Belmondo Hotel & Suites, Chania

Pros

• Four of the hotel's suites have clear views of Chania's harbor and lighthouse. 
• The traditional wood, stone, and marble design roots this hotel firmly in Chania and its history.
• All the rooms feel spacious, including the smallest, the economy cozy room. 
• Some of the rooms include private hammams and terraces, allowing guests to relax in private luxury.

Cons

• Chania's Old Town is closed to cars, so the hotel doesn't have parking. The closest parking is Talos Square, which is a five-minute walk away.
• Due to the restrictions on changing landmark or historic buildings, there's no elevator. Travelers with limited mobility may have difficulty, as there's a set of stairs to get up to reception and another to reach the first rooms.
• The area can get loud and lively during the high season. 
• The hotel doesn't have common spaces, save for a small patio by reception.

Authenticity

While the building dates back to the 14th or 15th century, the Belmondo Hotel has been open since 2000. The Belmondo follows a local trend combining the historical with the modern. It stands out in the way that it retains a traditional style that transports you to another time and place. Wooden beams, ancient stone walls, and the ceiling holes of an old hammam—now a bathroom in one of the suites—all keep history alive in the Belmondo. This hotel is an elevated expression of Chania's history.

Location

The Belmondo is in Old Town near Chania's harbor. Old Town is closed off to cars, so you'll have to park five minutes away in Talos Square, which does tend to fill up in the high season. The waterfront restaurants, cafés, and bars are all just a minute or two away on foot, while the walkway to the lighthouse is 10 minutes away. Reach Chania's city center in five minutes of walking or get to the closest beach of Nea Chora in 20 minutes by foot (or about 10 by car).

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel has 10 rooms, four of which have a sea view. Some rooms don't have balconies, but among those that do, the Old Town-facing patios are larger than those that face the harbor. Guests looking for more outdoor space can check out the deluxe suite with a sea-view terrace that encompasses the entire roof of the building. (There are steps to get up to this terrace, so those with limited mobility are advised to look at other rooms.) The deluxe and superior suites with sea-view terraces have private hammams, while the superior suite with an Old Town-facing terrace has a tub.

Amenities

There's no pool, gym, or spa at the Belmondo Hotel & Suites. This isn't an accessible hotel, as there's no elevator, and many stairs must be climbed to access the hotel. The hotel has a terrace area by the entrance where breakfast is served to guests without a private balcony or terrace. 

Family-Friendliness

Children of all ages are welcome at the hotel. Those over 12 will be charged as adults, and those under 12 will be charged a discounted rate. Baby cribs are free but must be requested in advance. Some of the larger suites are the best option for families, as they can accommodate families of four. The hotel has no specific children's amenities.

Other Highlights

Although no restaurant or bar exists in the Belmondo Hotel & Suites, a lavish Mediterranean spread is served every morning. It features local ingredients like homemade yogurt with honey, fruit, jams, pastries, hot dishes, omelets, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Breakfast is delivered to rooms and suites with private terraces or balconies, and for rooms and suites that don't, guests are welcome to enjoy their meal on the patio near the hotel entrance.