GDM Megaron, Heraklion

Pros

• This landmark building is intricately connected to a century of history in Heraklion, adding authenticity that sets the hotel apart from others.
• The hotel is famous for its warm hospitality.
• A rarity in Heraklion, the hotel has its own parking lot. 
• The central location is convenient, just off the waterfront and 10 minutes walking from the port.
• Guests can enjoy fantastic views of the Venetian fortress, sea, and city from the rooftop pool and lounge area. 

Cons

• The prime location means that it can get a bit loud in the high season, even with the soundproofed windows. 
• The pool area can get quite crowded in summer.
• While generally safe, the area around the hotel is a bit rundown.

Additional Notes

The GDM Megaron may not be the world's nicest hotel, but it does have a fantastic staff that offers the hospitality that Crete is so famous for. Manager Eri knows her guests and how to make people feel taken care of. Her generosity—and insistence that I try a variety of homemade cookies—elevate the experience here.

Authenticity

The history of the GDM Megaron dates back to the mid-1920s when it was built partially on the city's old Venetian walls and functioned as a citrus fruit factory to meet a significant demand in England for citron to make Christmas pudding. The building's functions changed over time, but its historical importance hasn't—this was the first building in Crete to have an elevator and served as a meeting point for influential politicians and tastemakers in the city. While the hotel has been modernized for the 21st century, its history can still be seen throughout. As a landmark, its facade can't be changed—there can't even be chairs on the balconies—and there are found objects and bits and pieces of history thoughtfully placed around the lobby and in other areas. This history, combined with the staff's Cretan hospitality, makes a stay at the GDM Megaron one of the more authentic you can get in Heraklion.

Location

This historic building is almost directly on the waterfront and overlooks the Rocca a Mare Fortress, which can be reached within 10 minutes on foot. The Heraklion port is also 10 minutes away walking or a two-minute drive. Guests can walk to Heraklion's old center and sites like Lion Square in under 10 minutes, while those with cars can drive to the Palace of Knossos in just over 15 minutes. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 50 guest rooms vary in size and view (city or sea), but they all share a modern business hotel-like style. Connecting and triple room options are available for families or groups of friends. Due to the restrictions of landmark buildings, the window frames can't be changed, but all of the windows are double-paned to keep out the noise outside. Light sleepers may be more comfortable in rooms with city views, which are less noisy than waterfront ones.

Amenities

GDM Megaron has a small seasonal unheated rooftop pool with views over the former Venetian fortress and the sea. Around the pool are about a dozen lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a bar and restaurant serving food and drinks. There's a small spa and fitness center on the fourth floor. A library and lounge are also open to guests. There's an elevator to reach upper-floor rooms, but there aren't other amenities for wheelchair users.

Family-Friendliness

The hotel isn't particularly family-friendly. Babies under two years can stay free with adults, but children over age two are charged a child rate and a fee for an extra bed (if necessary). The hotel is stroller-accessible, with elevators to reach the upper floors.

Other Highlights

GDM Megaron has two seasonal restaurants with a full bar and a la carte food menus. The Plaza Café is open October through May from 7:30 am to 11 pm, including a breakfast buffet. The rooftop 5th Restaurant, featuring dazzling water views, is open May through October from noon until 11 pm.