Thalassi

This was my first solo holiday and I couldn’t have picked a better hotel! As a solo female traveller, safety is the main priority and I am happy to say I felt completely safe both in the hotel and the area. The staff were kind, welcoming and helpful. Although I didn’t drink this holiday, I did spot a few tasty looking cocktails that were being served at the pool bar. I often had lunch by the pool too and the caeser salad is sooo good!! My room was great, I had a beautiful view of the hills and also the sea. Again, I felt safe to be in this room alone which is a huge plus. The cleaning staff were very friendly and folded my pjs neatly on the bed which I thought was really sweet. The beach is about a 5 minute walk away - there is a more pebbly beach to the right-side of the hotel and then the softer sand beach down by the restaurant. Supermarkets were also a 2 min walk away either side. I felt safe walking around the area alone during the day. At night, if I was at the hotel restaurant I preferred the shuttle bus just due to the underpass but if I was at another local restaurant I felt fine to walk alone at night. Lots of stray but very well looked after cats about too! I will definitely be returning to this hotel/area in the future and so glad I picked this for my first solo travels. Couldn’t recommend it more :)

Unforgettable Stay & Dining Experience – A True Gem by the Sea! From the moment we arrived at Thalassi Hotel and Restaurant, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a stunning view that immediately set the tone for a perfect getaway. This establishment truly lives up to its name, offering an experience deeply connected to the beauty and calm of the sea. Accommodation: Our room was immaculately clean, spacious, and beautifully designed with a modern yet timeless aesthetic. Every detail felt carefully considered—from the plush bedding that ensured a restful night’s sleep to the large balcony overlooking the water, where we spent hours watching the waves and enjoying the fresh sea breeze. The amenities were top-notch, and the housekeeping staff was attentive and discreet, ensuring everything remained perfect throughout our stay. Service: What truly sets Thalassi apart is the exceptional service. Every single member of the staff was friendly, professional, and genuinely eager to make our stay memorable. Whether we needed recommendations for local spots, assistance with arrangements, or just a friendly chat, the team went above and beyond. They struck the perfect balance between being attentive and giving us space to relax. Dining Experience: The restaurant alone is worth the visit. We ate here several times, and every meal was a culinary delight. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with seafood dishes that are undoubtedly the stars of the show—fresh, flavourful, and expertly prepared. Breakfast was a highlight, with a wonderful spread of fresh fruits, pastries, and hot options, all served with the most incredible sea view. The atmosphere in the restaurant is elegant yet relaxed, making it ideal for both casual lunches and special evening dinners. Location & Atmosphere: Situated right by the water, the location is idyllic—peaceful and scenic, yet conveniently close to local attractions. The overall atmosphere of the hotel is serene and welcoming, designed to help guests unwind completely. The outdoor areas are beautifully maintained, offering the perfect spots to lounge, dine, or simply take in the breathtaking surroundings. Overall: Thalassi Hotel and Restaurant exceeded every expectation we had. It is rare to find a place where the facilities, food, and service are all consistently excellent. Whether you are looking for a romantic escape, a family holiday, or simply a place to enjoy incredible food with a view, this is the place to be. We left feeling relaxed, well-fed, and already planning our return visit. Highly recommended!

A family run small hotel, Thalassi is in a small but well connected working village, with school, shops & an ATM that doesn't charge frightening commission. The accommodation is clean, modern and for me provides everything I need from a holiday base, including WiFi throughout, not just public areas, a fridge & kettle in my room, comfortable bed & plenty of storage. The pool is small but clean, with sunbeds & tables. The pool bar offers a wide range of alcoholic and soft drinks & good coffee all day, plus a range of good value lunch options if you're staying local, but there are also several great authentic greek restaurants within easy walking distance. The hotel's restaurant is the marmite element. I love it's over the sea location, greek buffet & charismatic owner, plus the a la carte dining options for occasional treats. BUT it's a 10 minutes walk, needs you to cross a main road or navigate an underpass - or just take the free minibus!! The help the family & team offer is second to none, from arranging Car hire, helping with local bus advice to advising on budget appropriate expeditions. But it's not for everyone. There's a children's play area, but no children's pool ( new government regulations prevent this). The village is quiet, although Steffi in the bar can make an evening interesting.

Came to Astrid many years ago,and absolutely loved this place,and the owners,Demitri and his lovely wife.The food was Authentic and delicious we ate there every night, we planned to come back every year but Andrw became quite poorly and ended up with a kidney transplant,but I would recommend this beautiful place,it was family run back then ,no noisy holiday makers very peaceful and clean and if your looking for authenticity this is the place to go

We enjoyed our week long break in this lovely, family-run hotel. Our room was modern and comfortable. Cleaning standards were high. Breakfast was very good, with plenty of choice. We liked the idea of going to the hotel's beach taverna for dinner and didn't find the evening walk a problem, although the hotel does offer a free minibus shuttle for those who would prefer a lift. The view from the taverna was truly beautiful and could be seen from all tables. The evening buffet was simple but sufficient. As as vegetarian, I was pleased to find that there was always something I could eat. My husband was equally pleased that he could eat fish every night. Sfakaki is a good location for those who would rather stay in a real village than in an artificial resort. (I would suggest that anyone who is considering a stay at the Thalassi Hotel uses Google Street View to 'drive' through the village. That way, you'll know exactly what you're getting and whether Sfakaki is for you.) There are nearby bus stops that will take you to Rethymno Town in one direction and Panormo in the other. A short walk up the hill takes you straight into the countryside. I think it is fair to say that this hotel is not for everyone but it was definitely for us. We have already booked to return next spring.