Aquila Porto Rethymno

My wife and I don't normally stay at big hotels as we prefer the "small and friendly" places. However we got a really good deal on a weeks break and decided to go for it. Although it is big hotel it was certainly extremely friendly. The staff could not be faulted in any way. They were always smiling and greeted you with a greek hello. The smooth running of the hotel was very impressive given that it was full at the time. Rooms and all areas were absolutely spotless and cleaned every day. The rooms were well equipped with all the facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standard. We were on a half board basis which consisted of a breakfast and evening buffet. The choice of breakfasts available was incredible with something to cater for every taste and nationality. There was also a chef on hand to cook fresh omelettes to order which were very nice. The evening buffet also had a good selection of dishes which were changed every day but they suffered a bit from sitting in heated dishes for an extended time. However there is a wonderful freezer filled with about a dozen different ice creams, sprinkles and sauces which you can help yourself to ! It would have been nice to be able to swap the evening meal for a lunch instead on a few days. Location is excellent with the beach just a short walk across the road with excellent free sunbeds and brollies that were cleaned and tidied on a regular basis. A waiter makes regular trips to take and deliver drinks orders and was very welcome. Rethymnon old town is a 10 minute level walk along the seafront where there are plenty of shops , bars and restaurants to visit. All in all we really enjoyed the week and would definitely return if another good deal becomes available.

We enjoyed another wonderful stay thanks to all the staff who are excellent; hardworking, friendly and professional. All were great especially Nicoletta in the dining area; Nikos and Irene (Customer relations team); Katrina who looked after our room and Anna in the Piazza Di Porto restaurant. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Food variety and quality is generally very good. Lunch at the Piazza Di Porto restaurant was fantastic. Location is very good for exploring the city. Cost of drinks in restaurant and bars is a bit high compared to other hotels/restaurants (e.g. 6.50 euros for water). Overall though a fantastic hotel with great people. Thank you for a lovely holiday.

Everything we experienced about this hotel was great such as location, services, meals and respectful staff. Very clean room and has a great view. I want to highlight the amazing food and also so nice and polite staff at reception and room service.

we liked to stay here. the staff was very kindly and helpfull in all belongings. each question and each desire was fullfilled immediately. a very good site to explore westcrete, like Imbros, Kurnaz, Arkadi, Phaistos, Cahania and especially Rethymnon.

A superb 5 star hotel. We thoroughly enjoyed our week here. Excellent location directly opposite the beach, free sunbeds, apart from the two front rows. Waiter service was excellent on the beach which was very welcome. Food in the hotel was excellent, plenty of choice to suit all tastes. As previously mentioned it is difficult to keep food hot but it was replenished frequently and there was a chef manning a cooking station including breakfast omelette cooked to order which my husband enjoyed. The room was spacious and comfortable. We purchased our own coffee pods to use in the machine from the numerous supermarkets. The staff were extremely friendly at all times. Only negative was the price of the drinks. It would be helpful to have a wine list on the table or even in the room. We thought 17 euros for 2 glasses of wine a little expensive. The indoor pool, gym and sauna all free to use was a bonus. We would definitely recommend this hotel.

On the whole we had a very enjoyable stay in Rethymo. The hotel had an ideal location right opposite the beach with just a short walk into the lovely old town. Our room had everything we needed (apart from coffee pods for the coffee machine which are 2 euros per pod and no mini bar price list). The bottles of water were 3 euros each which we found out when we checked out. We had a lovely view of the beach. The bathroom facilities were fabulous. We had a lovely shower and got dressed for dinner on the first night and then the fun began!! We arrived at the all inclusive buffet looking forward to our evening meal.... but alas we were not allowed in. My husband didn't meet THE DRESS CODE! He was wearing a navy Barbour shirt, navy tailored shorts and black leather Birkenstocks. He was literally turned away. A very abrupt man (wearing a grey suit) was keen to show us the sign outside the restaurant which said no beach shorts were allowed but smart shorts were, His were chino type shorts with belt loops and a zip, not beach shorts in any sense. The sign also said no beach flip flop/sliders, again black leather Birkenstocks are not beachwear. My husband went up to our room to get changed into jeans, the only long trousers he'd packed. He also put on his trainers as he was not allowed to wear his Birkenstocks. While he was upstairs I waited in reception and observed numerous women coming out the restaurant in casual wear including beach style sliders and shorts. I shrugged my shoulders and the abrupt man (presumably restaurant manager) started shouting at me 'children can wear what they like, she is only twelve;.... she was 16 if she was a day! He was obnoxiously rude to me. I have never been spoken to in such a derogatory way by anybody in the hospitality trade before. It was shocking! I did go to reception and complain about this discrimatory dress code and the terrible way in which I had been spoken to. The girl on reception was most sweet as she could see I was visibly upset and informed me women can wear shorts or flip flops. When my husand came down looking a lot less smart than he'd previously looked we were allowed into the buffet restaurant. The food here was OK but noothing to write home about. Whilst eating we noticed groups of Greek teenage boys in beach style shorts and Greek teenage girls exposing flesh and many people with crocs, faded jeans, trainers, flips flops etc. We later found out that another British man was also turned away as he was wearing shorts!! We decided at this point that we would eat lunch in the hotel and go out for dinner where we would ger waiter service, pay a lot less for our wine and water and also allow my husband to dress up for dinner instead of dressing down to do to a buffet! After so much negativity I would just like to tell you about the wonderful lunches in the a la carte restaurant. The service was top notch with beautifully presented delicious food. That is until they decided to change their half boa

We were staying at the superior room and super statisfied. Our room is spacious and have excellent view. The bed is good. Breakfast has a lot of choice, most likely stay here again when we back to Crete.

Just back from a week at this beachfront hotel, yes there is a busy road between the hotel & the beach, but that wasn’t an issue. Very clean Very welcoming The staff all seemed to enjoy working there, everyone was very friendly. Sun beds, parasols on the beach, for the guests, the hotel even provide beach towels 👍 Waiter service, direct to your sun bed ( the hotel has its own app, & WiFi on the beach) Buffet breakfast & evening meal, smart shorts acceptable for dinner, not sportswear.. Always something ‘special’ cooked to order, be it omelette, waffles & pancakes for breakfast A local delicacy for dinner, I like my food, absolutely no complains re the catering 👍 The old town & harbour a short walk away.

Lovely hotel for people who like to explore, but watch for the hidden extras. Food was nice - nothing special. Rooms were comfy and clean. Our room faced a noisy street. Pools are tiny, so not for a pool based holiday. Massively overpriced here though- mini bar 😨, drinks ! Water at dinner !!!!! First 2 rows of sunbeds at the beach 15 euros each!! We went next door to the shop for drinks though which was decently priced, and the bar next door was lovely. We loved Rethymno and the surrounding areas and had a lovely holiday. Would not stay here again due to the overpricing on anything extra.