Uncover Crete's Hidden Gem: White Olive Elite Rethymno Awaits!
White Olive Elite Rethymno: My Honest (Messy) Review - Is This Crete's "Hidden Gem"?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the Cretan beans on White Olive Elite Rethymno. Forget those polished travel brochure lies – this is the real deal, warts and all. We’re talking sun, sea, and… well, let's see if this place actually delivers on the “elite” promise. Let's dive into my stay, a real rollercoaster of sunshine and… occasional mild irritation.
First Impression: The Arrival & Accessibility (Or Lack Thereof, Maybe?)
Okay, so the drive in was gorgeous. Seriously, Crete? You're ridiculously photogenic. The hotel itself? Sleek. Modern. Pretty damn impressive from the outside. Now, on the "accessibility" front… I’m not in a wheelchair, but I did notice a few things. They do list "Facilities for disabled guests." so that's a good start. Accessibility. The elevators were clearly there, a huge plus. I saw no ramps. I didn't obsessively investigate though. I'm just putting it out there if this is top priority.
Getting Connected: Wi-Fi, Internet, & Staying in Touch (Or, Did My Emails Vanish into the Ether?)
Okay, let me be brutally honest. I need my internet. I'm one of those. I can't live without it. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" was music to my ears. And, for the most part, it delivered. I rarely got buffering errors – thank God, seriously. I even managed some work, which is always a bonus. Internet access – wireless? Spot on. Internet - LAN? Didn’t test it. Internet services seem comprehensive. I never went to the business center. Look. If I'm at the beach, I'm on the beach. I'm not dealing with a Xerox machine. However there's a Xerox/fax in business center. So, should you need it… it's there.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (or, Did I Spend My Entire Stay Searching for the Perfect Pillow?)
My room? Pretty damn good. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver (thank you Cretan sun gods). Loved the Blackout curtains – serious brownie points. The Bed? Comfortable. The Closet was spacious enough to avoid the dreaded "clothes explosion." The Bathroom… modern, clean, and the hair dryer didn’t blow out my hair every five seconds.
I'm an extra-long bed kinda guy. And the room had that. There was a reading light. Mirror? Check. Shower? Great water pressure. This is all essential info, people! Complimentary tea. Coffee/tea maker. Yeah. They know what's up.
Side note: The Slippers were a thoughtful touch. Okay, maybe I'm a sucker for slippers. There was a scale. I think that's to remind you how all that amazing food in Crete will make you, shall we say… rounder? But hey, no judgements here. Rooms: Additional toilet? Nope, but not needed. Alarm clock. Yes. Bathtub? Yes. Bathrobes, free bottled water, in-room safe box? Yes. Mini bar: There. On-demand movies? Sure. Phone? Yes. Seating area: Yes, a nice comfy one! Separate shower/bathtub? Yup. Sofa? Yup. Soundproof rooms? Largely, yes – though a rogue scooter or two on the street made its presence felt. And the window that opens – crucial. Gotta get that fresh Cretan air!
Cleanliness & Safety: Did I Survive the Microbes? (Or, Did I Wash My Hands Enough?)
This is where White Olive Elite really shines, especially in these times. Felt safe. Really safe. Everywhere. I'm talking Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff? Trained in safety protocol and actually wearing masks. Room was impeccable. The mention of Rooms sanitized between stays is reassuring. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Yes. It all made me feel…well…safe. So much so that I was able to enjoy the trip and truly let loose.
I didn't see any doctor/nurse on call. So it might be useful to make sure this is arranged just in case of any adverse reaction.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Verdict (Prepare for Food Coma!)
Okay, so food. LET’S TALK FOOD. Because Crete? Food is life.
The breakfast buffet? Epic. Seriously, a feast. Western breakfast was definitely catered to, but they had a whole corner dedicated to Asian breakfast—a good sign for international appeal! The coffee was strong. The pastries? Dangerous. They had breakfast takeaway service, and a Breakfast in room available, which is perfect for those early mornings and maybe even a sneaky lie in.
The restaurants are good, there is A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. The salad in restaurant was great. Soups were good too. If you want to go light, this’ll be a good option. Desserts in restaurant? You’ll thank me later. The pool Poolside bar was fantastic. The drinks were well-made. And the fries? Perfect.
Now, back to the buffet. The Happy hour. Well done. Good prices. You have a good selection of foods.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Finding My Zen (or, Did I Just Lie by the Pool for a Week?)
