Aquila Porto Rethymno

The hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its direct beach access with complimentary sunbeds and its enviable proximity to the charming Old Town. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness of the staff, the high quality of the food, and the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms. This makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a relaxing escape, sightseers eager to explore local attractions, and adults who appreciate a sophisticated and tranquil ambiance. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a sea view room for picturesque vistas, and be mindful that some road noise can be present due to the hotel's central location.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities for guest enjoyment and relaxation. There are two outdoor pools, though some guests note they are relatively small and can have limited sunbed availability, often being shaded for parts of the day. Additionally, an indoor heated pool is available, complemented by a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room, which guests are advised to book in advance. For those looking to stay active, a gym is on-site, though it is described as small with limited operating hours. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel, ensuring guests can stay connected, and other conveniences include ice machines and a small book library.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's commitment to cleanliness, with rooms and public areas described as spotlessly clean and meticulously maintained by daily housekeeping. The comfortable beds and high-quality linens contribute to a restful night's sleep. While many rooms are spacious and modern, particularly those with sea views, some guests noted that certain rooms appear dated or tired, with shabby furniture and worn carpets in corridors. Room amenities typically include a balcony, effective air conditioning, a fridge, and a coffee maker. Bathrooms vary, with renovated ones featuring walk-in showers, while older ones may have small bathrooms with old-fashioned shower-in-bath setups. A common concern is noise levels from the busy road or adjacent rooms due to insufficient soundproofing.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is a major highlight for many guests. The breakfast buffet receives exceptional praise for its wide variety and high quality, featuring fresh fruits, yogurts, and local delicacies like honeycomb. Guests appreciate the plentiful supply and fresh coffee. The evening buffet is also highly rated for its excellent choice of hot and cold options, with themed nights adding variety. While some initial issues with food being lukewarm were noted, these were often quickly resolved. The a la carte restaurant is frequently highlighted as providing an outstanding and fine dining experience with excellent service and ambiance, offering a mix of traditional Greek and international cuisine. However, the price of drinks in the bar and restaurants is often mentioned as being excessive.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a fantastic central location, directly across the road from a sandy beach and just a short 10 to 15-minute walk to the Old Town of Rethymno. This prime position allows easy access to numerous shops, restaurants, and bars along the promenade and within the historic center. The private beach area offers free sunbeds and parasols for guests, with clear, shallow waters, making it a popular choice over the hotel pools. Beach service for drinks and food is also available. While the hotel is conveniently located for walking, some guests noted the presence of a busy road between the hotel and the beach, contributing to traffic noise. Parking is a significant challenge, with no on-site facilities and difficulty finding nearby spots, making it less ideal for guests with rental cars.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receive overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their professionalism and welcoming demeanor, noting that they go "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and quick, with staff often providing a warm welcome drink. The hotel is also accommodating with late check-out requests, though sometimes for an additional fee. Housekeeping is commended for maintaining spotlessly clean rooms daily. Bar staff and restaurant teams are noted for their efficiency and pleasant interactions. Guests also appreciate the porter assistance with luggage upon arrival. Overall, the commitment to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued and cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the tourist tax charged per night, which some find high for the hotel's perceived star rating. There is also a notable no-iron policy in rooms, with guests needing to pay for laundry service, which can be inconvenient. While the all-inclusive package is generally considered good value, some guests experienced confusion regarding what is included, particularly for beach service and drinks outside of meal times. It's also noted that all-inclusive benefits may end at a specific time on departure day. The hotel's atmosphere is often described as sophisticated and calm, appealing more to adults and an older clientele, with evening entertainment being more sedate. A few guests reported issues with room allocation upon arrival, where booked room types or upgrades were not immediately available, leading to temporary room changes.