Sofia Hotel

Sofia Hotel descritpion

Less than a 5 minute bus ride from Heraklion center in Crete, Sofia hotel offers a swimming pool and restaurant. It serves breakfast and features rooms with free Wi-Fi and a balcony.
The fully refurbished rooms are light, spacious and are soundproof. Each includes air conditioning, LCD satellite TV and fridge.
Guests can relax by the pool, surrounded with lounge chairs and enjoy a refreshing cocktail from the bar.
Heraklion is rich in Ottoman, Byzantine and Venetian architecture, as well as in Cretan restaurants and souvenir shops. The staff at the 24-hour front desk can arrange car rental and free private parking is available on site. Heraklion International Airport is just one mile away.

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Facilities of Sofia Hotel

Outdoors ：Outdoor Pool (all year) | Grounds | Terrace | Sun Deck

Ski ：Ski Storage

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Activities ：Library

Food & Drink ：Bar | Snack Bar

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed). | Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not possible).

Languages Spoken ：French | English | Greek | German

Reviews for Sofia Hotel

Review 1：So close to the airport, stayed just one night. Room was spacious and clean and quiet. Breakfast a little disappointing but enough to keep us going

Review 2：A perfectly acceptable and functional hotel, but lacking any especial character. However it is really close to the airport. We walked in to collect a rental car in less than 20 mins.

Review 3：A little hard to find.

Review 4：Very convenient for Heraklion airport; comfortable well run hotel with pleasant terrace (and small pool). Food available until late evening.

Review 5：Close proximity to the airport for anyone with very early flights. The Sofia even had continental breakfast for us at 5:00 am. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful.

Review 6：The room was not soooo clean (breadcrumbs on the desk and on the balcony are some empty bottles and a ashtray with cigarette stubs from former guests) You hear everything going on in the hotel at night - no doors between the floors.

Review 7：It's near of the Airport and there are public busses to the Airport nearby. WLAN works perfect.

Review 8：There was a bit of a problem with mosquitoes in the room and one night someone was smoking in a room across the hall and it made the whole hall was almost unbearable.

Review 9：Nice modern rooms, close to the airport, nice breakfast buffet, a swimming pool and nice hangout area in the back. It is a family owned business, and they really care about making their guests stay as good as possible. They have a computer for free use in the lobby which helps with planning various things.

Review 10：Heraklion is kinda messy. It feels all a bit unfinished. But the Sofia Hotel is a fine place to go to.

Review 11：Dimitri en Stella are great hosts. Nice family I will deal with all the comfort.

Review 12：I think I would have like to know that the location is not close to the center and it's about a 40-50 min. walk to the center. But than again Taxi is not that expensive in Crete.

Review 13：The staff is wonderful and helpful.

Review 14：Breakfast is poor in terms of options and quality. The bathroom cleanliness was not that great (though, i can't call it dirty). Shampoo and soap are in liquid form and placed in dispensers which became annoying as you have to take plenty to be able to wash your entire body. Finally the TV was very small (22inch) for the relatively huge room.

Review 15：The staff was friendly. Rooms were big and comfy.

Review 16：That I could not stay longer.

Review 17：The best and most welcome and helpful reception. We chose it close to the airport as we were flying out early the next morning but were surprised by the 5 star standard for the cost of the accommodation

Review 18：Noisy building ... Didn't get much sleep

Review 19：Staff friendly at front desk. Even offered to have breakfast available for our very early morning departure.

Review 20：Did not clean under the beds Dust, hair Balcony did not clean, found hair Swimming pool have not been cleaned Properly, especially the small one, leaves were inside

Review 21：Very close to the airport Free parking Very Early breakfast possible

Review 22：We spent just one night there, but if we will go back to Heraklion, then we surely book again this hotel: pretty close to airport but very quiet and in the rooms not too much noises from outside. The pool was really great. The centre is few minutes far by walk or even better by car. The staff kind and helpful, always available for any question/suggestion/request.

Review 23：Morning noises from the corridor, as people were leaving early for planes. The door is not soundproof at all. On the other hand, the sounds from the airport didn't really bother us.

