Historic Boutique Hotels in Chania Old Town

There are a thousand reasons to visit Crete at least once and a thousand more to visit the magnificent coastal city of Chania.

Chania’s oldest area is home to a picturesque old town and harbor. In this ancient district, you will find restaurants, entertainment, shops, and many other things to do and landmarks to see. The emblematic architecture in the area is also worth noticing.

The History Behind Chania’s Historic Buildings

The Republic of Venice conquered and ruled Chania for 4 centuries, from 1204 until 1645. It was a period of economic growth and artistic development during which the city witnessed the construction of fortification walls, Catholic churches and monasteries, and stunning houses.

Venetian merchants and rulers now lived on the island in elegant mansions built in the traditional architectonic style imported from the Italian peninsula. It was a prosperous time in the city’s history, when commerce and trade boomed, and artistic movements were born, such as the unique school of the Cretan Renaissance, also known as the Cretan school.

However, when Chania fell to the hands of the Ottoman Empire in 1645, the face of the city underwent a complete change.

Religious buildings were transformed into mosques, while most Venetian mansions acquired wooden balconies and the so-called harem rooms, which still characterize the facades of some of Chania’s buildings.

The Ottoman Empire ended in 1897 when the island declared its autonomy by creating the Cretan State. Still, the face of the city was yet to change again due to the impact of the Nazi invasion and occupation of the island.

Chania was heavily bombed in May 1941, and unique buildings in major areas of the city were lost. During the 70-80s, with the massive booming of the tourist industry on the island, Chania became a place of interest, attracting hundreds of visitors every summer.

Most of the houses in the old town, some abandoned or badly damaged, underwent long renovation processes and are now open to the public as some of the most gorgeous boutique hotels in town. These are some of the ones I’ve visited to bring you this article.

It all began in 1835, when Giovanni Delfino, a rich merchant from Genoa, was cast ashore by a storm in the northwest area of Gramvousa. Hosted by Capuchin monks, he managed to sell his goods while his boat was being repaired.

He soon saw the possibilities Chania had to offer, so he requested a new shipment of goods. He welcomed his wife and their children, Pietro and Marguerite, along with the cargo to the island. They settled in a magnificent Venetian mansion they purchased near the harbor.

As time passed, the time arrived for his daughter Marguerite to marry. She would find a suitable husband in Genoa. She was sent on a long journey to meet him, but (this is my favorite part!) destiny had other plans.

Marguerite fell in love with the Cretan Captain of her ship; she forgot all about Genoa, and they returned to Chania to marry. They raised their six children in the family home. The present owner, Margarita, is a sixth-generation descendant of the family. This unique hotel remains important to the family’s history and legacy in the Old Town of Chania.

Doges, diplomats, commanders, politicians, and countesses lived and died in the building. They lived passionate lives and ruled over the city from the rooms of this mansion. Five centuries have passed, and this house facade still dominates the landscape of Old Town.

Domus Renier belongs to the Historic Hotels Worldwide and has nine suites with spectacular views of Chania’s Old Harbor.

>> If you want more detailed notes about the hotel, please do not hesitate to check the article I wrote about Domus Renier Boutique Hotel.

🤓 Aria and Litsa were among the first to welcome me to Crete. They opened their hotel doors and made me taste some of the most memorable local pastries!

>> BOOK NOW

The hotel’s location is privileged; it is just a few meters from the seafront in the Old Harbor and very close to Ahmet Aga mosque. The hotel maintains its original architecture, a Turkish bath, a walled patio, and unique carvings.

While reconstructing the place, several ancient Roman walls were discovered under the building. These date back to the 1st century AC and are now displayed under a glass floor. Some suites have a private terrace with unique views of Chania’s eclectic skyline of towers, churches, minarets, and fortifications.

🤓 We love that this hotel remains open all year, making it a great place for a winter escape in Crete. Unlike big hotel chains, Porto del Colombo takes pride in offering a personal service to satisfy every guest’s needs.

🤓 We love the wonderful terrace with excellent harbor, Lighthouse, and mosque views.

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According to historical sources, the house dates back to the 13th century and was built by the Venetians on the ruins of a hammam from the 9th century, probably of Arabic origin. Later, during the Venetian Era, it became part of the government’s administrative buildings.

During Turkish domination, the building became the home of a large noble family of unknown origin. Many additions and changes were introduced to the premises, including Turkish baths. The three wells were extremely convenient for animals to rest.

It is believed that the water came to the wells from an underground river that flows down from the White Mountains (probably the same one feeding the mikvah—ritual bath—in the nearby Etz Hayim Synagogue in the Old Town).

🤓 Although the hotel has undergone a clear restoration process, it has kept its main features, such as its beautiful yard. The property boasts the unique Venetian style typical of Chania.

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Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel

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📍 32 Zampeliou Street, Old Town Chania

Elia Zampliou Boutique Hotel is part of the Elia Adults Only Project and is located in the heart of the Venetian Harbor. The building keeps its historic architectural features, such as stone walls and high ceilings, while offering modern hotel amenities.

This boutique hotel features eight rooms with views of the lighthouse and other rooms with views of the White Mountains and the old town.

The historic building features impressive walls and interiors, many of which belong to the original residence.

🤓 We’re very fond of this hotel’s breakfast, which features traditional Crete and the rest of Greece’s delicacies. Given its adult-only status, it is perfect for a romantic escape or a solo holiday in Crete.

ANOTHER HISTORIC BUILDING WORTH VISITING

Did you know that Pallas, one of the most famous restaurants on Chania’s waterfront, is also probably one of the most fascinating historic buildings in town?

An integral part of Chania’s history, the place was built in 1830 and was part of the Piazza Magazine neighborhood. The building was Ali Pasha’s home, and -after the Ottoman era- it hosted a customs house, a hotel, and a café.

The building hosts a stunning rooftop restaurant that’s the only roof terrace restaurant in the old Venetian Harbor

• It was listed as one of the 20 most beautiful buildings in Crete by Greece’s Archeological Department
• It is also an Archaeological Listed Building by UNESCO.

As it’s easy to see, Chania Old Town features many stunning properties where you can experience a dreamy vacation surrounded by the atmosphere of a bygone era, enjoying the convenient perks of modern times. Which one is your favorite?

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