Minos Hotel
Rethymnon – Heraklion | Crete (Heraklion Area)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Set just a short stroll from a Blue Flag beach and within easy reach of Rethymnon’s old town, Minos Hotel blends resort-style facilities with a warm, small-hotel feel. Families love the splash park and friendly entertainment, while couples get a laid-back base for exploring Crete’s north coast – all in a certified sustainable hotel.
Think easy-going Cretan hospitality, palm-fringed pool days and evenings wandering into Rethymnon for waterfront dinners. Minos Hotel is a compact, well-run base with everything close at hand – from the splash park and main pool to the buffet restaurant and bars – so you can do as much or as little as you like.
For couples and families keen to dip into Crete (Heraklion Area)’s culture without giving up the beach, Minos Hotel delivers the perfect balance. It’s around 2 hours 30 minutes from Heraklion airport, with a 200m stroll to a lovely Blue Flag sandy beach and about 1.5km to Rethymnon’s historic centre. See more Greece holidays.
Hotel Overview | Minos Hotel
Highlights
📍 Central location close to Rethymnon’s old town
🏖️ Only ~200m to a Blue Flag sandy beach
😊 Friendly, welcoming atmosphere with repeat guests
🏊 Excellent facilities including pool, splash park & gym
♻️ Certified Sustainable Hotel (GSTC-recognised standard)
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rating and Board
Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options: All Inclusive, Half Board, Bed & Breakfast
Rooms: 174 across 4 blocks | Floors: 3 | Lifts: 3
Child age: up to 11 years
Location | Minos Hotel
Location
Minos Hotel sits in a handy spot in Rethymnon’s modern district, a couple of blocks back from a long stretch of Blue Flag sandy beach on Crete’s north coast. You’re close enough to wander into the historic centre – with its Venetian fortress, harbour and flower-draped lanes – yet far enough to enjoy quieter evenings by the pool if you prefer.
It’s a great base if you want to mix beach time with exploring: stroll to the old port for waterside tavernas and sunset bars, or hop on local buses and excursions to discover inland villages, gorges and wineries.
Distances and Transfers
Beach: approx. 200m (Blue Flag sandy beach)
Rethymnon resort centre & old town: approx. 1.5km
Local shops, bars & eateries: within a short walk
Approx. transfer time from airport: 2 hours 30 minutes (from Heraklion – HER)
Map
Rethymnon – Heraklion, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Facilities and Rooms | Minos Hotel
Restaurants and Bars
The food scene at Minos Hotel leans into generous buffets and relaxed, al fresco dining with a Greek twist.
Ambrosia Buffet Restaurant
The main restaurant serves buffet-style breakfast and dinner by the pool, with show cooking, Greek specialities and international favourites – ideal if you’ve got mixed tastes in the family. Highchairs and a microwave are available for younger guests. Smart-casual dress is requested (no beachwear; long trousers for gentlemen may be required in the evening).
Dionysus À La Carte & Snack Restaurant
By day, Dionysus offers à la carte lunches and snacks with a mix of Greek and international dishes, great for a more leisurely poolside meal.
Bacchus Lobby Bar
A sociable spot for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap, serving a range of local and international drinks in the evenings.
Dionysus Pool Bar & Café
Convenient for refreshing drinks, coffees and light bites without leaving your lounger.
Opening dates, times, reservations and any supplements can vary by season and board basis; always check the latest details on arrival.
If you’re on All Inclusive, your meals are mainly buffet-style with selected snacks and drinks included at set times. What All Inclusive typically includes.
Pool Areas and Beach
The heart of the hotel is its outdoor freshwater pool, framed by sunbeds and parasols – a relaxed place to cool off between beach trips or city wanders. The shallow areas are family-friendly, and pool towels are available with a refundable deposit, so you can pack a little lighter.
For younger guests, the dedicated splash park with jets and sprinklers is a huge hit, operating daily between mid-April and the end of October (subject to weather and occupancy).
When you fancy the sea, it’s an easy stroll (around 200m) to the long sandy Blue Flag beach. Here you’ll find sunloungers and umbrellas for hire, plus beach bars and water-sport options run independently along the seafront.
Spa, Sports and Other Facilities
Stay active or unwind as much as you like:
Sports & Fitness
– Well-equipped gym with cardio and strength machines, plus a stretching area (typically 10:00–19:00; seasonal)
Spa & Relaxation
– Small spa area offering massage treatments and beauty therapies (4 days a week, local charges apply; opening hours and services can vary by season)
Other Facilities
– 24-hour reception and concierge-style assistance
– Currency exchange, luggage storage and equipment hire including wheelchairs and motorised scooters (extra charge)
– Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Entertainment is a real plus here, with everything from laid-back quizzes to live music – see “Activities & Experiences” below for more detail.
Rooms
Deluxe Room with Pool View
Sleeps: min 2, max 2
Bright, contemporary rooms overlooking the pool, ideal for couples.
Room features include: flat-screen TV, free Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, balcony or terrace, shower bathroom, hairdryer, kettle, fridge, air conditioning, daily cleaning and towel change on request.
Deluxe Room
Sleeps: min 2, max 3
Similar in style to the pool view rooms, with comfortable space for up to three guests.
Facilities: flat-screen TV, free Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, balcony or terrace, shower bathroom, hairdryer, kettle, fridge, air conditioning, daily cleaning and towel change on request.
