In the tranquil waters of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea lies Greece’s largest island and the birthplace of Zeus, the mythical King of the Greek Gods. This is Crete, or ‘Kriti’, as the Greeks call it. Crete boasts many breath-taking cities and towns, but perhaps one of the most beautiful in the city of Chania. To most, Chania’s iconic Venetian Harbour, quaint streets and heavenly beaches are no secret. The heavenly tastes of the Greek cuisine are captured in its restaurants, with tantalising scents of fresh cheese pies and other delicacies greeting the nostrils from out in the streets. However, these are not the only features of the city impressing its guests as its magnificent hotels are a well-kept secret worthy of the Gods. Chania’s beauty emanates from its tiniest grain of sand to the peak of its White Mountains, a single look at the city capturing the hearts of all who come here. We’ve taken a look at the most luxurious boutique hotels in Chania, Crete that will thrill your wanderlust.

MONASTERY ESTATE VENETIAN HARBOUR

An opulent excursion awaits at the Monastery Estate Venetian Harbour. Situated in the heart of Chania’s Old Town, this boutique hotels in Chania  has seen its fair share of regal occupants. The now boutique hotel was once the stately home of a 16^th Century Venetian Nobleman and then the harem of a Turkish Aga during the Ottoman Empire.

A perfect blend of past and present is reflected in its classic Ottoman style arches and sand-coloured stonework complementing the hotel’s modern interior. It has 4 deluxe suites, two of which include a private terrace and hot tub for a blissful bath under the sun while looking out over a stunning view. Each suite is complete with high-end amenities and a queen size bed for a restful night’s sleep after a day of relishing Chania. The staff are praised for their friendliness and pride themselves in their first-class concierge and room service.

In addition to its design, the Monastery Estate Venetian Harbour is no stranger to relaxation. They have kept its Ottoman influence alive with a Turkish Hammam which is the perfect way to unwind and cleanse the body in the amiable company of others. Here, one can enjoy a delicious cocktail in the rejuvenating waters of the Hammam followed by luxury spa treatments in a private room, all of which are ideal for a couple’s retreat.

The food at their Mon.Es restaurant is a muse for the epicurean. The menu features organically sourced products for an authentic Cretan dining experience and captures the restaurant owners’ cherished childhood memories with its tastes and scents reminiscent of summer in Crete. A best-in-class hotel in all aspects, visiting the Monastery Estate Venetian Harbour will not disappoint.

LA MAISON OTTOMANE

At La Maison Ottomane, lavish hotel living is coupled with the comforts of home. It is a little haven nestled in the Old Town on Kastelli Hill away from the hubbub of Chania’s city centre. The history lies literally beneath its floors, dating back to 12,000 years ago to the Neolithic period.

Its design is akin to its namesake. With an intricate Arabic style interior the hotel includes vibrant colours and is furnished with antique Ottoman objets d’art while the floors don resplendent carpets, adding to its homely feel. There are 3 rooms, each possessing their own unique charm: The Constantinople, The Aisha and The Roxelane. The Constantinople Suite is the only room with not one, but two floors of Ottoman grandeur, reminiscent of a holiday home. The daily room service and five-star amenities only add to La Maison Ottomane’s excellence, as guests report receiving treatment worthy of royalty.

One of La Maison Ottomane’s most desirable features is its exclusive garden, a calming space furnished with candlelit tables and surrounded by shrubs. This culinary oasis serves freshly prepared breakfasts, snacks and an assortment of the finest wines and spirits to enjoy to the heart’s content. With such wonderful luxuries on offer, it is no wonder that La Maison Ottomane is often compared to paradise.

AMBASSADORS RESIDENCE BOUTIQUE HOTEL CHANIA

For those seeking to be in the middle of it all, the Ambassadors Residence Boutique Hotel is the place to be. It is located right on the waterfront of the Venetian Harbour, where life is dynamic, and the panoramic views are spectacular. The building was first built to serve as a home for influential German Ambassador R. Krüger and his wife in 1890.  

Today, this thriving hotel sports a contemporary look inspired by R. Krüger’s work. Its 13 rooms have been designed and named to reflect each of the materials he traded after establishing Chania’s first oil and cement factories. Some of these rooms are the Porcelain Suite, the Ceramic Royal Suite and the Brick Room, all fitted with state-of-the-art furniture and amenities.

