Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa

Along a narrow lane at the heart of Chania’s historic old town, the chic Casa Delfino boutique hotel occupies a 17th-century palace that once belonged to Giovanni Delfino, an Italian knight. Behind a fairly austere facade, the charming hotel attracts couples, older families and solo travelers who seek a comfortable, upscale base for exploring the island. Casa Delfino is stylish without being snobby; its common areas blend both modern and historic styles against the restored architecture. A mosaicked, cobbled courtyard is at the heart of the hotel, decorated with lush foliages and cushioned wrought-iron tables and chairs from the hotel's restaurant and bar. Stairs lead up to the rooftop terrace, a sunny deck where the seating areas, small hot tub, bar, and panoramic views are popular with guests at all hours. The candlelit underground spa is especially atmospheric, evoking the feeling of ancient baths thanks to the marble columns and steam room.

Down a narrow street near Chania’s Venetian harbor, Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa is surrounded by the cafes, restaurants, museums, and many attractions of historic Chania, and it's within easy reach of trekking opportunities in the Samaria Gorge. Close to several sandy beaches, the hotel is also a good base for visiting other local attractions, including the tropical beach of Elafonissi, villages of the White Mountains, and the Minoan ruins at Knossos. Airport transfers can be arranged by the hotel.

Casa Delfino’s rooms, luxury suites, and apartments have large and notably comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and spacious marble bathrooms with walk-in showers or bathtubs stocked with organic Apivita products. Each room or suite is decorated in its own distinctive way: larger suites have stone-clad walls, queen or king beds, and lounges with modern sofas and wooden coffee tables; other rooms have colorful artwork and patterned pillows, or marble tiled floors and heavy drapes. The penthouse suite has its own jetted tub and a large terrace with panoramic views over the city’s Venetian harbor. Larger suites are especially suitable for families, while couples may enjoy the honeymoon suites with large double beds, turndown service, and robes. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and minibars, while some also have iPod docks.

Casa Delfino’s small but atmospheric candlelit basement spa has a hot tub and steam room, as well as several rooms for massages and other treatments. An extensive free breakfast, including lots of local specialties, is served out in the hotel’s courtyard, or in the cozy dining room when the weather is bad. The rooftop terrace, with its bar and hot tub, is a favorite spot for sunbathing or sipping cocktails while watching the sunset over the harbor. There is also a small business area where guests can get online or send faxes. Parking is available and babysitting can be arranged.