Review 24：Great breakfast, nice rooms, people always smiling. Able to serve a good dinner until 12 PM. The hotel looks better in real than in photos :) - quite a surprise. Certainly would recommend!

Review 25：Noise from the planes - the other side

Review 26：This hotel is in an extreme proximity to the airport. This is its main advantage and if you have your flight in the morning its the best place where you can stay.

Review 27：Not within walking distance of the airport unless you have no luggage

Review 28：Friendly helpful staff, good location close to the airport and easy exit to downtown . Free Wi-Fi works great in The lobby and beside the pool. Good windows block sound from the airport

Review 29：Nothing

Review 30：The pool was lovely and clean, the staff were friendly and helpful, the bed was king size and comfortably firm and breakfast was very reasonable.

Review 31：- breakfast was a bit poor, no fresh fruit juice (evethough they sell it in their restaurant), there was only one type of salami, no ham and one type of cheese (feta) + tomatoes and canned peaches.. - location: too far from the city centre (about 2km walk or 10 min by bus) and not so close to the airport + there is nothing in the proximity - the swimming pool is very small, ok for children.

Review 32：- cozy room, clean, comfortable bed - you can even eat there (but the menu is limited) - nice staff, very helpful

Review 33：I liked the open plan inside and the beautiful area around the pool. We feel welcome and comfortable in the reception area. I will recommend this hotel any time!

Review 34：The rooms are hot, but if you open the door or window the a/c will not go on so you have to cook alive for 30 minutes till the room cools down the food is institutional and awful

Review 35：Location near airport

Review 36：There was nothing to dislike

Review 37：We were a party of 5 mixed ages ranging from early thirties to sixties booked this hotel to stopover from our flight to Heraklion before driving down to Almyrida the next day so were looking for something economical and close to the airport. The staff were amazing, very friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. The hotel was spotlessly clean and the food and breakfast very good value for money. We all said we would definitely stay again

Review 38：I always use them as a base when I arrive late or leave early in the morning from Heraklion. The rooms are clean and comfortable, they have double panes windows so the nearby airport does not disturb. Breakfast is plenty and good and the staff is welcoming and nice. They have a pool and free parking which are good plus

Review 39：We booked a room to use before a late flight, having left our holiday villa earlier that day. The staff on reception were extremely accommodating, friendly and helpful. The airport is literally minutes away which worked well for us. Highly recommend the Hotel Sofia.

Review 40：Breakfast was a little sparse.

Review 41：People people people - a family-owned hotel, super helpful staff. Close to the airport - great since we arrived after midnight. They cooperate with a car rental agency, which arranged a driver to pick us up from the airport and drive us back at the end. Car was delivered at the hotel the morning after we arrived and was 100% problem-free.

Review 42：Breakfast was very basic and little left when we came down. Not much and very little to refil....

Review 43：The restaurant downstairs was convinient for late dinner. Grill was nice.

Review 44：I've found a big mass of hair on the room's ground.

Review 45：Perfect location for our last night in Crete before an early flight. Large and comfortable room and bathroom, helpful staff!

Review 46：Rooms are small. In the middle of the night there were a lot of noises from other tourists (doors bangs, 10 times! Scary experience if you would sleep alone)

Review 47：Close to the airport. Very nice staff that helped us.

Review 48：Noise till the early hours of the morning from the nearby airport and too much noise from other guests in the hallway outside. Poor selection of food for breakfast.

Review 49：La zona non è un granché... Non ci passerei più di una notte come abbiamo fatto noi.

Review 50：Vicinanza all'aeroporto e quindi alle compagnie di autonolleggio

Review 51：The intense smoke smell in the room, when I first arrived.

Review 52：Stayed overnight waiting for a next day connecting flight, so visinity to the airport was a great advantage. Very friendly and helpful personel.

Review 53：Liked everything

Review 54：Comfortable, clean, family run hotel. Friendly helpful staff especially Sophia who provided us with all the information regarding timetables, directions and tourist attractions. Wonderful breakfast. Convenient for buses,airport and town.

Review 55：Plane noises are only a problem if you have the windows open.

