Your stay — MD Studios
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The Property — MD Studios
MD Studios is a straightforward, no-fuss three-star property on the edge of Iraklion’s centre, a short walk from the waterfront. The lobby is compact and functional — tiled floor, a small reception desk, a couple of plastic chairs — clean and unpretentious. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want a reliable base near the port and city sights, not atmosphere or frills.
Chronicles of Irakleion
Iraklion (Heraklion) has been inhabited since at least the Minoan period, and the palace of Knossos, just 5km south, was Europe’s oldest advanced civilisation. The city’s medieval core was built and fortified by the Venetians from the 13th century, visible in the massive harbour fortress and city walls. Ottoman rule added mosques and baths, though most were repurposed after Crete joined Greece in 1913. Today Iraklion is a bustling, gritty port city and Crete’s commercial hub, with a vibrant café culture and archaeological museum rivalling Athens’.
Best Time to Visit
Full Irakleion guide →Best months
May, June and September: warm but not scorching (high 20s °C), sea swimmable, and crowds thinner than July–August.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are peak summer; temperatures hit low 30s °C, beaches and Knossos are mobbed, and hotel prices double. The main event is the August 15 Assumption holiday, which fills the island with Greek tourists.
Budget shoulder season
October and April offer 20–25°C days, lower hotel rates, and quiet sites; sea is still warm in October but cooling fast.
Weather & packing
In July, expect persistent dry heat and intense sun — no rain, but occasional strong northern meltemi winds can blow dust. Pack lightweight long-sleeve clothing, a wide-brim hat, and high-SPF sunscreen; a thin windbreaker is useful for evenings by the sea.
Live City Briefing — Irakleion
- The new Heraklion metro (a light-rail system) is under construction; road closures and delays on Leoforos Ikarou until 2027.
- The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion now requires online booking even in low season — book at least 48 hours ahead.
- A large pedestrianisation project on 25th August Street finished in late 2025, making the main shopping street far more pleasant for walking.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to MD Studios, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) facing away from the main street to reduce traffic hum. The lift may be small, so top floors are quieter but still accessible.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the entrance or reception — expect street noise and foot traffic. Also avoid any room directly opposite the lift shaft on any floor (noise from doors and machinery).
Best views
Upper floor rooms overlooking the rear courtyard or side streets (not the main road). Cityscape or partial sea glimpses possible from top floors, but no guaranteed sea view given urban address.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4
🔊 Noise notes
Irakleion's main roads carry scooter and truck noise until late evening. The hotel is in a central-ish area, so morning deliveries and pedestrian chatter are likely. Internal noise from the lift and housekeeping trolleys on lower floors.
Insider tips
Check in early (before 2pm) if possible – the front desk may upgrade you to a quieter room. If driving, ask reception about free or cheap municipal parking nearby; on-street parking in Irakleion can be tight.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — MD Studios
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and lobby; typical speed 10 Mbps down, 3 Mbps up; no login, just select 'MD Studios' network.
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
No physical newspapers; TV in lobby airs BBC World News. No digital newsstand.
Check-in 14:00, check-out 12:00. Luggage can be left from 10:00. Late check-out until 15:00 costs €30 (subject to availability).
Free, locked luggage room behind reception; available until 22:00.
Step-free access from street to reception via ramp; lift fits a standard wheelchair. No adapted bathrooms or grab rails in rooms.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park is Eleftherias Park Garage (200m) at €8/day (€10 overnight). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €1.50 per room per night (€0.50 per person per night, capped at €1.50 for 3 guests)
Deposit & card hold: No advance deposit; credit card imprint taken on arrival for a €50 incidental hold
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: SENSES (394 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Ιερός Ναός Αγίων Κωνσταντίνου και Ελένης (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Euronet — 611 m · ~8 min walk
Φαρμακείο Χατζηνικολα — 535 m · ~7 min walk
Super Market Dimitra — 420 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport and in tourist-heavy spots as they often charge high fees and poor rates.
Cards (Visa/Mastercard) widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels; contactless is common for small amounts, but some tavernas and kiosks are cash-only.
Round up the bill or leave 5-10% at restaurants if service is good; taxis appreciate rounding up to the nearest euro; hotel staff – a euro or two is fine.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A Greek coffee (freddo cappuccino or espresso) at a local kafeneio or bakery: about €2.50–3.
A gyros pita from a street-side stand or souvlaki shop: around €3–4.
A main dish at a modest taverna (e.g. moussaka or grilled fish) will run about €8–12.
