Your stay — Oleander Apartments
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The Property — Oleander Apartments
Oleander Apartments is a straightforward, family-run complex on the edge of Rethymno’s old town, offering clean self-catering rooms with small kitchens and a decent-sized pool. The lobby feels like a slightly dated but well-kept Greek holiday base — think terracotta tiles, a noticeboard for boat trips, and friendly reception staff who remember returning guests. It’s best for budget-conscious couples or small families who want independence without the resort bubble. The USP is location: a ten-minute walk from both the Venetian harbour and the long sandy beach, with supermarkets and tavernas right on the doorstep.
Chronicles of Rethymno
Rethymno was founded in the Minoan era but took its current shape under the Venetians, who built the fortress (Fortezza) and the harbour that still anchors the old town. Ottoman rule added minarets and timber-roofed mosques, visible in the tangled alleys behind the main square. In the 20th century, tourism transformed the seafront, but the inner city retained its blend of Renaissance and Islamic architecture — one of the best-preserved in Crete. Today, Rethymno lives between its historic centre and a modern strip of bars and hotels, a university city that stays authentic despite the summer crowds.
Best Time to Visit
Full Rethymno guide →Best months
May, June and September: settled warmth (24–28°C), sea swimmable, fewer tourists than July–August, and prices still reasonable for a 3-star like Oleander.
Peak / festival surge
Peak is July–August, especially around the Renaissance Festival (mid-July to August) with open-air theatre and concerts in the Fortezza. Hotel prices double or triple; Oleander Apartments can hit €120–150 a night. Expect full beaches and traffic along the coastal road.
Budget shoulder season
April–May and October: night-time temperatures dip to 15–18°C, but daytime is pleasant. Discounts of 30–50% off peak rates, empty tavernas, and easy strolls through the old town without queueing for tables.
Weather & packing
Rethymno’s climate is typical Mediterranean but prone to sudden afternoon breezes (the meltemi wind) that can whip sand on the beach. Pack a light windbreaker or pashmina for evenings, and definitely bring suncream and a hat — the Cretan sun is strong even in the shoulder months.
Live City Briefing — Rethymno
- Rethymno’s old town pedestrian zone has been extended: the narrow streets around the Venetian Loggia are now car-free from 7pm to midnight, making evening walks much quieter but taxis drop-offs further away.
- The coastal promenade from the town beach to the port is undergoing repaving until late August — expect some detours and noise near the harbour, especially at the Oleander end by the small beach.
- A new direct ferry service from Piraeus to Rethymno (via Heraklion) started in June 2026, cutting travel time from Athens by about an hour, though the city’s airport remains Chania, 45 minutes’ drive west.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Oleander Apartments, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 2 or 3, well above street level, and facing the rear courtyard rather than the main road. These offer the best balance of quiet and natural light.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms: they suffer from street noise, passers-by, and poor privacy. Also avoid rooms near the lift shaft on any floor, as mechanical noise can be audible.
Best views
Ask for a higher floor room facing the courtyard or side alley; you may get a partial sea glimpse if the building aligns right. Street-facing rooms give you a view of Rethymno's busy streets and Venetian architecture.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 and 3 are the quietest, furthest from both street activity and the ground-level entrance/lift lobby.
🔊 Noise notes
Rethymno's main streets are busy with foot traffic, scooters, and delivery vehicles until late evening. The hotel sits on a through road, so morning traffic starts early. No bar or restaurant noise noted, but general street hum is constant.
Insider tips
If you drive, ask the hotel about free on-street parking nearby—paid parking is limited. Check in early to secure a higher-floor room; request courtyard-facing when booking by phone, as online systems may not allow specific requests.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Oleander Apartments
Free basic Wi-Fi (10 Mbps, good for email/web) throughout; paid premium tier (50 Mbps, €5/day) for streaming stable in rooms 301–310
One lift serves the main block (floors 1–4); top-floor penthouse accessed by stairs only (18 steps)
No physical newspapers; complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader in the lobby tablet (not in rooms)
Standard 15:00–22:00 (weekday) / 15:00–23:00 (weekend); early bag drop from 11:00 free; late check-out until 13:00 costs half the nightly rate, after 13:00 full night
Free luggage storage at the front desk on arrival/departure within opening hours; not overnight
One step (10 cm) at the main entrance; lift fits a standard wheelchair; no adapted bathrooms or grab rails in guest rooms
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park at “Platia Venizelou” (€12/night, 5-minute walk). No EV charging on property
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €1.50 per person per night (17+ year olds, paid in cash at check-in)
Deposit & card hold: €100 advance deposit via credit card at booking; €50 incidental hold on a card at check-in, released after checkout
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Euronet ATM — 78 m · ~1 min walk
Michail Papadakis — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
Hermes Coffee & food — 354 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use local bank ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport and tourist spots — they charge poor rates and fees.
Visa/Mastercard contactless widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and taxis; American Express less common; carry some cash for smaller tavernas and markets.
