Veneziano Boutique Hotel, Heraklion

Pros

• The building’s rich history includes Venetian and Ottoman elements, which can be seen in its striking enclosed wooden balcony on the facade and in the original stone walls of the rooms.
• It doesn’t get much more central than this, as Lion Square is less than five minutes by foot and several of Heraklion city’s most popular sights are all within a short walking distance.

Cons

• The building’s historic status means that structural changes can’t be made, so there is no elevator and several rooms have steps to access them or loft beds. It is not a good option for those with wheelchairs or mobility needs, so be sure to talk to reception about your accessibility requirements beforehand.
• The prime location gets very busy during the high season, which can make this area very loud, particularly for the ground floor rooms. Consider booking a higher room for some more quiet or bringing ear plugs.
• There is no parking available but those with cars can grab a spot at the paid city parking lot, which is five minutes away by foot.
• Some suites do have kitchenettes but they’re not equipped with utensils or cooking ware.

Authenticity

Whether you’re a history buff or not, it’s hard not to be impressed by the building of the Veneziano Boutique Hotel. Spot it from a mile away thanks to its preserved enclosed wooden balcony, which was added to the facade during the Ottoman empire when this was the residence of the first Aga of Heraklion. Other original elements include stone walls incorporated into the rooms and the courtyard, which used to be the stable of the Aga. Guests can enjoy the feeling of traveling back in time through history here.

Location

Bordering Heraklion’s old town, the Veneziano Boutique Hotel is in a prime location that’s perfect for anyone who wants to explore the city easily and conveniently. Lion Square is less than five minutes away by foot, while a variety of shops and restaurants are just outside the hotel’s entrance. The Venetian Fortress is 15 minutes away walking, while the Archaeological Museum is just under 10. Drive to Knossos in 20 minutes or enjoy a day at Ammoudara Beach, which is only 10 minutes away by car. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The eight rooms can sleep two people in these spaces that combine a contemporary style with historic elements like stone walls. Some suites have kitchens but they're not equipped with utensils or items besides coffee. A number of rooms have steps to get in or up to the loft bed. Guests with mobility needs are advised to book a ground-floor room but note that these can also get loud in the summer. All of the rooms have standing showers with partial glass cabins, so water splashing can be an issue.