Good Morning,
We are in our 70's and want to spend 16 - 21 days on Crete in 2026, mostly in Chania. I tried to work with a travel agency that someone on this site recommended, but the agency now only works with "travel advisors". So, it looks like I will be planning this myself. I tried looking at the vacation homes/villas by owner but was totally confused! When we stayed in Ortigia, we stayed at a boutique hotel with a water view and their concierge helped me get drivers and recommended tour companies. It's just me and my husband, we're in our 70's and hike, but I don't think we want stairs in our accommodation. Can you recommend a boutique hotel in the old city of Chania (or easy walking distance) that feels like you're in an old building? We wouldn't want to go over $300/night. Or a specific villa?
Also, do you recommend end of March (low season) or end of September (still high season.) We went to Capri in March last year and it was soooo warm! We loved it! No crowds at all! (and no shopping, but that's okay with me!)
Thank you ! (We will be celebrating my husband's 75th birthday and our 40th wedding anniversary)
Annabel
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3528 posts
Hello Annabel, and best wishes on your Celebration Trip! You want an Old Building (or one that "feels" like such), yet balk at any stairs. It sounds like, give me a pretend-authentic. Can't provide one ... but here's my option. The long no-cars lane just up from the left side of Old Harbor, called Theotokopoulu street (that's El Greco's real name), is the most picturesque and convenient area for your stay. https://www.explorecrete.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/map-chania-old-town-L.jpg At the sea end,of this flagstoned lane is Hotel Palazzo (now part of Elia Hotels). https://www.eliahotels.com/elia-palazzo-hotel/ ... a boutique hotel, a modernized Venetian mansion, just 12 rooms, . No elevator. However, just one flight of stairs to the 2nd-floor (Europeans call this the 1st floor) lovely front room with balcony. I suggest you email them and ask to see photos of this room specifically. This place is VERY much in demand, but you're wisely planning far in advance. Otherwise, I'd suggest looking at booking.com for something in the littlte lanes that lead OFF of Theotokopoulu. If you want something that's street-level, you want to be in a narrow side-lane. Increasingly, there are units available in former private buildings, with 2 rooms, important for extended stay. However, usually 1 flight of stairs.
I would suggest going in September, not March... still too rainy that early in Spring.
Posted by
27 posts
I stayed at Ionas Boutique Hotel in the Old Town of Chania. It was nice with a lovely breakfast area outside. It was pleasant. My friends stayed at the Casa Delfino close to the harbor. It was more luxurious than the Ionas though I'm not sure about the stairs. Enjoy Chania. I loved it.
Posted by
NC
546 posts
Have not been yet, but we have booked at The48suites, 48 Theotokopoulou Street, for this September. One suite there is ground floor, 484 sq ft. Might meet your needs.
Posted by
OP
86 posts
Thank you all for your replies. I'm not balking at stairs, but I wouldn't want to do 3 flights with luggage. And, I will email Hotel Palazzo right now. Thank you for that suggestion...I was intrigued by that hotel already. September it is!