GDM Megaron is the most polished address in Heraklion and the choice for travellers who want a city hotel with real comfort and a sense of history. It occupies a listed building from the 1920s on Beaufort Street, across from the old harbour, which was restored and converted into a hotel and is now protected as a historical monument. There are fifty-eight rooms and suites over six floors, and they come with balconies looking out to the sea, the Venetian Koules Fortress or the city. The rooftop is the hotel’s showpiece: in the warm months, from May to October, a pool with sun loungers and the 5th Bar Restaurant, serving contemporary Cretan cooking, look out over the harbour and the old town; from November to April, meals and drinks move indoors to the Plaza Café. A health club with a sauna, hammam and jacuzzi, a gym and massage treatments add to the comfort in cooler months. Guest reviews are exceptional, and the service is warm and attentive.
Location and getting around: the hotel faces the harbour in the centre of Heraklion. The Archaeological Museum is about three minutes away on foot, Lions Square, the Loggia and the main shopping streets a few minutes more, and Koules Fortress a short walk along the waterfront. The ferry port is under ten minutes on foot, and the airport about a quarter of an hour by car. Knossos is a short taxi or bus ride, and the intercity bus station for Chania and the rest of the island is close by. The hotel lists free self-parking on site, which is valuable in central Heraklion.
The rooms: elegant and comfortable, with a classic style, good beds and balconies on every room. Ask for a sea view facing the harbour and Koules; city-view rooms are quieter but less special.
Who it suits: couples, business travellers and anyone who wants the best hotel in the city as a base for Knossos, the museum and day trips. It is a good choice for travellers arriving or leaving by ferry.
Good to know: breakfast is served daily and is charged separately on some rates. The rooftop pool and the 5th Bar Restaurant are seasonal, so in November use the hammam and health club instead. Book spa treatments in advance.
Why stay here
- ✓Rooftop pool (May to October)
- ✓Balcony in every room
- ✓Sea and fortress views
- ✓Health club with sauna and hammam
- ✓Gym and massage treatments
- ✓5th Bar Restaurant and Plaza Café
- ✓Free on-site parking
- ✓Walk to the Archaeological Museum
Good questions
Is the rooftop pool at GDM Megaron open in November?+
No, the rooftop pool and the 5th Bar Restaurant are open from May to October. In the cooler months the health club, hammam and Plaza Café are the places to relax.
Does GDM Megaron have parking?+
Yes, the hotel lists free self-parking on site, which is rare in central Heraklion. Confirm availability when you book.
How far is GDM Megaron from the Archaeological Museum?+
About three minutes on foot. The ferry port and Koules Fortress are also within walking distance.