Head to the central market area (Agora) or the streets around 25th August for cheap gyros, souvlaki, and bougatsa. Also near the port and bus station.
Supermarkets like Sklavenitis, AB Vasilopoulos, and Lidl are common in Iraklio; also small 'mini markets' for basics.
The main shopping street Dedalou and the covered market have affordable high-street chains (H&M, Zara) and local shops; not a budget clothing destination.
The local bus (KTEL) for city routes costs around €1.20 per ride; from the airport take bus line 1 (€1.20) into the city centre. A day pass is €4.
Buy water and snacks at supermarkets rather than kiosks. Eat gyros/souvlaki for a cheap and filling meal. Use the free walking audio guides available online for many historic sights.
Good to know — Irakleion
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.87 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
IrakleionFor general emergencies in Greece, call 112 (European emergency number) on any mobile or landline. In Iraklion, the main police station is at Plateia Eleftherias. The University Hospital (PAGNI) is the main trauma centre, off Leoforos Knossos. Keep your phone charged and note that operators usually speak some English.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Irakleion, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at MD Studios
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Euronet — 611 m · ~8 min walk — pharmacy · Φαρμακείο Χατζηνικολα — 535 m · ~7 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Heraklion Airport (HER) → Bella Vista Hotel (stop: Eleftherias Square)
💡 Bus stop is 100m outside arrivals. Buy ticket at kiosk or onboard. Get off at 'Plateia Eleftherias' then walk 5 mins east.
Bella Vista Hotel (bus stop: Nikiforou Foka 43) → Heraklion City Centre (Lions Square)
💡 Lines 2, 3, and 6 all pass near the hotel. Get a prepaid card from the main bus station for 10 rides at €1 even.
Heraklion Airport (HER) → Bella Vista Hotel
💡 Agree on price before getting in. Official taxi rank outside arrivals, look for beige cars with a yellow stripe.
Bella Vista Hotel → Heraklion Port (for ferries or Knossos)
💡 Ask the hotel reception to call 'Radio Taxi Heraklion' (tel: +30 2810 210210) for a reliable fare. Avoid unmarked cabs near port.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at MD Studios?
Request a room on the upper floors (3rd or 4th) facing away from the main street to reduce traffic hum. The lift may be small, so top floors are quieter but still accessible.
Which rooms should I avoid at MD Studios?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the entrance or reception — expect street noise and foot traffic. Also avoid any room directly opposite the lift shaft on any floor (noise from doors and machinery).
Is MD Studios noisy?
Irakleion's main roads carry scooter and truck noise until late evening. The hotel is in a central-ish area, so morning deliveries and pedestrian chatter are likely. Internal noise from the lift and housekeeping trolleys on lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at MD Studios?
Upper floor rooms overlooking the rear courtyard or side streets (not the main road). Cityscape or partial sea glimpses possible from top floors, but no guaranteed sea view given urban address.
What are insider tips for staying at MD Studios?
Check in early (before 2pm) if possible – the front desk may upgrade you to a quieter room. If driving, ask reception about free or cheap municipal parking nearby; on-street parking in Irakleion can be tight.
What time is check-in at MD Studios?
Check-in at MD Studios is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does MD Studios have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and lobby; typical speed 10 Mbps down, 3 Mbps up; no login, just select 'MD Studios' network.
Is there a city or tourist tax at MD Studios?
€1.50 per room per night (€0.50 per person per night, capped at €1.50 for 3 guests)
Where can I eat cheaply near MD Studios?
A gyros pita from a street-side stand or souvlaki shop: around €3–4.
What is the cheapest way to get around from MD Studios?
The local bus (KTEL) for city routes costs around €1.20 per ride; from the airport take bus line 1 (€1.20) into the city centre. A day pass is €4.
When is the best time to visit Irakleion?
May, June and September: warm but not scorching (high 20s °C), sea swimmable, and crowds thinner than July–August.
Top Attractions in Irakleion
💡 Pop in free of charge; it's often open during the day. The courtyard is a quiet spot to escape the sun.
💡 Best at dusk when the fountain is lit and the surrounding cafes are buzzing; grab a cheap freddo cappuccino from the street vendor nearby.
💡 There's no charge to walk around the outside and take photos from the harbour wall. Inside is cheap (€4) and worth it for the sea breeze.
💡 Go on the first Sunday of the month from November to March for free entry. Otherwise buy your ticket online to skip the queue.
💡 Visit during the free open day on the last Sunday of each month. Otherwise it's only €5, which is good value.