Standard Room
Sleeps: min 2, max 2
A great-value option with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Facilities: flat-screen TV, free Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, balcony or terrace, bath or shower, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, fridge, air conditioning, daily cleaning and towel change on request.
Superior Room
Sleeps: min 2, max 2
Stylish upgraded rooms with a few extra comforts.
Facilities: flat-screen TV, free Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, balcony or terrace, shower bathroom, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, fridge, air conditioning, daily cleaning and towel change on request.
Superior Junior Suite
Sleeps: min 2, max 4
Ideal for longer stays or families wanting extra space, with a lounge-style area and large terrace in many units.
Facilities: flat-screen TV, free Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, balcony or terrace, DVD player, bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, fridge, shower bathroom, air conditioning and daily cleaning.
Family One Bedroom Suite
Sleeps: min 2, max 4
A separate bedroom and living/sleeping area give families more breathing room.
Facilities: flat-screen TV, free Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, balcony or terrace, bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, fridge, minibar (charge), double cooking rings, shower bathroom, air conditioning, daily cleaning and towel change on request.
Single Room
Sleeps: min 1, max 1
Tailored for solo travellers, with a cosy layout and private balcony or terrace.
Facilities: TV, free Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, balcony or terrace, bath or shower, hairdryer, coffee-making facilities, kettle, fridge, air conditioning and daily cleaning.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
Activities & Experiences
Hotel Activities
🎾 Daily daytime entertainment (in season) including racket sports, small team games and water-based activities
🎤 Evening entertainment programme with quizzes, karaoke, bingo and in-house shows
🎧 Selected nights feature live DJ sets and live music
🧒 Mini-disco for younger guests on certain evenings
🏋️ Use of the on-site gym for fitness-focused guests
Entertainment is more frequent between late May and early October, with a lighter programme at the very start and end of the season. Schedules may change based on weather and occupancy.
Guest Services
🛎️ 24-hour reception and concierge-style assistance
💼 Luggage storage for early arrivals and late departures
💶 Currency exchange services
♿ Mobility scooter and wheelchair hire (local charge)
🧴 Spa with massage treatments (limited opening days; charges apply)
👶 Highchairs and a microwave available in the restaurant
🩱 Pool towels available with a refundable deposit
📶 Free Wi‑Fi throughout the hotel, including rooms and public areas
If any member of your party needs extra assistance at the airport or during travel, let us know at the time of booking so we can help coordinate support.
Practical Info
Destination snapshot – Rethymnon, Crete
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro (€)
Time difference: GMT +2 hours
Average UK–Crete flight time: around 4.5 hours
Rethymnon offers the best of both worlds: a long sandy beach on one side and an atmospheric old town on the other, with Venetian mansions, tiny churches, a mosque and a hilltop fortress watching over the harbour. After dark, the waterfront comes alive with restaurants and bars, plus occasional night markets and craft stalls – ideal for picking up local olive oil, honey or handmade souvenirs.
Price guide (approximate, subject to change):
– Local beer: around £4.20
– Three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: around £42.00
Seasonal information, facilities and entertainment at Minos Hotel can vary depending on occupancy and weather, particularly at the beginning and end of the season. For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Greece advice.
Prices and Book | Minos Hotel
Minos Hotel Prices & Book
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FAQs | Minos Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Minos Hotel close to the beach?
Yes. Minos Hotel is approximately 200 metres from a long Blue Flag sandy beach in Rethymnon – it’s just a few minutes’ walk along local streets, so you can easily pop back and forth during the day.
2. Is Minos Hotel suitable for children and families?
Absolutely. The hotel has a children’s splash park with jets and sprinklers, a main pool with shallow areas, highchairs and a microwave in the restaurant, family suites that sleep up to four, and a mini-disco plus family-friendly entertainment in high season. The standard child age is up to 11 years.
3. What is included in the All Inclusive package at Minos Hotel?
All Inclusive at Minos Hotel typically includes buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main restaurant, plus snacks at selected times between meals for at least three hours per day. A selection of local wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks and hot drinks is available for a minimum of 12 hours daily. Guests also receive a discount (around 25%) on items not covered by the package in the hotel’s bars and restaurants. Details can change seasonally, so check the current info on arrival.
4. Does Minos Hotel have a dress code for dinner?
Yes. In the Ambrosia buffet restaurant, the hotel requests that beachwear is not worn and that gentlemen wear long trousers in the evening. Smart casual dress is recommended in all restaurants and bars.
5. Is there Wi‑Fi at Minos Hotel?
Yes. Complimentary Wi‑Fi is available throughout Minos Hotel, including in guest rooms and public areas, so you can stay connected, stream or work remotely if you need to.
6. Does Minos Hotel offer spa treatments?
Yes. There is a small spa area offering massage treatments and selected beauty services, generally open four days a week between late April and the end of October. All spa services are subject to local charges and availability.
7. How far is Minos Hotel from Rethymnon’s old town?
The historic centre and harbour of Rethymnon are around 1.5km from Minos Hotel. You can walk in roughly 20–25 minutes, or take a short taxi or local bus ride if you prefer not to walk.
8. Is Minos Hotel suitable for guests with reduced mobility?
The hotel has three lifts serving its three floors and offers equipment hire such as wheelchairs and motorised scooters for an extra charge. However, accessibility can vary by room type and public area, so we recommend discussing specific needs with us before booking.














