Rinella Beach Hotel

Rinella Beach does not live up to a five star hotel with regards to very hard mattresses, cheap generic alcohol and soda pop, the juices are not freshly pressed, the food can be a bit dodgy (my husband got an upset stomach twice, presumably from the tomatoes or the cucumbers) and the lack of life guards (first aid personnel). The milk is not cold nor is it fresh. The rooms do differ in quality depending on which room you get.Rinella Beach does live up to a five star hotel with regards to the service personnel, which was very good, especially the service from the waiters, waitresses, the cleaning maids and the catering personnel. There are meals three times a day and the variation is not always great, but the choices are good denominators of Greek cuisine. You can eat healthily or less healthy and the French fries, pancakes and pizza were delicious albeit not the most nutritious. The billiard table and billiard sticks were very old and worn, but the upside was that billiard was for free in the game room provided you gave a 20€ deposit in advance (you receive the 20€ deposit when you deliver the billiard balls and sticks in the reception). There was a constant schedule of different entertainment services for all ages; provided one checked the white board on the wall of one of the buildings to find out what was going on when. This information was not provided to us at the reception nor in our information brochure when checked in, but we found out during our passage to one of the swimming facilities. Often Rinella Beach personnel would walk by the pool and beach area and inform the guests of the most current event encouraging guests to join. There are mini bars (small refrigerator) in every room and they get replenished every two days with two bottles sometimes three bottles of water, soda pop and two beers. It would be nice if at least the water bottles were replenished every day! You can also get a take away lunch provided you sign up for it the day before you need it to go on your excursion. Mail can be sent from the reception. Postcards and stamps can be purchased on site in the local hotel store.Please be aware that although Rinella Beach has provided signs everywhere stating that you are not allowed to reserve the sun loungers, distributed near the pools and on the beach, guests have a tendency to lay their towels early in the morning and not visit their lounger until hours later or even in the evening. Just remove the towels if you observe that no one protests or revisits the loungers within half an hour.One time the information at the reception did not coincide with actual experiences e.g. a bus ride fare to the nearby Cret Aquarium (Hellenic Centre for Marine Research) was said to cost approx. 1€ per person, regardless whether you are an adult or child (children under four are for free). After waiting in the hot midday sun our bus finally arrived and the prices were suddenly over 2€ or more per person (we were a party of 11, with different age groups and four different payers for the fare ride). I had to haggle to get close to what I was promised from the information I had received at the reception. The bus ride was so short that the bus conductor was still being paid when we had to get off the bus to get to the Cret Aquarium. The walk from the bus stop to the Aquarium was an experience unto its own! We wondered a few times if we were going in the right direction (the surrounding buildings were very dilapidated) and the distance to the Aquarium seemed far (mainly due to the very hot temperature and no wind to cool us down). The Aquarium was worth the visit and I took a taxi back to the hotel costing me 10€ (not bad for four persons).
A bus fare one way to Iráklion costs 1,70€ and is worth the price. The bus ride takes the scenic route albeit bumpy and at accelerated speed.
All in all a wonderful week!

Rinela Beach hotel has to be the best hotel I've ever stayed at. Before going there I checked out the pictures of the hotel online and thought it was to good to be true. As I got to the hotel, I was amazed at how good it was. Everything you saw in the pics were what you saw when you got to the hotel.
The service was excellent. The people are polite and very hardworking. The staff were always at their feet making sure everyone was happy and getting served.
Our room was cleaned everyday, spotless.
I definately recommend Rinela Beach Hotel if your looking for excellent service with a smile.

