AQUILA Atlantis Hotel

Aquila Atlantis Hotel attracts couples and business travelers for its city location, appealing atmosphere, and quality service. The 2013 renovation created a classy, metropolitan feel with its largely black-and-white color scheme, but also added warmth with wood and tan accents. The lobby's black-and-white checkered floor, imposing black-marble pillars, and white walls are softened by a wood-paneled wall and purple orchids. Grey sofas with modern chairs add comfort to the lobby bar, and the main restaurant continues the theme with a black-marble floor and black wooden chairs. One of the most appealing areas is the rooftop deck, which has a pool only large enough for a dip but provides gorgeous views of the harbor and surrounding area. The hotel's location and sophisticated vibe make it popular primarily with business travelers and couples.

Aquila Atlantis hotel is in the bustling, historic city of Heraklion, just a 10-minute walk from the harbor where many cruise ships disembark. One minute on foot to the south is the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, with artifacts dating back thousands of years related to the history of Crete. From the hotel, it is an eight-minute walk to Morosini Fountain (The Lion Fountain), in a vibrant area full of shops and restaurants. The Historical Museum of Crete, which has a large collection of art from Crete’s history, is an 11-minute walk away. The archaeological dig of Knossos, the oldest city in Europe, is a 15-minute drive south. CretAquarium is a 23-minute drive away and has many sea-life exhibits appropriate for all ages. Heraklion Airport is about 15 minutes away by car.  There is a bus station a five-minute walk from the hotel, with routes all around the island. Parking is free at the hotel but spots are limited.

Rooms are attractively decorated in neutral-tone color schemes consisting of wood floors, white walls with black-and-white ocean photographs, fabric headboards, matching striped curtains and bedskirts, and a floral-patterned armchair. Additional furnishings aren't extensive, but they include an extra-long desk, small round table, and closets. Standard amenities include pillow menus, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Tasteful bathrooms have gray or black marble tiling, showers with rainfall showerheads, and a good amount of counter space. Also provided are hairdryers, robes, slippers, and a range of quality free toiletries. Upgraded room choices offer options like turn down service, a private car park, daily newspaper delivery, and balconies -- many with beautiful harbor views. Note, however, that some harbor views are only partially of the water, while others overlook the street. Additionally, some past guests have complained of noise from neighboring rooms.

The Aquila Atlantis Hotel has facilities and services to provide business travelers and vacationers alike with quality meals, options for spending free time, and opportunities for pampering. The main restaurant serves Cretan and Mediterranean dishes buffet-style for lunch and dinner, and guests report a good variety of appetizing choices. The free breakfast, served in the lounge bar, is highly recommended by many; on offering are the typical array of continental choices plus Cretan specialties, an omelet station, and fresh orange juice. 

Two small pools are available for guests. The first is tucked under the second story of a building, in a courtyard with cement floors ringed by planters with small trees and bushes. The rooftop pool is a basic space with wooden decking surrounding the rectangular pool and a few free lounge chairs, but no umbrellas or shade of any kind. Still, the view overlooking the harbor is spectacular. A good variety of spa services are available, as well as a small gym with just a handful of equipment. A business center and six conference rooms provide services for events up to 900 people. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout.