Aquila Porto Rethymno

We popped in to their cafe/restaurant on the beach front for lunch and were made to feel awkward and unwelcome. We were visiting there as we weren't staying. We had popped in as we were considering staying there next June. We felt judged with our clothes etc. Whilst they accommodated my request of a green salad as it wasn't on their lunch menu (we paid Vissili next door for that). It was an uncomfortable experience. So they won't have our hospitality next June.

We stayed here for a week to be close to the town and be in the middle of everything and for this reason the hotel was perfect. It’s in an ideal location to walk to everything you need and lots of options for trips across the island. The staff are all lovely and work hard to make you feel comfortable and welcome. We stayed in a side sea view room which was nice, modern bathroom and decor. The bed was very comfortable too. The balcony was quite small but with a nice view of the beach/sea. It was cleaned every day and the cleaning staff were all excellent. The pools are very small but if you like the beach it’s no problem as it’s just across the road and plenty of beds. Just be aware the sea can get VERY choppy and waves can be strong. The pools at the hotel don’t really have lots of beds and can get shady at the larger pool at the back but are nice and clean. If you’re looking for pool sunbathing with cocktails for 2 weeks I wouldn’t recommend but if you’re looking for a comfortable stay with lovely staff in the heart of Rethymnon it’s great. For us the food was fine but not 5* for the evening options, felt slightly limited and if you want to eat at the hotel every night you may be a bit disappointed. The main issue with food and drink is the price of drinks - we were half board and so had to pay for drinks at dinner. We tried to avoid ordering any wine and even then ended up paying around 15 euros just in drinks for a meal for 2 - a bottle of water, small beer and a soft drink. This feels very steep especially when water is less than 1 euro in all supermarkets. Overall the hotel was very nice and fine for a weeks city break with a beach but not a 5* luxury all inclusive due to the standard of food and amenities not quite being there.

From the minute we arrived at the hotel we were struck by the warm and efficient service. I had emailed in advance to request a double bed, Eleni from customer services was so helpful and when we checked in staff welcomed me as a returning guest, had stayed previously at the Aquila beach. Our room had a good sea view was very spacious and well equipped. It was cleaned daily and was spotless. The restaurant staff were very friendly service was excellent. Food was of a high standard and plenty of choice. We loved the sax player on Sunday morning. We mainly used the beach. Plenty of beds, service for drinks was great with Dimitris working so hard, always service with a smile. My husband loves a negroni and the barman mixed a stunning one for him every night. Bar staff and service again excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed the gala night food and wine superb. The location to the town could not be better with some great shops near to the hotel. We would highly recommend the hotel and we will be back after a wonderful 10 day break. Thank you to everyone at the hotel.

This is without doubt an amazing hotel. We were in room 414 and although we did not get the sun on the veranda for us this was a plus as the room did not get too hot, although there was air conditioning if we required it. The room had plenty of hanging and storage space. The room did not have a bath but a walk in shower if which we preferred. The bed was extremely comfortable. The TV was just okay but did not have an HDMI outlet to plug in a Chromecast to it (something that more and more hotel TV have). All in all we were very pleased with this room. The staff at this hotel were amazing and go out of their way to please guests. The attention to detail from them cannot be faulted and they were always on hand to help in whatever way they can. A big five star thank you goes out to them all including the room cleaners. I must mention one point here. It clearly states that there is a dress code for dinner. Some guests tried to ignore this but we're turned away. For me it was the correct decision by the restaurant staff. I am a difficult eater regarding spicy food and so was a little concerned regarding Greek food. I need not have worried as their was such a vast selection of different food that I could pick and choose and in the fourteen days we were there never got bored with the food. One small criticism that my wife and I have is that the entrance to the hotel reception is up an arc stairway that because of the shape does not have the banester all the way along it and this can become an issue to handicapped people. I am sure it was designed to complement the hotel but it is not very user friendly. Lastly it was a very busy area and I was of the impression that we would be a little secluded but it was just the opposite. So if you want an excellent hotel located within an area of restaurants and bars then this is the hotel for you. Do also take the hop on hope off bus. It's a nice 90 minutes trip.

