Stay Wild Travels contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links then we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Ads and affiliate links are how we keep this content free. A huge thanks if you use these as it helps a lot! See the Full Policy for more information.
Since you’ve landed on this page, you’re obviously looking for the best hotels in Chania Old Town and in my opinion, this is the best area of Chania to stay in.
The Old Town is mostly filled with beautiful boutique-style hotels and there’s something for every type of traveller’s budget. Whether you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful getaway or a little slice of luxury in this quaint yet vibrant part of Crete, I’ve got you covered.
Now, I must preface this by saying that I – of course – have not been able to stay at all of these hotels. I am writing this post to help my readers by limiting the time it takes to trawl through the search results trying to find a decent place to stay.
But let me tell you, I would never include anywhere that I haven’t thoroughly researched or anywhere that I wouldn’t stay myself – I am one of those weirdos who loves the researching part, so I thought doing the hard work for you would be fun and actually useful!
Before we jump in, if you’re tight on time, here’s my top pick, plus a few extra details that you need to know about visiting Greece:
🏨 Best hotel: Ambassadors Residence Boutique Hotel
🚗 Getting around: the best way to get around is to rent a car (taxis are expensive here)
🎟️ Must-do activities: Venetian Harbour, glass bottom boat with snorkelling & try Bougatsa Iordanis
🥘 Best restaurant: Arismari
📱Data: install an eSim from Airalo rather than buying a local sim – it’s much less hassle! Get $3 off with code ‘AMELIA2423’
🩺 Best travel medical insurance: at 80% cheaper with just as much coverage than what I was previously paying, I’ll never stop sharing how great SafetyWing is as a full-time traveller!
Best Hotels In Chania Old Town
Ambassadors Residence Boutique Hotel
Ok we’re kicking things off with my favourite and most highly recommended spot – Ambassadors Residence Boutique Five Star Hotel.
The pictures really do speak for themselves with this one – it’s clear how beautiful it is with the cobbled stone walls, sea views and luxurious interior – but if that’s not enough to convince you then let me sell it to you some more:
Firstly, the location is absolutely prime because you’re situated on the Venetian Harbour, which means you’re just outside the very centre of the Old Town.
And why is this so great I hear you ask? Well, because it means you’re far enough away to not hear the noise of the centres hussle and bussle, but you’re less than 10 minutes walk from all of the restaurants and shops.
Secondly, you have a sun terrace, hot tub and spa treatments available, which is not super common with hotels in this area.
The downside is, that there is no pool, but you’re less than 10 minutes away from the closest beach and there is so much to see and do in the Chania that laying by a pool all day would mean missing out on so much!
Check prices: Ambassadors Residence Boutique Hotel
La Maison Ottomane
La Maison Ottomane comes very close to the top spot and some may argue that it should be the top spot, but I think it comes down to personal preference.
Nonetheless, it’s another five-star hotel that really shines with its themed rooms, incredibly detailed and unique decor and many calling out the wonderful hosts – Alexandra and Andreas – for making them feel right at home.
La Maison Ottomane is perfectly placed within Chania’s Old Town, as it’s tucked away down a quiet alley, yet just a few minutes walk from the harbour, restaurants and bars.
You’ll see that the reviews for this place are extremely high many claiming it to be their best and most favourite place to stay in Crete!
Check prices: La Maison Ottomane
By the way, I also have some other Chania and Crete guides that you might enjoy:
- 🛳️ The Complete Guide To Old Town Chania
- 🇬🇷 35 Best Things To Do In Chania
- ☀️ Crete in May: Complete Guide
- 📝 Chania 3 Day Itinerary
- 🚗 Guide On Getting From Chania Airport to Chania
Madonna Del Mare
If you’re looking for somewhere thats slightly more budget-friendly but still very beautiful, then Madonna Del Mare could be a good option for you.
Situated not too far from the harbour, this property is actually a restored monastery, with plenty of historical value still intact. Needless to say, this makes for a great environment.
Many of the rooms here are large with a balcony and excellent sea views that are perfect for watching the sunrise on.
The one downside here is that breakfast isn’t included or indeed available as an added extra. But for the price, this is to be expected and you could argue that it’s not necessary given the close proximity to the cafes and restaurants in the area.
Check prices: Madonna Del Mare
Fileas Art Hotel
Files Art Hotel is a cheap and cheerful yet really beautiful 3 star hotel that fits the needs perfectly of those who want to stay somewhere nice but aren’t bothered about having all the frills.
You won’t get breakfast or facilities here, but you will get a charming and modernised room with exposed brick and well-designed decor.
As with all of my recommendations, this hotel is situated just a few minutes from the centre of Old Town, yet you’ll barely hear a thing inside the hotel.
If you’re more of a budget traveller who loves to explore and dine outside of the hotel, then this is an excellent choice.
Check prices: Fileas Art Hotel
Samaria Hotel
Samaria Hotel is different from many of the other hotels on this list as it’s not a boutique hotel, instead, it offers many of the typical facilities that you’d find at larger hotels.
This hotel is technically on the outskirts of Old Town, but I wanted to give people this option because it includes many of the facilities you’d find at a large hotel – including parking – which is nearly impossible to find when it comes to hotels in Chania Old Town.
It’s a luxurious hotel so it doesn’t come super cheap, but it does come with an indoor and outdoor pool, gym, parking, a bar and restaurant – although it’s worth noting that breakfasts are served in the room.
At just a 10-minute walk from the centre of the Old Town, Samaria Hotel is the closest you’ll get to finding a hotel with plenty of facilities whilst still being close to the best area in Chania.
Check prices: Samaria Hotel
Ionas Boutique Hotel
Ionas Boutique Hotel gets many incredible reviews from guests and when you consider the location, the grand feel of the hotel and the price, it’s easy to see why.
