Rimondi Boutique Hotel
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Hotel Details
Location
Crete
Greece, Europe
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Key Highlights
- ✓Some guests have felt that while excellent, the "luxury" aspect might not fully align with other Small Luxury Hotels, though it's still considered very good.
Expert Review: Rimondi Boutique Hotel
Rimondi Boutique Hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property in Rethymno, Crete, consistently earns high praise for its enchanting ambiance, exceptional service, and prime location within the historic Old Town. Comprising two distinct historic properties—Rimondi Estate and Palazzo Rimondi—the hotel seamlessly blends traditional Venetian and Ottoman architectural elements with contemporary comforts, offering guests a unique and luxurious experience.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Rimondi Boutique Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "Exceptional," "Wonderful," and "Superb." It boasts impressive ratings across various platforms, including a "Superb" 9.0 out of 10 from over 400 reviews on Booking.com, a remarkable 19.1 out of 20 on the MICHELIN Guide's verified guest score, and a 4.9 out of 5 from over 900 reviews on Tripadvisor/Hilton. The sentiment is consistently high, reflecting a deeply satisfying guest experience.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of Rimondi Boutique Hotel. Its location in the vibrant heart of Rethymno's Old Town is a standout feature, allowing easy access to attractions, dining, and shopping. The staff and service receive glowing reviews for their attentiveness, friendliness, and genuine hospitality. The design and architecture, rooted in a beautifully renovated Venetian mansion, provide an authentic and charming atmosphere. Amenities such as the beautiful swimming pools (including one with a waterfall in a tropical garden and a circular pool in a cobblestone courtyard) and the delicious breakfast are frequently highlighted as favorites. The hotel is praised for its discreet luxury, refined elegance, and a tranquil, serene environment.
3. Room Quality
The rooms and suites at Rimondi Boutique Hotel are described as comfortable, spacious, and impeccably clean. They blend historical charm with modern design; rooms in Palazzo Rimondi feature traditional elements like carved arches and wooden ceilings, while Rimondi Estate suites offer contemporary décor with Venetian, Ottoman, or modern touches. Many rooms benefit from floor-to-ceiling windows, and some boast fabulous pool views, balconies, or even private hot tubs. Standard amenities include air conditioning, free WiFi, LCD TVs, minibars, and modern bathrooms often equipped with bathrobes, hairdryers, and deluxe toiletries. Some unique room configurations, such as maisonettes and rooms with mezzanine floors, offer added space, though guests with mobility issues are advised to consider single-level suites.
4. Dining Experience
The breakfast at Rimondi Boutique Hotel is consistently described as "outstanding," "delicious," and "healthy," featuring a wide array of choices and often enjoyed by the pool. It is served as a buffet, enriched with traditional Cretan flavors. While primarily focused on breakfast, the hotel's central location means guests have numerous dining options within easy walking distance in the Old Town and around the picturesque Venetian Harbour.
5. Service & Staff
The service at Rimondi Boutique Hotel is a significant highlight, with staff repeatedly referred to as "incredible," "fantastic," "attentive," "friendly," "helpful," and "welcoming." Guests appreciate the genuine hospitality, noting instances where staff, like Eleni at the front desk, go above and beyond by arranging airport transfers, assisting with day trips, and providing excellent restaurant recommendations. The personalized concierge services contribute to a feeling of being at home.
6. Location & Accessibility
Rimondi Boutique Hotel enjoys an "exceptional" and "perfect" location right in the historical center of Rethymno's Old Town. It is ideally situated within a narrow, quiet alley, yet mere steps away from major landmarks such as the Rimondi Fountain, the Venetian Loggia, the Fortezza, and various museums. The surrounding area is rich with shopping, dining, and the charming Venetian Harbour, as well as being a short walk from one of Crete's largest sandy beaches. Guests should be aware that the Old Town is a pedestrianized area, meaning cars and taxis cannot reach the hotel door directly. However, public parking is conveniently available nearby, approximately 120 meters away. The hotel is about an hour's drive from Heraklion Airport.
7. Value & Pricing
While not a budget option, guests often consider Rimondi Boutique Hotel to be "worth it" due to its prime location, high level of service, and unique atmosphere. Booking.com rates its "Value for money" at 8.7 out of 10. Prices can vary depending on the room type and season, with some standard room rates starting from around $81, but luxury suites and peak season stays will be significantly higher.
8. Common Complaints
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor issues and criticisms have been noted:
- Some guests have felt that while excellent, the "luxury" aspect might not fully align with other Small Luxury Hotels, though it's still considered very good.
- Rooms with mezzanine floors have been described as having narrow and steep stairs, which could pose a challenge for guests with mobility problems.
- While breakfast is largely praised, one guest found it "boring and repetitive," noting that the hot food options did not change and the coffee was "terrible" to their taste.
- Minor maintenance issues in specific rooms, such as a loose toilet, a wonky shower head, an obstructed sink siphon, or a dirty drain cover, have been reported.
- One review mentioned that the water jets/jacuzzi in the street-side swimming pool were not functioning.
- A "Standard Room" was criticized for being "extremely dark with hardly any natural light" and overlooking bins from adjacent restaurants.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor issues and criticisms have been noted:
- •Rooms with **mezzanine floors** have been described as having narrow and steep stairs, which could pose a challenge for guests with mobility problems.
- •Minor **maintenance issues** in specific rooms, such as a loose toilet, a wonky shower head, an obstructed sink siphon, or a dirty drain cover, have been reported.
