Grand Leoniki Residence

Grand Leoniki Residence may seem a tad rundown in places, but it’s an attractive property overall, especially the affordable rates. The hotel is stretched across two complexes: the main Leoniki Residence houses the reception, main pool with a bar, restaurant, and the majority of apartments, while Grand Leoniki, accessed via an underground pedestrian tunnel, houses a quieter pool, wellness center, and additional apartments. Neat landscaping, flowering bushes, and quaint street signs give the place a cozy village feel. However, spaces such as a closed swim-up bar with cracked, rusted underwater stools and an overall abandoned atmosphere, could use a little TLC. Additionally, some areas have dated furnishings.

The hotel consists mainly of time-share units, and non-owners can expect to be approached by time-share representatives at least once during their stay, which may be a disruption for some. Despite loud music piped from the bar and audible highway traffic, the main pool is a guest favorite, with plenty of people taking drinks at the bar and lounging on sunbeds. There’s no hosted recreation program, so the remaining two outdoor pools have a quieter vibe, and tend to attract older guests. Despite a lack of kid-friendly facilities, a good number of families visit along with couples. 

Platanias is a tourist-oriented beach town located just outside the historic city of Rethymnon. Just down the street from the hotel is a string of traditional tavernas with affordable Cretan cuisine. A sandy and pebbly beach is across the street, about a five-minute walk away. Several supermarkets and a pharmacy are also a few minutes’ walk away, and a bus stop just outside the hotel takes guests into Rethymnon. Those with a rental car can reach the city and its charming old town in 12 minutes, while the historic Venetian fortress is a farther three-minute drive. The lively city of Chania is roughly an hour's drive west, while Heraklion and its airport are just over an hour east.

Rooms here are spread across two complexes and divided into studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Some apartments feel a bit dated with underwhelming decor, old tube-style TVs, and old-fashioned fabrics, but they're largely attractive and well-maintained. Other apartments have more contemporary furnishings, an elegant beige color scheme, and shiny kitchenettes. All units come with microwaves, stovetops, tea- and coffee-making facilities, mini-fridges, and the necessary cookware and dishes, plus some add ovens. Standard amenities include satellite TVs, CD players, air-conditioning, sitting areas, dining tables, and furnished outdoor spaces -- although privacy is compromised on ground-floor unitts. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms, but the connection is spotty at best, and use of safes requires a fee. Straightforward bathrooms have neutral tiling, and either shower/tub combos or showers, plus toiletries and hairdryers.

The hotel has a good pool-to-guest ratio, with three large outdoor pools, one outdoor kiddy pool, and an indoor pool next to a hot tub. The main pool is a guest favorite, and is accompanied by a bar that serves drinks and snacks throughout the day. This is also where evening entertainment takes place three times a week, which usually consists of live music and dancing. The restaurant is located next to the pool bar and serves a decent buffet breakfast for a fee. Bed-and-breakfast and half-board plans are available. 

The wellness center’s hot tub, sauna, steam room, basic gym, and squash court are all free to access, and although a bit tired, adds considerable value to the hotel’s already low rates. Massage treatments are available for a reasonable fee. A kids’ playground is set in a grassy area. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, although the signal is unreliable and strongest in the reception area. There’s no private parking, but plenty of free street parking is available at the back of the complex.