I’d consider this a mid-range hotel that’s authentically Greek. The medieval building that it’s located in has been restored to perfection and amazingly, it’s been owned by the same family for over 100 years.
The current owners – Sofianna and Eva run the hotel more like a B&B and go above and beyond to make their guests feel welcome – many calling out how amazing the breakfast is – not only for the food but for the charming courtyard environment.
Check prices: Ionas Boutique Hotel
Thallos The Boutique
Although Thallos The Boutique isn’t really giving any Greek vibes – I’d say it’s more Scandinavian – it’s certainly one that gets raving reviews and is easy on the wallet.
As you can probably see from the picture below, the hotel is modern and compact, yet with the sleek design it looks luxurious – especially with the free-standing baths! And, despite being in the heart of the Old Town, the views from the balconies are excellent, plus, you’ll also be able to enjoy relaxing on the rooftop terrace with a coffee or glass of wine!
Vacilis is the owner of the property and with the help of Valia and Maria, many guests call out how they go above and beyond to make staying here feel like a home away from home – which I think makes all the difference!
If you’re looking for a place that combines beautiful design, exceptional hospitality, and a fantastic location for a budget price, then this hotel should be at the top of your list.
Check prices: Thallos The Boutique
Hanim Boutique Hotel
Hanim Boutique is a 4-star boutique hotel that I would say is a mid-range place to stay based on the price, but certainly looks more luxurious.
Not too far from the Venetian Harbour and Lighthouse, this hotel is in a great location for walks along the old port, dining in the waterfront restaurants or walking to the nearby beach (which is not technically in the Old Town, but it’s pretty close by – more on that later though!).
Much like Thallos The Boutique, I wouldn’t say this hotel gives, particularly Greek vibes, but it’s certainly not disappointing with its in-room jacuzzi baths, classy decor and super helpful owner – Idomeneas – who guests claim offers incredible support – whether thats organising transfers, giving guidance on the area of accommodating special requests.
One thing to note here is that breakfast is served in a restaurant 300 meters from the hotel – although from previous guest reviews, this doesn’t seem to be an issue – in fact, the breakfast is regularly called out as a highlight on the property.
Check prices: Hanim Boutique Hotel
Flâneur
I’d consider Flâneur as a budget hotel based on the price, but as you can see from the pictures (and reviews when you get to them) it’s anything but budget.
Situated in between the Venetian Harbour and Minarent, Flâneur is in a great spot for exploring all that’s on offer in Chania’s Old Town. But, what’s also great is that it’s just 5 minutes walk from the beach, too.
The rooms are modern, clean and comfortable – which is standard on this list of best hotels – but what I like about this one is that there are extra thoughtful touches like handmade furniture and complimentary wine.
Given the price, breakfast isn’t included at Flâneur, but as I’ve already mentioned there are so many amazing places to eat in the area it’s not too much of a problem – just something to budget for!
Check prices: Flâneur
Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor
And last but not least, the Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor Hotel – an incredible five-star hotel that also came up against the first and favourite on this list.
This 16th-century mansion is a mixture of history and luxury and yet again, not somewhere that I think particularly screams ‘Greece‘, but definitely somewhere that would be in the top three options for me to stay.
I like this one because whilst it’s central to Chania’s Old Town (which often means limited facilities), there’s a spa centre that includes an original Turkish hammam and an indoor pool which looks incredible.
The rooms here are unique and modern, featuring arches, stone-carved doors, and wooden floors. Some even include a seating area or a private terrace with a hot tub!
Needless to say, the food and customer service gains top marks from previous guests and you’ll no doubt enjoy a stay here!
Check prices: Monastery Estate Venetian Harbor
FAQ
Can you walk to a beach from Chania Old Town?
There are technically no beaches in Old Town Chania, but you have a few within walking distance (between 10 and 20 minutes).
There are:
- 🏖️ Koum Kapi Beach
- 🏖️ Paralia Koum Κapi
- 🏖️ Nea Chora Beach
That being said, these are not the most amazing beaches on the island. Crete has some of the best beaches in the world and I’d definitely recommend going further afield to explore these!
You’ll find details of these beaches and how to get there (which you’ll definitely need) in my guide: 35 Best Things To Do In Chania.
How many days is enough in Chania?
I would say 7 days in Chania is enough if you want to see what’s on offer around the local area and have some downtime as well.
However, if you spend more time here – perhaps 10 days or 2 weeks – it will give you the opportunity to take some of the many incredible day trips to other parts of Crete such as Crete Samaria Gorge or Elafonissi Beach.
Can you visit Chania without a car?
Yes you can visit Chania without a car and if you’re only interested in exploring the city and perhaps taking 1 or 2-day trips, then it’s preferable to not have a car if you’re staying in Chania Old Town as parking can be an issue.
If you’re staying here for a week or more and you want to explore more, then it’s not impossible, but it will of course come at a cost. Not many of the hotels here offer parking – only Samaria Hotel on this lists – which leaves you with few options.
The best option that I’ve found for overnight parking is a car park called Parking Ermis, which will take you around 15 minutes to walk to and from the waterfront of Old Town Chania.
If you need to rent a car, then your best bet is to check the prices on Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com. I always recommend checking both as sometimes one has better deals than the other. I typically go from Discover Cars though.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you’re looking for a place to stay in Chania then Old Town is definitely one of – if not the – best options to go for. As you can see from this list, there are so many incredible hotels in Chania Old Town that you won’t be short of choice!
If you’re looking for more posts on Chania or Crete, then the below might be useful to read:
- 🛳️ The Complete Guide To Old Town Chania
- 🇬🇷 35 Best Things To Do In Chania
- ☀️ Crete in May: Complete Guide
- 📝 Chania 3 Day Itinerary
Millie / Stay Wild Travels.
