Aquila Porto Rethymno

Nice and clean 5 star hotel. Good breakfast, service, location and beach.

The hotel is convenient. All Staff can converse in English

It was one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. Nice and quiet. But with lovely atmosphere and gentle music into the evening and from 9.30am drifting up to our room from the bar. We could also experience the live music every night from the bar or even from our own balcony if we felt tired and like staying in our room. The entertainment was really good. The breakfast buffet was very good, so much choice of full English/ hot items with a great selection of continental and local Greek dishes and sauces and syrups to sample. There was bottomless refills of tasty sparkling wine every morning too. With an option of late breakfasts til 11am if you want to lay in. My daughter needed a gluten free and dairy free diet which they catered for well by labelling allergens clearly by each dish/dip/juice etc. In fact the detailed labelling and extensive choice of foods and quality made it so easy and fun and good value that we chose to eat dinner at the hotel most nights. I would definitely consider going all inclusive next time (if you have a big appetite) which would include all alcoholic drinks,snacks and local delicious goats milk ice cream which you are able to order from the free sun loungers at the beach which is right opposite the hotel and really clean and beautiful overlooking the old harbour and sparkling lights of the bay. The town itself was happy and buzzy even in late October, my teenager liked the shopping opportunities in the old town and I liked the old fort, churches, lighthouse and pretty streets. I can recommend booking the taxi from the airport with booking.com, it makes for the quickest, most luxury way to get straight to the hotel/airport on time and in comfort. I always use this facility and it takes the stress out of travelling (they track your flight so even when you’re an hour late they have been waiting with a name board and smile when you come through departures.

The service was 5 star. From the minute we walked in we were greeted with a fresh orange juice, a wet face towel as it was an uncomfortably hot day and a glass of water. Our bags were trolley up to our room. We were upgraded and our view was special. Location was great. Free entertainment every night. Every morning there was an impressive breakfast spogaaboard to choose from. Staff were impeccable. Pools were inviting. They have is a lovely little gift upon departure. Main market was a 15 min walk. Banana lounges were inclusive. They gave us complimentary watermelon on the beach. 10/10

The hotel is beautiful and clean. Everything looks new and well maintained. The room was big and comfortable. We enjoyed the staying very much. There are three pools (one indoor) and the private beach across the road, so you can always find a space to sit and enjoy. The food was very good in the breakfast and the chef created, with a smile, special dishes for my vegan wife everyday. The place is very close to the old town (15m walk) and it's located straight on the boardwalk.