Casa di Rena Private House with Sunset View

Hotel Description

So I’ll be honest – when I first saw the name “Casa di Rena Private House with Sunset View,” I thought it might be one of those places that oversells itself. You know how these rental descriptions can be. But honestly? This little gem in Kritinia actually delivers on that promise, and then some.

The thing about Kritinia is that most people just drive through it on their way to the famous Kritinia Castle ruins (which, by the way, are maybe a ten-minute walk from Casa di Rena if you’re feeling ambitious after dinner). But staying here means you get to experience this quiet village when the day-trippers have gone home. The house itself sits in this perfect spot where you can hear the village going about its evening routine – someone’s grandmother calling to her cats, the local taverna setting up tables – but you’re far enough up the hillside that you actually feel like you have your own private slice of Rhodes.

What really got me was the sunset situation. I mean, everyone talks about Santorini sunsets, but honestly, watching the sun drop into the Aegean from this terrace while you’ve got a cold Mythos in hand? It’s pretty spectacular, and you don’t have to fight through crowds or pay tourist prices for the privilege. The terrace wraps around enough of the house that you can follow the light throughout the day, which sounds simple but makes such a difference when you’re trying to work remotely or just want to read without squinting. The WiFi actually works well enough for video calls, though I’d recommend doing those earlier in the day when the connection seems strongest. Parking is straightforward – there’s space right by the house, which saves you from those narrow village streets with a rental car (trust me on this one).

The inside feels like someone’s actual home rather than a sterile rental – there are books left behind by previous guests, local ceramics that look like they came from the weekly market, and the kind of well-stocked kitchen that suggests the owner actually cooks here sometimes. I particularly appreciated the shower pressure, which sounds mundane but you’ll thank me after a day of hiking around the medieval ruins. The bedroom stays surprisingly cool even in July heat, probably thanks to those thick stone walls you find in older Greek houses. Check-in was refreshingly simple – the owner met us with keys and a bottle of local wine, gave us the rundown on the best bakery in the village (it’s the one without a sign, just look for the line of locals in the morning), and then left us to settle in. That 9.6 rating makes complete sense once you’ve been there – it’s the kind of place where small thoughtful details add up to something really special, and where you find yourself planning return trips before you’ve even checked out.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $95. Two-Bedroom House with 1 double bed and 3 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Filip from Slovakia – 6 September 2023 (10/10)

  One of the best accommodations I have been to. Beautiful view, super nice landlord and honestly I wonder that it all comes with such a nice price. Highly recommend.

• Saumitra from United Kingdom – 15 July 2023 (10/10)

  Beautifully kept house, with great decor. Nestled on top of the hill with a wonderful view of the castle and sea, brilliant for a sunset view to remember! The house had everything we needed and could ask for! (The AC in the bedroom worked a dream)
  
  We were welcomed with a selection of fruit and wine, bread and meat, all ready and stocked in the fridge. The TV had access to Netflix/prime which was perfect for some downtime whilst travelling. Overall, all bases were covered!

• Bruisten from Netherlands – 24 September 2023 (9/10)

  Rustige buurt
  
  What could be improved: Lastig parkeren

• Véronique from France – 8 September 2023 (10/10)

  Parfait : vaste, lumineux, propre, très bien équipé !
  Accueil très gentil chaleureux et serviable.

• Christofakis from Australia – 25 September 2024 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities