Ammos Hotel
near Chania, Crete
Style with a big smile at this chic and superbly serviced, family-minded hotel on the beach, 15 minutes from Chania
Anonymous chain hotels on Crete are legion, so Ammos – owned
by the Tsepetis family since the 70's and now vibrantly redecorated
and brilliantly run by the effervescent 30-something Nikos –
makes a hugely refreshing change. Fifteen minutes' drive from
Chania’s bar- and restaurant-lined Venetian harbour, it gazes
out over a sandy bay, whose warm shallow waters are ideal for
younger bathers. Recently and lovingly redesigned by Elisa Manolas,
the woman behind the very chic Orloff on Spetses, the
style is light, airy and Scandinavian: lashings of wood, glass and
wicker allied with colourful artwork and loads of modern comfort,
including cushy sofas and high-speed internet.
But the real secret of this hotel lies in the details: bouquets of
wild flowers in every room, fragrant Korres toiletries,
multilingual and attentive jean-clad staff, and the thoughtfulness
of Nikos, who is everywhere at once. More than ‘just another
beach hotel’, Ammos is one of those rare places where the
personal touch has been wrought to a fine art.
Reviewed by Heidi Fuller-Love
Last updated
21 June 2010
Highs
- Superb yet unobtrusive service: with his quick thinking and impressive array of contacts, Nikos can arrange anything in 5 minutes flat
- Large and luxurious bathrooms – obviously designed by someone who has spent time in hotels, and particularly rare in Greece
- Food - delicious - served throughout the day
- Self-catering kitchenettes – a great addition for budget-conscious families and folk who sometimes like to cook
- With Chania on your doorstep, it's ideal for those who want to combine a peaceful beach retreat with sallies into town for nightlife, shopping and museums
Lows
- The beach is pretty and fairly sheltered, but it's not the most spectacular on Crete
- This stretch of coast, west of Chania, is fairly built up
- Not the easiest to find – make sure you do like we didn’t, and print out detailed directions (attached to every i-escape booking confirmation)
- Often full in July and August
