Malmo Historic Hotel, Chania

Pros

• The hotel is in a prime location for those who want to be in the middle of Chania's Old Town.
• The history of the building (and the man that it's named for) will appeal to history lovers and those who want to immerse themselves more fully in Chania's rich past.
• Travelers with limited mobility will find an elevator here and can book the Kastello room, which is accessible.

Cons

• The area can be lively at night. Light sleepers and those who want more quiet should book a room with a quiet side street view.
• The Malmo lacks services like a gym or spa. 
• The standard rooms can feel a little small.

Authenticity

Don't let the name or Scandinavian design fool you: the Malmo Hotel has nothing to do with Sweden. The building has gone through various histories as it was originally part of a 16th-century monastery and turned into a mansion during the Ottoman occupation in the 17th century. However, it takes its name from Antonio Malmo, a local man who turned it into a library and space of art and culture in the 20th century. While the hotel preserves the sense of culture and love of art represented by Malmo, it takes its visual cues from the 15th-century arch that it was built upon. Many historic buildings in Chania rest on these types of arches for sanitary purposes, and guests can walk under the arch to get to the hotel and then find its presence throughout in furniture pieces, light fixtures, and furnishings that mimic the hotel arch.

Location

The Malmo Hotel is located on the side street of Antoni Malmou and looks out over Chatzimichali Ntaliani, a popular Old Town pedestrian street filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. Chania's historic harbor is under 10 minutes by foot, and you can walk to the lighthouse in 15 minutes. Since cars aren't allowed in Old Town, you can park nearby in the new city, which is just five minutes away by walking, or try the Chania Port parking, which is 10 minutes away on foot.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel has seven rooms, which primarily differ based on size. The smaller standard rooms can feel a little cramped, so if you want some more space, check out the Porta Colombo, Porta Sabboniara, or the Madonna, which is the biggest. The rooms don't all have balconies, so if you want some fresh air, book the Porta Sabbionara, which looks out right onto one of Chania's two still remaining minarets, left from the Ottoman occupation. Some rooms include bathtubs for those looking to relax, and those with wheelchairs or limited can book the Kastello room, which is accessible.

Amenities

The property has no pool or gym. The hotel has been designed with accessibility in mind, as the Kastello suite is accessible for those with wheelchairs. There's a rooftop terrace decorated with mosaic flooring, tables and chairs, ornate wrought iron railings, and views over the Old Town.  

Family-Friendliness

There aren't connecting family rooms here or two-bedroom suites, so it's a better option for couples, solo travelers, or small groups of friends. That said, all children are welcome at the Malmo Historic Hotel. There's a small surcharge for children over three using extra beds, but children over 13 will be charged as adults. The breakfast buffet is kid-friendly. 

Other Highlights

A generous breakfast buffet is served for guests between 8 am and 11:30 am. The rooftop patio overlooking the Old Town is furnished with tables and chairs, and breakfast is served inside with a range of cheese, yogurts, eggs, local pies, vegetables, fruit, orange juice, tea, coffee, and local freshly baked Greek dishes. In the afternoon, the same space functions as a wine bar open until 11 pm.