“A 19th-century mansion converted into a 5* hotel set in Chania's Old Town. Once an ambassador's residence, expect an amalgamation of the old and new - rustic style meets modern amenities with exposed stone and espresso machines. With prime harbour views, this is an easy choice for local exploring.”
“A 19th-century mansion converted into a 5* hotel set in Chania's Old Town. Once an ambassador's residence, expect an amalgamation of the old and new - rustic style meets modern amenities with exposed stone and espresso machines. With prime harbour views, this is an easy choice for local exploring.”
Hotel Review
A literal stone's throw from the Venetian harbour, the hotel was once the home of the German ambassador to Crete, who made it his business to develop local resources and create industries. Hence the design themes that prevail throughout: each suite is themed around a core material, in turn inspired by one of those industries: ceramic, cement, metal, wood, fabric, glass, paper, porcelain and mosaic. That could sound pretentious, but it's perfectly executed. Style-conscious visitors will enjoy the contrast with the clichés that dominate colour schemes in so many Greek hotels. Instead, expect to find exposed masonry, pale stucco, veneer and parquet, glass partitions and white linens. The colour comes from outside: four rooms have direct views over the harbour, two have side sea views and two look inland over the rooftops of the old quarter. The 'Ceramic' suite has its own roof terrace, while the 'Paper' suite is designed for wheelchair users. Guests enjoy services that would be expected in a larger city hotel, including 24-hour concierge, daily housekeeping, express check-in, room service, laundry, pressing and dry cleaning. There's no restaurant, but with a plethora of café-bars and tavernas on the doorstep that's hardly a drawback.
Written by Robin Gauldie
Recommended For
- Active Holiday
- Whether you want to explore historic sites or hike, sail, and try your hand at watersports - there is plenty to do here
- Local exploring
- You won't find a better location - overlooking Chania's harbour and stumbling distance from its bars and cafes
- Historic
- Once the private residence of 19th-century German Ambassador and with many of the original features remaining
- Boutique
- The property has been sensitively updated mixing original features with fresh modern design
- Museums
- Historical Museum of Chania is a picturesque walk through the Old Town
- Sights nearby
- Visit the nearby Venetian harbour and Mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan
- Local markets
- Chania's Saturday market is a thriving affair
- Great walks
- Along the harbour towards Chania's Lighthouse
- Sailing
- Charter a private boat for a romantic dinner
- Disabled access
- Lift to all floors including the roof terrace
- No restaurant
- Breakfast is served
- Sit-out Terrace
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Roof terrace
- Family Suites
- 5* Luxury
- Townhouse
- Chic
- Quirky
- Child friendly
- Beach nearby
- Luxury
- Intimate
- Views
Facilities
- Disabled access
- Lift to all floors including the roof terrace
- Parking
- Free parking nearby
- No restaurant
- Breakfast is served
- Bicycle hire
- Library
- No pets
- Sit-out Terrace
- Walking distance restaurants
- Airport transfer
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Roof terrace
- Family Suites
- Child friendly
- Sitting Room
- Room service
- Safe
- Suites
- Satellite / Cable TV
- Air conditioning
- Wifi
- Views
Activities
- Museums
- Historical Museum of Chania is a picturesque walk through the Old Town
- Sights nearby
- Visit the nearby Venetian harbour and Mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan
- Great walks
- Along the harbour towards Chania's Lighthouse
- Local markets
- Chania's Saturday market is a thriving affair
- Sailing
- Charter a private boat for a romantic dinner
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
Ambassador's Residence
This comfortable five-star hotel, set in a carefully renovated Venetian abode, fronts Chania’s lively, café-lined harbour. The spacious, light filled rooms and suites are an easy walk from the city’s main sights, and close to some of western Crete’s best beaches. The service, however, felt more four-star.
Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
