Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The Pearl Beach is a friendly establishment which is actually much larger than it might look. Located at the far end of the long Rethymnon promenade, its best assets are undoubtedly its spotless and very stylish spa and its location near the historical centre of Rethymnon.
SENTIDO Pearl Beach - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
SENTIDO Pearl Beach - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
The hotel is located just a mile and a half from the historical centre of Rethymnon, 47 mi from Heraklion airport, and the transfer time is around an hour and a half.
The 160 guest rooms at the hotel are divided into three different categories, namely double (with a floor area of around 258 sq ft), triple and family rooms, all of which have balconies. The five family rooms, are all duplexes, and only 35 of the rooms have a sea view (for which there is no additional charge). The decor in the rooms is identical throughout, with homogeneous light wooden furniture, a red bedspread, etc.Amenities include a radio-alarm clock, two small lights, a small television broadcasting 20 channels, a safe (payable locally), individual air-conditioning, a refrigerator and a telephone.On the downside, though, many of the rooms overlook each other. The small bathrooms are nevertheless large enough to move around in easily, half having a shower, the other half a bathtub, and basic Pearl Beach hospitality products are also provided.
The Pearl Beach was built in 1991 and renovated in 2001 and consists of a series of concrete buildings squeezed into a surprisingly small space. The various blocks have a total of four lifts, with an area of very diverse and well cared-for vegetation at their centre, making the otherwise unappealing surroundings more welcoming. Alongside the reception, you'll immediately notice the main 2690 sq ft geometric swimming pool, squeezed in between the first of the red and cream buildings, as well as a small children's pool. To the far end of the spacious and well-lit reception there is also a small snack bar with an outdoor area overlooking the sea. Since it opened in 2007, holiday-makers have been enjoying the facilities at the stylish and very elegant spa at the Pearl Beach, which consists of a 538 sq ft rectangular freshwater swimming pool heated to 28°C, a spacious square jacuzzi, 7 fitness machines, a hammam and a sauna, all separated by a series of red and clear glass walls. Manolis, one of the staff members, is a very pleasant Cretan more than 6 ft tall, who used to work as a coach with the French volleyball team! Complimentary gym, stretching and aerobics classes are also held daily.
The well-lit main restaurant can accommodate up to 210 guests in an area which feels rather cramped due to the many rows of tables and chairs squeezed into it. The buffet is open from 7:30am to 10:00am and from 6:30pm and 9:00pm, and what it lacks in terms of variety it makes up for in quality. Your best bet at lunchtime is to head to the small snack bar next to the pool, which serves a variety of Greek specialities.
The hotel's large beach can only be accessed by crossing the very busy road next to the Rethymnon promenade, but when you get there you'll have no trouble finding a space, although guests staying at the Pearl Beach still have to pay ?6 per day for two deckchairs and a parasol! The beach does have a Blue Flag award, though, and the water is crystal clear, but the light brown sand is quite coarse, and you'll have to watch out for the large stones at the water's edge. There is also a beach attendant on site throughout the day to respond to holidaymakers' requests, and a nearby water sports club offers a wide range of motorised and non-motorised activities.
The hotel is open from April to October and offers several board options, including bed & breakfast, half-board and full-board. The clientele here is primarily French, German and Belgian. Evening entertainment, including a showcase of local traditions, magic shows and karaoke, is organised four times a week, and guests are invited to take part in a free accompanied walk to the Agios Irini monastery once a week.
Free WiFi
massage, beauty salon, sauna, hammam, keep fit, spa, Turkish bath, wellness
tennis, gym, mountain bike, water-polo, fitness
Anonyme.
Charmant hôtel situé a 5 min a peine du centre ville... Des taxis le rejoigne tout au long de la journée, il suffit de traverser la rue et on est sur la plage privée de l'hôtel. On y mange très bien le seul petit bémol c'est que ça manque peut être un peu de diversité... Les chambres sont bien tenues et très bon room service.
Plage très proche, calme en étant près du centre, personnel accueillant, bon repas,...
Manque de diversité dans les repas.
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