Rinella Beach Hotel

The star rating is applicable to this hotel in every respect except for the accommodation. I appreciate that you are not usually in the room for long but...maintenance is clearly not a priority and the very basic beds take a bit of getting used to.
Consequently, my overall rating is only 9 out of 10.

We were a party of three, me + husband + son (10yrs).
The food was excellent - very cosmopolitan with an amazing choice at every meal. Three restaurants are available although the Chinese and Taverna need to be booked in advance. We only went in the Taverna once because having expected something different than in the Main restaurant, we were somewhat disappointed to discover that the food in the Taverna was essentially no different, except there being less choice than in the Main restaurant.
Chinese food is not really to our taste so we gave that a miss.
All staff, are courteous, very efficient and for the most part very very friendly, particularly if you honour them by attempting to learn some of the language. Most of them for their part, speak a considerable number of languages.
The animation team work very very hard. Although I am more than happy to give 'organised' entertainment a miss, my son thought the evening shows were 'wicked', so he was quite happy(and preferred) to go on his own.
Despite the number of people at the hotel in August, it was always possible to get pedalos, canoes etc (free) or sliders, jet skis etc (for small charge) from the beach.
To be sure of lounges and sunshades you need to be on the beach or beside the pool(s) real early. Many ensure their territory by the placing of towels etc before going to breakfast..
This may not be an issue if travelling outside school holiday periods.
Most brochures advise that 'occasional' aircraft noise may be experienced. Kokkini Hani is only just east of the main airport of Heraklion. Consequently, there is frequent aircraft activity overhead. We did not find the noise obtrusive and enjoyed watching the planes.
Kokkini Hani is a good base for getting about, either by car (take your pick of the car hire firms along the street outside the hotel) or by bus. Bus travel is cheap and takes you to most places in relative comfort. No old rattly buses here, the majority are all air conditioned coaches.
Heraklion is great for exploring but beware of prices in the market - most souvenir type goods can be bought cheaper in Kokkini Hani.
If we return to Crete, I would definitely choose to stay at Rinella.

Just got back from three fantastic weeks at Rinella Beach.
Party consisted of myself, the wife and three kids (7, 9 and 13) and thought I’d better tell others about our time there so
Break it down:
No it’s not a five star but, it does not pretend to be so, for all those who need it broken down, here goes.
Rooms: clean and range from 3 – 4 star according to which room you get, big plus point with all the rooms is they all have VERY GOOD individual air condition which was a must.
Food: VERY VERY good but, if you like your meat and two veg and are used to your Sunday roast you may be disappointed. The food is vary varied and fresh but reflects more of a European theme including (surprise, surprise) a Greek theme
Restaurant/s: There are three restaurants, main one, Chinese and a Taverna over looking the beach (the later two you need to book for, but still all inclusive) and the quality is good through out. You do get queues for the main restaurant but average is 10 -15 mins at busy time (I’ve had to queue longer at the post office)
Swimming pools: Clean and well maintained and if you really want to know, they are salt water (for those of you who have not swum in a salt water pool, you can easily float on your back and go to sleep!)
Animation/entertainment: These guys can be a bit pushy but once they know your not interested (or boring) they will leave you alone but, if you have kids then they will be entertained all the time and lets face it, your on holiday, let your hair down.
Bars: There are bars everywhere you look i.e.; poolside, indoors and on the beach and the beer and local spirits are good quality and large measures. Certain times of day you are waited on for drinks and at other times you walk to the bar to order.
Staff/attitude: really depends on the way you treat them and what your expectations are. If your one of these people who thinks you have paid to have people grovel to you then spend your money elsewhere. The staff here are courteous and polite although the reception staff can be a little bit abrupt at times (it was the peak season).
Other: let’s forget about the Jet Skis, Parascending, Jet skiing which seem to have been omitted (all at a small nominal charge) and Pedaloes, Canoes etc etc which are free/inclusive (some one forget to mention these). A very private beach and so on.
Summary: If you want to relax, you can, if you want to be entertained you will be, although you may have to get out of your seat occasionally to be a part of things.
This is not a hotel in the States, or a far away exotic place, its in Crete and surprise surprise, there are Greek people/staff there who are not British (strange that!)
Look at the positive reviews on this and other sites and make your mind up but as one reviewer has implied, we would rather you don’t go as I, like him, would like to keep it all to myself.
If you are typically British and prefer a typically British holiday abroad then go to Spain where you can have bacon for breakfast and the staff will grovel to “engleesh person”.
If you want a comfortable base you are looked after and if wish to explore the culture you can (the staff will organise a hamper/picnic for you FREE).
I personally, along with my family WILL be going back.

RINELLA BEACH HOTEL
Wonderful 2 weeks here, my children aged 13 and 11 and myself had the best holiday ever.
ANIMATION TEAM:
We will not forget them, they made our holiday and deserve an award for the amount of time they give to their job, they worked tirelessly to make our holiday great and we have made lifelong friends in the process. Thanks to Mimo, Magda, Yani, Alex, Emmanuelle, Katka etc.
MEALS:
Great selection, all freshly cooked, i actually lost weight through eating good food.
STAFF:
George made our holiday in the piano bar with his wonderful smile and manners. Niko, one of the hotel managers was always on hand to make sure your holiday went well.
ROOMS:
A little basic for 4 star hotel, it didn't affect our holiday but the rooms could have been better.
All in all a great place to go for lots of fun and laughter, many nationalities.