Casa Delfino, Chania

Pros

• The fascinating tale of the Casa Delfino goes back to the 1800s and adds historical charm to the property.
• Guests are greeted with welcome drinks and snacks made by the manager's mother.
• This beautiful space has elements like intricate marble floors, a stone design in the garden, and a room with a colored glass hammam.
• Guests can enjoy a number of massage and facial treatments in the calming spa of Casa Delfino.

Cons

• The hotel doesn't have parking or car access, but the staff arranges to pick up guests from nearby areas to bring them directly to the lobby. 
• There's no restaurant on-site.
• The hotel has many stairs, so it's not the best choice for wheelchair or stroller users.

Additional Notes

I ate one of the most surprisingly delicious cookies at the Casa Delfino. It seemed like it would be your run-of-the-mill Greek-style biscotti, but it was so much more than that; the flavors were rich and unexpected, and manager Margarita's mother made it. That's the Casa Delfino in a nutshell: you think you know what you're getting here, but the history, hospitality, and personal connection make it something much more. 

Authenticity

The story of Casa Delfino goes back to the 1800s, when the great-great-grandfather of the current manager, Margarita, got shipwrecked in Chania. He fell in love with the city and built his home in the Casa Delfino, a 17th-century Venetian mansion. Margarita's father turned this family home into a hotel in 1989, and since then, she's been working with her parents to make this feel like a home to anyone who walks through the door. It's rare to find a luxury hotel that feels so personal, but as Margarita says, she loves this hotel like it's her child, and it shows. The staff are all locals, her parents help maintain the hotel—be sure to try her mother's homemade sweets and snacks—and the Delfino family history can be seen, felt, and touched in all areas of the hotel. If you're looking for the famous Cretan hospitality, it doesn't get much more authentic than this. Remember to ask Margarita or other staff members about some of the anecdotes of the family and hotel.

Location

The Casa Delfino is on a side street on the west side of Chania's Old Town, just a few blocks from the harbor. Guests can park at Talos Square, which is five minutes away on foot, and the hotel will arrange to pick you up wherever you park. Chania's waterfront is just a few minutes away by foot, while you can reach the start of the lighthouse pathway in 15. The closest beach of Nea Chora is a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive, while those looking to explore a bit of Chania's new city can do so in less than 10 minutes on foot. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Twenty-four rooms and suites make up the Casa Delfino, which has options for couples, families, or groups of friends. The classic and junior suites, the two most basic room types, offer a good amount of space to sleep one or two comfortably. If you're looking for something extra, check out the Ottoman suite with its marble hammam, the Presidential suite with its marble tub, or the massive split-level two-bedroom suite with stained glass windows and two bathrooms.

Amenities

Casa Delfino has no pool, but there's an underground spa with a deep whirlpool tub (at an extra cost). A pebbled courtyard filled with lush greenery, wrought-iron tables, and cushioned chairs is an oasis for guests to relax and read. There's also a rooftop terrace with panoramic views overlooking the historic harbor. 

Family-Friendliness

This hotel is excellent for families with kids, as several suites are suitable for families, and baby cribs are free upon request. Some suites can fit up to four or five people, and some even have more than one bathroom. Babysitting services are offered on request, and the breakfast buffet has kid-friendly options. 

Other Highlights

The hotel serves an elegant buffet breakfast in the courtyard (or in a cozy dining room when the weather doesn't cooperate). There's no restaurant on the property, but there is a charming rooftop garden and bar travelers can escape to for sunbathing during the day or enjoy a cocktail at sunset. This bar is open from mid-April until the end of October. There's also a small bar near reception that is open year-round.