Aquila Atlantis Hotel, Heraklion

Pros

• The Aquila Atlantis offers a variety of room types, including several that are ADA compliant for people in wheelchairs or with mobility needs.
• Guests can enjoy a dip either in the rooftop pool, which has a view of the sea, Venetian fortress, and harbor, or in the half indoor pool as well. 
• The hotel has a variety of common facilities, like the largest conference room in Heraklion, a bar and restaurant, and a spa.

Cons

• There can be some noise issues with the hotel from the nearby airport and streets down below, so book a room on a higher floor if you’re a light sleeper.
• The hotel’s pools are somewhat basic in that they close early and don’t have a bar/lounge situation, but if you’re looking to take a dip later in the day, Ammadoura Beach is just 15 minutes away by car.

Authenticity

The Aquila Atlantis opened in 1968, which makes it a historical spot as one of the oldest hotels in Heraklion. While the hotel has modernized with the times, traces of its past are visible throughout, as seen in the framed photographs of its groundbreaking ceremony back in 1968 and the various famous people who have stayed there. While there are images of Ancient Greece throughout, the real sense of history comes from the hotel itself as an institution of Heraklion.

Location

Situated just outside of the old center, the Aquila Atlantis boasts a central location just two blocks above the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The port is 15 minutes away walking or five driving, while the current airport is just 10 minutes away by car. The Rocca a Mare Fortress is 15 minutes away by foot and folks looking to explore Heraklion’s old city center can be at Lion Square in five minutes walking. The Palace of Knossos is 15 minutes away by car.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 164 rooms of the Aquila Atlantis are all clean and bright with wooden furniture and marble bathrooms. Room types vary based on whether they face the city or sea and there are ADA compliant ones for people in wheelchairs. All of the rooms sleep up to two people but there are connecting options for families or groups of travelers. The classic rooms on the back side of the hotel have city views and don’t have balconies, so be sure to book a room facing the harbor if you want a sea view and balcony.