Kastro Hotel is the budget pick on this list and a sensible base for travellers who would rather spend their money on Knossos, food tours and day trips than on the room. It stands on Theotokopoulou Street in the western part of Heraklion’s historic centre, a quiet street close to the Historical Museum of Crete, which is about two minutes away on foot, and the Archaeological Museum, about five minutes away. The hotel has thirty-nine rooms in a building first opened in the 1960s and renovated in 2016, so the rooms are simple but updated, with air conditioning, balconies or terraces, small refrigerators, safes and free Wi-Fi. Room types include singles, doubles and triples, which suits solo travellers and small families. Guests regularly praise the breakfast buffet and the helpful staff, and the location is close to Lions Square, the waterfront and the Venetian walls without the noise of the busiest streets. It is not fancy, but it is clean, central and honest value for the city.
Location and getting around: Theotokopoulou Street is in the old centre between the Historical Museum of Crete and the market streets, so the waterfront, Koules Fortress, Lions Square and the Archaeological Museum are all within walking distance. The port is about a quarter of an hour on foot, and the airport about fifteen minutes by car. Local buses to Knossos leave from the centre, and the intercity bus stations for Chania and the south are a short taxi ride away. The hotel can arrange car hire.
The rooms: compact and practical, with a modern refresh, private bathrooms and balconies. Triples are useful for families or friends travelling together. Rooms facing the back are generally quieter.
Who it suits: budget-minded couples, solo travellers and small families who want a central base for Heraklion and the Minoan sites, especially in the off-season.
Good to know: check whether breakfast is included in your rate, since guests rate it highly. Parking in the old centre is limited; guests mention a nearby arrangement for a modest daily fee, so ask the hotel before arriving by car. Pets are not allowed.
Why stay here
- ✓Balcony or terrace in every room
- ✓Breakfast buffet
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓In-room refrigerator and safe
- ✓Single, double and triple rooms
- ✓Car hire desk
- ✓Walk to the Archaeological Museum
Good questions
How far is Kastro Hotel from the Archaeological Museum?+
It is about a five-minute walk. The Historical Museum of Crete is even closer, about two minutes away.
Does Kastro Hotel have parking?+
Parking in the old centre is limited, and guests mention a nearby arrangement for a modest daily fee. Ask the hotel before you arrive by car.
Is Kastro Hotel good for families?+
Yes for small families, thanks to the triple rooms and the central location. Families needing more space should look at the suites at Lato.