Review 56：This family run hotel is not that far out of town (we took a pleasant walk into Heraklion on a couple of days). The rooms are exceptionally clean and comfortable. Sofia, the younger, was friendly and helpful. Food in the cafe is average but it is not expensive.

Review 57：Third time we stayed here on our trip and extended last night before flight home by a day because staff so friendly and helpful .. Everything you need at this hotel ,great food with swimming pool a bonus .also excellent price for what you get !!!

Review 58：Close to airport and easy to find when returning rental car . Was easy to get to town by bus with instructions and do the tourists things in there. Staff go out of their way for you and nothing is too much trouble Food was great and made use of pool as it was so hot . Highly recommend this hotel is coming off a flight or returning .Taxi fare was 9 -10 euros . Was our second stay here this trip and felt like coming home . Lift was great didn't have to carry bags up the stairs like we did in some hotels .

Review 59：The bed was a little too firm for my liking but more coffee than normal earlier in the day and the aircraft flights didn't help me getting to sleep. I did note the double glazing so the hotel has done what it can to reduce the aircraft factor.

Review 60：There was a warm, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and the staff we encountered were very helpful.

Review 61：The swimming pool was closed the two days we stayed (the swinning pool was one of the reason we chose this hotel).

Review 62：Distance to airport. Nice breakfast.

Review 63：Bed was a bit hard for our liking but everything was clean and tidyb

Review 64：Handy to airport and given warm welcome arriving late in the evening .. Food was made available and welcome drink was appreciated .

Review 65：There was nothing we did'nt like.

Review 66：Arrived on late flight, hotel easy to find, bar still open, staff very friendly. Beds comfy, good nights sleep. Breakfast everything you good want. Excellent stay

Review 67：- Very good location if you want to stay near airport. Our flight arrived late and left early so it was important (walking distance, no taxi needed). - Very warm welcome. Although it was midnight, the receptionist was smiling and offered welcome drink. - We could have a quick breakfast before 6 am (breakfast service starts at 7).

Review 68：Nothing in particular.

Review 69：Excellently located, very close to the airport. Very friendly and helpful staff (even though we arrived very late, we were able to get a meal at the bar).

Review 70：There isn't really anything around the hotel, it's in a residential suburb which doesn't have much to offer by way of food, drink or entertainment.

Review 71：Proximity to the airport, which was our reason for booking as we had an early flight. Early checkout/breakfast was excellent. We departed at 5am, and a cold continental style breakfast was available. The hotel was good value for money.

Review 72：There was a mosquito in the room when we arrived around midnight. It bit me several times but the hotel was hardly responsible for that!

Review 73：Everything was good and everyone was helpful.

Review 74：Walking distance from airport, friendly staff, clean rooms. Good value for money. Walking distance from airport, friendly staff, clean rooms. Tasty breakfast.

Review 75：Arrived late evening - picking up hire car next day to travel to south of crete. Hotel only 5 minutes from Airport by Taxi. Lovely small Hotel - Very clean - good food and staff. Would definitely use again.

Review 76：Breakfast - nothing to be praised

Review 77：Location close to the airport; Quietness (except for the planes but they were not disturbing either); Friendly stuff

Review 78：Sofia Hotel was so close to the airport which was a great benefit when arriving late at night with three young kids. The staff at the little canteen by the pool made us a late dinner which we all enjoyed after a tiring flight.

Review 79：location is not so good - very quiet relatviely close to the airport but not close to downtown center nor on the beach

Review 80：great stuff. very firendly and helpful, good BBQ, very clean

Review 81：Small barbecue type restaurant rather ho hum. Best to eat down at nearby Taverna at night

Review 82：Good 3 star spacious room Excellent liaison with associated rental car operator Adequate breakfast Value for money Friendly staff

Review 83：very expensive, bad value for money. They did not make our bed, we had to do it (paying 65 euros per night) because they leave the sheets there to make it by yourself. Is very noisy, people screaming at night, is not well soundproof, you hear the planes very loud inside your room.

Review 84：Hotel near the airport

Review 85：Very close to end of runway so some plane noise but airport doesn't operate overnight and hotel is double glazed.

