Axos Hotel Review: Honest Look at Platanias Crete 3-Star Beach Hotel

Axos Hotel offers a straightforward, beach-adjacent base in the seaside village of Platanias, 6 km east of Rethymnon town. This review digs into what the property delivers for couples, older pairs, and budget-conscious travellers, using verified facts from its official website, major booking platforms, and independent travel coverage. No fluff, just the data you need to decide if this 3-star apartment hotel fits your Crete getaway.

Last checked: 2026-09-12

Hotel name: Axos Hotel · Location: Platanias, Rethymnon, Crete, Greece · Star rating: 3 stars · Distance to beach: 100 m · Distance to Rethymnon: 6 km east · Year opened: 1989

Hotel Harbour · June 2025

What is the nicest resort in Crete?

That depends on your priorities. For travellers who value a quiet beachside location within easy striking distance of a historic town, Axos Hotel in Platanias makes a credible case. Oyster describes it as a “five-minute walk to the beach and nearby shops and restaurants,” placing it firmly in the resort zone of the Rethymnon coast (Oyster).

Axos Hotel’s position in the Rethymnon area

The property sits on Machis Kritis 167, about 6 km east of Rethymnon town and 100 metres from a sandy beach (Sunshine.co.uk). It is a 3-star apartment hotel, not a sprawling resort, which means a more intimate setting with 44 units rather than hundreds of rooms.

Resort vs hotel: what Axos offers

Axos provides a restaurant, bar/lounge, poolside bar, free public Wi-Fi, and a seasonal outdoor pool with a children’s pool (Expedia). Activities such as massage, cycling, hiking, snorkeling, diving, bicycle rental, evening entertainment, live music, and happy hour are also listed on Booking.com. The trade-off is that it welcomes families, so the atmosphere is mixed rather than adult-only.

What are some good places to stay in Crete for couples?

Couples often look for a balance of privacy, atmosphere, and location. Booking.com explicitly labels Axos Hotel as “suitable for couples and for families” and notes its “friendly and pleasant atmosphere”. That dual positioning means it can work for pairs who don’t mind sharing the pool with kids, but may not satisfy those wanting a strictly romantic, adults-only vibe.

Why Axos Hotel suits couples

Each unit has a private balcony, and the large swimming pool is “surrounded by a charming and colorful garden,” as Booking.com describes. The hotel also offers massage services and evening entertainment, giving couples options beyond the beach. The 8.5 rating from recent guests suggests general satisfaction, though individual experiences vary.

Other couple-friendly options in Rethymnon

The Rethymnon area has several similar 3-star properties that welcome couples. While we cannot name specific competitors without verified data, Booking.com and TripAdvisor list multiple apartment-hotels in Platanias and along the coastal strip. A regional guide recommends Malia’s old town centre for couples seeking smaller, more intimate accommodation (Visit Greece Info), but that is about 50 km east of Rethymnon. For those set on the Rethymnon coast, browsing platforms with a couples filter is the best approach.

What is the best place to stay in Crete for older couples?

Older couples often prioritise peace, walkability, and access to culture. Axos’s location in Platanias delivers on two of those three. easyJet holidays calls it “this welcoming retreat in Platanes” and notes it is “just a short drive from the historic city of Rethymnon” (easyJet holidays).

Quiet seaside atmosphere of Platanias

Oyster describes the property’s setting as a “charming” garden environment, and the immediate area offers a calm seaside ambiance without the noise of larger resorts. The beach is 100 metres away, and shops plus restaurants are within a five-minute stroll.

Proximity to Rethymnon for dining and culture

Rethymnon town, with its Venetian harbour, fortress, and dining scene, is 6 km west – about a 10-minute drive or a short bus ride. This allows older couples to enjoy historic attractions during the day and retreat to a quiet base in the evening.

Is it better to stay in Chania or Heraklion?

This question matters for airport choice and day-trip potential. Rethymnon sits roughly midway between Chania and Heraklion, making Axos a convenient base for exploring both, though neither is walking distance.

Distance from Axos Hotel to Chania and Heraklion

Chania is about 60 km west of Rethymnon, Heraklion about 80 km east. These are approximate driving distances; bus and taxi services operate on both routes. For airport arrivals, Chania International Airport (CHQ) is closer, but Heraklion International Airport (HER) offers more flight options, especially from major UK tour operators.

Taxi fares vary; we recommend checking local providers for current rates. Safety wise, both cities are generally safe to walk around at night, with Chania’s old town being particularly pedestrian-friendly.

Climate differences: which is warmer

In general, the northern coast of Crete sees similar summer temperatures, though Heraklion often records slightly higher highs due to its more eastern position. The difference is marginal for most travellers. Axos’s location on the north coast means it receives consistent sea breezes, keeping the heat manageable in peak months.