Jo-An Palace Hotel

Overview

Located in the beating heart of Rethymnon city, Jo-An Palace Hotel gives you an urban-Crete base with beach days and Old Town wanders all within easy reach. The rooftop pool steals the scene, with widescreen views over the terracotta rooftops to the Cretan Sea, while indoors you’ll find fresh, modern rooms and a relaxed half board restaurant. It’s a smart choice for couples, friends and city-loving explorers who want culture, cuisine and a swim all in the same day.

Think morning coffees in the Old Town, rooftop dips above the city and sunset strolls along the Venetian Harbour. Jo-An Palace Hotel blends contemporary interiors with a classic Cretan setting, giving you a comfortable base in Rethymnon with everything walkable – from the sandy beach to the tavernas and historic fortress. Half Board keeps dining effortless, while the city-centre address means you’re free to graze at local spots whenever the mood takes you. For couples seeking Crete (Heraklion Area)’s charm, Jo-An Palace Hotel delivers the perfect balance. It’s 2 hours 30 minutes from the airport. See more Greece holidays.

Gallery

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Map & location

Rethymnon – Heraklion, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece

Jo-An Palace Hotel plants you right in the centre of Rethymnon – perfect if you like to step out into local life rather than shuttle back and forth from the resort. Within a few hundred metres you can be wandering bougainvillaea-draped lanes in the Old Town, browsing evening market stalls or sipping something cold on the harbourfront.

The long sandy sweep of Rethymnon Beach is an easy stroll away for sea swims and sunloungers, while the Venetian Fortress keeps watch over the city for sunset photo moments. This is a superb base if you’re planning to hire a car and explore wider Crete by day, then return to restaurants, bars and culture on your doorstep at night.

Approx. transfer time from airport 2 hours 30 minutes

Facilities

Pool & outdoors

The hotel’s crowning feature is its rooftop outdoor freshwater pool, open seasonally between April and October. Up here you’ll find a compact sunbathing area with sunbeds, parasols and sweeping views over Rethymnon’s rooftops out to the Cretan Sea – ideal for a mid-morning cool-off or pre-dinner dip. Pool towels are provided, so you can travel light.

Do note that access to the rooftop pool area is via a number of steps, so it may not suit guests with limited mobility. For beach days, the broad sandy stretch of Rethymnon Beach is around 800m away, lined with loungers, beach bars and shallow water that’s great for paddling and casual swims.

Spa, sports & wellness

Jo-An Palace Hotel focuses on easy, fuss-free city stays rather than a long list of resort activities. There’s no on-site spa or gym, but you’re close to Rethymnon’s waterfront promenade for morning jogs and the harbour for boat trips and watersports run independently nearby.

On the practical side, reception can help with concierge-style services such as local recommendations, restaurant bookings and excursion suggestions. Luggage storage is available, and essential equipment such as kettles can be hired if needed. With lifts and a relatively compact footprint, the property works well for guests who want a convenient, walkable base in town.

Activities

? Explore Rethymnon Old Town’s lanes, boutiques and markets
? Walk up to the Venetian Fortress for panoramic sea views
?️ Beach time on Rethymnon’s long sandy bay (independent operators for watersports)
? Day trips by hire car or organised excursion to Chania, Heraklion or mountain villages
? Evenings along the harbourfront with tavernas, bars and sunset views
UK FCDO Greece advice.

Food & drink

At Jo-An Palace Hotel, Half Board keeps things nicely simple. The main buffet restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with a mix of Greek and international options, plus show-style buffet stations and family-friendly choices. Expect salads, grilled meats, local dishes and easy continental staples to keep every palate happy. Highchairs are available for younger guests.

The hotel’s Main Street 19.78 coffee bar sits on the terrace and is adults-only – a handy spot for an espresso, pastry or light bites between exploring sessions. It’s also a relaxed pre-dinner drink venue before you head into town. Smart casual dress is requested (no beachwear), and restaurant/bar opening times or menus may change by season. Reservations or supplements can apply depending on your board basis – always check locally for the latest details. What All Inclusive typically includes.