6 readers found this review helpful

First thing to grasp is that a Greek 5 star hotel doesn't compare with a British one. As long as you understand that, its a great place to chill out. Rooms are fairly large with air con. Only gripe was that shower heads weren't attached to the wall so you had to hold it when having a shower! Fridge in room restocked with soft drinks every 2 days. Room cleaned daily to a good standard. Our room overlooked swimming pool (not main one) which in turn over looked the beach so we didn't have to go far at all. Swimming pools clean. Sun longers reserved before 7am somedays so that was annoying but as our room was so close, we could sit on our outside chairs. Food typical all inclusive fayre, fairly hot & reasonably varied. Kebab on menu daily ! Also had a chinese & taverna for no extra cost but you did have to reserve a table. Queues before 8am for Chinese. One money saving tip, dont use reps excursions, turn right out of hotel & just before SPAR supermarket was a travel agents called ASK. At least 10 Euros per person cheaper than the rep. I must admit I'm not a fan of the typical hotel entertainment so I tend to stay away but it did seem popular. This hotel catered for many nationalities (not just Brits) so the entertainment was multi lingual. The resort itself wasn't anything special but there are bus stops for both directions just outside the hotel. Bus service was every half hour until 23:00 and cheap. Taxis also very reasonable (make sure you get a quote first). All in all a great place for a relaxing holiday.

11 readers found this review helpful

Ignore bad reviews!!! Some people are just really picky and have nothing better to do than moan….. And I'm usually one of them
!!!
My parents had booked this hotel for themselves earlier in the year and the week before departure asked if my Fiancé and I wanted to tag along as we hadn’t planned a holiday as all our time and money was going on our holiday abroad later in the year. We duly accepted and set about looking at the reviews. Having read a few bad and 1 or 2 good you get to realise that not many people will write about good experiences but all will be quick to post any negative.
We were flying separately to my parents, approx 30 mins difference, the same surnames caused confusion at the airport and at the hotel, to our advantage…. My other half and I not only managed to get a taxi transfer for free but also got the better of the 2 VIP rooms at the hotel. Ours had sea view and a balcony above the restaurant which to be honest was never noisy and at night the doors cut out all noise anyway.
Upon arrival we were told our room wasn't ready and that we would have to stay in a standard room that night, having read this on a previous review it wasn't a surprise. This wasn't an issue and as it was 3.30am and we'd only be in there for 3-4 hours and asleep at that. Reception kindly informed us to leave everything packed and our bags would be moved to the new room after breakfast later that morning. Any way rambling over now for the review…
Reception - most of the staff were friendly though on a couple of interactions with them I did come away unhappy, such as asking to keep my room on the last day over 24 hours in advance (as had been advised to do) to be told to go back and ask the next day (day of departure). Knowing this would only end in disaster I went back later that day to arrange to be told I should have booked it 48 hours in advance. This aside they did sort this out and I was able to keep the room until 10pm for a smallish fee (40€).
Booking in for the special restaurants (Beach Taverna & Chinese) was simple, go to reception the day before, write down room number and number of people. I would definitely recommend doing this for both restaurants.
The standard room - this was very basic however was clean and was better than average in terms of a standard holiday hotel room. It had a fridge, aircon, TV, towels and a balcony with a cracking sea view. Had I been staying in a standard room at this hotel I would have had no complaints with this one.
VIP Room - This was much nicer than the standard room if not a little smaller, remote controlled aircon was a god send. Fridge was stocked every couple of days or so and the beds were made / room cleaned every day. The cleaning staff were very friendly even with the language barrier.
Main restaurant (Buffet) - What can I say, lovely food, lovely staff, rude holidaymakers. Don’t expect to queue nicely, don’t expect thanks, and don’t expect anyone saying please. No matter what language you speak a polite nod or gesture will suffice. There's enough food to feed everyone twice over so why the rush???? Try to go early or late to avoid the rush. Food on the other hand in here is great, lots of variety, though pretty samey day to day, but because of the massive variety you couldn't get bored. From Salads to kebabs, Liver to pasta, lots of it and good quality.
Pool Snacks - These come out around 11am and are honestly quite good. Sandwiches are a bit unimaginative, but the mincey sausage roll things and home made crisps were lovely.
Chinese (Waiter) - Really good food, really quick waiter service (so no pushing) and friendly. A lot of reviews mention the Chinese so I'll say no more, but definitely recommend.
Beach Taverna (Buffet) - this is a much more relaxed buffet environment. Tables are booked in advance and they stagger the start times so you have time to eat and can get your food in a relaxed manner. You can get steak down here and the stone baked pizzas are lovely. The manager down there is a character and makes you feel really welcome.
Pool Bar - This is where I spent most of my day (stereotypical brit abroad or what). The staff were really friendly and always had a smile and the girl working on the bar was really quick so any queue was quickly gone. Reports of drinks been weak etc are untrue and if they were would the simple option be just drink more? Cocktails were good and the local lager went down a treat. Besides alcohol, you could get water, non alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee and even ice creams all under all inclusive.
Terrace / Evening Bars - From 17:30 there is a waiter service. I think the speed of service depends on who you get. Our Waitress was great and made our evenings, so if you get chance look out for Olga. My tip for speedier service would to be your normal friendly selves, I think we were the only group to actually speak on a human level with bar / waiting staff, most people just barked orders. Also a small tip at the end of your evening doesn’t go amiss.
Entertainment - Entertainment through the day around the pool was excellent, but what there was did make you laugh. The animation team work really hard and cover entertainment and fitness. Look out for the animation dance - performed on the bridge at midday and around 4:30pm each day, it cracked me up every time. The entertainment people work really hard and I'm not sure when they actually got a break. Between entertaining they are busy rehearsing, they genuinely seem to enjoy what they do. Entertainment continues into the night at the open air theatre, starting with the mini disco for the kids followed by cabaret and music.
Sun Beds - this would be my only gripe with the hotel, it was near impossible to get a bed on the beach. All beds fully towelled up my 7:30 in a morning, even though there are lots of signs saying not to reserve sunbeds. Pool was easier to get a sunbed however I would recommend reserving yours by 8am each morning then go get breakfast!!
Overall an enjoyable stay and I will be going back, looking at previous reviews it seems people in standard rooms made more negative comments however having stayed in both I wouldn’t have complained had my stay been in a standard room. Thoroughly recommend this hotel and do not be put off by negative comments.
On a final note, outside the hotel is a small town which looks to be slowly dying, being killed off by all inclusive hotels in the area, or that's my thought on its plight. So if you do get chance try to go out and have a meal or even just a beer. It made me feel a bit better after seeing the closed down bars and shops. Even if you don’t there are plenty of shops for souvenirs etc.
Enjoy!!

