Maravel Hotel Apartments

The Maravel Hotel Apartments has an only-the-essentials aesthetic that draws a mix of couples, solo travelers, and families seeking quiet relaxation. The black-and-white tile lobby is fairly unadorned, with just a few small paintings and decorations on the walls. Simple dark brown, white, and green couches and chairs circle the room, providing places for guests to meet up or check the web. A coin-operated massage chair and baggage scale are the sole quirky touches. The grounds are spacious and well-kept, with palm trees, sculpted shrubbery, and numerous white-stone pathways meandering around the complex. Two large pools sit almost side-by-side and are encircled with simple, plastic lounge chairs and plenty of umbrellas. Beside the pool is the spacious bar with indoor and outdoor seating and mix-match decor; chairs are black or white or blue-floral, offering plenty of space to observe the pool antics while enjoying a drink. There's some cushioned seating under a canopy as well. 

The hotel sits in a quiet part of town off one of Crete's main highways, about 10 minutes' drive from central Rethymnon. There are a few shops and restaurants within walking distance, but a vehicle is helpful in getting to see the area. There is a bus to and from Rethymnon proper that runs hourly, or there are car rentals near the hotel for those who want to explore freely. There's a nice beach just beyond the Maravel Hotel across the street. The city of Chania and the Venetian Harbor are about an hour away. The hotel is about an hour and 10 minutes from the Heraklion International Airport by car. 

All of the rooms at the Maravel Hotel are large and simple in aesthetic, and there's a range of options to accommodate a variety of travelers. All rooms have mini-fridges, along with balconies or terraces overlooking the sea or gardens. The 10 Superior Rooms were renovated in 2009, and have a crisp, white theme with touches of gray. Each Studio and two-room Apartment has a small kitchenette with a two-burner stove. While clearly older and more basic, the Studios and Apartments remain clean and in good condition, with simple wood furniture and plain beige bedspreads. The Apartments fit up to four or five people, convenient for families. 

The property offers an all-inclusive option for those wanting more of a resort experience. The large buffet breakfast is included for all guests; food at each meal is generally mediocre, but offers several hot and cold options. The casual bar is sizable, with a cushioned seating area inside and basic pool service on the patio, where guests can grab drinks in their swimsuits. The pools are large and serve as the main gathering point at the hotel, though the beach is not far. There is a kids' area with a playground, a games area with air hockey and billiards, a volleyball court, and ground chess -- but the equipment is generally looking a little worse for wear.