Thalassa Boutique Hotel - Adults Only

Perched right on Rethymnon’s shoreline, this adults-only boutique hotel sits in the heart of the city’s beach strip and is minutes from the old town. Walk to Fortezza Castle, the University of Crete, Rethimnon Court House and nearby sands like Koumbes, Despotiko and Rethimnon Public Beach. Housed in a 150-year-old building fully renovated in 2017, it blends historic charm with modern beach-hotel energy.

Only 12 individually decorated rooms give this place an intimate, design-forward feel. Rooms feature minibars, LED TVs, laptop-compatible safes, coffee/tea makers and private bathrooms with separate tubs and rainfall showers plus designer toiletries. The property was fully refreshed in 2017; note the reception isn’t staffed 24/7 and pets are not allowed.

Soak in a seasonal outdoor pool, stroll down to a private beach, or surrender to the spa and massage treatments for seriously relaxed mornings. There’s an attached winery and a tour desk for safaris and local excursions, plus concierge, laundry and car-rental services. Expect sea-breeze mornings and a fresh, modern facilities vibe throughout.

Complimentary wireless internet is available across the property and there’s a computer station on site. Practical touches include express check-in/out, luggage storage, dry cleaning and a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge); free self-parking is also offered.

The hotel’s seafood restaurant, 7 Thalasses, serves ocean-view meals and a bar/lounge vibe with local Cretan flavors on the menu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available on site, plus a coffee shop and limited room service for late arrivals.