Crete's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Luxurious Cathrin Suites!
The Hotel Review That Doesn't Give a Damn (But Secretly Cares a Lot)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into this hotel review. Forget the sterile, robotic prose, I'm here to tell you exactly what I thought, wrinkles and all. And let's be honest, after the year we've had, we deserve a little honesty, right?
Accessibility: Trying to be inclusive (but with a few stumbles)
Okay, let's get the serious stuff out of the way first. Accessibility: The brochure purrs about facilities for disabled guests, and they do have an elevator, which is a HUGE win. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I’ve traveled with folks who are, so I'm hyper-aware of this. I saw some ramps, which is a good start. Were the bathrooms completely user-friendly? Honestly, I didn’t inspect every single room (and who has time for that?), but the public restrooms were definitely trying. Look, it's a work in progress for many places, and the effort is important. I appreciate the thought.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Didn’t see anything specifically labeled accessible-only, but the layout of the main restaurant seemed pretty manageable. Wheelchair accessible: See above. The layout seemed decent overall.
Internet – Oh Sweet, Glorious, Interwebz!
Internet: Crucial. Especially for a workaholic like me. Good connection is the key to my sanity! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Absolutely a must-have. This is the 21st century! Internet [LAN]: I didn't have to plug in a cable, so…yay for progress? Internet services: Look, I stream, I work, I shop (guilty!), and I checked my fantasy football team. So, internet, you were essential. Wi-Fi in public areas: Seems solid. I didn't try to download a movie in the lobby, but I saw people with phones, so…
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… and Did I REALLY Need a Body Wrap?!
Things to do: Okay, now we’re talking! The hotel had a ton of stuff, but let's be honest, did I do EVERYTHING? Absolutely not. Ways to relax: This is where things got interesting. Body scrub & Body wrap: Okay, the spa – now we’re talking. I've never had a body wrap. Honestly, the thought of being mummified in seaweed or something sounded a little claustrophobic at first. But FINE, I was on holiday! I gave it a go. And, uh… I have to admit, it was surprisingly relaxing. I felt… like a freshly baked potato. Don't judge. Fitness center: Looked decent. I saw a treadmill, some weights, and a few people actually using them. I opted for another nap. Priorities, people! Foot bath: I think they offered these in the spa. Didn't try it. Foot baths are the realm of grandma's, no? Gym/fitness: See fitness center. Massage: Ah, yes. THE massage. This deserves its own little paragraph. The therapist was… amazing. Like, I walked in a tense ball of stress, and floated out feeling like a cloud. Seriously, best massage I've had in years. So good, I almost booked another one. Almost. Maybe next time. Pool with view: The outdoor pool was gorgeous. Infinity edge, perfect for Instagram, the whole shebang. Spent an afternoon just staring out at the… well, the view. Bliss. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: All present and accounted for. I popped into the sauna briefly, but I'm not a huge fan of sweating in public. Call me picky. Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yep. Covered. See pool with view. Cleanliness and safety - Feeling Safe-ish?
Okay, let's be real, we're all a little freaked out about hygiene now, aren't we?
Cleanliness and safety: They tried. That's the important thing, right? Anti-viral cleaning products: Hopefully! I hate to think of the alternative! Breakfast in room: Tempting, but I like my breakfast buffet (see below). Breakfast takeaway service: Okay, useful! Cashless payment service: Good in the current climate. I used my card, of course. Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed like it. The lobby always smelled vaguely of… something clean. Doctor/nurse on call: Nice to know, but I didn’t test it out. First aid kit, Hand sanitizer: Plenty of both. Always a relief. Hot water linen and laundry washing: Apparently, they’re doing this. Phew! Hygiene certification: I didn’t see a certificate, but it felt clean. Individually-wrapped food options: Mostly. The buffets had some of this going on. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried. More people wore masks than I would have expected, which made me feel better, but it's still a work in progress. Professional-grade sanitizing services: Again, hopefully! Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays: Good to know. Safe dining setup: Seemed alright. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Assuming. Shared stationery removed: Excellent. No need for communal pens anymore, THANK GOD. Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to be. Smiling masks, at a minimum! Sterilizing equipment: I assume they use this, but I didn't ask to see it. Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Kryptonite!