Round up the bill or leave 5-10% at restaurants if service is good; not expected in taxis but rounding up is appreciated; hotel porters get €1-2 per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A freddo espresso or cappuccino from a central kafeneio — typically €2.50-3.50.
A gyros pita or souvlaki from a grill shop — around €3-4.
A main course at a local taverna like moussaka or grilled fish — roughly €8-12.
The Old Town's side streets near the Venetian harbour have cheap souvlaki and crepe stands, especially around Nikiforou Foka Street.
Supermarkets like Sklavenitis and AB Vasilopoulos are common; Lidl is also present for lower prices.
Head to the main shopping street (Sofokli Venizelou) for budget-friendly chains like Zara and H&M; the municipal market has cheap souvenirs and basics.
Walk — the central area is compact. Local buses (€1.20 per ride within town) are the cheapest motorised option. From Chania airport, take the KTEL bus (€10-12) rather than a taxi (€80+).
Eat where locals queue for lunch — avoid harbourfront restaurants for dinner prices. Buy bottled water and snacks at supermarkets rather than tourist shops. Visit the free public beach (e.g. near the Fortezza) instead of paying for sunbeds.
Good to know — Rethymno
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
RethymnoWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Rethymno, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Oleander Apartments
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Euronet ATM — 78 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Michail Papadakis — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Rethymno Centre (Platania stop) → Amazing Villas (Adele-Missiria area)
💡 Bus to Missiria stops right by the villas. Validate your ticket at the machine on board. For return trips, flag the bus by waving from the roadside—drivers will stop if you look like a waiting passenger.
Heraklion Airport (HER) → Amazing Villas, Rethymno (local stop)
💡 Take bus 1 from the airport to Chania bus station (€1.50), then the direct KTEL coach to Rethymno. Coaches have AC and luggage racks. Buy tickets at the station kiosk.
Chania Airport (CHQ) → Amazing Villas, Rethymno
💡 Chania Airport is closer (20 km vs 70 km from Heraklion). Use pre-booked transfer companies like Go Crete for €55 fixed price. Metered taxis run €60-70 but charge extra after 22:00.
Heraklion Airport (HER) → Amazing Villas, Rethymno
💡 Book through Rethymno Taxi app or ask your hotel to arrange one. Avoid unmetered drivers who quote €90+ at the airport rank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Oleander Apartments?
Request a room on floors 2 or 3, well above street level, and facing the rear courtyard rather than the main road. These offer the best balance of quiet and natural light.
Which rooms should I avoid at Oleander Apartments?
Avoid ground-floor rooms: they suffer from street noise, passers-by, and poor privacy. Also avoid rooms near the lift shaft on any floor, as mechanical noise can be audible.
Is Oleander Apartments noisy?
Rethymno's main streets are busy with foot traffic, scooters, and delivery vehicles until late evening. The hotel sits on a through road, so morning traffic starts early. No bar or restaurant noise noted, but general street hum is constant.
Which rooms have the best views at Oleander Apartments?
Ask for a higher floor room facing the courtyard or side alley; you may get a partial sea glimpse if the building aligns right. Street-facing rooms give you a view of Rethymno's busy streets and Venetian architecture.
What are insider tips for staying at Oleander Apartments?
If you drive, ask the hotel about free on-street parking nearby—paid parking is limited. Check in early to secure a higher-floor room; request courtyard-facing when booking by phone, as online systems may not allow specific requests.
What time is check-in at Oleander Apartments?
Check-in at Oleander Apartments is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Oleander Apartments have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (10 Mbps, good for email/web) throughout; paid premium tier (50 Mbps, €5/day) for streaming stable in rooms 301–310
Is there a city or tourist tax at Oleander Apartments?
€1.50 per person per night (17+ year olds, paid in cash at check-in)
Where can I eat cheaply near Oleander Apartments?
A gyros pita or souvlaki from a grill shop — around €3-4.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Oleander Apartments?
Walk — the central area is compact. Local buses (€1.20 per ride within town) are the cheapest motorised option. From Chania airport, take the KTEL bus (€10-12) rather than a taxi (€80+).
When is the best time to visit Rethymno?
May, June and September: settled warmth (24–28°C), sea swimmable, fewer tourists than July–August, and prices still reasonable for a 3-star like Oleander.
Top Attractions in Rethymno
💡 Walk to the lighthouse at the end of the pier for a quieter view — most tourists stop halfway. The water is clean for a dip if you don’t mind concrete edges.
💡 Bring nuts or bread for the peacocks that roam freely — they’re friendly but watch your bag. Best in spring when the flowers are out.
💡 Go early morning (before 9am) to see it without crowds or shopkeepers setting up — the light is golden and quiet.
💡 It’s quiet on weekday mornings — you’ll often have the rooms to yourself. The audio guide is worth the €2 extra.
💡 Buy your ticket at the small booth by the main gate, not online. Visit late afternoon when the heat drops and the sunset lights up the harbour.