Manili Boutique Suites & Villas, Archanes

Pros

• You'll find yourself in a charming stone-paved village surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and mountains, just a 10-minute drive from the Palace of Knossos.
• The modern style of the suites offers something different in Archanes, where many hotels follow the traditional mountain village look, so you can enjoy a mix of contemporary living in a historic location.
• Those traveling in the off-season can stay in this year-round hotel and see a different side of Archanes in the spring and winter.
• All of the suites have kitchenettes.
• The whole of the property is designed with local-inspired architecture using earthy tones and textures, which blends seamlessly with the village.
• Guests can have a refreshing drink at the beautiful and spacious bistro across the street.
• There's complimentary on-site parking and airport shuttle service. 

Cons

• The property is built on a hill with no elevators, requiring a short walk from the street and stairs to access upper rooms. Those with limited mobility are advised to book a ground-floor room.
• Some rooms are located near the village road, which might lead to ambient noise from nearby restaurants and the street—consider booking an upper suite with a balcony for a quieter experience.

Authenticity

Petros, owner of the Manili Boutique Suites & Villas, grew up visiting Archanes, where his family originates, and as an architect, had a hand in designing the hotel. In fact, his grandfather lives up the street, and the pool area is part of a building that the family inherited from a woman in the Manili neighborhood. Original elements like stone walls remain, so even if the suites' present style is more modern (having been built and/or renovated in 2021), there's still a sense of history here. Moreover, the all-day restaurant, Manili Bistro, serves local delicacies in a similar setting.

Location

The hotel is on a side street of Archanes, just a few minutes on foot from Plaza Eleftherios Venizelos. Knossos is 15 minutes away by car, Heraklion is 30 minutes away, and the airport is about 20 minutes. Hiking enthusiasts will find no shortage of trails here, wine lovers can enjoy tours and tastings of Archanes' most famous export, and history buffs can drive to the sites of Fourni and the Minoan sanctuary of Mount Juktas in just 10 minutes (or walk there in an hour). 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Double Rooms and suites (there are seven types) are decorated in a warm, minimalist style that mixes stone, textured whitewashed walls, and rounded wood furniture. Most surround the hotel's small pool. The Double Room, as the smallest option feels cramped, so go for a higher tier for more space. Upper-floor rooms have terraces and can only be reached by stairs. Three villas are available and follow a traditional mountain chalet style. They're filled with vintage wooden furniture, woven textiles, and full kitchens, and are located across the street from the suites and have a small pool to share. Each one can sleep up to five people, and guests can enjoy regular hotel service, including room service.

Amenities

The hotel has two outdoor pools. One is a medium-sized pool available for all guests, while the second is a plunge-sized pool only for those staying at the villas. Manili Boutique Suites & Villas doesn't have a spa or wellness center, but each villa has a fitness room with basic gym equipment. The villas also have a shared courtyard with a billiards table and a large barbecue area next to the villa pool. A continental breakfast is served buffet-style. The hotel has its own bistro bar, Manili Bistro, open daily from 10 am to midnight. It's in a separate building across the street and serves brunch, lunch, dinner, snacks, coffee, and cocktails throughout the day. This property isn't ideal for travelers with limited mobility.

Family-Friendliness

Younger 12 years and up are welcome. Suites and interconnected Double Rooms could work for families with older children, but the rooms don't allow extra beds or cots. Villas are a great option for larger families, sleeping up to five guests over three bedrooms with access to three bathrooms.