Phaedra Suites

Independent-minded travellers wishing to fully immerse themselves in Rethymnon's fascinating history and vibrant present will be attracted to Phaedra Suites by their central location, characterful accommodation and warm-hearted welcome. Comprising just six highly individual self-catering suites, this charming old property stands in Gerakari Street, a local shopping street just on the edge of Rethymnon's Old Town. From here, it takes just five minutes to walk to the seafront, and just a few minutes longer to reach the beautiful Venetian harbour with its enticing restaurants in one direction, and the start of the long sandy beach in the other. The Venetian fortress can be reached on foot in around 15 minutes, passings other key sites, such as the Ecclesiastical Museum, the Archaeological Museum, Rimondi Fountain and the Museum of Contemporary Art, along the way. Between the Church of the Four Martyrs at the end of your street and the Municipal Park, which is just 200 metres away, Rethymnon's farmers' market takes place every Thursday and provides a colourful opportunity to join the locals in shopping for fresh produce from across the region.

Phaedra Suites was restored and converted into holiday accommodation in 2019 by your charming host, Agapi, and her sons. With excellent taste and a keen eye for detail, Agapi has blended original features including exposed stone wall and ceiling beams with comfortable furnishings and some quirky design touches, such as the beautifully painted, hand-crafted washbasins in the en-suite bathrooms. From the moment you step from the street into the reception area, there is a really homely feel to the place, and as you proceed through the communal lounge you will reach the walled courtyard, which feels like a secret hideaway in the heart of the city, with a lovely little plunge pool in one corner, and various seating options to enjoy a relaxing drink after a day exploring the city.

The six suites are all open-plan in layout, and whilst each is different, they all benefit from modern amenities including individually controlled air-conditioning, electronic locks, safety deposit boxes, cable TV, hairdryers, free WiFi and sound-proofed windows. Each has an attractively tiled shower room with a walk-in shower, a kitchenette with a fridge and two-ring hob, a dining table and chairs and a comfortable sitting area. Three of the suites face the pool and courtyard garden, the other three face the small street.

The street-facing Suite on the ground-floor is the only one without its own terrace or balcony and is therefore offered at the most economical rate, although it is one of the more spacious rooms, with the sleeping area a couple of steps up from the sitting area. On the floor above, the Standard Maisonette has one balcony overlooking the street, whilst the King Suite has two. The Standard Maisonette has stairs leading up from the sitting area, kitchenette and shower to the sleeping area on the open gallery. The King Suite is the largest room with two open galleries at opposite ends, one with a double bed, the other with twin beds, which can be screened from the sitting area below by curtains.

The Superior Maisonette is similar in layout to the Standard Maisonette but is a little more spacious and its balcony overlooks the pool and courtyard. For those wishing to avoid any stairs within their room there are also two Pool View Suites that are each on a single level, one on the ground floor with a terrace, the other on the upper floor with a balcony.

Phaedra Suites are offered on self-catering basis, but with such a wide range of enticing restaurants within such easy walking distance, there is no need to do any cooking. Similarly, there are plenty of local cafés around for breakfast, or if you do enjoy having breakfast on your balcony or terrace, there are several bakeries close by. Agapi regularly pops in to check that her guests are enjoying their stay, and she can always be contacted for any local advice you may need.

Please note that children under the age of 13 years are not accepted at Phaedra Suites.