On our recent trip to Crete, we spent a night at The Royal Senses Crete, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. This was just one stop on a bigger adventure that also took us to Chania (where we stayed at Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort) and Elounda (Domes of Elounda, a Marriott Autograph Collection Resort). Although our stay at The Royal Senses Hotel was short, it gave us plenty to talk about, from stunning views to some quirky features.
Location: Gorgeous Views, But Not Much Nearby
The Royal Senses Crete is perched high on a hillside, with views of the Cretan Sea. Every room has some sort of sea view, which really sets the tone for a peaceful getaway. If you’re looking to unwind and soak up the scenery, this place delivers.
That said, the location is remote. There’s very little within walking distance, and Rethymnon, the nearest town of any interest, is about a 20-minute drive. Without a rental car, you will feel stranded.
The hotel runs a shuttle to a beach at a sister property, but we ended up spending most of our time in Rethymnon, wandering the cobblestone streets and eating well. If that’s your plan anyway, the remoteness matters less. Just don’t arrive expecting to step out the front door and find anything.
Arrival: A Warm Welcome
We arrived by car and parked just outside the main entrance. From the moment we stepped in, the staff couldn’t have been friendlier. Check-in was smooth and quick, and they gave us a nice little rundown of what to expect during our stay.
The property is built into the hillside, and navigating its steep paths would be a challenge without help. Thankfully, we were whisked to our rooms by golf cart—a small but thoughtful touch that made us feel instantly at ease.
As a Hilton Diamond member, I was upgraded to a King Deluxe Room with a Sea View and Private Pool. The private pool was the cherry on top—a secluded oasis where I could sip coffee in the morning and watch the sunset at night. My wife and daughter, who stayed in a standard Deluxe Sea-View Room, were less spoiled, but their room was still modern and comfortable.
Rooms: Modern, Comfortable, and All About the Views
The rooms at The Royal Senses are sleek and well-designed, with lots of natural tones that fit the Cretan vibe. My upgraded room with a private pool was the real showstopper. There’s something magical about stepping out of your room into your own pool while gazing out at the sea. It made our evening extra special, whether we were relaxing with a glass of wine or just soaking in the peace and quiet.
A Quirky Design Feature: The Funicular
The hotel uses a funicular instead of elevators to move guests between levels, which is a fun concept and makes for a good photo. In practice it is slow, and during busy stretches, particularly mornings when people are trying to get to breakfast, the wait becomes mildly frustrating. It’s charming, but charm has its limits when you’re in a hurry.
Amenities Review: Hits and Misses
The Royal Senses has all the specifics of a luxury resort: multiple pools, a spa, and several dining options. We didn’t get to try everything, but a few things stood out.
The communal pools are large and inviting, with plenty of loungers to go around. However, we found ourselves sticking to the private pool in our room, which offered a more intimate experience.
One downside was the noticeable dampness in certain areas, like the hallways. Whether it was due to recent rain or just the hillside setting, it gave off a slightly musty vibe. Not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of.
Dining: Breakfast
The breakfast buffet was a feast, with something for everyone: fresh fruit, local pastries, creamy Greek yogurt, eggs made to order, and even hearty meats. The use of local ingredients like olive oil and honey made it feel special.
Beach Access: A Letdown
The beach situation is very underwhelming. It’s across the highway from the hotel, and you either take a shuttle or drive yourself to get there. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by a small, enclosed stretch of sand bordered by a wave breaker. It’s functional but far from the idyllic Cretan beaches you dream about.
After one quick visit, we decided to explore Spilies Beach, a pebble beach not too far away. It turned out to be a hidden gem, with crystal-clear water and dramatic cliffs. Sure, it wasn’t sandy, but it felt authentic and far more scenic.
Final Verdict: Should You Book?
At €400 to €500 per night, or 90,000 Hilton Honors points, The Royal Senses delivers in some areas and falls short in others. The views are genuinely beautiful, the private pool rooms are worth the upgrade, the staff are excellent, and breakfast alone is reason to stay. The remote location, the dampness in places, and the beach situation are real drawbacks that are harder to ignore at that price.
It’s a good property for anyone who wants to retreat from everything and simply sit somewhere scenic. It is not the right choice if you want to be in the middle of things, or if a quality beach is high on your list. Crete has plenty of options, and some of them are better for the money. That said, we don’t regret going, and if you do book, go in with clear expectations and do not skip the breakfast.
