Atlantis Beach Hotel

Despite its location on a busy beachside road, the 91-room Atlantis Beach Hotel has a tranquil, relaxed atmosphere. Its charming grounds are beautifully landscaped and well-maintained, with rustic stone pathways, palm trees, and flowering bushes. The complex consists of a main building surrounded by six smaller buildings in a classic bungalow style, evoking a cosy village feel. In the evenings, the hotel becomes more lively as guests return to dine, filling the buffet restaurant and its front terrace, which has sweeping panoramic sea views. The space takes on a romantic atmosphere, but food receives mixed reviews. The dated decor style -- think old-fashioned light-wood furniture, bland-neutral tone linens and walls in most spaces, and patterned sofas -- is in need of a refresh, though most visitors don't seem to mind. The hotel sees primarily couples of all ages, plus families in the summer.

Atlantis Beach Hotel is located in the middle of Rethymnon’s 1.5-mile-long beach promenade, which can get busy with traffic in the daytime, but is still far enough away from town to offer a relatively quiet stretch of beach. The beach is just across the street, and a quick stroll west down the promenade will reveal countless other hotels, as well as local shops and restaurants. Those with a rental car can reach the city and its charming old town in just three minutes, or it’s about a 20-minute walk for those feeling active. The historic Venetian fortress is a three-minute drive farther. The lively city of Chania is roughly an hour's drive west, while Heraklion and its airport are just over an hour's drive east.

The 91 rooms at Atlantis Beach Hotel are divided by size and view, either overlooking the sea, garden, or pool. Although spacious and comfy, rooms are dated, with old-fashioned wood furniture, beige tiling, and classic artwork. Some have attractive gold clouded-effect accent walls behind beds. Overall, they're in need of a modern refresh. Nevertheless, amenities are sufficient, consisting of mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, air-conditioning, and furnished balconies or terraces. Entry-level units have double beds and sitting areas, while Family Rooms have separate living spaces with sofa beds. Straightforward tan bathrooms have shower/tub combos, or suites have whirlpool tubs open to the bedrooms.

Atlantis Beach Hotel has a modest array of facilities, with its highlight being access to the sandy beach. A section of free sunbeds and umbrellas is available, and waiter service is provided here. Its shallow entrance makes it suitable for kids and adults. Although not overlooking the sea, a well-sized pool and separate kids’ pool are available, surrounded by ample loungers and umbrellas. A poolside bar serves snacks and drinks throughout the day.The main buffet restaurant and lobby bar, with their shared front terrace overlooking the sea, are relaxed daytime spaces that turn into lively, romantic areas at night. Variety at the buffet restaurant is somewhat limited, and food overall receives mixed reviews on quality. There’s also a poolside a la carte restaurant serving Greek and international cuisine alfresco. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board plans are available. There’s no hosted recreation, keeping noise on the complex to a minimum, and the weekly Cretan live music and dance is a highlight according to past guests. The lovely and modern spa offers massage treatments, a hot tub, sauna, steam room, and small gym with limited equipment. Two small conference rooms with natural light are on-site, and Wi-Fi is free throughout, although the signal is weak during peak usage times. The hotel has free private parking, though it’s quite a schlep back to reception. The street parking just outside the hotel is free, but spaces may be difficult to find.