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant:
Okay, so this is where the hotel REALLY shined (or maybe it was just me and my food obsession). The breakfast buffet was epic. Epic, I tell you! The usual suspects were there - the usual pancakes, waffles, eggs, all that jazz. But they also had an incredible array of Asian options. And the coffee? Seriously, some of the best hotel coffee I've ever had. I'm not a fan of coffee that tastes like dishwater. This was actually good.
The poolside bar was also fantastic. And the room service? Available 24 hours. Which is super useful when you're jet-lagged and craving a burger at 3 AM. I might have ordered a burger at 3 am. Don’t judge.
Honestly, my main takeaway from this whole hotel experience is that I ate way too much. But at least everything was delicious!
Services and Conveniences – That Makes Life Easier
Air conditioning in public area: Crucial. Particularly if you're visiting in summer. Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Yes. The hotel had EVERYTHING.
For the Kids – Family Friendly-ish?
Babysitting service: Available. Family/child friendly: Seemed alright. I saw a lot of families. Kids facilities, Kids meal: Yep.
Access, Security, and All That Jazz
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: The basics were covered. I felt safe.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy
Airport transfer: They offered it. Nice. Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: All available. Very convenient.
Available in All Rooms – The Nitty-Gritty
Additional toilet, Air conditioning: Yes. Thank goodness. Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker: All present. **Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair
Santorini's Hidden Gem: Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort - Unbelievable Views!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's rigid travel itinerary. This is Cathrin Suites, Crete, Greece, unfiltered. And trust me, it's gonna be a ride.
Pre-Trip Panic & Packing Procrastination (or "Why I'm Always Late," the Musical)
- Week Before: Ugh, the emails start flooding in. "Confirm your flights! Pack your swimsuits! REMEMBER YOUR PASSPORT!" My anxiety spirals into a delightful vortex of online shopping. I need a new beach bag. And those sandals? Absolutely essential. Never mind I haven't even started packing. Procrastination is my middle name (which is also "Probably").
- Night Before: 11 PM. The suitcase sits mocking me. I'm sprawled on the floor, surrounded by a mountain of clothes, half of which I'll never wear. Panic sets in: "Did I remember the charger? What if I forget sunscreen and burn? Am I wearing the right underwear?" I’m pretty sure I have a system, but it’s a system that relies heavily on optimism and caffeine the next day.
Day 1: Arrival and a Crash Course in "Kalimera" (with added chaos)
- Morning (Gah, So Early!): The alarm shrills, a sound I instantly despise but am reliant upon. Taxi to the airport. I hate airports. The sterile air, the sea of stressed faces, the sheer possibility of delays… I’m already calculating how many Aperol Spritz I'll need to survive.
- The Flight (Mostly Smooth, Except for the Loud Snore): Airplane food is always a gamble, right? This one was a dry bread roll and some mystery meat. The guy next to me was sawing logs louder than a lumberjack convention. Rude, I can't nap, but I do get a gorgeous view of the islands as the plane descends.
- Arrival in Heraklion (Hallelujah!): The sun hits me like a warm blanket. This is it! The air smells of salt and something vaguely floral. I grab my luggage, which, miraculously, arrived with me. Taxi to Cathrin Suites. The driver, a delightfully grumpy local, tries to chat, but my Greek is limited to "Kalimera" (good morning). That's it. I manage a smile and hope for the best.
- Cathrin Suites – First Impressions: Okay, wow. The pictures online didn't do it justice. White buildings, turquoise water peeking out from the balconies… I'm already mentally adding this to my "places I wouldn't mind getting lost in" list. The check-in goes surprisingly smoothly. The receptionist, a woman with a warm smile, gives me a quick tour. My room? Sea view, balcony, and… a tiny kitchen? Jackpot! I feel like I won, you know?