This is where White Olive Elite REALLY delivers. Swimming pool? Check. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Double check. Pool with view? Oh yeah. Crystal clear water, and the sun? Blazing. Fitness center? Yup, all the usual equipment. I may or may not have used it…
And the Spa? OOOOH, the Spa. I went for a massage. And then another. And then… well, let's just say I became a regular. The Body scrub was amazing. They have a Sauna and a Steamroom, which, after a long day of sunbathing, is heaven. It’s a Spa/sauna, so you can have both.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (that make a BIG difference!)
They’re so many. They have Air conditioning in public area, which is great. Cash withdrawal? Check. Concierge? Definitely helpful. Currency exchange? Right there. Daily housekeeping? My room was always immaculate. Elevator? Essential. Facilities for disabled guests? (see above). Food delivery – they arranged the food. Gift/souvenir shop? Yup. Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, all there. The Terrace was lovely. The Taxi service was very good although I used the car rental service and found it very useful.
For the Kids?: Family-Friendly Vibes (or, Is This a Love Shack for Parents?)
I’m not traveling with kids. But I could see this place being perfect for families. They’ve got Babysitting service. It says they're Family/child-friendly, and they have Kids facilities and a dedicated Kids meal option on the menu.
Getting Around: Wheels, Wings, and Waiting (or, Did I Survive the Airport Transfer?)
Airport transfer? They can arrange it. Car park [free of charge]? YES! Parking is a huge plus. Taxi service? Available.
The Verdict: Hidden Gem? Maybe. Worth Trying.
So, is White Olive Elite a "hidden gem"? Well, it's got its perks, and it's mostly pretty damn good. I loved the food, the spa was divine, and the staff were consistently helpful. If you're looking for a relaxing, stylish base to explore Crete, it's definitely worth checking out. The hotel is a bit more modern and upscale, with a beautiful pool area, excellent food, and a vibe that's both chic and comfortable.
Book Now & Get Your Cretan Fix!
Here's the deal: Uncover Crete's Hidden Gem: White Olive Elite Rethymno Awaits! and score a sweet deal that'll make your holiday even sweeter. Book now, and we'll throw in a complimentary welcome cocktail, plus a discount on your first spa treatment! PLUS, they're running a limited-time offer for bookings made within the next 30 days, you'll get a FREE upgrade to a room with a sea view (subject to availability). Don't miss out – this is your chance to experience the beauty and tranquility of Crete in style. Click the link and book your Cretan escape today! This is your chance. This is my honest reflection. Go for it.
McGraw, NY's Hidden Gem: Motel 6 Comfort You Won't Believe!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a messy, glorious, sun-kissed descent into the heart of Crete, fueled by questionable decisions and a whole lotta retsina. Welcome to my White Olive Elite Rethymno, Crete adventure:
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Olive Oil Crisis (Oh God, I'm Already Tired)
Morning (or what passes for morning after a red-eye flight): Touchdown in Heraklion. Humidity hits me like a wet slap. Seriously, did someone forget to turn off the shower in the airport? Transfer to White Olive Elite in Rethymno. The bus driver, bless his heart, thinks "fasten seatbelts" is a suggestion. We arrive. It looks… pristine. Too pristine. Makes me feel like I'm about to make a mess. Immediately, I need a coffee. A strong one.
Afternoon: Check-in. The lady at reception is exceedingly polite. Almost unsettlingly so. My room… Well, it's got a view. Of the sea. And, more importantly, of the mini-bar. Unpack? Nah. Nap? Abso-freaking-lutely.
- Important Note: I swear, I spent half an hour trying to figure out how to work the air conditioning. Turns out, I was pushing the wrong button. My brain is officially fried.
Late Afternoon: THE CRISIS. The olive oil in my room is suspiciously limited. It's a tiny little bottle. I mean, I'm in Crete! The place practically rains olive oil. Where's the overflowing jug of liquid gold?! I march downstairs, half-convinced there's been some sort of olive oil embargo. The polite lady at reception just smiles and says they "replenish daily." I feel like a lunatic. But the concern is real.
Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Order the Greek salad. It's amazing. Tomatoes exploding with flavor. Feta so creamy I could weep. The olive oil situation is still bothering me. Maybe I'll sneak a bottle from the breakfast buffet tomorrow… (Don't tell anyone.) Explore the hotel grounds. The pool looks inviting, but I've already perfected the art of post-flight lethargy. Go for a walk on the beach and enjoy the sunset.
