Our Favorite Hotels in Chania
• Luxury Hotel: Casa Delfino
• For Families: Domes Zeen
• For Couples: Another underlined online accommodation suggestion spotlights the Domus Renier
Best Places to Stay in Chania
- Chania in Crete has one of the most charming historic downtown areas for exploring a beautiful coastal town when visiting the island for the first time. This location witnessed various civilizations from Minoans to Greeks, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, and Ottomans across history, leaving architectural remnants. The scenic harbor highlights feature landmarks including the Venetian Firka Fortress, the Ottoman Kiutsuk Hasan Mosque, and the Egyptian lighthouse, while Byzantine walls encompass the southern portion of the ancient town. Nearby, the Church of Agios Nikolaos, originally a 14th-century Dominican monastery with a 17th-century Ottoman minaret added on, now operates as a Greek Orthodox church – encapsulating regional history within a single building. Remnants of the “new” Venetian walls extend around what is now known as the Old Town.
- Chania’s Old Town, compact at just 1 km wide, is a maze of restaurants, cafes, shops, museums, and galleries, all within pedestrian-only roads and lanes. Conveniently, Nea Chora Beach to the west and Koum Kapi Beach to the east are just a brief walk away. For even more stunning beaches like Elafonisi or the Samaria Gorge hiking trails, a brief bus ride or organized tours with transportation are available. A car isn’t necessary for exploring the Old Town and nearby beaches but can be helpful for reaching these further destinations. If you’re in Chania without a vehicle, it’s best to stay within walking distance of the Old Town.
- Chania has a modest international air terminal (the biggest Crete air terminal is in Heraklio) with direct flights from Athens and a handful of urban communities in Western Europe and Scandinavia. The port serving Chania is Souda, about 7 km away, with daily ferries to Piraeus Port (Athens). Both the Chania Airport and Souda Ferry Port are approachable by transport from the KTEL transport terminal simply south of the Old Town, less than a 10-minute stroll from the Old Town.
The 7 Best Hotels in Chania
1. Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 87400
Casa Delfino, a historic boutique inn located within a 17th century Venetian mansion, has been family operated for six generations. Originally constructed for a Genoese sea captain, the lodging contains 24 distinct, spacious accommodations including marble appointed baths and modern Italian furnishings. Select quarters feature whirlpool tubs, fold-out beds, and secluded balconies or terraces affording scenic harbor perspectives. On-site is a full-service spa with amenities such as a white marble steam room, expansive hot tub, and two treatment rooms. Guests can enjoy light fare and complimentary organic breakfasts within a mosaic-adorned courtyard, as well as sunset cocktails from the panoramic rooftop terrace. With an ideal location near the Venetian port, Maritime Museum of Crete, and fortress, it is highly convenient.
2. Serenissima Boutique Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 86386
Nestled within a 16th century Venetian manor estate in the landmark town of Chania, a luxurious boutique hotel exudes time-honored elegance through preserved historical characteristics. Guest quarters and suites retain relics of the structure`s heritage visible in stone walls, arched passageways, and dark wooded beams, with two superior lodgings providing private outdoor spaces. Each accommodation features eco-friendly bedding, customized pillow selections, botanical bath amenities, and housekeeping services twice daily. Visitors can savor a breakfast featuring local specialties, prepared a la carte and partaken either on the secluded courtyard or within the lodging. The hotel enjoys a picturesque location in Chania`s historic Jewish quarter, near the medieval Etz Hayyin Synagogue and a brief stroll from the Kiutsuk Hasan Mosque on the south side of the port.
3. Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 88806
Situated directly on the harbor, this distinguished luxury inn occupies a restored townhouse originally belonging to one of Venice`s final noble lineages. Authentic Renaissance elements like hand-painted ceilings and bay windows were meticulously restored. Its limited inventory comprises nine uniquely appointed rooms and suites boasting bespoke furnishings, espresso stations and sound-insulated panes. Honeymoon accommodations add interior balconies while top suites incorporate spa tubs and private outdoor spaces. A complimentary breakfast is served al fresco daily with Mediterranean small plates offered in the adjacent bistro. Situated steps from attractions such as museums, mosques and shopping, the property resides in the city`s historic core.
4. Domes Zeen
Hotel Phone: +30 23108 10624
The highly regarded Domes Zeen luxury resort in Chania, Crete offers several amenities tailored towards families. The children`s club provides supervised indoor and outdoor activities for young guests ages four to twelve supervised in the courtyard, gardens, and swimming pool. Additionally, a baby club cares for infants four months to three years old. Babysitting is available upon request. Accommodations designed with families in mind include Family Rooms, Bungalows, Villas, and Pavilions that comfortably sleep between four to eight individuals with open floor plans of one to two bedrooms, some with fold-out couches. Spacious guestrooms and suites all feature walk-in showers and personal terraces or patios overlooking the scenery. Certain suites include shared pools, while Pavilions and Villas boast private swimming areas. Resort facilities consist of a private beach, an oceanfront pool, and another pool adjacent to the wellness center complete with an outdoor gym. Two restaurants – one casual and one formal – offer Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine highlighting fresh, organic ingredients with children`s menus. The hotel is conveniently located just two kilometers from Chania`s historic harbor district, making nearby dining, shopping excursions, and cultural attractions easily accessible.
5. Domes Noruz
Hotel Phone: +30 23108 10624
A secluded beachfront resort located approximately six kilometers from Chania`s historic downtown area provides an relaxing escape for adults. Guests have access to multiple swimming options including two outdoor pools – one situated near the shore with music and refreshments available, and another more serene heated pool set back from the sea. An indoor pool at the on-site holistic spa center focuses on traditional Cretan and Greek healing practices. Private terraces with each room, loft, or suite feature walk-in showers and personal outdoor hot tubs, dipping pools, or full swimming pools. Dining selections include a Mediterranean-style eatery highlighting Cretan cuisine accompanied by an extensive wine list, a sushi and champagne lounge, a trendy cocktail bar, and a beachfront poolside café where guests can dine with their feet in the water.
6. Palazzo Duca
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 70460
This family-run boutique accommodation is situated on a pedestrian avenue near the harbor. Originally operating as a pottery business in the Byzantine era, the building was later converted into the home of a Duke during Venetian rule. An additional level was added under Ottoman administration, yielding a total of three floors containing eight charming rooms and suites. All lodgings incorporate Coco-Mat sleeping systems, small kitchen areas, and walk-in showers. Suites also feature balconies with partial ocean views, while the premier suite includes an exclusive outdoor hot tub. A superb complimentary local breakfast is served daily at the neighboring tavern.
7. Christina Beach Hotel
Hotel Phone: +30 28210 92168
This fantastic mid-range property proves an excellent beachfront base for exploring historic Chania, situated directly on the nearest shoreline to the Old Town district (just west of the historic Venetian walls). Basking alongside the stellar swimming is absolutely sublime. Beachside cafés and eateries are mere steps away, and a pleasant one km promenade leads into the bustling Old Town quarters and their cafés, boutiques and eateries.
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