3 N. Patelarou, Rethymnon, Greece | (888) 635-3814
Charming historic hotel in the heart of the old city
Beautiful grounds with original stone walls, marble floors, and koi pond
Free breakfast served in an elegant courtyard with trellis ceiling
Guest rooms combine leather with stone and wood for comfortable opulence
Warm, hospitable hosts offer travel suggestions and local tips
Free Wi-Fi throughout grounds and in some rooms
Room service available
Free parking
Only Superior Rooms have free Wi-Fi
Standard rooms can be cramped; some have low ceilings
Parking area is separate from the hotel, which is located on a narrow pedestrian-only street
The charming Casa Vitae is an eight-room boutique hotel located on a narrow, pedestrian-only street in the quaint old city of Rethymnon. Converted from a 15th-century Venetian home, the hotel brings together a nice mix of old world charm and clean, modern hospitality. The beautiful stone grounds include a koi pond and an elegant courtyard where free breakfast is served. Many guest rooms have original stone walls and subtly opulent decor; some have balconies. While the hotel is near shops, restaurants, and tourist sights, it is a long walk (or short drive) from local beaches. The free parking area is also a walk away, as no cars can access the hotel. Wi-Fi is free in the common areas and in some guest rooms. While generally comfortable, Standard Rooms at the Casa Vitae may be low-ceilinged and small -- particularly the bathrooms.
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Scene
A beautiful courtyard and romantic touches throughout
The Casa Vitae hotel is romantic and charming, incorporating modern touches into its historic facade. Rough stone walls nod to the past, while pink cement and natural wood beams and windows make the hotel feel warm and welcoming. The lobby is small and low-ceilinged, like many of the rooms at the Casa Vitae, but includes a small library of sorts, stuffed into a cut-out mural space in the wall. A lute and a trumpet occupy a neighboring mural, while fresh flowers and local liqueur adorn a beautiful wood credenza. These small touches give the hotel its delightful energy. The highlight of the hotel is its courtyard, filled with potted plants, lush green trees, and a fish pond. Breakfast is served in a space beneath a trellis overgrown with vines and flowers.
Location
In the heart of the old city, near shops, restaurants, and cultural sights
The Casa Vitae is in the old town of Rethymnon, near plenty of shops, restaurants, and a number of tourists sights. The Fortezza of Rethymnon, Archeological Museum, and Old Venetian Port are each about a five minutes' walk away. It's a rather long 15- to 20-minute walk to Kriti Beach, however. Also, because the hotel is on a narrow street, the parking area is a few minutes' walk away; it's not too far, but can feel like more of a trek with luggage. Heraklion Airport is an hour and 20 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Stone walls and opulent touches, but some rooms feel cramped
Rooms at the Casa Vitae can be small and low-ceilinged, particularly the Standard Rooms in the annex across from the main building. Other rooms are below ground, getting little sunlight. Particularly small are the bathrooms and walk-in showers, which seem to leave many guests frustrated. Superior Double rooms offer more space, including a small sitting area and a balcony overlooking the beautiful courtyard in each. Superior Rooms also get free in-room internet, while Standard Room guests can only access Wi-Fi in common spaces. There are also Junior Suites, which are more spacious with large sitting areas and whirlpool baths. All rooms come with air-conditioning, minibars, and free satellite TV.
Features
A beautiful courtyard for relaxing at the hotel, and a lot to see outside its doors
The Casa Vitae's courtyard is its main feature, a peaceful sunny space with a simple koi pond, a number of large potted plants, and a pomegranate tree. From under a large, shady trellis guests can relax and eat breakfast at charming natural wood tables and wood chairs with simple white fabric cushions. The free daily breakfast includes hot and cold items, such as fruit, breads, cereals, and eggs -- the hotel will pack a to-go breakfast on request. Set in the historic part of the city, the hotel is also convenient for those looking to explore Rethymnon's tourists stops, shops, and restaurants. Wi-Fi is free in common areas, and free parking is available down the road.
