Aquila Porto Rethymno

Aquila Porto Rethymno is an elegant all-inclusive option that will accommodate families, but due to the lack of kid-friendly facilities, is more suited to couples. Despite its urban setting on a busy main road (the beach is across the street), the lobby is calm and relaxed, with pale marble floors and elegant decor in light beige tones. Floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air ceilings let in plenty of natural light, making most spaces feel light and breezy. The architecture is relatively modern, with striking geometric shapes and juxtaposing angles -- although some of the furniture in public spaces is dated.

Aquila is a local family-run brand, with four different hotels spread across Crete’s northern coast. One of its standout aspects is its commitment to promoting environmental awareness among guests as well as maintaining eco-friendly practices. Aquila Porto Rethymno -- with its blue flag beach and recycling bins -- is no exception. The hotel accommodates couples of all ages, and its romantic atmosphere -- especially in higher category rooms -- suits them well. 

This hotel has a solid location that's a short walk to Rethymnon’s major attractions, but far enough outside the city to provide easy beach access. It’s on a main road that's packed with other hotels and restaurants, and the beach is just across the street. For more authentic Cretan dining, try the restaurants in Rethymnon’s charming old town, which is only a 10-minute walk away. The historic Venetian harbor is five minutes from the hotel on foot, while the historic Venetian fort is a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive. The lively city of Chania is roughly an hour drive west, while Heraklion and its airport are just over an hour to the east by car.

Aquila Porto Rethymno has a mixture of refurbished and non-refurbished rooms as of our 2017 visit, which may significantly influence a guest’s experience and impression of the hotel. Refurbished rooms are smart, modern, and classy, while some non-refurbished rooms may feel worn or dated. Room changes can be accommodated, though that's subject to availability. All 202 rooms come with upscale perks such as free welcome drinks, bathrobes and slippers, and pillow menus, plus standards like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, tea/coffee facilities, mini-stereo systems, beach bags with beach towels, and balconies or terraces. Views vary, though most have views of the sea or Rethymnon’s Venetian harbor. Bathrooms are classic in style and many are marble, with either showers or shower/tub combos.

Standard Rooms are the entry-level category, while all higher categories are classed as Mythica rooms, giving guests VIP status and special perks such as express check-ins and late check-outs (subject to availability). Other VIP extras include a free bottle of wine and bottled water, local sweets, fruit basket, and a flask of the fiery local spirit raki. Superior Rooms all have sea views with marble bathrooms, while Double Deluxe Rooms are more romantic, with direct sea views. Executive Junior Suites are elegant and classy, with large furnished balconies, direct sea views, a small living/dining area, and marble bathrooms with two sinks, separate showers, and jetted tubs.

Despite two outdoor freshwater pools and an indoor dipping pool, guests of Aquila Porto Rethymno tend to prefer the sandy blue flag beach. It's just across the street from the hotel and offers free sunbeds, umbrellas, as well as waiters and beach towel service. There’s also a sand volleyball court and shower facilities, but no toilets. Back at the hotel, the pools are clean and pleasant, but tend to slip into shade by the afternoon, resulting in water that’s a tad cold for swimming. 

The main buffet restaurant offers an excellent variety of fare, and has a beautiful poolside alfresco deck with immaculate white wicker furniture. Several meal plans are available, and the Aquila brand has its own tailored version of the all-inclusive plan, dubbed Premium All-Inclusive. Guests on this plan can join one themed night and one Gala Dinner per week, and any alcoholic drinks and cocktails not included in the plan are available at discounted prices. There’s also a classy Mediterranean a la carte restaurant, a cafe with an elegant mezzanine layout and outdoor seating, and a lobby bar.

The spa is equipped with a sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, small gym, and has a seasoned massage therapist who is popular with guests. Free recreation includes aqua aerobics, table tennis, and darts, while beach water sports such as windsurfing and paragliding cost extra. There’s also live music three times a week, evening shows, and weekly themed dinners. The Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but can be unreliable during times of peak usage. Due to its city location, there’s no private parking, and while street parking is free in the immediate area, it can be difficult to find.