SENTIDO Aegean Pearl

Sentido Aegean Pearl is a romantic beachside property that’s part of the global Sentido hotel group, which has roughly 70 hotels worldwide, and six on the island of Crete. Its neighboring sister hotel, Sentido Pearl Beach, is just next door, and some facilities such as the pool snack bar are shared between the two. The hotel’s predominant color scheme is white, with stylish furniture and decor, lending a chic and romantic feel throughout. The lobby’s elegant and breezy ambience, combined with calm music, enables a more relaxed atmosphere compared to competitors. The hotel also prides itself on its exceptional standards of service, which guests repeatedly praise. In particular, special needs such as dietary requirements are handled with care. Due to the franchise with commercial tour operator Thomas Cook, the hotel accommodates a good number of adult guests on package tours with the majority being German, British, French, and Belgian. 

Sentido Aegean Pearl is located at the far end of Rethymnon’s one-and-a-half mile-long beach promenade, which is on the quiet, low-key side. A quick stroll west down the promenade will reveal countless other hotels, as well as local shops and restaurants. Those with a car can reach the city and its charming old town in five minutes, or it’s about a 30-minute walk for those feeling up to the walk. The historic Venetian fortress is an additional three-minute drive. The lively city of Chania is roughly an hour drive west. Heraklion and its airport are just over an hour's drive east.

Continuing the theme of public spaces, rooms are modern and decked out in a similar soft white color palette, accented with elegant neutral shades. Double Rooms are the most affordable category, while Family Rooms are spread over two floors and have two separate sleeping areas and two bathrooms. Suites are located at the front of the hotel, have direct sea views, and spa tubs. VIP Rooms are the premium category, and have private pools and direct sea views.  Nice extras include free bottled water, bathrobes and slippers, tea and coffee facilities, a pillow menu, mini-fridge, and free Wi-Fi. Views vary, and some rooms have direct sea views, while others overlook pools or gardens. Bathrooms come in two different styles: the majority have an exposed, open plan layout which, although sleek and racy, may cause privacy issues for family members or acquaintances staying in the same room. Bathrooms with proper doors are available on request, but with simple laminate wood countertops, the style is more bland. Note that twin beds placed side-by-side to make a double bed can kill the romance. 

Sentido Aegean Pearl’s main pool is a classy area with direct sea views, and it's accompanied by a poolside snack bar serving light bites. While its small size, limited privacy due to its street-facing location, and worn floorboards may disappoint some, a second, quieter pool and the hotel’s private beach section provide additional swimming and sunbathing options. Sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach are free for guests, and waiter service ensures guests can easily get a drink. The beach primarily consists of sand, but has a stony entrance at the water, which may cause issues for some and require the use of swimming shoes -- these are available at nearby shops. 

The main buffet restaurant serves decent food with a good variety, and the a la carte restaurant focuses on both international and local cuisine. There’s no all-inclusive plan available, but the hotel offers bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and full-board rates. Daily programs of hosted recreation include yoga, cooking lessons, city walks, and various sports, and the evening entertainment is varied and fun. Access to the spa’s whirlpool, indoor pool, and gym are free, while the sauna and steam room require a fee for access. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, free private parking, and a small handful of conference facilities.