Residenza Vranas Boutique Hotel Chania, Chania

Pros

• All four rooms are massive, coming in at 968 square feet (90 sqm), and offer space and then some to relax and spread out.
• All of the suites in this hotel include seafront views and those who want to enjoy the view outside can book one of the rooms with a balcony or terrace.
• The hotel is situated directly in the middle of Chania’s historic harbor, which means you get direct views of the lighthouse and immediate access to Old Town, which is just behind it.
• This is one of the few hotels in the Old Town that includes private parking for guests nearby and hotel staff will meet you there to help you with your bags.
• The customized wooden facade and interior decoration create a sense of luxury and warmth in the space.
• The hotel is open year-round, so folks who want to experience a different or even quieter side of Chania can enjoy space, privacy, and silence in these rooms during the off-season.

Cons

• This is a historic building, which means that the owners weren’t allowed to install an elevator. This makes it an issue for those with mobility needs, as there are flights of stairs to climb to get up to the rooms.
• The hotel doesn’t offer common space amenities like a restaurant, gym, or spa, but those looking for some extra relaxing treatment can book the superior sea view suite with a heated plunge pool inside.

Additional Notes

I was initially struck by the size of the suites here, which are the size of a roomy apartment, but what the hotel does so well is that it doesn’t let that excessive space feel cold or empty. The windows facing out onto the harbor feel inspiring, particularly as they’re lined with beautiful customized wood frames and pieces, which the hotel also features on its exterior facade. It’s truly a special place.

Authenticity

All of the rooms have seafront views because in Chania, the harbor is the source of the thousands of years of history that have shaped the city. Guests can look out at the harbor and lighthouse and feel the presence of the Minoan, Venetian, Ottoman, and Jewish communities that all made their mark in these buildings, streets, and identity of the city. While the style of the hotel is modern, the feeling it evokes of staying here is one of romance and history.

Location

The hotel's location directly in the middle of Chania’s historic harbor means it has some of the best views of the lighthouse and sea around. The Residenza Vranas is one of the few hotels that offers private parking nearby but you can also park in Talos Square, which is five minutes away by foot. Step out the door to be in Old Town, or follow the harbor to reach the Chania lighthouse in about 20 minutes on foot. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

All four suites of the Residenza Vranas are a whopping 968 square feet (90 sqm) and include views of the sea. Spa-loving folks can book the sea view room with a heated plunge pool, while bigger groups or families can check out the two bedroom sea view suite or the two-level penthouse, which also includes a large terrace and an interior jacuzzi.