Deciding where to stay in Chania, West Crete is not as easy as it sounds. Our favorite city on our favorite island in Greece is a sight to behold. That’s why you can’t go wrong. Chania has very different neighborhoods. All you have to do is pick the one that’s right for you.
The city combines incredible nature with superb historic architecture. Chania is the result of the many empires that conquered the island through the centuries. Due to its location and beauty, everybody wanted it! Fortunately, it has managed to keep a lot of its heritage in great shape.
Chania has some of the best hotels in Crete. No wonder, considering that the Greeks are the best hosts in Europe. You can stay in historic houses, contemporary buildings, and big or small hotels. No matter what you decide, you will be close to incredible culture and lovely beaches.
The Best Places to Stay in Chania
Chania Old Town
Kastelli
The best place to stay in Chania is Kastelli, in the Old Town. It’s the tiny area around the Venetian Port next to the sea. Kastelli is north of Sifaka Street, west of Archeleon Street, and east and south of the sea. The best luxury hotels in Chania are here.
You will recognize it from the gorgeous pink mosque next to the sea. The Ottomans built Kocuk Hasan Mosque in 1645 after conquering the city. Today, it’s an exhibition hall. From there, walk along the sea admiring the Venetian Port built in the 14th Century.
Walk along the seaside promenade until you reach the Lighthouse of Chania. The Venetians built it in the 16th Century, and the Egyptians changed it in 1839. The views from there will take your breath away. The remains of a Byzantine fortress are on Kaneveraou Street.
We Recommend These Hotels in Kastelli:
Ambassador’s Residence Hotel
The best hotel in Chania is the Ambassador’s Residence. The uber-luxurious hotel from 1890 used to be the residence of the German Ambassador. The property faces the sea and has a fantastic rooftop terrace with a hot tub. The rooms are big and extra plush. They come with views, a balcony, or a tub.
Amphitrite Hotel
Our favorite hotel in Kastelli is Amphitrite. The historic building is on the port, behind the Mosque. Therefore, it has epic views over the sea and the city. The best rooms have a balcony, views, and a hot tub. It has a fantastic rooftop terrace where you can sip your favorite drink.
La Maison Ottomane
La Maison Ottomane is a tiny luxurious hotel next to Roza Nera. The owners have taken care of every single detail. The rooms are huge and feature antiques and lots of art. The homemade breakfast is served in the courtyard. The service is in a league of its own.
Splantzia
Splantzia is the best area to stay in Chania if you want to be in the center, yet off the beaten path. The neighborhood is east of Kastelli. Nikiforou Avenue is to the south, Koukapi beach to the east, Daskalogianni Street to the west, and the marina to the north. Though super central, it’s a bit quieter.
Life in the neighborhood swirls around Splantzia Square. The tree-lined plaza is the meeting point for locals. The Church of Agios Nikolaos towers above the plaza. The 14th-Century temple was a monastery, a barrack, and a mosque. The area is full of tavernas, bars, and restaurants.
Don’t forget to check the Venetian Shipyards by the port. The Venetians built 17 yards in the 16th Century. Only 7 survived. From there, walk to Sabbionara Rampart, the ancient Venetian gate next to the sea. Keep walking to the Maritime Museum of Crete and to the Museum of Ancient Shipbuilding.
We Recommend These Hotels in Splantzia:
Porto Veneziano Hotel
The Porto Veneziano is a four-story building that overlooks the sea. The hotel has a lovely bar directly on the coast. All of the rooms have balconies and wooden floors. The best ones face the sea. It’s got laundry. The complimentary breakfast is delicious.
Riviera Suites
The best hotel in Splantzia is the Riviera Suites. The historic building is on the port. Fully restored and updated, it offers huge suites with extra comfy beds, coffee makers, wooden floors, and spacious bathrooms. The best ones have balconies facing the sea. The hotel has a cool bar.
Avra Apartments Venetian Harbor
If you are looking for an apartment in the center, book one at the Avra Venetian Harbor. The property is less than a block from the coast. It has studios and fully equipped apartments. The best units have a terrace with memorable views. It’s perfect for friends and families.
Evraiki and Topanas
Evraki and Topanas is the area on the coast west of Kastelli. Central street Chalidion is east, the sea north, the ancient Venetian walls west, and the Schiavo Viewing hill south. It’s the most touristy part of the city and for good reason. The area is beautiful!
The famous seaside promenade is here. Walk from central Chalidion Street along the marina all the way to the Maritime Museum of Crete. The incredible Firka Venetian fortress is behind. The Venetians finished it, and the Ottomans conquered the city in 1645. No entrance fee to this magical place.
The Jewish quarters are called Evraiki in Greek. It’s the area with the best bars and restaurants in Chania. You can visit the old Etz Hayyim Synagogue and drink at another old synagogue converted into a bar. Climb over the west Venetian city walls and enjoy jaw-dropping views.
We Recommend These Hotels in Evraiki and Topanas:
San Salvatore Monastery
You can stay in the Venetian fortress! The San Salvatore Hotel used to be a Franciscan monastery. Today, it offers sumptuous suites in an unbeatable location. Book the Superior Suite with Sea View, and you will never want to leave. It’s massive, luxurious, and has the best terrace with views in the city.