Review 86：Staff were happy to store our luggage until we went to the airport and we were welcome to sit in the lounge or by the pool. Good value meal in snack bar the previous evening.

Review 87：Very quick transfer from the airport. Snack bar open till 11.30pm so late arrivers can get a meal. Staff are very helpful and speak lots of languages.

Review 88：Would have liked tea/ coffee making facilities in the room. No catering available at lunchtime but staff sent out for food from a local café.

Review 89：Great pool. Very clean. Friendly and helpful staff

Review 90：In house restaurant very ordinary but convenient if wanting quick meal

Review 91：Excellent staff with great local knowledge. Excellent in house associated rental car agency.Easy access to town and airport. Local bus close and good nearby restaurant

Review 92：Set in the suburbs within walking distance of the centre and the airport; a very comfy hotel with lovely staff who even helped with my huge bike box. Enjoyed the food at the taverna overlooking the pool.

Review 93：Nothing. It was great for us as all we needed was an overnight stop near the airport. It's not a touristy area

Review 94：Helpful staff. Quiet, clean, pleasant. Very near airport.

Review 95：Hotel was very close to the airport (less than 3 minutes drive). Whilst it was close to the airport the room was very quiet. The staff were extremely friendly and recommended excellent places to eat as their restuarant did not open until March. As our flight was at 6:40 we didn't expect breakfast and were delighted when at 5am coffee and a light buffet breakfast were waitinf for us! Would definitely stay there again.

Review 96：The Sofia Hotel is in a strategic position, for whom wants to discover Heraklion and Crete, arriving to Heraklion airport and wants to rent a car. The position in the Alikarnassos neighborhood, little far from the center but full of services, is ok for who needs some quietness. The rooms and the services are so good for a 3 star hotel and for the price, but most of all, the staff is very very friendly, especially the young owner, Sofia, who will give you any kind of information about Crete and its history. An example: she warmly suggested me the Kazantzakis museum, after my visit to Cnossos, I've been there without knowing the author (but only some of his cinematographic transposition from his books), and I loved it so much. If you go to Crete, you have to follow her advices.

Review 97：THE STAFF WAS REALLY FRIENDLY, AND ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP WITH ANY REQUESTS. GOOD LOCATION AS IT IS 5 MINUTES DRIVE FROM THE AIRPORT AND 5 MINUTES DRIVE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL AREA NICE AND CLEAN ROOMS .

Review 98：The taxi who refused to switch his meter on and declared, once at airport, that the 500m would be € 9.50!! Unfortunately there is not much time to call the police when you are booked on the 6:40h flight and it was raining hard that morning. Next time I would stay in town for the night.

Review 99：Warm and professional welcome. Most helpful staff. Close to airport for 1st flight out in the morning.

Review 100：I stayed at hotel Sofia for an unexpected 8 nights. During that time I had some odd requests, all of which were met with the most fantastic help. All of the staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with suitable facilities. The hotel is a short bus ride or a decent walk into town, and has nice restaurants nearby. A very friendly hotel. I will definitely be staying there again

Review 101：The staff members were wonderful and friendly helping us orient ourselves during our first night in Crete. We wanted a place that would be in a spot close to the airport but still "in town" and the Sofia was very easy. The morning breakfast was very good, too.

Review 102：Lots of noise, could hear every movement from those around and also the refrigerator made noise all through the night, then just when I thought I could drop off to sleep telephones were ringing to wake guests ready for the off.

Review 103：The staff were great and very helpful, nothing too much trouble, breakfast was surprisingly good. Well worth the money. We booked to get to the airport the following day and were able to go to Knossos beforehand, so great killing 2 birds with one stone.

Review 104：Nothing much. No frills but a good clean commercial hotel. Not in best of areas but very convenient for airport.

Review 105：very helpful staff in clean modern hotel.ideal for airport stopover. and easy ride into city. A bit tired here and there but great value for money. We stayed 2 nights on arrival and leaving Crete and it was good on both occasions. Nice pool. Staff let us check out late without problem.

