Splanzia Hotel
Chania, Crete
Hospitable, family-run hotel with décor by a top Greek designer, in the heart of Chania’s atmospheric Turkish quarter
If location is all, then this hotel in the heart of Chania's
historic Splanzia district scores high. Overshadowed by a Turkish
minaret that was tacked onto the neighbouring church in 1630, the
hotel is just 10 minutes' walk from the city’s fishing
harbour, yet away from tourist bustle. Step inside and you’ll
find the stone walls of an ancient Venetian stronghold jazzed up
with a charcoal- and cherry-toned décor signed by the
Bentley award-winning designer Yiannis Yiannakakis.
With its sleek floors, black leather sofas and Madame Recamier
loungers, the lobby is in striking contrast to the tangled alleys
outside. A spiral staircase winds from here like a silver thread up
to 8 rooms equipped with Balinese four-posters, luxurious
drapes and air con. Cross into the shady interior courtyard, with
its mosaic tiles and deep stone well, and you’re plunged back
to Ottoman times. Or head up to the sunset-facing terrace and
collapse in the giant hammock with a drink and a view of the city's
rooftops - magic at night.
Reviewed by Heidi Fuller-Love
Last updated
22 March 2010
Highs
- Relaxing with a book in the courtyard listening to Mass from the church next door - and doves cooing in the trees overhead
- Feasting on creamy Greek yoghurt drizzled with local honey and home-baked traditional Cretan pastries
- Exploring Chania's cobbled streets and covered market, all within walking distance of the hotel
- Enjoying the flamboyant Oriental chic of the rooms, as well as the smoke-free air (all are non-smoking, rare in Greece)
Lows
- Cramped bathrooms with no shampoos or shower curtains - though we are told this will soon be remedied
- Noise from the street (especially in summer) – light sleepers should choose courtyard rooms or shut the window and hit the A/C
- Difficulty parking. Yiannis promises - cross-his-heart-hope-to-die - that he’ll find you space near the hotel
- Minimal room service and no city info in the rooms – but you are close to the tourist office
