Perfect Family Hotels in Rethymnon, Crete

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After visiting the Greek island of Crete a handful of times with my family, I can honestly say that Rethymnon or Rethymno is one of the best areas to stay with little kids in tow. Not only does Rethymnon have some incredible family hotels—my favourite being the Grecotel Creta Palace—but there are also so many things to see and do to keep kids entertained. 

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From hotels with beach access and pools designed with kids in mind to resorts with kids’ clubs and suites suitable for entire families, here are both budget and more luxury Rethymnon hotel options—all of which are within close proximity to Rethymnon’s adventures and activities. 

Best Hotels in Rethymnon, Crete for Families

Below are nine family-friendly hotels in Rethymnon, all of which are equipped with pools, as if your kids are anything like mine, there’s a good chance they’ll be swimming from sunrise to sunset. 

Grecotel Creta Palace

My absolute favourite hotel to stay in when visiting Crete with my family is the Grecotel Creta Palace, as it has everything you could possibly need right within its walls. Plus, it’s a five-star resort with a modern luxury feel. So you really feel like royalty from the second you check in.

On-site, you’ll have access to not one, not two, but ten restaurants and bars—so yes, there will be something your kids will eat, even if they are the fussiest of eaters. Kids can also access the kids’ lunch area for free food. Adults will like the new seafront spa with an indoor pool, gym, and hot tub. 

But, what really sets this hotel apart from the rest is the fact that the Grecotel Creta Palace has two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a kids’ pool with waterslides—something they won’t stop talking about for weeks after the holiday is over—and a private beach with sun loungers and umbrellas. 

My kids also had a blast at the hotel’s kids club. Grecoland. And we found that there were little ones everywhere for them to interact with. When we go on holiday as a family, having other kids around is a huge plus as it allows our girls to socialise while we can actually have an adult conversation.

The room variations are also another huge benefit of staying at the Grecotel Creta Palace. You’ll have the option of one-bed hotel rooms, two-bed family bungalows, and even bungalows with private pools. 

The only critique that I would give the Grecotel Creta Palace is sometimes the WIFI can be a bit iffy. But this issue does present you with the perfect excuse to unplug and enjoy quality time as a family. We booked with BA holidays and got a great deal with the Half Board option but All Inclusive is available too. Alternatively, check prices on Booking.com and see if a DIY works out better.

Atlantis Beach Hotel

The Atlantis Beach Hotel is a five-star Rethymnon hotel with direct access to a blue flag sandy beach that is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. When holidaying with kids, I personally find having both a swimming pool and a beach close by to the hotel to be a huge win, as entertainment for your kids really is guaranteed.

Speaking of pools, however, the Atlantis Beach Hotel has a large swimming pool with a shallow end for kids and a children’s playground and games room for when your kids need a break from the water. 

Room choices at the Atlantis are standard double bed rooms, rooms with private pools, and family rooms with a separate living area. All rooms overlook the hotel gardens, and some come with sea or pool views. 

Plus, if you don’t want to venture out and enjoy some of the best restaurants in Crete for families, then the Atlantis has an onsite restaurant that serves Greek and Cretan cuisine.

My kids really enjoyed tasting authentic Greek food. But there are also safer options on the menu that your little ones will know and enjoy.

Aegean Pearl

If you’re looking for a hotel that offers a little bit more luxury, then the Aegean Pearl is one of the best family hotels in Rethymnon. 

The five-star hotel that sits directly across from a Blue Flag beach at the end of the Rethymno promenade has three pools—two of which are designed for kids—a playground, and two gourmet restaurants, so leaving the hotel grounds isn’t even necessary. (I do recommend it, though, as Rethymnon and Crete, in general, are absolutely beautiful!)

The Aegean Pearl has one of its restaurants serves buffet-style food. Not only do buffets scream European holiday. But the food options mean that your kids will never go hungry, as there are so many different variations to try. 

Family rooms at the Aegean Pearl are spacious, with two single beds and a sofa bed for the kids to spread out on. But if you’d prefer, you can also opt for a double room with a private pool. However, I do only recommend this if you’re a family of three and don’t mind sleeping with your little one. 

Ilian Beach & Apartments

A more budget-friendly Rethymnon family hotels option is the Ilian Beach and Apartments, which features a pool, grass area, and beach access. There is even a poolside snack bar with beverages and ice creams on offer. 

All studios and apartments at Ilian Beach—which range from studios to one-bed apartments are self-catering with a fridge, cooking hobs, and a microwave for your convenience. In my opinion, the rooms are incredibly spacious and ideal for young families who require a bit more square footage. 

One downfall of the Ilian Beach Hotel, however, is the fact that there isn’t an onsite restaurant. But you can find restaurants and shops within walking distance from the hotel. So, your options are by no means limited.

Bio Suites Hotel

A mid-range hotel option for families visiting Rethymnon is the Bio Suites Hotel, which features two pools, two onsite restaurants, and a kids’ playground. Plus, just 50 meters from the hotel is also a sandy beach with sun loungers and umbrellas, meaning there are plenty of activities for kids regardless of their age. 

While staying at the Bio Suites Hotel, you’ll have access to a Greek breakfast in the main restaurant and a buffet-style dinner with both Greek and European dishes on offer. You’ll also have a kitchenette in your room. So you can whip up snacks if and when your child needs them. 

The Bio Suites Hotel has a variety of room sizes that range from studio rooms all the way up to two-bedroom apartments with separate living areas.

Pearl Beach

Pearl Beach is another mid-range family hotel in Rethymon that has an outdoor and indoor swimming pool as well as its own private Blue Flag beach directly in front of the hotel. 

There is also an onsite restaurant that serves a buffet-style breakfast and dinner with additional snack options from the bar that overlooks the pool. 

While staying at Pearl Beach, families have the option of standard double rooms or family maisonettes, which feature an additional living area.

Theartemis Palace

The final of the mid-range family-friendly hotels in Rethymnon is Theartemis Palace, which boasts an elegant outdoor pool and an onsite restaurant that serves a range of different cuisines. Located just a short walk from the nearest beach and Rethymnon’s Old Town, Theartemis Palace is a fantastic option for families who want to be close to the hustle and bustle. 

Guests of Theartemis have the choice of standard hotel rooms, maisonettes, family rooms with two separate sleeping areas, or—my personal favourite—family suites with outdoor jetted tubs.

Family Villa Gerani Daphni

For families who prefer a little more privacy than what a hotel offers, the Family Villa Gerani Daphni is an excellent private accommodation option in Rethymon that can accommodate families—or multiple families—of up to 12 people. 

With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and an incredible outdoor area that features a pool, a garden, and a BBQ, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips. 

One thing that could put you off staying at the Family Villa Gerani Daphni, however, is the fact that the villa is a 15-minute drive from Old Town and a 20-minute walk (3-minute drive) from the nearest beach. With this in mind, the villa does offer private parking. So it would be possible to rent a car to give yourself more freedom to explore the island. 

Grecotel Plaza Beach House

If you liked the look of the Grecotel Creta Palace, but it was slightly above your price range, a great alternative is the Grecotel Plaza Beach House—the same hotel chain, just very different prices. 

The Grecotel Plaza Beach House is a more budget-friendly family hotel in Rethymnon option. But just because it is cheaper to stay there, doesn’t mean the hotel lacks in style and cleanliness. For example, just ten meters from the hotel is an expansive sandy beach, plus the hotel features a swimming pool and a kids club for your little ones to enjoy. 

With an onsite restaurant, bar, and rooms ranging from studios and family apartments to two-bedroom maisonettes, the Plaza Beach House really is a fantastic option for families visiting Rethymnon. 

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