Fagotto Art Residences
You won’t find better accommodation in central Chania at this price than at the Fagotto Art Residences. The property is on a quiet street two blocks from the coast. The comfy rooms have everything you need, including a balcony. Some units have a kitchenette. Free parking.
Helena
The Helena Hotel offers simple, clean, and well-isolated rooms a block from the sea and the fortress. The best rooms are on the top floors and have a balcony with fantastic views. It’s a simple hotel with great prices and helpful staff.
Stivanadika
Stivanadika is the heart of Chania, and one of the places to stay if you want to be within walking distance of everything. Kastelli is north, across Sifaka Street. Evraiki is to the west, crossing Chalidon Street, and Splantzia is west, across Archoleon Street. Venizelos square is the southern limit.
Note that the neighborhood is not on the coast. That’s another reason people like it. It’s less touristy. Life in Stivanadika whirls around the Presentation of the Virgin Mary Church. The 1860 basilica towers above the plaza. Check out the shops that occupy a former ottoman bath in the corner.
Visit the Catholicon of the Venetian Monastery of St. Francis. There are Minoan and Roman objects inside the lavish 17th-Century palace. The Old Chania Market from 1913 is full of shops and tavernas. Walk around Stivanadika searching for the remains of a Minoan Castle and Byzantine walls.
We Recommend These Hotels in Stivanadika:
Palazzo di Petro
The best hotel in Stivanadika is an authentic 13th-Century palace built by the Venetians. Fully restored with taste and class, the Palazzo di Petro offers rooms and apartments. The units are huge and feature wooden floors, premier beds, and views. It’s the best hotel for couples in Chania.
Vranas Ambient Hotel
The Vranas Ambience Hotel is a refurbished old building in the center of Chania. You can walk everywhere in no time. The super comfortable rooms are big and come with a fridge, AC, and a comfortable bathroom. Most have a kitchenette. The best ones have a balcony with views.
Nonnalena Boutique Hotel
You are going to love the simple yet comfortable rooms at the Nonnalena Boutique Hotel. The stone property is on a quiet very narrow street in the heart of Chania. It’s a no-frills hotel with everything you need. The managers are super nice and will be happy to help you.
Outside of the Old Town
Nea Hora
Chania is so amazing, that it’s got a gorgeous beach. Walk from the Venetian port to Nea Hora beach in less than 20 minutes. It takes half an hour if you walk along the coast, but it’s so worth it! And the beach is beautiful.
Hotels, bars, coffee houses, and shops line the seaside promenade. Fortunately, the towers are not tall, so it doesn’t feel convoluted. If you walk further down the beach, you reach Kadissos Beach. From then on, there are no buildings on the coast.
If you are visiting Chania in the summer, stay in one of the hotels on the beach. Actually, in winter too. Crete has splendid weather all year round. You get the best of both worlds: a gorgeous Old Town next door and a beach. If you are tired, take an inexpensive taxi.
We Recommend These Hotels in Nea Hora:
Domes Zeen Chania
If you have the money to splurge, do so at the Domes Zeen Chania. The Luxury Collection hotel is set in a splendid garden overlooking the beach. It’s got everything you ever dreamed of. It has a massive pool and a full size spa. The beach bar is awesome.
Christina Beach Hotel
Christina Beach Hotel faces the beach, but the road is not in front. The hotel is a low-rise tower in a garden. It has a pool, a kids club, a bar, and free parking. The hotel offers big rooms and apartments. The Split Level Sea View Suite has a terrace with a hot tub
Danaos Hotel
For inexpensive accommodation in front of the Beach, book a room at the Danaos Hotel Chania. It’s a small building with different types of rooms. The best have balconies facing the sea. The onsite restaurant is delicious. You will love the local family that runs it.
Chania City Center
Stay outside of the Old Town if you don’t like crowds. This City Center of Chania is where to stay if you want to be under the radar but within walking distance of the city’s best attractions. It’s still central, but not historic. Therefore, it offers a more authentic experience.
We are talking about the area north of Skalidi Avenue and south of Solomu Street. Nea Hora is west and Koum Kapi east. The bus station is here on Kidonias Street. The Minoan 9D Experience Museum too, on Ipsilanton Street. Kids and adults love it!
The tourist information office is a block from the museum. This neighborhood is mostly residential. You will find local restaurants and bars. The Park of Peace and Friendship is the biggest in the city. It’s the best place to hang out with locals and learn a bit about their culture.
We Recommend These Hotels in the City Center:
Arkadi Hotel
The Arkadi Hotel got a full upgrade two years ago and now looks amazing. The hotel is next to the market, where Chaldion Street Begins. Therefore, the top-floor rooms have big balconies with priceless views of the entire city. It’s got onsite parking. Delicious complimentary breakfast.
Morum City Hotel
You can’t beat the location of The Morum City Hotel. The modern building is a couple of blocks from the fortress and within walking distance of the beach. It’s a four-star hotel with impeccable rooms with balconies. The views from the rooftop terrace are brilliant. Breakfast is included.
Nefeli Hotel
Considering its location and class, the Nefeli Hotel is great value for money. It’s a contemporary tall tower a couple of minutes from the center. The bus stop is in the corner. The rooms are big and have a balcony.