1 reader found this review helpful

My husband and I have just returned from a lovely holiday. We found the resort very clean and comfortable with lovely accomodation.
The food was good but after 3 - 4 days there was no change in the variety - could have had more fish - the selection was extemely limited.
The pool area was very clean and the pools lovely - downside was insufficient sunbeds, the hotel advocated the non-blocking of sunbeds but does not enforce this.
Downside - no information in the rooms regarding safety ie. fire evacuation etc and no internal telephone list.
Staff were always very tolerant and friendly.

I strongly advise you avoid this hotel.
If you are in a standard room your bed is made of concrete, 4 wooden slates across a hole with a thin matress.
The rooms were covered with damp!! my clothes smealt of damp.
Rusty fridge inside and out, tiles broken, paint on sheets and curtains.
Laminate parts of the furniture falling off.
The que in the moring was 15 deep complaining but the hotel staff and tour reps did not care.Unless you have upgraded to a superior room you are treated second class.
All Inclusive! I had to laugh. It is table service and most evenings we all waited up to 30 minutes just for a coffee.
There were several accidents on site as there is a distintct lack of Health & Safety on site.
You have a lamp in each room 6 inches from your head that my wife banged her head on.
I would not take any children there.
The place is flooded with Russians
Do not be fooled by the 4* lobby.
This is 2* at most andf I have been going to Crete for 10 years.
I have kept e-mail details from everyone who complained.
Our last week in the hotel saw people arriving without a room available and sent else where.
If you have a chance please please change your Hotel

The rooms are very basic and dirty most of staff unhelpfull. 2 tier accomodation basic and vip we were not aware of this cosmos brochure very misleading.

