, unlike the Gortyna Hotel’s own bathing area, you will need to pay.
For children
Since this hotel is offered by tour operators as an excellent option for a family vacation, you can always hear children's laughter on its territory. For their young clients, the Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Crete, Rethymnon), reviews about accommodation in which parents leave just enthusiastic, has a shallow pool, a playground and a small club for games in its infrastructure.
If you wish, you can get a free cot in your room. The restaurant has high chairs.
Sports and Entertainment
The hotel has a large outdoor freshwater pool, open from ten in the morning until six in the evening. Around it on the terrace there are sun loungers with umbrellas. Those who go in for sports on vacation will be able to rent all the necessary equipment for playing tennis. Darts and billiards are available on site.
A lot of entertainment is offered on the beach, however, here you need to pay for all the attractions. Many tourists combine a beach holiday with a visit to this amazing island. And a lot of this is facilitated by the convenient location for excursions to the Gortyna Hotel 3 * (Crete, Rethymnon).
Reviews
Many tourists visiting both mainland and island Greece return with an unforgettable experience. In general, most Russians liked their stay at this hotel. Many chose it because of the low price. The rooms are highly rated by most of our compatriots: comfortable furniture, normally working plumbing - all this was pleasant to tourists. Of course, some still had small problems that the administration quickly resolved.
The food at the hotel was liked by most Russians. Food was served in large quantities, so tourists did not go hungry, even when they arrived late. Young children especially liked the two-color ice cream.
Most complaints about the work of staff. In general, many have good and warm memories of Crete: its mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful unspoiled nature, rich history, hospitality of the inhabitants - all this contributes to falling in love with this island.
Judging by the reviews, the Russians who choose this hotel because of its “humane” price simply did not pay attention to many small flaws, compensating for all these disadvantages with a wonderful sea and beach. During the tour you can sunbathe perfectly, swim enough in the warm Cretan Sea and generally have a good rest. Gortyna Hotel 3 * Russians recommend to those who are not interested in the "stardom" of the hotel, although most had no problems with everyday life, except mosquitoes at night. But this problem is solvable: you can buy or take the Raptor with you.
In a word, there are very few of our compatriots who have remained dissatisfied with their vacation, but there are quite a lot of their opponents who intend to come here more than once. Moreover, most tourists recommend this hotel as a good enough “troika” at a great price.