An intimate boutique hotel in a 15th-century Venetian mansion in Rethymno's old town. Suites are elegantly furnished with antiques and feature stone archways, wooden ceilings, and private garden or terrace areas. The celebrated Avli Restaurant in the courtyard garden is one of the best in Crete for Cretan gastronomy.
Avli Lounge Suites is a nine-suite boutique hotel within a 15th-century Venetian mansion at Xanthoudidou 22 in Rethymno's Old Town, on the northern coast of Crete. The property is part of the Avli group, which operates one of Crete's most celebrated restaurants in the same building — the Avli Restaurant, a courtyard garden dining room with a reputation for refined Cretan gastronomy that draws visitors from across the island. The hotel entrance is a few minutes' walk from Rethymno's Venetian harbour and the Fortezza, the imposing Venetian citadel built in the late 16th century and one of the best-preserved fortress complexes in the Aegean.
The nine suites are housed within the mansion's restored rooms and distributed across the Venetian structure. Each is individually furnished with antiques and regional textiles, featuring stone archways, exposed timber ceiling beams, and carved wooden details that reflect the building's history. Floors are stone-flagged or laid with traditional Cretan tiles. Some suites open onto a private garden terrace; others have interior balconies overlooking the courtyard. The accommodation is intimate and architecturally distinctive, offering a sharp contrast to the larger resort hotels on Crete's coast.
The Avli Restaurant is the centrepiece of the property and one of Rethymno's most consistently recommended dining destinations. The menu draws extensively on Cretan agricultural traditions — mountain herbs, aged Cretan cheeses, local olive oil from estates in the surrounding hills, and fresh fish from the Cretan Sea. The courtyard garden setting, with mature orange trees and Venetian stonework framing the sky overhead, is considered among the most atmospheric dining environments on the island. An attached wine cellar houses an extensive collection of Cretan and Greek wines, and guided tastings are available for interested guests.
Concierge services are thorough for a small property, covering car hire, tours to the Palace of Phaistos and Arkadi Monastery, and reservations at Rethymno's key cultural sites. The hotel is walkable to the Old Town's Rimondi Fountain, the Municipal Lighthouse, and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Crete.
Amenities
- 9 suites
- Award-winning restaurant
- Courtyard garden
- Wine cellar
- Concierge
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
Location
Xanthoudidou 22, Rethymno Old Town, Rethymno 74100
35.3671, 24.4740 View on map
Highlights
- Nine individually designed suites in a 15th-century Venetian mansion with stone archways and antique furnishings
- Award-winning Avli Restaurant in the courtyard garden, considered one of Crete's finest Cretan dining experiences
- Walking distance to Rethymno's Venetian harbour, the Fortezza citadel, and the Rimondi Fountain
- Wine cellar with guided tastings focused on Cretan and Greek wine producers rarely seen outside the island
- Intimate boutique scale — nine suites, personal service, and direct access to one of Rethymno's best restaurants
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a table at Avli Restaurant on the night of arrival even if not dining there on every subsequent evening.
- Courtyard-facing suites with terrace access are the most atmospheric option; request these when making the booking.
- The Fortezza is a 10-minute walk and worth visiting in the late afternoon before dinner in the courtyard garden.
- Rethymno's Old Town is best explored on foot; the hotel's position in the Venetian quarter puts all key sites within easy reach.
- Ask the sommelier for Cretan wine producer recommendations — the cellar features regional bottles rarely exported abroad.
Accessibility
The restored Venetian building has stone floors, steps between levels, and narrow doorways typical of the historic Old Town construction. Wheelchair access through the property is not possible. The surrounding cobblestone lanes of Rethymno's Old Town also present footing challenges. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the property before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Avli Restaurant open to non-guests?
Yes, the Avli Restaurant is open to all diners and is well known as one of Rethymno's top dining destinations. Reservations are strongly recommended in summer, as the courtyard fills quickly on warm evenings.
Is there a pool at Avli Lounge Suites?
No, the hotel does not have a pool. Its setting within the historic Venetian Old Town precludes resort-style amenities. The nearest public beach is approximately a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
How far is the Fortezza from the hotel?
Rethymno's Venetian Fortezza is approximately a 10-minute walk from the hotel through the narrow lanes of the Old Town. The Fortezza is open to visitors and offers sweeping views over the city and the Cretan Sea.
Is parking available near the hotel?
The Old Town is partially pedestrianised and direct vehicle access to the hotel is limited. The property advises on the nearest public car parks. Arriving by taxi for the first check-in with luggage is generally recommended.