If you’re looking for a boutique hotel experience in Crete that combines personalized service with a relaxed atmosphere, Grecotel Caramel is the perfect choice.
Located only a 10-minute drive from the picturesque town of Rethymno, this charming hotel offers a serene escape while still providing easy access to the vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes of Crete.
We recently enjoyed a three-night stay at this exquisite property and were impressed by the attention to detail, the intimate setting, and the warm, welcoming vibe that made our vacation truly special. Let’s dive into the details of our experience at Grecotel Caramel!
*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. Please note that we were invited to stay at Grecotel Caramel, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.*
Table of Contents
Basic Information
Grecotel Caramel
Address: Adelianos Kampos, Rethymnon,
GR 74100, Crete, Greece
Email: reservations.cb@grecotel.com
Phone: +30 28310 71803
Website: https://caramel.grecotel.com/
Instagram: @grecotelcaramel
Location
Grecotel Caramel is ideally situated on the north coast of Crete, halfway between Chania and Heraklion, making it easily accessible from both airports. The resort can arrange a taxi from either airport for a seamless journey, the drive is approximately one hour from each airport.
If you’re planning to arrive with a rental car, there’s ample free parking available on site.
The hotel is also near the town of Rethymno, which can be reached in just a 10-minute drive. There is also a bus stop just outside the hotel offering convenient transportation to the charming town.
We arrived with a quick taxi ride from Grecotel LUXME White Palace (another stunning Grecotel property that I would 100% recommend checking out), which was only a 5-minute drive away.
Right after stepping into the lobby, my jaw was already on the floor. The lobby is a true work of art, boasting a spacious, elegantly designed area with plush green velvet seating, chic gold accents, and lush plants creating a tranquil ambiance.
We were seated in the Panther Lobby Bar for the check-in process, which was smooth and efficient. While waiting for our room keys, we were offered a stunning welcome tray, featuring four types of drinks and a small platter of sweets.
Now let me tell you, we’ve been to hundreds of hotels, but this kind of welcome was truly one of a kind!
On our way to the villa, we walked through the immaculately kept gardens and I was already in love with the resort. The greenery, the flowers, and the peaceful atmosphere were all so inviting and relaxing.
The whole property is incredibly charming and resembles a traditional Greek village with whitewashed houses and beautiful flowers all around. It’s like a little piece of heaven tucked away on the island of Crete!
Accommodation
Grecotel Caramel offers 69 luxurious suites, bungalows, and villas, each uniquely designed with a blend of traditional and contemporary elements.
All accommodations feature unique handmade floor tiles imported from Italy, high-quality linens, and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a Nespresso coffee machine.
The largest villa boasts four rooms that can accommodate up to eight adults and one child, ensuring that even large groups or families can comfortably stay at Grecotel Caramel.
Two-bedroom beach villa
We stayed in a stunning two-bedroom beach villa, a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. This spacious villa features two beautifully decorated bedrooms on split levels, each with its own en-suite bathroom.
The living area is elegantly furnished and we absolutely loved the stunning blue tiles on the floor! The villa is equipped with all the modern amenities you could need, including a Nespresso coffee machine, a well-stocked mini-bar, and luxurious bath products.
The upstairs bedroom also includes a small balcony with a breathtaking view of the sea, making it an ideal spot for morning coffee or watching the sunset.
My favorite part of the villa was the private terrace with direct access to the beach. The outdoor area is equipped with sun loungers both in the garden and down at the beach, perfect for soaking up the sun while listening to the soothing sound of the waves.
Upon our arrival, one of the staff members was waiting for us with a bottle of prosecco and an array of delectable treats. The attention to detail and personalized service made us feel truly special!
The welcome treats, beautifully presented with fresh flowers and a variety of snacks, set the tone for a luxurious and relaxing stay. It’s safe to say that we have never received such a warm welcome at any other hotel before!
Facilities
Pool
The hotel has a beautiful seawater pool located right at the center of the property, surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery.
There are plenty of sun loungers and cozy cabanas around the pool area, so we never had any trouble finding a spot to relax and enjoy the warm Greek sun.
Unlike other resorts, the pool never felt crowded and we were always able to find free loungers whenever we wanted, which was a big plus for us. The relaxed vibe at Grecotel Caramel is truly one of its best features!
We absolutely loved the leaf-looking sun loungers in the water, which were not only incredibly comfortable but also gave a touch of uniqueness to the pool area.
The pool also looks incredibly unique during the night, with changing rainbow lights illuminating the water.
Beach
As if a beautiful pool wasn’t enough, Grecotel Caramel also has a 300-meter-long private beach with crystal clear waters and soft golden sand.
The beach is well-equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a dedicated service team to cater to your needs.
If you’re looking for some adventure, you can also try out the water sports offered on the beach, including jet skiing, banana boat rides, and paddleboarding.
Make sure to catch the stunning sunset at the beach at least once during your stay! It’s truly a magical experience.