But, the Ceramic Royal Suite is particularly exceptional. This 45m² room of soothing beige tones is the only one built with a 50m² private roof terrace and outdoor hot tub overlooking the sun-kissed vistas of the harbour. The Ambassadors Residence also has its own Loyalty Club, where possible room upgrades are included exclusively for its members.

Indeed, the experiences here are one-of-a-kind. For the avid cruiser, the Ambassadors Residence takes full advantage of the Venetian Harbour offering irreplaceable views and delectable delicacies on a private yacht trip. The Ambassadors Residence is valued by many, especially for its location since it allows for an unforgettable stay.

FABULOUS GREEK FOOD IN CHANIA

Of course, a stay in Chania is not complete without a bit of fine dining, Greek style! In addition to its hotels, Chania boasts some of the finest eateries in Crete, some by the name of Salis Restaurant, Kariatis Restaurant, and Tamam Restaurant. And, for the epicurean looking to delve deep behind the scenes of the Greek cuisine, Wine and Gastronomy Experience Tours are also on offer to make one’s stay that much more exciting.

CASA DELFINO BOUTIQUE HOTEL AND SPA

At Casa Delfino Boutique Hotel and Spa, impeccable service is more than a family affair. In 1989, the Venetian mansion of the Delfino family was graciously transformed into the Casa Delfino Boutique Hotel and Spa. Standing strong today in Chania’s Old Town, the hotel is still owned by the Delfino family, six generations later.

Casa Delfino is known for its distinct Byzantine style courtyard, encircled by lush plants and majestic arches of earthy colours. All 24 suites and rooms are of various sleek designs and sizes, each with special amenities. One of the suites, namely the Penthouse Suite, is a 64m² two-floor nirvana of smooth white walls and beautifully exposed stonework. Even more alluring is its terrace, providing gorgeous views of the harbour just opposite. With the space to host between 2-4 people, this suite is a great fit for couples or friends.

Guests can also book tailor made treatments at Casa Delfino’s spa. The spa includes a marble steam room to cleanse the skin and massage treatments with organic essential oils that leave you feeling revivified.

The Delfino family’s love of food is discernible from their home-made breakfast, which has guests from all around the world raving about its high quality. Pies, bread and marmalade are among some of the tasty treats available, along with Cretan olives and cheeses. When it comes to overall experience, Casa Delfino ticks all the boxes.

ALCANEA BOUTIQUE HOTEL

The Alcanea Boutique Hotel oozes charm. Once the workplace of a Greek statesman, it is now a luxurious respite close to everything in the heart of the Chania’s waterfront.

Following a renovation in 2011, this lovely boutique hotel now welcomes guests to experience Chania’s rich history amongst modern luxury. Chania’s Ottoman roots are encapsulated in the hotel’s design with Arabic ceiling lamps, carefully placed trinkets and embroidered pouffes, extravagant colours and patterns catch the eye at every turn.

Its 8 suites differ in size and design with modern amenities that contrast the hotel’s traditional aesthetic. Their bright coloured walls are sure to lift the spirits, lit up further by the Cretan sun shining through spacious windows. The Superior Double with Terrace suite is one to look out for. This 24m² haven is located on Alcanea’s second floor, with panoramic views appearing as if Chania is on a plate below. It also features an exclusive terrace, perfect for a peaceful retreat and observation of the waterfront’s constant buzz.

For the wine connoisseur, the Alcanea Café and Wine Bar offers an al fresco wine and dine experience guests will surely appreciate.   A sip or two of organic Cretan wine complete with the romantic views of the Venetian Harbour is all one needs for an unforgettable evening in Chania.

Alcanea’s staff are celebrated for their outstanding service and warm demeanour. For couples celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries, they are known to decorate the suites with candles and place delicate rose petals on the beds as a greeting upon arrival. From its design to its location, guests at Alcanea are in for a treat from the first step in, to the last step out.

No matter where one is from, Chania is place to return and return again. Its hotels along with that beloved Greek hospitality and food are amongst the many jewels in the treasure box that is this city. Its high-quality food is the cherry on top, leaving visitors eager to sample it once more.Chania is, without a doubt, the ultimate Greek retreat and these hotels are the best boutique hotels in Chania that everyone should stay in at least once in their life.