Day 2: Rethymno Town & The Pursuit of the Perfect Souvlaki (and Maybe Olive Oil)
- Morning: Breakfast. The buffet is a glorious battlefield of pastries, cheeses, and suspicious-looking sausages. I try a bit of everything. Except the sausages. I'm still traumatized by that airport chicken. Sneak a tiny olive oil bottle from the breakfast buffet (don't worry I brought a travel one)
- Mid-morning: Head into Rethymno town. The Old Town is gorgeous. Narrow, winding streets. Venetian architecture. Cats lounging everywhere, judging my every move. Get hopelessly lost. It's part of the charm, right?
- Lunch: Souvlaki quest commences! Wander the streets, sniffing out the best place. Find a tiny taverna tucked away off the main square. Order souvlaki. It arrives. It is perfection. Juicy pork, fluffy pita, tzatziki that makes my soul sing. I order a second one.
- Anecdote: Tried to order in Greek (with my limited vocabulary). The waiter laughed. I probably sounded like I was trying to summon a goat. Still, he understood the plea in my eyes for more souvlaki.
- Afternoon: Explore the Venetian Fortezza. The views are incredible. Seriously, take a photo. But also, just look at the view. It's worth it. Get slightly sunburnt. Buy a ridiculously overpriced beach bag. Regret it immediately.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant near the harbor. Fresh seafood. More wine. Watch the boats bobbing in the water. Feel a sense of contentment I rarely achieve. Settle back in my room and finally unpack. The mini-bar situation remains, shall we say, complex.
Day 3: A Day of Chasing the Beach
- Morning: Lazy morning. Enjoy the view.
- Mid-morning: Beach time! Choose a beach near or beach far from the hotel. Find a place with chairs and umbrellas. Soak up the sun. Take a dip in the water.
- Observation: the sea is crystal clear, a vibrant shade of turquoise and the water is warm and invites you to swim in it.
- Afternoon: Have lunch in a casual bar on the beach. Get a burger and a beer.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel restaurant
- Late evening: Relax in the hotel room
Day 4: The Road Trip & The Unexpected Donkey
Morning: Rent a car. (Pray I don't crash it.) Plan a road trip to a nearby village/beach.
Mid-morning: Drive. The mountain roads are twisty but the scenery is stunning. Stop at a viewpoint. Take photos. Almost fall off a cliff.
- Quirky Observation: Seriously, Cretan drivers are bold. Overtaking on blind corners seems to be a national sport.
Lunch: Find a taverna in the village. Eat something I can’t pronounce, but it's amazing. Drink more wine.
Afternoon: Visit another beach, and swim in a clear blue water. Go around the surroundings.
Evening: Drive back to Rethymno. Dinner at a restaurant with live music. Attempt to dance. Fail spectacularly. Embrace the failure. Get back to the hotel late and sleep.
Day 5: Recovery & The Farewell Retsina (and Maybe a New Mini-Bar Strategy!)
Morning: Sleep in. Needed. Breakfast at a slightly more civilized hour.
Mid-morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Buy a bottle of raki (because, why not?). And another tiny bottle of olive oil. Just in case.
Afternoon: Relax by the pool. Read my book (which I haven’t touched all week). Contemplate the meaning of life while simultaneously judging everyone's tanning abilities.
Late Afternoon: Farewell retsina. One last glass (or two, or three…). Reflect on the week. Realize I haven't done half the things I planned. Don't particularly care.
Evening: Final dinner. Pack. Mentally prepare for the grumpy departure. Also, brainstorm a mini-bar raid strategy. I mean, a girl's gotta strategize.
Day 6: Departure (and a Last Grumble About Olive Oil)
- Morning: It’s over. Check out. The polite lady at reception smiles. Again. She definitely knows about the olive oil situation. Transfer to the airport. The flight back.
- Final Thoughts: Crete, you beautiful, chaotic, olive oil-deprived island. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing my own olive oil.
Alright, Buckle Up Buttercups! FAQ: White Olive Elite Rethymno - Because Life Isn't Insta-Perfect
So, Is This Place – White Olive Elite Rethymno – Really THAT Elite? Or Just…Olive-y?
Okay, let's be honest. "Elite" is a *strong* word. It conjures images of butlers and caviar fountains. While there's no butler (darn!), and the caviar situation was... non-existent (missed opportunity, White Olive, MISS-ED!), the place is definitely more than your average olive-flavored hotel. It's somewhere between "Oh, hell yeah!" and "Hmm, could be *slightly* better."
It's got a great location - a hop, skip, and sandy jump from the Rethymno beach (windy-sand situation, I tell ya!), which is a HUGE win. And the views? Glorious. Seriously, my Instagram feed was *on fire* for a week with sunset pics. (Bragging rights, people!)
