Mitsis Rinela Beach Resort and Spa Hotel
Kokini Hani, Crete

Mr E Cheiladakis, Chania

Mr M Nikolarakis, Chania

Mr C Westwood, Birmingham

This hotel is definitely not a 5 star. The food at best was tepid and a lot of the time cold.

Mrs A Thibaut, Henfield

This was our 3rd stay at a Mitsis so we knew what to expect. July and August prime times are going to be busy as they are perfect family hotels with all inclusive facilities. The Rinela is a lovely complex, typically Greek buildings facing the sea with fabulous views over the gardens and to the island beyond. I would recommend rooms in 300's - we had room 316 and it was lovely, big balcony, plenty of space. Mini bar is topped up every 2nd day and the maid service is fantastic, immaculate rooms, fresh towels and sheets, they work very hard. The pools are great, we stayed mainly by the lower pool (with bar run by George). Not salt water as we had envisaged which was a bonus. The beach is great, lots of proper sand, waves to jump or surf on the lilo (it tends to catch the breeze in the hotel location, which is most welcome). The pool areas were always clean and well maintained and the toasted sandwiches up at the main pool bar are perfect for lunch.
Where the hotel could improve is in it's logistics of layout and people traffic. They could definitely take a look at the Roda Beach in Corfu as this runs like clockwork, even when packed in high season (when we have been).
The staff at reception are busy, they need more employees for busy times (first thing morning specifically). Hence they are not overly friendly as they are rushed and fed up with the 100s of queries from some rather rude guests (not the British I hasten to add). A smile and a kind word goes a long way.
The dining room is organised chaos at peak times. The layout really needs looking at - there are no actual proper "routes" for guests to take to the different food stations. Additionally having the main plates in the centre of the main serving area (ie by omlettes/eggs n bacon at brekkie and grilled meats in evening) causes untold amounts of congestion. Plates at the start of each area would put a stop to the ridiculous pushing in and confusion. If the Rinela re-thought the dining area and made it work more efficiently it would be really very good. The staff are constantly trying not to bump into you with heavy trays and it's surely a matter of time before one of them comes crashing down. Rinela - check out how they run the restaurant in Roda Beach Corfu is all I can say.
The food was fine for a week but would imagine for longer it'd be repetitive. Plenty of choice, always good meat and fish dishes and a plentiful supply of salads, breads, fruits, desert. I thoroughly enjoyed the food finding plenty of variety as I am not at all fussy. However by the end of the week my partner couldn't find anything new.
The chinese and taverna are well worth going to. The taverna is a haven of calm in the evening, beautiful views, delicious food and a great atmosphere. The chinese was absolutley delicious and the staff were smiley and helpful. However join the queue at reception around 7.45am and you may get a table. Again another system that needs reviewing. I knew this would be the case from previous Mitsis restaurant bookings but surely there is another way.
Sunbeds are a huge issue. I found myself "joining" them not "beating them", setting the alarm for 7.15am on a holiday is ridiculous. Many guests had already claimed beds pre-7am, as when I went to the pool to look for a space about 3/4 were taken already. The hotel says they do not allow reservation but they should have a strict rule that pre-8am towels will be removed, end of story - and very simple. I did notice a store underneath the theatre area where the gardeners stored items that in fact it was filled with 100s of new sunbeds. Perhaps for high season some more of these could be strategically placed out?
However all above considered, it really was a lovely holiday. The setting is great, buses outside take you to plenty of places, the little village has great shops for gifts and the people are friendly. For a week of relaxation either as a couple or a family I would highly recommend it, don't go with huge expectations given what is said above (my honest review) but you can make it work for your requirements which is exactly what we did and had a fabulous time. A tip at the end of the holiday to some of the staff - maids and waitresses - won't go amiss either as they work so hard.
All in all a week filled with sunshine, lovely relaxation and fun on the beach and in the pool. Just a few tweaks could make this hotel really excellent, maybe in time that will happen but essentially go with your eyes open and make your own holiday special.

Mrs D Platt, Barrow-in-furness

Wouldn't class it as 5*. Booked superior room was basic. Room wasn't available first night due to a supposed flood. Mini bar in room, restocked every 2 days. Buffet restaurant was okay, Chinese and taverna were excellent. Hotel is very clean and staff pleasant. Sun loungers always available at pool and beach. There were several bars and restaurants within walking distance.

Mrs A Bell, Stockport

It was great, food excellent, good choice, clean. The staff could not do enough for you. The room was really good. Thanks for a great holiday.