Hydramis Palace Beach Resort

Hydramis Palace has a quiet, relaxing atmosphere that attracts both couples and families on vacation. The clientele is largely French, with a mix of other nationalities. Once guests arrive to the hotel, they're met with a black-and-white-checkered entrance flanked by trees and plants in clay pots. Inside, the classically styled lobby has high ceilings and a glass-roof cutout that resembles a sunset; also decorating the space are groupings of cushy red couches, massage chairs, a grand piano, artwork reflective of ancient Greece, and a glass-enclosed model of the property. Despite the somewhat odd mix of furnishings, the result is pleasant. The grounds are beautiful, as the long central corridor is full of creeping vines, bright bougainvillea, palm trees, and even some interesting topiary. Outdoor seating, an amphitheater, and courtyards give guests plenty of quiet areas to sit and enjoy the space -- a necessity as the hotel is a bit removed.

Hydramis Palace is along a quiet stretch of road between Rethymno and Chania, with nothing major nearby. It is a 15-minute walk, or a 3-minute drive, to Kavros, a small town of about 200 people, with a few restaurants (mostly Greek cuisine), shops, and some entertainment for kids. A seven-minute drive to the west is Gergioupolis, a charming fishing village with shops, good restaurants, and a nice beach. Rethymno is a 20-minute drive to the east, and Chania is a 40-minute drive west. Each offers many restaurants, clubs, historic sites, and its own historic harbor. It is a four-minute walk to a bus stop, through which both cities can be directly reached. Chania International Airport is a 45-minute drive away. Ferries to the mainland come in nearby at Rethymno. For those traveling through Port Souda, it is a 30-minute drive.

Rooms are a decent size, but earth-tone furnishings are dated and decor is minimal. Across the board, rooms have white tile, simple wooden furnishings, a maroon strip of trim below the ceiling, rust-colored duvets, and tan cushions on the various seating. A couple pieces of artwork dot the walls to give the spaces some personality. A large desk, wardrobe, a table with two chairs, and a couch are all provided. Furnished balconies or patios are also standard, with ocean views being worth the upgrade. Attractive bathrooms have black-marble counters, shower/tub combos, free toiletries, and hairdryers. All rooms have small tube-style TVs, mini-fridges, wired internet, and safes that require a fee. The two-story Maisonettes offer a separate bedroom with two beds or a pullout couch, plus two bathrooms. Some rooms have access to a shared pool, which is more private than the main pool but still has plenty of balconies overlooking it. 

The on-site extras at Hydramis give guests enough options that they can spend their day at the hotel rather than traveling for entertainment and meals. The main pool is large and has a bridge across it, which leads to a center island with palm trees and adds an element of charm. Adjacent is a shallow wading pool for smaller children. The hotel is right on the beach, but a volleyball court and free loungers fill up most of the sandy area. At the end of the sand, a hop over a short wall brings guests to the very rocky waterfront, or guests can swim off the end of the pier where there's a sandier bottom.  The main restaurant is appealing with recessed ceilings, warm lighting, and food-centric artwork. Outside, covered seating looks into a courtyard with a fountain and impressive flowering trees. Meals are served buffet-style and get mostly good reviews, especially the themed nights such as barbecue and Greek night. The modern lobby bar has a billiards table and board games, plus some sofas and cushy chairs. A courtyard adds seating and a large-screen TV. A casual pool bar is set with plenty of tables, billiards, and air hockey (for a fee). The all-inclusive package ends late (at 11 p.m. during our visit), at which point drinks must be purchased. The spa is small but offers fish pedicures and massages, while the similarly compact gym has a range of cardio and weight-training equipment. There are also facilities for soccer, tennis, basketball, and volleyball, though the courts look worn and are set away from the main hotel. A cute little playground with swings, a slide, and a playhouse has appeal for smaller children. The mini-market offers snacks, drinks, and extra conveniences for guests. Free Wi-Fi is only available in the reception and bar areas.