Leo Hotel
Listed 1450s Venetian house beside the Loggia, 50 m from Rethymno's harbour
About this hotel
Staying at Leo Hotel means stepping back in time within a beautifully preserved 1450s Venetian house, right in the vibrant heart of Rethymno's old town. The individually furnished rooms blend historic character with modern comforts like air conditioning and satellite TV. Mornings begin with breakfast served on the scenic medieval street, offering a delightful start to the day. The hotel's prime location places you moments from the Venetian Harbour, the Loggia, and the impressive Fortezza Castle, with ancient alleys, shops, and taverns just outside your door. The beach is a pleasant walk away, making it easy to combine cultural exploration with seaside relaxation.
- Listed Venetian house from the 1450s
- Next to the Loggia, about 50 m from the Venetian harbour
- About 300 m from the Fortezza
- Rated 9.4 from 452 reviews
- Massages available on request
Our take
Leo occupies a listed Venetian house from the 1450s at the corner of Vafe and Arkadiou, next to the Loggia and about 50 m from Rethymno's Venetian harbour, with the Fortezza some 300 m away. It scores 9.4 from 452 reviews, mostly for that position. Do not book it for a spa: wellness here means massages on request, not a pool or a hammam. A few guests mention street noise, which comes with sleeping in the busiest corner of the old town. I would choose it for a couple who wants to step out into the Venetian lanes and the harbour tavernas at night.
- ✓Cars are not allowed in the historic centre in summer: use the large car parks on Salaminos-Melisinou Street or by the old port and walk in with your luggage.
- ✓The Fortezza is about 300 m away; go up in the late afternoon for the view over the old town rooftops and the harbour.
- ✓If you want a hammam, the old Turkish bath is around 350 m from the hotel, but the hotel itself offers massages, not a steam bath.
- ✓Light sleepers should ask for a room away from Arkadiou Street, the old town's main axis.
Why we love it
- Historic 1450s Venetian house setting
- Prime location in Rethymno's old town
- Breakfast served on a medieval street
- Close proximity to Venetian Harbour and Fortezza
Why guests love itLeo can work for families who want to be in the middle of Rethymno's old town and do everything on foot. The Venetian harbour is about 50 m away and the Fortezza about 300 m, two outings that school-age children usually take to easily. The constraints come from the building: a 15th-century house with no pool or play area, so beach and swimming time happens outside the hotel. Cars cannot reach the door in summer, which means a walk from the car park with luggage and children. With toddlers and a pushchair, I would look for a hotel outside the old town.