Review 106：I stay at this hotel when I come over to Crete. I usually visit 3 times a year. It is really close to the airport and convenient for my onward journey to Palekastro. The staff are really lovely and friendly and always there to assist. I feel very relaxed and safe at the hotel, especially as I mostly travel on my own.

Review 107：Breakfast is very poor in all aspects - presentation, quality, variety. I felt they could do much better. There are 2 tiny sachets (like tea sachets) of bath gel/shampoo in the bathroom. That's it! Barely enough to wash your face! After my soapless morning shower I bumped into one of the housekeeping staff. I asked her to 'pleeeease give me more soap. I can't shower with what was there! Next day I had 3 sachets! Just terrible. Very frustrating to feel that the hotel is saving money to the detriment of my hygiene! To add to the frustration there are two empty liquid soap dispensers. One by the sink, the other in the shower. So you can't help but bang that button in hope for an extra drop!

Review 108：The staff is very friendly and go out of their way to make sure you're ok. I had dinner twice and on both occasions the food quality was good. There are vending machines in the lobby full of lots of different nibbles

Review 109：Located on a quiet street in a primarily residential neighborhood, but just a three minute drive to the airport. The staff was very courteous and offered to have breakfast available to us ahead of the scheduled time since we had an early flight. A small dinner menu was available at the pavilion next to the hotel pool. There is a pharmacy just across the street. The room was clean and roomy. We had a whirlpool tub in our room.

Review 110：Hotel could use a bit of refurbishing: furnishings & décor has seen better times. Eventhough we've requested quiet rooms, the noise from the airplanes make it quite difficult to sleep. Bring earplugs if you stay at this hotel.

Review 111：Location is convenient to get to the airport quickly.

Review 112：a little bit of luxury near the airport for a good overnight rest. Surprised to find pool with bar which served food until late. Staff were very helpful.

Review 113：Rooms were a bit small, balcony door needed repairing.

Review 114：Staff was very helpful in highlighting places of interest in town. Restaurant staff were very good as well.

Review 115：It would have been difficult to find by ourselves. Taxi driver was very helpful.

Review 116：Lovely ambience. Snack food was very good. Staff were very helpful and spoke good English

Review 117：We had a late flight arrival and stayed one night at Sophia before heading east. Conveniently situated hotel and an excellent breakfast which set us up for the day.

Review 118：We arrived from a late flight to receive a warm greeting from the check in desk. Our room was large, clean and spacious, the bed the most comfortable we have slept in even better than some five star hotels! We had a drink by the pool late and this was no trouble. Breakfast was excellent and check out swift. Great place for a quick stop, we highly recommend and will return again.

Review 119：Very basic breakfast. Almost inexistent. At least, before the official breakfast time. If later, after 6am, the variety and quality of products improves, then forget about my comment...

Review 120：We spent our last night on Creete in this hotel, to have a short way to the airport on the next morning for our early flight. Functional and clean. Friendly staff. Quite area. Basic facilities in good shape. Also the distance to the city is not excessive, but you need a car ? cab.

Review 121：Nothing- excellent value.

Review 122：The taxi from nearby Heraklion airport to the hotel cost us only 7 Euros. Thanks to a four hour flight delay, we arrived grumpy and tired in the wee hours. However, the chap at reception, was efficient and cheery and put us straight back into holiday mood. The rooms were clean and well appointed. Despite being in a side street in a built-up area, breakfast was beside the pool under the trees, giving a relaxed, cafe atmosphere. An excellent stop-off location, if you are hiring a car to travel to other parts of Crete.

Review 123：our room was located at the side of the hotel with a fire escape running across the window, which we had to open as the air con wasn't working and everything stunk really bad of stale cigarette smoke - wouldn't stay here again unless we were confident that we could have a fresh smelling room with air con.

Review 124：we arrived to stay for one night - the food at the pool bar was excellent all freshly cooked from frozen.

The Fine Print

Kindly note that baby cots can be provided upon request.Kindly note that early, light breakfast (coffee, tea, milk, toast bread, butter, jam and cake) can be provided upon request to all guests checking out early.Kindly note that the restaurant serves dinner only between April and October. During the rest of the year the restaurant only provides breakfast.Please inform Sofia Hotel of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details provided in your confirmation.