Fitness & Spa
Grecotel Caramel has a small wellness center with a gym, beauty salon, and massage services. We didn’t have time to try out the spa treatments, but we did use the gym a couple of times during our stay.
The hotel also offers a variety of activities, including yoga, aqua fitness, functional training, and more. I would recommend downloading the Grecotel mobile app to stay updated on the daily schedule and book any activities or spa treatments in advance.
Restaurants & Bars
Caramel the Restaurant
Caramel the Restaurant is the main restaurant at Grecotel Caramel, offering buffet breakfasts and dinners.
Breakfast is included in the room rate, and you can also opt for half-board which I would strongly recommend! Alternatively, the buffet dinner can be exchanged for the a la carte restaurant with a credit allowance of €20 per adult and €10 per child.
I’m generally not a big fan of buffet dining but the food at Caramel was truly exceptional and it was definitely one of the highlights of our stay.
The presentation of the buffet was incredible, and the selection was impressive, featuring both international and Greek dishes. Everything we tried was delicious!
Apart from the buffet selection at breakfast, there’s also a small a la carte menu for items like eggs, with no extra charge. I ordered an avocado toast from the menu as it was so beautifully presented!
Another highlight I have to mention is the dessert selection at dinner. There were so many tasty options, it was really hard to resist trying all of them!
The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, with a lovely terrace offering views of the pool.
We loved sitting outside in the morning, enjoying our breakfast while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Gourmet A La Carte Restaurant
We also dined at the gourmet a la carte restaurant one evening, and it was one of our most memorable dinner experiences to date!
The restaurant has a sunken seating area right next to the pool, creating a unique and intimate atmosphere.
The menu features contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. We were blown away by the presentation and flavors of each dish we tried!
The service was also top-notch, and our waiter made great recommendations for both food and drinks.
We had a pretty cloudy day on the day of our dinner, but when the main course arrived, the sky started to clear up and we were able to enjoy a stunning sunset right from our table.
It was breathtakingly beautiful seeing the colors of the sky change and reflect on the pool!
Every night, the hotel has some kind of live music or performance, and during our dinner, we got to enjoy a live acoustic music performance. Paired with the delicious food and the beautiful sunset, it was truly a magical evening!
The a la carte restaurant is open every day except Tuesdays and reservations are required. Make sure to try it out during your stay – trust me, you won’t regret it!
Poolside Brasserie
The poolside brasserie at Grecotel Caramel is a charming and stylish venue, perfect for enjoying a casual meal or refreshing drink throughout the day.
The brasserie features a chic, open-air design with comfortable seating that allows guests to take in the beautiful views of the pool and surrounding gardens. The checkered black-and-white floor tiles, combined with the green and wooden accents, create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
The brasserie offers a variety of delicious snacks, light meals, and beverages, making it an ideal spot to relax and refuel after a swim or sunbathing session.
We had lunch here one afternoon and it was such a lovely experience. The presentation of the food was yet again impressive and the flavors were spot on.
We tried the burrata salad and the grilled octopus with fava bean puree and ended our meal with some tiramisu and orange pie. Everything was absolutely delicious and the service at the brasserie was fantastic as well.
Room Service
If you’re looking for a more private dining experience, the hotel also offers room service. We tried it one morning for breakfast and I was absolutely blown away by how beautifully they presented the food!
They have three breakfast packages – continental, American, and healthy – and you can also choose from a variety of a la carte options. We went for the American breakfast and it was so much food that we ended up saving some for later.
It was such a treat to enjoy our breakfast on our private terrace while taking in the beautiful views of the sea and garden. These are the little luxuries that make a stay at Grecotel Caramel truly special!
Panther Lobby Bar
The Panther Lobby Bar is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a drink after a long day of exploring or lounging by the pool.
Located in the hotel’s elegant lobby, the bar’s indoor area features plush seating with a classic design, creating a cozy yet luxurious ambiance. The bar itself is stylishly decorated with touches of green and gold, adding to the refined atmosphere.
The outdoor area of the bar was my absolute favorite though. With comfortable seating and beautiful views of the pool and gardens, it was the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail while soaking in the views.
The bar offers a variety of cocktails, spirits, wines, and non-alcoholic options. A few times a week you can also enjoy live music performances at the bar, making for a lovely evening of drinks and entertainment.
Final Thoughts
It’s safe to say that our stay at Grecotel Caramel exceeded all of our expectations. The hotel’s facilities, from its stunning pool to its beautiful beach and delicious restaurants, were all top-notch.
The food and drinks at Grecotel Caramel were definitely a highlight for us, as the quality and presentation of everything we tried were exceptional. I also have to mention the fantastic service we received from all of the staff – they truly made our stay extra special.
I highly recommend Grecotel Caramel to anyone looking for a luxurious and relaxing beach holiday on the island of Crete. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, this hotel has something to offer for everyone. We truly can’t wait to go back!