Aquila Porto Rethymno

Just stayed 10 days here on an all inclusive,twin sea view room.The room was modern and well maintained with the facilities you'd expect in a 5 star.The location is ideal just across a busy road from the beach which is free to hotel guests apart from the first 2 rows where there is a charge.There is a beach drinks service which is included in AI.Its a 10 to 15 minute walk into the old town which is busy but lovely to explore. The atmosphere is relaxed and most of the entertainment classy(apart from the dj who played club music which didn't suit the clientele. The staff are really friendly and welcoming.The food in the buffet is excellent,as us the food in the a la carte restaurant. The only negative is that there are no courtesy rooms to shower and change before leaving,you can use the spa(small)or the poolside changing rooms(wet)you can request to keep a room on but at €90 until 4pm was a bit steep,and no guarantee you'd stay in your room might be allocated another. That being said we had a lovely time

We stayed at this hotel for one week on a half-board basis and, overall, had a very pleasant experience. The hotel has a relaxing atmosphere, an excellent beachfront location, and many features that made our holiday enjoyable.

Check-in was quick and efficient, and part of the staff gave us a very warm welcome.

Our side sea view room offered a beautiful view, and we especially appreciated the spacious balcony, which included a practical drying rack for swimwear and towels.

The hotel also provided beach bags and beach towels, which was a thoughtful touch.

The beach is located just across from the hotel, and the beach area is very nice. Sunbeds are included for guests, with only the first three rows requiring an additional charge. The beach service was attentive and efficient.

We also appreciated that the towels were replaced daily, and the room was stocked every day with fresh fruit, coffee, and bottled water.

The swimming pool area was pleasant and beautifully lit in the evenings, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

The food was another highlight of our stay—there was plenty of variety, everything was fresh and tasty, and the quality was excellent.

Evening entertainment was also outstanding, with talented local musicians, including violinists and saxophonists, as well as enjoyable cocktail evenings.

That said, there are a few aspects that could be improved.

The hotel entrance is easy to miss, and we actually went past it the first time. The reception area does not quite match what you would expect from a five-star hotel. It feels somewhat dated, as do the guest rooms, which would benefit from some refurbishment.

The hallways are also quite narrow for a hotel of this category.

Another unusual feature is the games area, with billiards and table football, located right next to the reception. It can be quite noisy and doesn’t create the most elegant first impression.

The bathroom was functional, with a decent shower, but it also needs some renovation. One design choice we found inconvenient was that the sink was located outside the shower and toilet area without a separating door, which reduced privacy.

The beach itself could also be better maintained, as the sand and sunbeds were not as clean as expected.

Another point that stood out was the dress code. Guests are informed at check-in that there is a dress code for the restaurant, which we fully support in a five-star hotel. However, this was not consistently enforced, and we often saw guests dining in beach flip-flops, wet clothes, or beachwear.

Cleanliness in the common areas could also be improved. The hallways were frequently occupied by cleaning carts, vacuum cleaners, dirty sheets, and used towels, which affected the overall appearance of the hotel. It might be helpful to have a dedicated storage room on each floor for housekeeping equipment and laundry.

Overall, we had a great stay and would recommend this hotel. Its biggest strengths are the fantastic location just across from the beach, the beautiful views, the excellent food, the enjoyable evening entertainment, and the friendliness and professionalism of many of the staff members. With some refurbishment and greater attention to cleanliness and hotel standards, this property could truly live up to its five-star rating.