Aquila Porto Rethymno

We absolutely loved our stay here and agree with other reviewers that the staff really did make the experience special; they were all friendly, welcoming and couldn’t do enough to help. We did witness some very rude guests shouting at staff (though they had done nothing wrong) and felt they handled the situation with professionalism and respect. The position of the hotel is perfect for accessing the beach and lots of tavernas and is only a short walk from the old town which is just stunning. We stayed half board and couldn’t get over how good the food was- there was so much choice and it was all of a high standard. Each night had a different theme so there was always something new to try and we loved the dance night too. During our stay we were offered a complimentary room upgrade which we weren’t really that bothered about as we were happy with our room but they gave us the choice to look at it before deciding and wow the upgrade was fab so we took advantage of this and enjoyed direct sea views and a much superior room so if you get the chance to upgrade do go for it. The passion from the staff really shone through for us and we would definitely return!

Great staff, great location Approx 40 sunbeds around 2 small pools for approx 200 rooms is not enough hence we rarely got a sunbed by the pool and didn’t want to sit on the beach Drinks in restaurants very expensive and you were not allowed to even take in your own water Communal area a little shabby Food basic and very salty In general OK but would not rate this a 5 star Also the €15 per night tourist tax has sadly put me off coming to Greece again

Certainly not a 5* hotel, more like 3* Having paid extra for a ‘Mythica top floor superior sea view room’- advertised with photos of the newly refurbished room with direct sea view (on the hotel’s website), we were so upset to have been put in room 604 - an old style room facing the other side of the building, with no sea view. We came out of the lift to carpets in the hallway that were smelly and threadbare. We went back to reception immediately and asked to be put in the same type of room we had booked, to be told by the receptionist that the hotel was full, and there was nothing he could do about it. We insisted on speaking to a manager, and 2 hours later the lovely manager came to speak with us. He offered us a sea view room on a lower level. We knew this was all that was available, so despite it being another old style room we accepted it (we had no choice). Unfortunately we had 2 single beds pushed together rather than the double bed we had booked. The curtains didn’t fit the windows so we had to put towels on the windowsill to prevent light streaming in at the crack of dawn! The hotel staff were very pleasant, however the facilities are certainly in need of an update, and the hallways desperately need decorating and re-carpeting. The 2 lifts are pretty old and not air conditioned, so like ovens. They are also extremely slow and clearly struggling to cope with the volume of guests. Luckily I was happy to take the stairs, however the majority of people staying in the hotel were pretty elderly, so it is not ideal for the less mobile. The beach is very pleasant, and if you manage to get a bed nearer the sea you are not listening to the constant stream of traffic between the hotel and the beach. The sun beds could do with some cushioning, as again they are rather old and uncomfortable. It is a pity the photos of the hotel on their website are so misleading. Despite my grumbles above, we still had a lovely holiday. We ate in the Old Town every night (not in one of the places with photos of food outside) and giggled when walking back through the hotel entrance while the entertainment was on as it was very “Rethymno does Blackpool/Butlins”!

Aquila Porto Rethmno hotel is wonderful. The staff are really friendly and a pleasure to talk to. The food is excellent and plenty of choice too. The head chef Stelios cooked me a greek pancake often and was delicious. The room spotless and cleaned and towels changed every day. On arrival into room we were given wine, Raki, fruit and water. The fruit and water replenished often. There was lovely good quality shampoo shower jel and conditioner supplied. The bed was kingsize and very comfortable. The beach opposite the hotel has free sunbeds supplied by hotel. Twice a week the management would come on the beach and supply cocktails one day and water melon the other day. So lovely. Last but not least the general manager is amazing. He makes sure the hotel runs smoothly. In fact he cooked us a greek omelette for breakfast. That was so kind. We are looking forward to going back next year.

It was well located on the sea front and very spacious and modern

There were not enough spaces on the outside terrace to accommodate everyone. However the beach was available for those who preferred it.

One of the nicest hotels we’ve ever stayed in. Staff are amazing, food amazing, room and view was amazing. Close to the town and right on the beach. Would 100% recommend if staying in Crete don’t hesitate to book here. Even was left a birthday cake in the room on my birthday, thank you!

