Aquila Porto Rethymno

Probably only given 5 stars due to the facilities ticking all the boxes. More Tourist 4 star with no real wow or luxury. Wasn't sure whether to give 3 or 4 rating but went with 3 due to the price we paid and it does market itself as 5 star. The food in the restaurant is ok to good for buffet meals, but it lacks atmosphere and feels like a canteen and is on the small side so tables quite squashed in. There was no sense of fun even on Greek night when they could have had a musician. We had dinner included but ate out most nights. Wine not great and rather pricey. We had paid for a superior high level sea view room and were given a side sea view room (if you leaned out of the balcony), overlooking a road. It was rectified quickly with a seaview room but it was a much older room. It was meant to be part of the Mythica collection but it was old and tired and nothing like the pictures. The furniture was shabby and damaged, and the storage was very inadequate. The bathroom really needs upgrading. Clean but grim ingrained, grubby grouting, marked tiles, old fashioned shower in bath, chips in bath. Due to no soundproofing it can get noisy but luckily most of the time our neighbours were quiet. The beds were lovely and comfy. As part of the Mythica collection there was meant to be lots of extras but there was no special check in, no welcome gift, we did get the wine, fruit and flowers, but had to ask for the slippers, beach bags, the toileties looked pretty ordinary, still wondering what the farewell gift would have been, and we were invited to the management party but only late Tuesday and the 'do' was on the Thursday. It is a city hotel and totally accept space is limited around the pool area but the pools didn't feel heated. The indoor jacuzzi needs some tiles repairing. The communal areas around reception are really spacious and very clean. Most of the staff are really nice and did try to make it a good holiday. We partiularly liked Elena and our Greek dancing lesson, and the lovely hardworking housekeeping team who kept our room clean and couldn't do enough. The location is great for Rethymno and the main reason why we decided on the hotel.

Fantastic stay at Aquila Porto Rethymno. Stay between 13th -20th April 2025. Exceeded all our expectations as a family. Great location, right on the beach front with Hotel beds, shade and bar service from Anotolitiko Café. Welcome drink on arrival, lovely touch. Staff are very welcoming, friendly, professional, helpful in particular Stella in Anotolitiko Café along with Stella and Gregoris in the Hotel restaurant. Stayed half-board, food and drink exceptional, local Greek produce, very tasty and ample choice both in the restaurant and café (for lunch). Hotel cleanliness is superb, in the swimming pool areas, rooms, public areas. Hotel is a great location for exploring Rethymno and it’s old town along with exploring the wider island of Crete. Recommend a private taxi transfer from airport to the Hotel for a speedy transfer. Activities in the hotel are also very good and the facilities and services on offer in the hotel spa are excellent. We will return as a family to this lovely hotel, one of the best we have stayed in and well deserves a TUI ‘Platinum’ recognition. Lovely stay at this hotel during the Greek Easter celebrations.

Beautiful hotel, perfectly located in the very heart of Rethymno, and across the road from the beach. Lively atmosphere, close to all the bars, shops and a historic centre. The hotel is very clean and well maintained. Our only gripe is the cost of drinks at dinner (we went half board) - far too expensive.