But… and there's always a but, isn't there? I had a moment, a *serious* moment, during breakfast. The scrambled eggs? So-so. Nothing to write home about. I'm a scrambled egg aficionado, you see. I almost walked out and found a proper place for breakfast. But honestly, the coffee was strong, the croissants were flaky (a lifesaver), and the view from the breakfast terrace washed away my egg-related grumbles. So, elite? Maybe not Versailles elite, but definitely "Vacation Elite" elite.
The Rooms: Cozy Cocoon or Cramped Cave? Spill the Tea! (Or the Raki, I'm not judging)
Okay, the rooms! This is where things get…interesting. I stayed in a "superior sea view" room. "Superior" is another one of those words. You know, like when they say "slightly used" on a used car website? Anyway, it was fine. Clean. Comfortable. Bed was good. Shower pressure? Surprisingly excellent.
But… and here's the big but (I use those a lot, don't I? My bad!), I overheard a couple complaining about the noise, especially at night. (Probably the same couple that wanted a butler, honestly.) The walls aren't soundproof, apparently. I slept like a baby, but I’m a heavy sleeper. My husband, on the other hand, was awake at 3 am due to the noise! So, if you're a light sleeper? Pack some earplugs. Seriously, pack them. And maybe a bottle of Raki. Will help you relax, as the Cretans do!
Food, Glorious Food? Is the Food Situation a Worthy Experience?
Okay, this is a big one. The food! Breakfast, as I mentioned, was…variable. Lunch by the pool? Solid. Plenty of choices. The Greek salads were on point. (Greek salad IS life). The service? Friendly, but a tad…slow. You know, Cretan time. Embrace it, you'll be waiting for the food for quite a while.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant was where things *really* shone. I had this amazing grilled octopus one night. Seriously, the *best* octopus I’ve ever had. Tender, smoky… I’m drooling just thinking about it. I went *back* the next night and ordered it again. (No regrets!) But then... the next thing was not good. The pasta was overcooked. Honestly, the food is a rollercoaster. But overall, it was pretty good. So let's just say the food experience is a bit uneven (like the beach, right?).
What's the Vibe? Chillax or Pretentious?
Chillax. Absolutely chillax. Yes, I said chillax. Don't judge me. There's a pool. There's a bar. People are sunbathing. People are drinking cocktails. People are laughing. It's a vacation, folks! The staff were genuinely nice and helpful. No stuffy, pretentious vibes at all. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Except maybe the egg-complainers, but even they were enjoying themselves.
The Beach: Paradise Found or a Sandy Disaster?
Rethymno beach is a beauty. Golden sand, clear water. BUT (again with the buts!), it can get WINDY. REALLY windy. Like, "sand-blasting-your-face" windy. I spent one day with my eyes full of sand! No fun. But the beach itself is gorgeous. The water is crystal clear. The sunsets are epic. Just… check the wind forecast before you decide which day to go. And bring goggles!
Is it Family Friendly? Kids Allowed?
Yes, kids *are* allowed. They even have a kids' pool. So, if you have kids? Yay. You're good. If you *don't* have kids, this probably wouldn't be your first option for a complete escape. There are plenty of families there, and the vibes are all about being family-oriented. So, you've been warned!
The Pool: Refreshing Dip or Crowded Chaos?
Ah, the pool! It's lovely. Clean, well-maintained, and a welcome escape from the beach wind. The downside? It can get crowded. Especially in the afternoon. Finding a sunlounger sometimes felt like winning a lottery. People get there early and "reserve" their spots with towels, which is a bit annoying. (Pro tip: get there early yourself. Or be prepared to embrace the chaos!) I also observed a German tourist who was guarding *three* sun loungers with towels. I almost confronted him, but then I decided to go get a cocktail instead. Priorities, people!
Anything I Should *Absolutely* Know Before I Go? (Besides the Wind.)
Okay, a few things.
1. Bring sunscreen. Obvious, I know, but seriously. Sunscreen. And reapply it. You're in Greece, people! You'll burn.
2. Learn a few basic Greek phrases. "Efharisto" (thank you) goes a long way, and the locals appreciate the effort.
3. Check the wind forecast. Seriously. See the beach explanation!
4. Embrace the "Cretan pace." Things sometimes take longer than you're used to. Relax. You're on vacation!
5. Try the Raki. It's the local firewater. Be warned, it's deceptively strong. One shot is all you need to kick back and relax!