1 reader found this review helpful

My wife and I enjoyed our week at Rinella Beach .
Hotel has one problem NO LIFTS the hotel is terraced down through the entire site . Rooms are situated in three story blocks or single story cottage effect . Unfortunately not wheelchair friendly . We had a superior room on the third floor up 33steps plus the many more steps from the very good terrace to the swimming pool or further down steps to the private sandy beach with ample sun beds and shades plus bar .. Food good plenty of selection . There was a very happy staff and very obliging .Very child friendly plenty for them to get involved in ..Good bus service outside the gate Enjoy your stay be prepared for those stairs

1 reader found this review helpful

My boyfriend and I have just returned from a 12 day holiday at Rinela Beach and we had a fantastic time. I always read reviews on hotels before I book anywhere so wanted to write our review of the hotel for future visitors.
If you are thinking of booking this hotel and like being near a beach, having great food to eat, drinks whenever you want them and a great team of staff at your service - then book this hotel!
We cannot fault this hotel and I was somewhat surprised to read the negative reviews about the Rinela Beach. The food was lovely and as a fairly fussy eater I found plenty to eat. The Chinese Restaurant is fantastic - the food was lovely and the staff are very attentive. Yes I did have to get up at 8am to book it - but it was well worth it and I don't mind getting up early when the weather is so gorgeous!
The location is great - a short, cheap bus ride will take you to Heraklion - great for shopping. The hotel is right on the beach and has amazing views - especially from the main restaurant. Everywhere is immaculately clean, the grounds, the rooms and the restaurants. The gardens and plants are beautiful and well maintained.
The animation team work tirelessly to keep everyone entertained and although my boyfriend and I don't really go in for that much (we just wanted to chill out) we did note how enthusiastic and inclusive they are, most spoke excellent English as well as at least 3 other languages!
Overall, we highly recommend this hotel. We would rate this as a very good 4 star hotel and would give 10 out of 10 for value for money. It is a great base from which to explore the beautiful island of Crete.

We booked this holiday as our honeymoon and as a family holiday with our 2 young children. On 1st arrival the hotel looked really nice. whilst checking in the manager asked why our 2 year old could speak english when we were from holland to which myself and my partner were a little confused. He then gave me a map of how to get to our room but failed to mention the 12 flights of up and down steps to get there with 3 suit cases in my hand while my wife was pushing our youngest child in the pram and holding our 6 year olds hand. I had to carry the cases either up or down steps and then go back to help lift the pram. when we got to our room i found i was on the top floor when i booked for ground floor. On entering the room there was a cot in which is not a family room which i had also booked. At this point i gave the benefit of the doubt until my youngest was trying to climb through the wooden balcony railing. I decided to do what i had read in all the reports and ask to upgrade to vip only to get a look of disgust as we were not happy with the room to be told come back tomorrow. We then went for our evening meal to cut into my pork and chicken to find both were uncooked. Looking around i was looking for other english holiday makers to not hear a single one again i thought there will be some dont worry. We then went to the entertainment to be shoved out the way while carrying my daughter in her pram down the steps by some russians and when in the theatre the entertainment crew did not speak a single peace of english and had to explain to my crying 6 year old that there were no english children here. The next morning when we went for our welcome meeting i found there were 4 other english couples there that had been here for over a week and they were all complaining about similar problems. One couple had been to the hotel for the last 7 years and had paid £600 extra to get gold vip treatment of which when they got there these facilities were not available. At this point i told our rep move us or get us flights home. I had to wait around for 2 days for them to phone me to tell me they had got us somewhere when they originally told me they would have us in a new hotel by 5pm on the 1st day which didnt happen and then they told me they would have news for us at 10am the next morning when the rep came in on which she failed to turn up leaving 4 different families very angry. I was contacted at 12pm that day to say we had got somewhere else but pay your own way to get there to which didnt bother me. When talking to the couple that had been going for 7 years they told me that the food is the same every day and that the chinese is a must and they were the only english there when they arrived. Yhis hotel is for russians and germans the english are vermin, the locals even say that the english have been driven away from here because of the rude arrogant ignorant russians. i do not reconmend this hotel to any one or no longer have a good word about thomas cook, our honeymoon has been totally spoilt when it should be full of good memories