Aquarius Boutique Hotel Heraklion Review: A Hidden Gem in the Old Town
An honest, detailed review of the Aquarius Boutique Hotel in Heraklion — rooms, service, breakfast, location, and whether it's worth booking.
Aquarius Boutique Hotel: Full Review
The Aquarius Boutique Hotel is one of Heraklion’s most charming stays. We spent two nights here in October to see if it lives up to its excellent reviews.
Location
The hotel is in a quiet corner of the old town, a 5-minute walk from Lions Square and the Archaeological Museum. Despite being central, the street is residential and quiet at night — a rare combination in Heraklion.
The Room
We stayed in a Superior Double Room on the 2nd floor. The room was compact but beautifully designed, with exposed stone walls, a comfortable king bed, and a modern bathroom with a walk-in rain shower.
The design is what sets Aquarius apart — each room is individually decorated with a mix of contemporary and traditional Cretan elements. It feels like a well-designed home, not a hotel chain.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace (weather permitting) and is a highlight. The spread includes homemade jams, local cheeses, fresh bread, yogurt with thyme honey, and excellent coffee. It’s not a huge buffet, but everything is high quality and locally sourced.
Service
The staff at Aquarius are genuinely warm and helpful. They recommended excellent local restaurants, arranged a taxi to Knossos, and even packed us a breakfast to-go on our early-morning departure.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.5/5
The Aquarius Boutique Hotel is a delightful stay for couples and solo travelers who appreciate design, quiet, and personal service. It’s not for you if you need a pool, large rooms, or resort amenities — but for a stylish, intimate base in Heraklion’s old town, it’s hard to beat.
Recommended for: Couples, design lovers, solo travelers.
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Pros
- ✓ Stylish, individually decorated rooms with contemporary Cretan design
- ✓ Excellent central location in the old town, quiet at night
- ✓ Lovely rooftop terrace with views over the city
- ✓ Outstanding breakfast with homemade local specialties
- ✓ Friendly, helpful staff who go above and beyond
Cons
- ✗ Rooms are on the smaller side — typical for a boutique hotel
- ✗ No pool (rooftop terrace only)
- ✗ Limited parking — need to use a nearby public garage
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Aquarius Boutique Hotel have parking? ▾
The hotel does not have private parking. There is a public parking garage about 200 meters away. The hotel can provide directions.
Is Aquarius Boutique Hotel family-friendly? ▾
The hotel welcomes families, but the small room sizes and boutique atmosphere make it better suited for couples and solo travelers.