in Crete, Greece
GDM Megaron Hotel
- Kid
- Teen
A polished city hotel in the heart of Heraklion, overlooking the Venetian harbour and Koules fortress, with a rooftop pool and restaurant looking out to sea. It is not a kids-club resort, but it is a comfortable, central base for families who want to do Knossos, the archaeological museum and the old town before heading to a beach, or as a smart first or last night around a flight.
Our verdict
The smart city base for families who want to do Crete's history properly, or need a comfortable, central start or finish to a beach holiday. Pair a night or two here with a resort week elsewhere on the island.
The rooms
Smart, generously sized city rooms and suites in a restored building above the old harbour, some large enough for a family of four. This is a city base rather than a resort, so think comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool rather than kids clubs and splash parks.
At a glance
- Type
- Central city hotel, not a resort
- Knossos
- About 20 minutes away
- Pool
- Rooftop pool with sea views
- Old town
- Harbour and museum on foot
- Eating
- Tavernas and cafes on the doorstep
- Airport
- About 10 min from Heraklion
How the KidProof Score works
Every hotel is rated on eight things families actually care about, then weighted by how much each one drives your choice. Room setup counts the most. The little touches break the ties.
Sleeps how many? Connecting rooms, family suites, a real extra bed?
Clean travel cot, high chair, bottle warmer, changing table, kit to borrow.
Shallow pool or paddling area, playground, kids club (free or paid).
Quick breakfast, kids menus, allergy options, snacks on hand.
Secured windows, protected corners, watched pool, well kept grounds.
Laundry, in-room fridge, stroller access, parking, reliable Wi-Fi.
Close to family attractions, easy transport, park tickets or access.
Welcome gift for the child, staff who talk to kids, themed rooms.
Why families love it
- Central Heraklion location, walkable to the old harbour and museum
- Rooftop pool and restaurant with views over the Venetian fortress
- Family-sized rooms and suites in a restored historic building
- About 20 minutes from Knossos, the island's headline sight
- An easy, comfortable first or last night close to the airport
- Cafes, tavernas and shops right on the doorstep
🗓️A day here with kids
- 8:30
Early Knossos
Before the heat and the crowds.
- 11:30
Archaeological museum
Air-conditioned Minoan treasures.
- 13:00
Lunch in the old town
Tavernas a short walk away.
- 15:00
Rooftop pool
Cool off out of the afternoon sun.
- 18:30
Harbour stroll
Fortress views and ice cream.
Family things to do nearby
Palace of Knossos
The great Minoan palace, about 20 minutes away, best done early in the day.
Archaeological museum
Minoan treasures and the Phaistos Disc, a good rainy or too-hot morning.
Venetian harbour walk
Stroll out to the Koules fortress, then ice cream along the waterfront.
Rooftop pool break
Cool off between sights in the rooftop pool with views over the sea.
Is it right for your kids?
Baby
0 to 1 yr
Toddler
1 to 3 yrs
Kid
4 to 11 yrs
Great for curious kids doing Knossos and the museum, with a rooftop pool to cool off.
Teen
12 yrs and up
Teens get the history, city cafes and a central base, with beaches a short drive away.
Plan your stay
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Live prices & availability
Stays near GDM Megaron Hotel, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Parents also ask
Is there a kids club or beach?
No. This is a central city hotel, not a resort, so there is no kids club and no beach on site. It is best as a base for sightseeing or a night either side of a beach stay.
How close is Knossos?
Very. The Palace of Knossos is about 20 minutes away, and the archaeological museum is a short walk from the hotel, so you can do the island's headline history easily.
Is it good with very young children?
It suits families with kids and teens more than babies. It is a working city with busy streets, and the rooftop pool is small, so it is better as a sightseeing base than a stay-put resort.
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