Lato Boutique Hotel, Heraklion

Pros

• The prime location overlooks the Venetian Fortress just below, while Lion Square and old town is just a five-minute walk.
• Different types of travelers can find what they need, as there are connecting rooms for families or groups and ADA-compatible ones for people in wheelchairs.
• Every room has a balcony and the ones with sea and fortress views are particularly appealing due to the proximity to the waterfront.
• The hotel works with a company nearby to provide free parking.

Cons

• The standard rooms feel a bit basic, so consider a suite or room with a sea view for something more special or book this as a place to rest your head while exploring Heraklion.
• The central location gets quite busy during the high season, so light sleepers are advised to go for higher rooms.

Authenticity

Since opening in 1974, the Lato Boutique Hotel has been a reliable fixture of Heraklion’s hotels thanks to its stellar location. Guests can enjoy Cretan cuisine in the rooftop restaurant but it’s really that location that roots the hotel in this specific place, as Heraklion’s Venetian fortress is visible throughout. Soak in the view from your room or step outside and walk to the harbor in just a few minutes to experience the fortress firsthand.

Location

Situated just off of Heraklion’s waterfront, this hotel has the benefit of being extremely central to various sites. Walk to the Rocca a Mare fortress in just a few minutes or head to Lion Square and old town, which is five minutes away by foot. The Archaeological Museum is also five minutes away walking. Wander the ruins of Knossos in just 15 minutes by car, or drive west to the closest beach of Ammoudara in the same amount of time.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 79 rooms run the gamut from standard comfy rooms that sleep up to two people to triples and connecting family rooms that can accommodate three or four. In other words, there’s something for everyone here. All of the rooms are decorated simply with some splashes of color and basic furniture and they all have balconies that look either onto the sea and fortress or towards the city.