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.

Had a 40minute facial with Sandy which was stunning. So relaxing! My skin feels amazing. She gave me a head massage which and massaged neck and shoulders, releasing the tension and made me feel really comfortable She made the experience perfect! Thank you Sandy

The hydrating facial was excellent, I really enjoyed the relaxation and great experience provided by therapist Efi in the spa!

Vriendelijk personeel en zeer goed ontbijt.

Il mare e l’accoglienza del personale

I liked the massage with Sandy

Very nice massasje from Sandy. Høglys recomsnded😊

Best massage and facial treatment. I’d recommend to everyone and would have it again. Efi is very talented! :)

Sandy war sehr gut und professionell

Facial, neck, arm - Such good treatment by Efi. It was very relaxing. Especially the facial treatment was over my expectations :)

Hotel is very clean , rooms cleaned daily .
Room at the back of the hotel wasn’t great a view of the road and apartments also very noisy Lorrie’s and big men through the night didn’t sleep well. Room itself was ok.
Food is beautiful smaller selection but always fresh in the main restaurant. Greek nights are the best with the gyros and bbq food.
Cafe snacks were lovely during the day bagels and toasties.
Small pools could always get a sun bed however for a five star hotel they’re not comfortable ones they need padding on them.
Drinks - all drinks in the cafe bar are table service , the staff there are wonderful but overworked more staff needed. Worst hotel ever to get a drink as service is so slow waiting so long between drinks.
When we arrived gone midnight no food available which is poor we were directed to walk out into the street to buy a gyros! I have never experienced this in a hotel as a late arrival, very poor considering we paid a lot fully inc .
In the room no instructions of how the hotel works where things are . Found out three days later they have an app where you could order pool and beach service.
The beach was lovely always a bed, sea wasn’t the cleanest a lot of plastic In it so sad to see. You cannot order food down to the beach you have to pay ? ! You have to cross a very busy road to get to the beach .
Very central location 15 minute walk into rethmyno old town which is beautiful .
Entertainment was ok lots of musicians Greek night was the best !

Great experience with therapist Efi. Would recommend! :)

From the US, Came here for a deep tissue massage, Kostas was awesome and made me feel welcomed.

The staff was god overall, gave me slit of info before the massage.
The massage was on spot to.

Alles👍

A massage from Efi at the Spa was excellent and highly recommended

This Hotel is AMAZING! Incredible service, Breakfast is Amazing as well!