San Salvatore Monastery, Chania

Pros

• There's a mix of cultural and personal history, as it's linked to the monastery and Byzantine collection next door and is run by the family that grew up here.
• The hotel is located on the west side of the harbor, just by Talos Square, which gives you immediate access to Chania's Old Town and the Venetian port.
• The upper-level penthouse suite enjoys panoramic views over the harbor, while the ground-floor suite has a direct line of sight to the lighthouse from the bed.
• The optional breakfast is a highlight, with lots of local treats served on your private terrace.

Cons

• As a centuries-old historic building, the hotel isn't suitable for folks with limited mobility needs; rooms are split-level, and there's a cobblestone path to reach the entrance.
• There are only two rooms, which means it can get booked up quickly, so be sure to snag one before everyone else does.
• You won't find standard hotel amenities like a restaurant, bar, or spa, but it's a special spot for those seeking ambience and character.

Authenticity

 San Salvatore Monastery feels more like an experience than a hotel—ideal for those looking for something immersive and historic. The building dates back to the 14th century when it was a Franciscan monastery, and you can feel this tranquility in the gardens of the central cloister, where monks used to pray and tend their plants. You'll find informative plaques and original details at every turn, including a walled-off tunnel to the neighboring Firka Fortress. Chania local Irene runs the hotel, and her mother owns the building— in fact, they're the first Greeks to inhabit the property after the exchange of the Turkish and Greek populations in 1923. Irene grew up here (in what's now the penthouse suite) and is always happy to share her wealth of local knowledge with guests. 

Location

You'll be based in one of the most convenient locations in Old Town Chania, with some of the best views in town. The hotel is located on the western edge of the harbor, just behind the Maritime Museum and right below Talos Square, and you can park in the hotel's private lot or grab a spot in Talos Square, which is a minute away. Those who want to get their steps in can walk out the door and be either at the harbor or in Old Town in the same amount of time. Nea Chora beach is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive, while the new city of Chania is just 10 minutes away on foot. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel offers just two suites: the penthouse "Irene" and the ground-floor "Michael." The romantic penthouse is ideal for couples, with a large terrace overlooking the lighthouse and harbor, while the ground-floor option features two bedrooms with a view of the lighthouse from the loft bed. Both suites include living rooms and outdoor seating areas, air-conditioning, WiFi, tea and coffee-making facilities, and tasteful, contemporary decor that showcases the building's historic features. Bathrooms make creative use of space: the penthouse's is small but stylish with a walk-in shower, while the ground floor's is large and tiled, with a double rain-style shower and bathtub. Both include natural Greek Apivita toiletries. 

Amenities

San Salvatore's homecooked breakfast is optional but highly recommended; served on your terrace, it's brimming with locally sourced treats like fresh fruit, Cretan honey, homemade pastries and pies, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. You won't find more traditional hotel amenities here (and there's no lobby or reception area), but the cloisters and garden serve as peaceful common areas for guests, and each suite is thoughtfully stocked with extras for a memorable stay—like curated books and board games, calligraphy and art supplies, and a vintage record player with handpicked LPs. The hotel also offers a handy app that helps connect you with the owners and get the best out of your visit with recommendations and tips.

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome at the property, though the split-level designs and historic entryways mean it's not ideal for toddlers or strollers. The ground-floor "Michael" suite is the best choice for families, with two bedrooms (kids tend to enjoy the fun, cave-like feel of the lower bedroom), a private patio overlooking the cloisters, and direct access to the garden.