Rooms

Double Room for Sole Use

Sleeps: Minimum 1 | Maximum 1
Perfect for solo travellers who want central Rethymnon on their doorstep. Layout and facilities mirror the standard Double Rooms, with a city/town view and private balcony plus:

• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Balcony
• Bathroom with shower
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Hairdryer
• Fridge
• Pillow menu
• Daily room cleaning service
• Safety deposit box (local charge)

Promotional Double Room

Sleeps: Minimum 2 | Maximum 2
Great-value option which may be allocated on arrival, typically with a street view. Décor and amenities are similar to other doubles, making it a smart pick if you’re planning to spend more time out exploring:

• Flat-screen TV
• Free Wi-Fi
• Air conditioning
• Balcony
• Bathroom with shower
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Hairdryer
• Fridge
• Pillow menu
• Daily room cleaning service
• Safety deposit box (local charge)

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

Holiday offers

Airport

From Manchester
7 nights from 12 Jun 2027
- Half board
- 2 adults
- Manchester
per person, total incl. in-resort fees£843

Holiday £814 + in-resort fees £29 per person, paid locally

Direct flights with Jet2 from Manchester

Includes flights with hold and hand luggage, your hotel and transfers.

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From Birmingham
7 nights from 12 Jun 2027
- Half board
- 2 adults
- Birmingham
per person, total incl. in-resort fees£854

Holiday £825 + in-resort fees £29 per person, paid locally

Direct flights with Jet2 from Birmingham

Includes flights with hold and hand luggage, your hotel and transfers.

Book this holiday
From Stansted
7 nights from 12 Jun 2027
- Half board
- 2 adults
- Stansted
per person, total incl. in-resort fees£875

Holiday £846 + in-resort fees £29 per person, paid locally

Direct flights with Jet2 from Stansted

Includes flights with hold and hand luggage, your hotel and transfers.

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Prices for 2 adults sharing, seen on 9 Nov 2026. Live prices and availability are confirmed when you click through.

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FAQs

How central is Jo-An Palace Hotel in Rethymnon?

Jo-An Palace Hotel is very central – it’s around 400m from Rethymnon resort centre and the nearest shops, bars and restaurants. You can walk to the Venetian Harbour in roughly 750m and reach the sandy Rethymnon Beach in about 800m.

What is the transfer time from Heraklion Airport?

The approximate transfer time from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Jo-An Palace Hotel is 2 hours 30 minutes by coach, depending on traffic and other hotel stops along the way. Private transfers may be a little quicker.

What board basis can I book at Jo-An Palace Hotel?

This property is offered on a Half Board basis, which generally includes buffet breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant. Drinks and any à la carte items are usually extra. Exact inclusions will be confirmed on your Travelisto booking documents.

Does the hotel have a rooftop pool?

Yes, there is an outdoor freshwater pool on the rooftop terrace, open between approximately 18 April and 31 October (dates may vary). The area has sunbeds, parasols and free pool towels. Access is via a number of steps, so it may not be suitable for all guests.

Are the rooms at Jo-An Palace Hotel modern?

Rooms at Jo-An Palace Hotel are contemporary in style with tiled floors, modern furnishings and touches like bathrobes, slippers and a pillow menu. All main room types include a balcony, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, fridge and daily cleaning service.

Is Wi-Fi available at the hotel?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout Jo-An Palace Hotel, including guest rooms and most public areas, making it easy to stay connected or plan your next day’s exploring.

Is Jo-An Palace Hotel suitable for children?

The hotel does welcome children and offers highchairs in the restaurant, with child age for pricing typically up to 11 years. However, there is no dedicated kids’ club or children’s pool, so it best suits independent families and older children who enjoy city and beach exploring.

What should I wear for dinner?

A smart casual dress code usually applies in the restaurant and coffee bar. The hotel specifically requests that beachwear is not worn inside dining venues. We suggest resort-casual outfits in the evenings.