My Mum booked this hotel in Sept 2024, having stayed in 2017 with my Dad and friends. On arrival, we were told we were getting an upgrade the following day and to come back after breakfast. We weren't told we had a downgrade for the night, no apology, nothing. Everything is on the app, book your evening meal on the app, all info on the app. the app was a bit of a faff getting into and finding all the information out - in fact I was still finding new stuff on day 5. All inclusive...I have been to many and this was by far the worst experience. No self service for drinks, snacks etc, everything had to be ordered via a member of staff, 20 - 30 mins later you might get your order. Some orders never arrived. One girl working both pools, working her socks off up and down, up and down, took too long and needed more staff. Breakfast and lunch were generally ok, though slow on getting coffee pot delivered to table, food lukewarm, not much of an atmosphere, bare minimum staff running around serving drinks and cleaning tables - became friendly towards end of week after I'd filled in their survey...Evening meal, again food lukewarm, ok if you want chips every night, labelling of food was poor - no mention of garlic/onions for example. Vegetarian food with pesto and parmesan, which isn't vegetarian. The puddings and fruit were very good, as was the salad selection - good job I like both! You had no chance of getting a second drink during your meal. We booked for 7:15pm each evening but those coming in after us were finding a wait due to uncleared tables. Management were having to help clear tables as there weren't enough staff. There was mention of cakes between 4pm & 6pm, either on Aquila's app or Tui's but saw no evidence of this at all. Sun loungers described by Tui as cushioned...no cushions, very uncomfortable. For the loungers by the top pool, people were queuing for the doors to be opened from 8.30am (doors opened at 9am). There were loungers around the other pool but that opened even later due to breakfast being served around there and across the road on the beach. The first two rows, nearest the sea, had to be paid for. The sea was far warmer than the pools but you had to come back over to the hotel for toilets and drinks were ordered and served to you, staff having to go back to the ONE bar serving everyone, including passing trade. A la carte restaurant had some all inclusive food on but not much. The gala evening we didn't go to as the set menu wasn't suitable and we'd had no information about it until a letter was put under the door the night before. Having already experienced many issues and unfriendly/unhelpful staff, we stuck with the buffet restaurant. Couldn't even get a Pina Colada! Rated as a 5star, at best a 4star, though have had better at a 3star. Would we return? NO Would we recommend? NO, definitely not for All-Inclusive. Loads of great places to eat very close by and supermarkets to buy drinks/snacks in.

Excellent hotel, thought I’d write review while still at Aquila Porto Rethymno, we have been here for 12 days and cannot find anything negative to write, the hotel is fantastic spotlessly clean with lots of lovely seating areas around . From management to room service all staff members are very professional and friendly , and will go out of their way to help in any way , food lots of choice desserts to die for 🙂 and restaurant is run very efficiently always topping up food when they see it getting low , time slots for the evening means the restaurant is never crowded . We are staying on the 5 th floor room 521 we overlook apartments and the hillside , there is a road but noise has never been a problem , and balcony always been comfortable ( heat wise) to sit outside . A big Thankyou to Vera who is our room service lady , she is really lovely and friendly . And yes like others have said the furniture and shower could do with being updated , but rooms are spacious with plenty of wardrobe , drawer space , and shower works fine , and the furniture is ok. , I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone coming to Rethymno in Crete

Pros The staff are fantastic especially Maria in the cafe Food was good, especially the sweets! Cons Rooms are tiny You have to wait 20 minutes for your drink to arrive Bar is understaffed Entertainment is dreadful, the worst I have ever seen. Just put a play list together! (we spoke to a couple who go every year and they said it was there last) The pools are tiny The wonderful staff made our holiday. But I would not go again. It is not in anyway shape or form a 5 star hotel. Max it is a 4

Hotel is in a great location all staff we had encounters with during our stay were friendly and helpful! The restaurant area is small for the size of the hotel which we noticed more during our last few days here as more people arrived. Room was clean and spacious only thing I would say is the bathroom was dated and we found getting out of the bath/shower very awkward and slippery as so did other guests we spoke to during our stay could do with changing to just a large shower rather than a bath!! We didn’t spend a lot of time at the hotel during the daytime as the pools are in shade and not a lot of sun loungers around either pools so couldn’t really get one but the beach opposite was lovely and you can get sun beds and parasol for free on the hotel part and also order drinks Abbé who was working on the beach during our time was great he was friendly efficient and very good at his job especially in the heat!!