Azade Boutique Hotel, Chania

Pros

• There are rooms and facilities for those in wheelchairs or who have difficulties with mobility, which speaks to the hotel's overall approach of welcome inclusivity.
• All of the suites – even the smallest ones – are quite large and offer guests the space to relax.
• The hotel’s 380-year-old history can be felt in its original stone walls, the hammam in the courtyard, and location in the heart of Chania’s Old Town.

Cons

• The location puts it in a busy spot in the high season but the building’s thick walls and overall sense of privacy act as a barrier to the world outside. Plus the fact that it’s off the waterfront makes it a little less populated than hotels on the harbor.
• While there isn't parking, the Talos Square free parking lot is just five minutes away by foot and guests who need help with their luggage can book a transfer service with the hotel.
• Some rooms like the Azade Residence don't include views or outdoor space but folks who desire that can check out suites like the one-bedroom suite with harbor view or Azade Grand suite.

Authenticity

Built in 1640, this 380-year-old building of the Azade Hotel is the former residence of an unknown Ottoman Pasha. It later was a home of the writer Charles Henri Ford, who is considered by some to be the first American surrealist poet and co-wrote The Young and Evil, the first gay novel. It’s not difficult to feel the presence of these historic and creative spirits in the Azade, which retains touches of the original building – like the structure’s stone walls and hammam – and which feels like a modern-day time capsule. 

Location

The Azade is located just behind the waterfront of Chania’s Venetian harbor at the top of some picturesque steps. It’s a five-minute walk from Talos Square, where you can park your car. The Egyptian Lighthouse is a 20-minute walk – although if you’d rather just gaze at it from afar, you can do so within two minutes. The hotel is also just a minute away by foot from the Maritime Museum, located in the old Venetian fortress, where you can get stunning views of the city and harbor.

Rooms & Bathrooms

All nine suites offer substantial space, as the smallest – the superior double – comes in at a whopping 430 square feet (40 sqm). Plus the rooms all have high ceilings, which add to this sense of space that gives guests the room to breathe and relax. Folks in wheelchairs or with mobility needs can book the ADA-compliant 2-bedroom suite, which has an inner courtyard view.

While the Azade Residence is the second biggest suite, those looking for a view would be better off checking out the Azade Grand or Cretan Living suite, which manager Xanthos notes is everyone’s favorite due to its unique design. The suites are all great for couples but can be enjoyed by families too, as several include beds built into the walls, which kids will love.