Pro: Immerse yourself in the heart of this hotel's prime location. The staff's helpfulness is a standout, and the pools offer a refreshing retreat. Beach lovers will appreciate the proximity just across the street. Ample lounge chairs are available, with the first two rows requiring a fee. The lobby's sitting room is a cozy spot with comfortable chairs and couches. The evening entertainment was good. Cons: I stayed here almost 30 days, and they gave me a room with a terrible bathroom. I found out later that many of the rooms were upgraded and had proper bathrooms. The hotel website needs to mention the type of bathroom given to me. I was duped. It's 2024, and this type of bathroom should not exist in a five-star hotel. The so-called double beds were just two single beds shoved together and uncomfortable. I am a world traveler, and these, by and far, wore the worst beds I have come across. The mattresses were cheap and way too soft. The one chair in the room and two on the balcony could have been more comfortable. Sometimes, during my stay, my room was not cleaned until after 5 o'clock. There was no price list for items in the refrigerator. If you need water, you can get a six-pack of large bottles for 2 Euros at a store close to the hotel. The hallways are far from the two elevators. The hallway carpet is dingy. The hotel does not deserve a five-star rating. I would not stay here again.

In general terms the hotel was okay but it didn’t even nearly match the 5 start hotels I have stayed at over the years of travelling. I’d say ore of a 3.5 – 4 star. The room we had with a sea view as okay, some hanging space but only two small draws to put other clothes for a 10 day stay and we felt we were living out of our suitcases! To be fair, after a few days they showed us another room on the top floor (6) of the hotel, we looked at it, it was suave but there wasn’t that much of a difference for our needs, a few more ‘IKEA’ like shelves for our clothing but the hanging space was reduced; the décor was much better but the room was like an oven! We spoke to another couple on the same floor and they commented the room was either hot or cold but no happy medium! It took three days for decent sized cups to be placed in the room to take tea in!! The floor in the bathroom/toilet was a little grubby where the floor meets the wall! The restaurant was fine but nothing I am going to shout about, some days were very good and others, well we needed something to eat! The pools were clean and nice to swim in, sometimes we waited for a few hours for the previous occupiers of the sun beds ‘debris’ to be cleared up, on a few occasions I cleared it away myself. Entertainment, much of it Greek flavour was good. The Aquila Port designated beach area on the other side of the road was well managed and had wooden runs to walk on, handy when the sand is to hot to walk on. We and others at the hotel were not made aware of the 10 Euro per night per room local tax until a day or so before departing the UK - so an extra 100 Euro! . We won't be returning to this hotel.

Very good location, near to the lovely Old Town. Also has its own bit of nice sandy beach over the road with free sun beds and parasols for guests. Pools (2outdoor) are small but lovely, not much sun bed space but then there is the huge beach! Restaurant is of a really high standard, both food and service. There is also a lovely a la carte. Comfy beds. Lovely quiet place amid the buzz of the town of Rethymno. Has a nice, sophisticated ambience without any pretentiousness. I would love to go back again🤩

First time in Crete and so glad we chose this hotel. It is the hardworking staff that made our holiday so enjoyable. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Have read a couple of reviews that I totally disagree with regarding the beach area. We found the staff there so good. Usually it was one person managing the needs of up to 50 sets of sunbeds. He had to collect your order, cross the rd wait for the bar staff to fill out the orders then get back across the rd usually with a loaded bucket and tray of drinks and then distribute them. He did all this with a smile and a friendly word. He even remembered our room number and our orders after a couple of days. We had no problem at all with the hotel, the food or drinks. For those who objected to paying for drinks etc did you consider the all inclusive option, or as others have said there is a nearby supermarket where you can buy water/ pop/ beer or wine to drink on the beach or in your rooms. My only criticism would be the WiFi as it is quite slow but that is everywhere not just in the hotel, and the fact that there was only one bar open so at night time the staff were kept very busy. Fun watching them make the different cocktails though.

For those complaining that this hotel isn’t 5-star, remember it’s Greece, and by local standards, most things were okay. However, in my opinion the shortcomings fall on senior management: 1. Charging €4 for water with every prepaid meal is embarrassing. No buffet tea or coffee is served (quite deliberately) at lunch or dinner, despite the dessert variety. This is because they pounce on you with €3 charge for a Lipton tea bag and hot water (€9 for a glass of cheap wine) which is predatory and shameful. 2. The pool and beach bar staff are incredibly slow; we gave up on them. They seem unsuited for front-line customer service roles. Very poor service in that area. 3. The two front rows of beach seats are sold to outsiders, forcing full-board hotel guests to cough up €16 daily or sit at the back. This is pure greed! 4. Vendors and strangers wander freely in the hotel beach area hence we did not feel it was safe enough to leave our belongings and swim together as a family (whilst on holiday! huh)