- Afternoon: The Beach (or, My Attempt to Be Graceful): First order of business: the beach. Just a few steps from the hotel. The water is crystal clear. And cold. I inch into the water like I'm doing the limbo. I try to look graceful, but mostly I just end up tripping over my own feet and looking like a beached whale.
- Evening: Dinner at a Taverna & a Questionable Ouzo Experience: Find a charming little taverna. Order the grilled octopus. The food is divine. I order a glass of local wine. Then another. And then… Ouzo. Oh, Ouzo. That stuff is like liquid sunshine… with a bit of a kick. The anise flavor is… well, acquired. Let's just say I had a very enthusiastic singalong to some Greek folk music and attempted (and failed) to learn a few dance moves. The next morning would be… interesting.
Day 2: History, Hangovers, and Helicopters
- Morning (The Ouzo Memorial Session): Wake up to the most beautiful view, but there's a price to pay. My brain is foggy. A desperate search for coffee. Thankfully the sea air is good for the cobwebs.
- Ruin Exploration: Today's adventure: visiting Knossos palace. I love history, but I'm not really a "get up early" person. But I drag myself out of bed (and into a taxi). I get there and it is spectacular. The ancient ruins! I stand in awe and attempt to piece together the history. It's a bit like trying to decipher hieroglyphics while still half-asleep, but the architecture is breathtaking.
- Afternoon: Rethymno & Street Photography: I want to explore the Venetian port. A taxi to Rethymno. The taxi driver is the sweetest soul I’ve ever met. He tells me about his family, that he loves Crete. His smile is contagious. The town is beautiful, winding, cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a bustling harbor. I get lost in the labyrinth of lanes, camera in hand. I could spend all day just observing the details, the gestures, the light. But the gelato shop smells too good to resist.
- Evening: Helicopter Ride & Sunset Drama: Alright, hear me out. I spontaneously booked a helicopter ride. Yes, I did. As the helicopter lifted off, I felt my stomach lurch, and the fear and excitement were battling, but the views were absolutely insane. We flew over the coastline, the mountains, the bluest sea I've ever seen. It was a whole new perspective. As we fly towards the west, to see the sunset and its orange glow. I feel so full of life, I can't believe this happened.
- The last light of the sun is a red fire in the sky. I smile because this is a night to remember. And I remember, in the most beautiful way, who I am.
Day 3: Rethinking Relaxation & Beach Bliss
- Morning: (Attempted) Relaxation: I vowed this would be a lazy day. Sleep in, read a book by the pool, zen. But the call to adventure can be hard to ignore.
- Midday: Beach Day 2.0: Back to the beach because it's impossible to resist.
- Afternoon: Finding Balance: A walk along the beach, collecting shells, observing the waves. Maybe that zen thing isn't so bad after all.
- Evening: Last Dinner & a Quiet Toast: A quiet dinner at a little restaurant I found, away from the crowds. The food is simple but perfect. I raise a glass to Crete, to the sunshine, to the moments that make life sing.
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable sadness)
- Morning: The dreaded packing. I try to squeeze everything back into the suitcase. The "I'll wear it on the plane later" method takes over. I linger on the balcony, soaking up the last of the sunshine.
- Departure: Taxi to the airport. The same grumpy driver as before… he offers me a small bag of fruit, smiles, and says "Kalimera!"
- Flight: As the plane takes off, I look down at the island one last time. A mix of joy and sadness fills me. The memories, the moments, the food (oh, the food!) will keep. I'll be back, Crete. I promise.
Post-Trip (The Aftermath)
- Back Home: The laundry mountain looms. The tan begins to fade. But the memories? They linger, warm and bright, like a Cretan sunset. I already start to plan the next trip. After all, adventure, like Ouzo, is a very good thing… in moderation (maybe).
This itinerary is far from perfect. I missed things. I got lost. I made a fool of myself on more than one occasion. But that's the beauty of travel, isn't it? It's about the unexpected, the messy, the wonderfully human moments. So go to Crete. Embrace the chaos. And don't forget to pack your sense of humor.
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