The ÉRA Hotel Heraklion, Tapestry Collection by Hilton — the first hotel from the collection to open in Heraklion, Crete — welcomed its first guests on October 30, 2026. Located on Daskalogiannis Square, the hotel features 55 rooms and a rooftop with a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. The design of its fully renovated spaces draws inspiration from Cretan tradition, with references to folk art and the island’s storied past. The opening of ÉRA marks the next step in Hilton’s partnership with Green Properties – Melakis S.A., following the successful launch of the Hilton Garden Inn Chania City.
Heraklion, Crete: A hotel with a distinctive personality
The hotel is part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton — a curated portfolio of independent hotels, each with a unique character rooted in its surroundings. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring Heraklion on foot. The 1866 Street Market, Lions Square, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum are all within easy walking distance, while a stroll toward the sea leads to the Venetian Harbour and the iconic Koules Fortress.
Interior design
The interior design was crafted by the studio of Konstantinos Manousakis & Associates, drawing inspiration from Crete’s folk traditions and the rich history of Heraklion. Oak wood, marble, and stone dominate the spaces, with stone cladding that echoes the techniques of traditional dry-stone masonry. On select wooden surfaces, patterns from Cretan woven textiles have been etched using digital engraving — designs transferred from fabric to wood, gaining new depth and texture in the process. Pebbles are incorporated as a nod to the sea, the seafaring journeys of the Minoans, and the thriving trade in pottery and goods across the Mediterranean. The curved lines of the furniture and the bold patterns on rugs and carpeting evoke the aesthetic sensibility of the 1960s.
The welcoming lobby bar
The lobby bar greets guests with a warm, inviting atmosphere, defined by tall columns and beams clad in oak wood. A standout piece is a canvas artwork by visual artist Yannis Alexandrakis, offering a contemporary interpretation of a motif from a traditional Cretan embroidered hem. The connection to folk art is further reinforced by a wall of terracotta jugs, designed and handcrafted exclusively for ÉRA at a traditional pottery workshop just outside Heraklion.
The guest rooms blend warm tones, curved lines, and modern comfort, creating a calm and restful retreat in the heart of the city. Their aesthetic is enhanced by illustrations created exclusively for ÉRA — works inspired by the myths of Crete, featuring figures such as Ariadne, the Minotaur, Daedalus, and Icarus, bringing the island’s legendary history into every room.
The exceptional top floor
The top floor was designed with panoramic views of Heraklion and the surrounding landscape in mind. Guests can take in sweeping vistas of the sea and the island of Dia, the Rodia hills, and Mount Giouchtas — the sacred mountain of the Minoans, associated with the legendary tomb of Zeus, whose distinctive silhouette is said to resemble a human face, traditionally attributed to the god himself. This is also home to Rodopou & Beyond, a rooftop restaurant serving creative Greek cuisine crafted by Chef Dimitris Georgiadis.
Breakfast is served with views over the city, while the restaurant is equally suited to a relaxed lunch or dinner. The bar rounds out the experience with coffee and expertly mixed cocktails. The outdoor pool with its elevated deck provides yet another space for unwinding, while the fitness center and meeting room complete ÉRA’s offerings for both leisure and business travelers visiting Heraklion.
