My husband and I along with two of our friends stayed at Avli in July of 2011. We made an error in following the directions and after finding the hotel our nerves were a little frazzled from the multiple left turns required. It was such a wonderful welcoming that we received as we checked in. There was wine, beer and small snacks as well as general conversation about our trip and what we wanted to do while we were in Crete. This was followed by fantastic restaurant and activity recommendations. We were directed to the best beaches based on what we were looking for. Breakfast each morning was amazing fresh and great coffee in a beautiful courtyard restaurant. We would absolutely return. This was the least expensive hotel of our trip and it was certainly the best value.

In end of october we stayed one week in Avli hotel. We had the Green room.
We arrived late in the evening and we were served some little snacks on the house, e.g. cheese, fruits and nuts. Also we got some very good wine to drink.
Our room was spacious, the photos on the website of Avli show how it is. In our room we found also some nuts, jar of jam, and a small bottle of alcohol.
In the cupboards there were bathrobes and bathslippers. In bathroom we found natural products from Apivita.
In our room there wasn't so much daylight. This wasn't such a big problem for us because during daytime we travelled around the island. In summertime could this be positive because it wont get too hot in room.

There is no breakfastbuffet like we were used in other hotels. In Avli hotel it is possible to choose your breakfast from a small menucard.
We liked the breakfast, for example every morning fresh orangejuice and delicious yoghurt with fruits. We also liked the Cretan omlettes.

If you rent a car, you can't park the car next to the hotel but a guided parking is very close to the hotel. Thanassis was also helpful to suggest us which places we could visit on Crete.


What did we like:
- We liked the whole atmosphere;
- the personal attention of the "Avli-crew";
- the hotel is in Old town of Rethymon close to harbour, shops and many restaurants;
- the food in the restaurant was very good, the portions of the main course were big;
- when we were asked how we slept, than we said that we found that the matrass was hard, they solved the problem and put a top-matrass on our bed to make it softer.

What we didn't like:
- the day that we had to leave.

We send greetings to everyone from Avli.

Ave and Wietze

We were quite simply blown away by Avli! We stayed for 5 nights in the Green Suite – an immaculate room with lovely decor. The room is serviced once a day with fresh sheets and towels. We were a little cold one night and mentioned this as a passing comment in conversation and when we returned to our room we found an extra blanket. It was a simple and thoughtful touch and just an example of the attention to detail. We dined in the Avli restaurant on the first and last night – the menu and the food is superb! Breakfast was included in the booking price and was delicious – especially when eaten alfresco in the garden courtyard!

We were never lost for something to do or somewhere to go as Thanasis and the Team were always on hand to recommend beautiful sites to visit within an hour’s drive of Rethymnon. Or even if you’re just looking for a good place to catch the football and enjoy a cold beer – you only need to ask!

The staff is so friendly and attentive we felt so comfortable and relaxed from the moment we arrived. Never before have we experienced such wonderful and generous hospitality and service. The location and the environment are perfect - but it is without a shadow of a doubt the entire team at Avli that made our holiday so unforgettable! Thank you!!

From the time we arrived in Crete, we received a very warm welcome from the hotel's manager, Thanasis, who has received much praise in other reviews. He really goes out of his way to meet all the guests needs.

The Avli is a beautiful inn with lots of detail in the decoration. However, we did not find it to be the most comfortable room. The bed was extremely hard, but we were able to request a pillow topper. The bathroom was in the main room instead of separate and a bit cramped. The large jacuzzi tub was enjoyable, but looked a bit worn.

The restaurant attached the hotel is excellent. There a good selection of breakfast options, and the dinners we had were the best in Crete!

Overall, I would say that if you are coming to Crete, this is a great hotel to stay at where you get the flavor of true Greek life. As long as you are not expecting a five star hotel experience you will be very happy. However, for a "honeymoon" experience I would suggest looking at other parts of Greece such as Santorini.