Porto Kalamaki Hotel Apartments

Although Porto Kalamaki Hotel Apartments is situated on a busy, main coastal road, it’s just across the street from a serene mini-harbor, for picturesque views to the sea. A delicate peninsula winds its way outwards, and a petite blue-and-white church perches at the end -- introducing a charming setting that also finds its way into the hotel. Comfortable guest rooms surround the central pool area, creating a cozy social vibe, while colorful pastel facades add to the picturesque Aegean appeal. Mornings by the pool are a lively affair, when the poolside bar pumps dance music and guests enjoy a party atmosphere. In evenings, the hotel settles into a more tranquil vibe, with lit candles, soft music, and warm night air. The hotel sees mostly Scandinavian, Italian, and British guests, with families visiting in the summer and couples of all ages year-round. 

The busy coastal road hosting Porto Kalamaki Hotel Apartments is also home to some of Chania’s most beautiful and popular beaches, including Kalamaki Beach, which is just a six-minute walk away and offers free access to sunbeds and umbrellas with purchase of a drink from the beach bar. Numerous neighboring gold-sand beaches are located on the same stretch, and guests can make their selection according to individual tastes. The resort town of Plantanias is a 12-minute drive, and Chania is 30 minutes away by car. The bus stop outside the hotel offers regular service into both towns, and discounted tickets are available in the hotel’s mini-market. Chania International Airport is about a 30-minute drive. 

Despite dated decor in most rooms, like simple wood furniture with pine green color accents, careful maintenance and a homey vibe make them a good value. Apartments come in two sizes: studios, which can accommodate three adults, and one-bedroom apartments which accommodate a maximum of four via a sofa bed which converts to an additional double bed. At the time of our visit in October 2017, four of the 48 rooms were freshly renovated with creative, individually designed, urban-chic themes. Although management plans to eventually renovate all rooms, it’s a work in progress. All of the units are clean and come with kitchenettes, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV’s with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, and large furnished outdoor spaces -- most with views to the pool or sea. There are no tea or coffee facilities, but tea kettles are available to borrow from reception. Bathrooms are clean, but some have small shower stalls separated by a curtain only, making minimizing water leaks occasionally tricky. Busy traffic on the main coastal road may contribute to room noise, and mornings at the hotel tend to be lively and loud, so ear plugs for sensitive sleepers may be a good idea. 

Porto Kalamaki Hotel Apartments' central pool area is its main attraction. The outdoor space holds a clean, pleasant pool, separated kids’ section, and poolside bar convenient for drinks and snacks. The cozy poolside restaurant has terraced outdoor seating and serves local Cretan dishes. Breakfast can be ordered a la carte in the mornings. Three themed nights per week provide evening entertainment, including live music and traditional Cretan dance. An on-site mini-market sells the basics, including fresh bread and beachwear, while a small internet corner in the lobby also houses a free book exchange. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Free street parking is normally easy to find.