Metropole Urban Hotel, Heraklion

• The hotel's location is ideal: overlooking a quiet square at the edge of Heraklion's Old Town, it's a more peaceful setting within easy strolling distance of landmarks and the Venetian Port. 
• Rooms have a cozy but contemporary feel, with a palette of earthy neutrals, warm wood accents, and sculptural pendant lamps.
• Deluxe, corner-aspect units are the standouts here, with tiled balconies and postcard views over the neighboring square and the Agios Minas Cathedral.
• An adjoining downstairs café serves breakfast overlooking the charming cobblestone square.
• Staff here are particularly genuine and helpful, giving the modern hotel a more homey feel than most.

• There are no accessible rooms for travelers with limited mobility, but all floors are reached by elevator.
• Some rooms are on the small side; upgraded options feel less cramped. 

Authenticity

This small boutique hotel makes a strong first impression as soon as you step into its beautifully lit (and beautifully scented) lobby. The modern five-story property first opened in 2019, and though the interiors are contemporary, this doesn't feel like your standard chain hotel. Rooms have a chic, earthy feel, decorated using a warm palette that echoes the surrounding Old Town, and the setting is one of our favorites in the city: opening onto a cobbled square watched over by a soaring Orthodox cathedral dedicated to Crete's patron saint.

Location

You'll stay at the western edge of Heraklion's busy Old Town, overlooking Agias Katerinas Square. The hotel shares this pretty, pedestrianized plaza with open-air cafés, the grand Agios Minas Cathedral, and the smaller Church of Agia Ekaterini, which now houses an art museum. Despite the quieter address, you're just a 5-minute walk from Lion's Square and the Central Market; a 10-minute stroll north takes you to the waterfront and the Venetian Port. Taxis can get you to the ferry port in 5 minutes and the airport in 10. Private paid parking is available in a small garage nearby (about 4 minutes away on foot).

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 24 air-conditioned rooms are spread across four floors. Most incorporate warm woods, sculptural pendant lamps, and soft tones of earthy clay and dusty pink, creating a cozy yet contemporary feel. All are thoughtfully laid out to maximize space, but Compact and Standard units can feel cramped; upgrade to a Superior or a Deluxe for more elbow room, views over the cathedral, and furnished balconies. The top-floor Junior Suite offers the most square footage, with a wall of glass doors opening onto a large furnished terrace, complete with a jetted hot tub and close-up views of the cathedral spires. Bathrooms are just as stylish as the rooms, with marble accents, vessel sinks, and rain-style showers.

Amenities

A simple, a la carte breakfast is served in the adjoining downstairs café, a buzzy, light-filled space that's perfect for people-watching. In warm weather, you can grab a table on the terrace overlooking the square and the churches. This is a small boutique property, so other amenities are limited, but the staff, in particular, are standouts, welcoming guests with genuine warmth and always eager to share their favorite Heraklion tips and recommendations.

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome at Metropole Urban Hotel. Infants under two stay free, while those under 12 are charged a reduced rate. Room options include Triple units with an extra sofa bed and interconnecting Family rooms for larger groups. The hotel is stroller-friendly, with all floors reached by elevator.